Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis is described and comprises a stent (40), At least one barb (42) secured to the stent, and a degradable barb guard (52) covering at least a portion of the barb and protecting the distal tip when the stent is in a compressed configuration. The barb guard (52) comprises a degradable structure that degrades to expose the distal tip of the barb when the stent is placed in a vessel. An endoluminal prosthesis deployment system comprising a sheath having a lumen and a prostesis within the sheath lumen is also described.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis is described and comprises a stent (40), At least one barb (42) secured to the stent, and a degradable barb guard (52) covering at least a portion of the barb and protecting the distal tip when the stent is in a compressed configuration. The barb guard (52) comprises a degradable structure that degrades to expose the distal tip of the barb when the stent is placed in a vessel.

Abstract: Medical device valve repair systems that include a stabilization member are provided. The stabilization member includes an engaging channel to contact the engaging surface of a valve holding valve leaflets in a position such that a tissue repair device may form a coaptation between the valve leaflets.

Abstract: A self-expanding or otherwise expandable artificial valve prostheses for deployment within a body passageway, such as a vessel or duct of a patient. The valve prostheses include a support structure having an outer frame, a supporting member and a valve leaflet. The portion of the valve leaflet is supported by the supporting member and is positioned away from the wall of the body passageway when the device is deployed within the body passageway.

Abstract: A device for delivering and deploying a radially expandable prosthesis is disclosed and comprises a proximal prosthesis release mechanism having a first resistance and a distal prosthesis release mechanism having a second resistance. The device further comprises an actuation mechanism for actuating the distal and proximal release mechanisms in a single coordinated movement and a biasing compensator for regulating the relationship between the first resistance and the second resistance. Additional aspects of the invention include devices and methods for delivering and deploying a radially expandable prosthesis.

Abstract: A strut, or beam, is provided for intraluminal devices. Strain which is introduced into a stent or other intraluminal device is distributed more evenly along the length of the improved strut by maintaining a substantially constant strain level along the length of an end portion. This may increase fatigue life or improve the performance of devices using the improved strut. The strain along the length of the end portion may be maintained substantially constant by varying a section property of the strut, including the width, thickness, cross-sectional area, material property or other characteristic of the end portion.

Abstract: A beam is provided for intraluminal devices. The beam is defined by a first side surface and a second side surface. The first side surface is tapered at a different rate than the second side surface. One advantage of the beam is that strain which is normally concentrated in adjacent, interconnected bends is redirected onto the length of the beam. This may increase the fatigue life of intraluminal devices or may be used to fashion new structures with improved performance.

Abstract: A variable curvature stent limb is disclosed herein. A stent derived from a plurality of these variable curvature stent limbs may be highly compressible, such that it is compatible with a low-profile delivery device. This stent may be useful over a wider range of body vessel diameters and may possess a greater fatigue life, since this stent may provide a more controlled constant radial force.

Abstract: An endoluminal device comprises a stent and a tubular graft supported by the stent. The graft has a proximal and a distal opening and comprises a synthetic material and a bioremodelable material. The bioremodelable material is disposed on an exterior surface in at least one band adjacent at least one of the proximal and distal openings.