Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for treating one or more conditions or symptoms associated with a tonsil procedure. In some variations, a drug-releasing device may be at least partially delivered to one or more tonsillar tissues before, during, or after a tonsil procedure. In some variations, the drug-releasing device may be configured to be biodegradable. In other variations, the drug-releasing device may comprise one or more hemostatic materials or one or more adhesives. The drug-releasing device may be configured to release one or more drugs or agents, such as, for example, one or more analgesics, local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, antibiotics, combinations thereof and the like.

Abstract: Described here are self-expanding devices and methods of using and making them. The devices may be useful in a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the devices have a first compressed configuration enabling low profile delivery through a delivery device, a second expanded configuration for apposition against tissue, and comprise either a single continuous filament or at least two non-intersecting filaments. In some variations, the device is formed into a shape having a series of peaks and valleys. At least one of the peaks and valleys may have a loop at then end thereof. At least a portion of these devices may be capable of biodegrading over a predetermined period of time, and the devices may be configured for drug delivery. Methods of treating one or more sinus cavities are also described here.

Abstract: Described here are delivery devices for delivering one or more implants to the body, and methods of using. The delivery devices may deliver implants to a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the delivery devices have a cannula with one or more curved sections. In some variations, a pusher may be used to release one or more implants from the cannula. In some variations, one or more of the released implants may be a self-expanding device. Methods of delivering implants to one or more sinus cavities are also described here.

Abstract: A stent with a stent locking element and a method of securing a stent on a delivery implement, such as a catheter are disclosed. The locking element can include coupling elements capable of being releasably coupled to one another. The coupling elements may be adapted to inhibit shifting of the stent on the delivery implement. In some embodiments, the releasably coupled elements may secure the stent on the delivery implement.

Abstract: Methods and systems of delivering a stent at an elevated temperature are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating an implantable medical device from a tube or a sheet in an expanded or stretched state, respectively, are disclosed herein. The implantable medical device may be an endoprosthesis such as a stent. In one embodiment, the method may include radially expanding a tube about a cylindrical axis of the tube from a first diameter to a second diameter. The method may further include forming a pattern on at least a portion of the expanded tube. Additional embodiments may include forming a stent pattern on a stretched sheet from which a stent may be formed. In addition, a stent pattern may be formed on a tube that is formed from a stretched sheet.

Abstract: A stent having a stent pattern including a plurality of cylindrical rings, each ring including a plurality of diamond-shaped cells having four curved elements defining apices of the diamond-shaped cells is disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems of delivering a stent at an elevated temperature are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems of fabricating a polymeric stent are disclosed herein. Methods are disclosed that include forming a polymeric tube using extrusion, radially deforming the formed tube so that the deformed tube comprises a target diameter, forming a stent from the deformed tube, and forming a stent from the deformed tube. The stent is formed by laser machining a stent pattern in the deformed tube with an ultra-short pulse laser. Disclosed methods further include crimping the stent on a support element, wherein a temperature of the stent during crimping is above an ambient temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems of delivering a stent at an elevated temperature are disclosed herein. Methods of delivering a stent include allowing reactants to react within a delivery system exothermically. The heat generated from the exothermic reaction increase a temperature of a stent mounted on a support member. The increase in temperature increases the flexibility of the stent which reduces or eliminates formation of cracks in the stent when it expands. A system can include a first reactant disposed within at least a portion of the support member, a catheter in fluid communication with the support member, or both. The first reactant being disposed in such a way to react exothermically with a second reactant disposed within the delivery system.

Abstract: Described here are expandable devices and methods for using them. The devices generally comprise a hub and a plurality of legs extending therefrom. In some variations, the hub may comprise one or more domed portions, tapered portions, or the like. The legs may comprise one or more straight segments, one or more curved segments, or a combination thereof. The devices may comprise one or more polymers, and/or one or more portions of the device may be configured to biodegrade. In other variations, the device may be configured to release one or more drugs therefrom. Additionally, in some variations the devices may be configured to be self-expandable from a low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for treating one or more conditions or symptoms associated with a tonsil procedure. In some variations, a drug-releasing device may be at least partially delivered to one or more tonsillar tissues before, during, or after a tonsil procedure. In some variations, the drug-releasing device may be configured to be biodegradable. In other variations, the drug-releasing device may comprise one or more hemostatic materials or one or more adhesives. The drug-releasing device may be configured to release one or more drugs or agents, such as, for example, one or more analgesics, local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, antibiotics, combinations thereof and the like.

Abstract: Polymeric composite stents reinforced with fibers for implantation into a bodily lumen are disclosed.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for dilating tissues. In other variations, the dilatation device comprises a slotted or expandable tube that may expand to dilate tissue. In still other variations, the dilatation device comprises two or more hinged or movable plate members that separate to dilate tissue. In yet other variations, the dilation device may comprise one or more flexible members. One or more portions of the dilatation device may be detachable from the device in the body, and dilatation device may release one or more implants into the body. In some of these variations, the dilatation device may additionally be used to expand one or more implants or other devices within the body. In some variations the dilatation device may release one or more substances that may hold dilated tissue in a dilated configuration.

Abstract: Medical implants containing a temporary plasticizer, methods of producing such implants, and methods of using the implants in treating a disease, or ameliorating one or more symptoms thereof, in a subject are provided.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for crimping self-expanding devices. The crimping devices may be useful for crimping a variety of different self-expanding devices (whether such devices are biodegradable or bio-durable). The crimping devices may have crimping members to engage the self-expanding device to reduce the device from an expanding configuration to an unexpanded configuration. The crimping member may comprise or include a suture, wire, ribbon, guiding hoop, pusher, prong, holding bar, balloon, jaws, combinations thereof, or the like. The crimping devices may also include or comprise a holding structure to hold the self-expanding device in an unexpanded or expanded configuration.

Abstract: Medical implants containing a temporary plasticizer, methods of producing such implants, and methods of using the implants in treating a disease, or ameliorating one or more symptoms thereof, in a subject are provided.

Abstract: Described here are delivery devices for delivering one or more implants to the body, and methods of using. The delivery devices may deliver implants to a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the delivery devices have a cannula with one or more curved sections. In some variations, a pusher may be used to release one or more implants from the cannula. In some variations, one or more of the released implants may be a self-expanding device. Methods of delivering implants to one or more sinus cavities are also described here.

Abstract: Described here are delivery devices for delivering one or more implants to the body, and methods of using. The delivery devices may deliver implants to a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the delivery devices have a cannula with one or more curved sections. In some variations, a pusher may be used to release one or more implants from the cannula. In some variations, one or more of the released implants may be a self-expanding device. Methods of delivering implants to one or more sinus cavities are also described here.

Abstract: Described here are self-expanding devices and methods of using and making them. The devices may be useful in a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the devices have a first compressed configuration enabling low profile delivery through a delivery device, a second expanded configuration for apposition against tissue, and comprise either a single continuous filament or at least two non-intersecting filaments. In some variations, the device is formed into a shape having a series of peaks and valleys. At least one of the peaks and valleys may have a loop at then end thereof. At least a portion of these devices may be capable of biodegrading over a predetermined period of time, and the devices may be configured for drug delivery. Methods of treating one or more sinus cavities are also described here.