Abstract: Devices, materials and methods for using the same for modifying or monitoring a valve within a body are provided herein. Devices comprising a magnetic material and magnetically-activated implantable devices are described. Methods of modifying a valve in the body, for a valve within a body vessel are also provided.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation within a body vessel comprising a thromboresistant material are provided. The thromboresistant material preferably comprises a biocompatible polyurethane, a remodelable material, a bioactive agent or any combination thereof. The medical device can be a prosthetic valve comprising a thromboresistant material. The medical device can also comprise a support frame with one or more valve leaflets attached to the support frame.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames comprise one or more of certain preferred structural features that are generally applicable to frames comprising a plurality of curved and straight member portions that together define an interior lumen extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The implantable frames have an exterior surface comprising a plurality of openings between the interior lumen and the exterior surface, and preferably include one or more undulating hoop members attached to one or more longitudinal connecting members. The implantable frames can be formed from any suitable material, but preferably comprise material permitting the frame to radially self-expand from a radially compressed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The implantable frames are useful for endolumenal implantation within a body vessel, for example as a stent or as a support frame of an implantable valve.

Abstract: This invention relates in one aspect to the treatment of a vascular vessel with a biomaterial. The biomaterial can be a remodelable material that strengthens and/or supports the vessel walls. Additionally the biomaterial can include a variety of naturally occurring or added bioactive agents and/or viable cellular populations.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same, are provided. Medical devices preferably comprise a remodelable material attached to a frame with a tension that can change upon implantation of the medical device within the lumen of a body vessel. Controlled fracture or bioabsorption of frame material can, in some embodiments, decrease the tension on the remodelable material after implantation. The remodelable material can form one or more valve leaflets adapted to regulate fluid flow in a body vessel, such as a vein.

Abstract: Methods for implanting a prosthetic valve in a body vessel having a fluid flow therethrough are provided. One method includes identifying a position of an existing valve and determining a factor affecting fluid flow in at least one of a first direction and a second direction at the existing valve. The method includes selecting the implantation position for a prosthetic valve at a distance away from the existing valve position in consideration of the factor. The method further includes providing the prosthetic valve for delivery to the implantation position, delivering and implanting the prosthetic valve at the position. The prosthetic valve includes at least one flexible member movable between a first position that permits fluid flow in the first direction and the second position that substantially prevents fluid flow in a second direction.

Abstract: Delivery systems, methods of fabricating delivery systems, and methods of implanting intraluminal medical devices at a point of treatment within a body vessel are provided. Delivery systems include an elongate tubular member that has first and second wall portions with different acoustic impedences. An intraluminal medical device is disposed on a mounting region of a dilator and within the elongate tubular member. One of the wall portions of the elongate tubular member is positioned substantially adjacent a functional mechanism of the intraluminal medical device. This positioning facilitates placement of the intraluminal medical device within a body vessel in a particular orientation by observing the differential reflection of ultrasonic waves caused by the different acoustic impedences of the first and second wall portions of the elongate tubular member.

Abstract: Composite leaflets and prosthetic valves incorporating the same are disclosed. An illustrative composite leaflet includes a flexible inner region, which is formed with a synthetic polymeric material, and a flexible peripheral region, which is formed with a remodelable material effective to promote tissue ingrowth. The peripheral region extends from at least a portion of the flexible inner region and is configured to contact a wall of a tubular body passage and thereby promote tissue ingrowth into the peripheral region from the wall of the tubular body passage.

Abstract: Delivery systems, kits and methods for implanting an intraluminal medical device in a body vessel are provided. Indicia are used on one or more devices to facilitate placement of the intraluminal medical device at a desired point within the body vessel, such as a point at which a size determination has been made.

Abstract: Described are vascular valve devices for implantation in a patient. The vascular valve devices are designed to compensate for the retraction characteristics of a remodelable material used to form one or more leaflets. Alternatively, or in addition, the devices are designed to reduce retraction of the remodelable leaflet-forming material. Further described are methods for preparing and using these vascular valve devices.

Abstract: Described are vascular valve devices having valve elements formed of flexible material and at least one removable frame element. Also described are methods for using such devices in the vascular system and in particular in the venous system to treat venous insufficiency.

Abstract: Intraluminal support frames for placement within a body vessel are provided. The support frames include a plurality of ring structures and first and second sets of connector segments. Connector segments of the first set join adjacent pairs of ring structures while connector segments of the second set join at least three ring structures. Medical devices are also provided that include a support frame and an additional component, such as a graft member or valve member.

Abstract: Medical devices that provide valves for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel are provided. The valves include a support frame having one or more adaptations for forming a leak path between the support frame and an interior wall of a body vessel in which the valve is implanted. A controlled amount of retrograde flow is able to flow through the leak path when the valve is implanted in a body vessel.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the deployment and filling of an inflatable occlusion device via a percutaneous procedure, so as to occlude or obliterate a portion of a vascular vessel.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the percutaneous delivery of an occlusion device inverted within a cannula, its deployment and filling, so as to occlude or obliterate a portion of a vascular vessel.

Abstract: Medical devices with one or more bioactive agents are provided for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel. Medical devices according to the invention can comprise prosthetic valves that include a bioactive agent.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for modifying vascular valves in order to reduce retrograde blood flow through the valves. Preferred methods include connecting vascular valve leaflets with at least one remodelable material, such that the valve leaflets become fused by the ingrowth of the patient's native tissue. Preferred remodelable materials include collagenous extracellular matrix material, such as small intestine submucosa.

Abstract: Delivery systems and methods of treatment are described. The delivery systems facilitate visualization, monitoring, or sensing of body vessel parameters, blood parameters, or an intraluminal medical device included in the delivery system prior to, during, or after deployment in a body vessel. A sensing apparatus associated with the delivery systems provide information relating to the body vessel and/or fluid within the body vessel that can be used for verification of placement, confirmation of intraluminal medical device function, and/or determination of the need for additional delivery steps, among other purposes. The information can also be used for verification of initial vessel sizing information.

Abstract: This invention relates in one aspect to the treatment of a valve-associated region of a vascular vessel with a biomaterial. The biomaterial can be a remodelable material that strengthens and/or supports the vessel walls. Additionally the biomaterial can include a variety of naturally occurring or added bioactive agents and/or viable cellular populations.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel are described. The valves include a valve member that includes at least a portion that is capable of moving to selectively permit and substantially prevent fluid flow through the body vessel, either alone or with one or more additional valve members. A cannula is associated with the valve and permits a controlled amount of fluid flow through the valve, such as retrograde flow while the valve member substantially prevents fluid flow through the body vessel.