Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for treating a vascular condition by restoring patency to a vessel while reducing the likelihood that emboli become dislodged into the bloodstream. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a graft having proximal and distal regions, a first support member attached to the distal region of the graft, and a second support member attached to the proximal region of the graft. The first and second support members may comprise first and second stents, respectively. The first stent is deployed distal to a vascular condition, and the second stent is deployed proximal to a vascular condition, such that the graft spans the length of the vascular condition to entrap emboli during treatment of the vascular condition. In an alternative embodiment, the graft is adapted to be everted to form a pocket adapted to entrap emboli dislodged during treatment of the vascular condition.

Abstract: An expandable prosthesis having an imageable structure comprising one or more elements visually distinguishable by an external (e.g., radiographic or ultrasonic) imaging system, the structure being located about a first axis that corresponds to a structural feature of the prosthesis that is configured to perform a specific function particular to that axis. The imageable structure is configured to assist in the rotational orientation of the prosthesis during placement within the implantation site. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises a venous valve that includes imageable elements or structure, such as a pair of radiopaque markers, that defines the orifice of the valve structure such that the orifice can be oriented with a particular anatomical feature under imaging, such as to align the orifice with the long axis of the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device constructed and arranged for contact with a flow of blood or other bodily fluid of a patient and including an attached binding agent or a roughened surface that binds to pathogenic cells targeted for elimination from the blood or other bodily fluid. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the device.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include first and second longitudinal connecting members joining a first hoop member to a second hoop member such that the first and second longitudinal connecting members extend across an entire space separating the first and second hoop members.

Abstract: A self-centering tube for providing an air passageway through an opening in a tracheal wall of a patient includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a curve along a length of the shaft. At least the distal end and the curve are sized for passage through the opening into an interior space of the trachea of the patient. The proximal end of the shaft has a greater rigidity than the distal end. The tube includes an inflatable cuff at the distal end. Upon inflation, the cuff forms a seal between the shaft and an interior wall of the trachea, thereby permitting at least the low rigidity distal end of the shaft to self-center within the trachea.

Abstract: Soft-tipped airway exchange apparatus for use when replacing an endotracheal tube in a patient with a new endotracheal tube. The apparatus comprises a polymeric catheter body sized for insertion into a passageway of the endotracheal tube, for ventilating the patient during replacement of the endotracheal tube. The catheter body has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a ventilation passageway extending longitudinally therein. The distal portion has a rigidity which is less than the rigidity of the proximal portion.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, is described. The valve prosthesis has a support frame formed from a cannula and an attached covering that defines an opening adapted to move between a first position in which the opening is open to fluid flow and a second position in which the opening is closed to fluid flow. The support frame includes a leaflet support portion and a circumferential centering support element disposed adjacent the leaflet support portion with respect to a lengthwise axis of the support frame and mirroring the leaflet support portion with respect to a transverse axis of the support frame.

Abstract: A multi-path catheter includes an elongate tubular member and a withdrawal pathway along which unfiltered fluid is withdrawn in a distal to proximal direction. The withdrawal pathway originates at a distal point and is at least partially defined by the elongate tubular member. The elongate tubular member also defines, at least partially, at least one infusion pathway along which filtered fluid is returned in a proximal to distal direction. The at least one infusion pathway extends distally beyond the withdrawal pathway. First and second legs of the elongate tubular member are positioned on opposing sides of the withdrawal pathway at the distal point, and the at least one infusion pathway is at least partially defined by one of the first and second legs. The first and second legs have outer walls that are unattached to one another at distal ends thereof.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include first and second longitudinal connecting members joining a first hoop member to a second hoop member such that the first and second longitudinal connecting members extend across an entire space separating the first and second hoop members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device constructed and arranged for contact with a flow of blood or other bodily fluid of a patient and including an attached binding agent or a roughened surface that binds to pathogenic cells targeted for elimination from the blood or other bodily fluid. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for treating a vascular condition by restoring patency to a vessel while reducing the likelihood that emboli become dislodged into the bloodstream. In a first embodiment, the apparatus comprises a graft having proximal and distal regions, a first support member attached to the distal region of the graft, and a second support member attached to the proximal region of the graft. The first and second support members may comprise first and second stents, respectively. The first stent is deployed distal to a vascular condition, and the second stent is deployed proximal to a vascular condition, such that the graft spans the length of the vascular condition to entrap emboli during treatment of the vascular condition.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include first and second longitudinal connecting members joining a first hoop member to a second hoop member such that the first and second longitudinal connecting members extend across an entire space separating the first and second hoop members.

Abstract: A multiple-sided medical device comprises a frame comprising wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration which a generally serpentine shape. The device is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material such as DACRON, PTFE, or a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be sutured or attached to the frame to form an occlusion device, a stent graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include first and second longitudinal connecting members joining a first hoop member to a second hoop member such that the first and second longitudinal connecting members extend across an entire space separating the first and second hoop members.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, is described. The valve prosthesis has a support frame formed from a cannula and an attached covering that defines an opening adapted to move between a first position in which the opening is open to fluid flow and a second position in which the opening is closed to fluid flow. The support frame includes a leaflet support portion and a circumferential centering support element disposed adjacent the leaflet support portion with respect to a lengthwise axis of the support frame and mirroring the leaflet support portion with respect to a transverse axis of the support frame.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include first and second longitudinal connecting members joining a first hoop member to a second hoop member such that the first and second longitudinal connecting members extend across an entire space separating the first and second hoop members.

Abstract: A multiple-sided medical device comprises a frame comprising wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration which a generally serpentine shape. The device is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material such as DACRON, PTFE, or a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be sutured or attached to the frame using heat or pressure welding crimping, adhesive, or other techniques to form an occlusion device, a stent graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet.

Abstract: A loading dilator for positioning a medical apparatus across a stoma formed in a body wall of a patient. The medical apparatus, such as a tracheotomy tube, is sized to fit over a portion of the loading dilator during positioning of the apparatus across the stoma. The loading dilator includes an elongated dilator body having a tapered distal end for facilitating entry into the stoma. The dilator body has an inflatable balloon disposed along an outer surface at the distal end. The balloon is inflatable to a configuration such that a generally smooth diametrical transition is formed between the elongated dilator body and a leading end of the medical apparatus when the medical apparatus is fit over the loading dilator.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame/leaf structure to provide centering support and/or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and/or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.

Abstract: An expandable prosthesis having an imageable structure comprising one or more elements visually distinguishable by an external (e.g., radiographic or ultrasonic) imaging system, the structure being located about a first axis that corresponds to a structural feature of the prosthesis that is configured to perform a specific function particular to that axis. The imageable structure is configured to assist in the rotational orientation of the prosthesis during placement within the implantation site. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises a venous valve that includes imageable elements or structure, such as a pair of radiopaque markers, that defines the orifice of the valve structure such that the orifice can be oriented with a particular anatomical feature under imaging, such as to align the orifice with the long axis of the vessel.