Abstract: A tissue repair matrix has an intricate pattern of loops, struts and bridges and is made of a super elastic alloy. The repair matrix includes hooks which improve the ingrowth when implanted and amorphic circles which provide rounded surfaces to the outer edges which made the repair matrix a-traumatic when implanted. When the repair matrix is cooled the molecular phase becomes martensitic which allows the tissue repair matrix to be compressed for easier insertion into a patient. When the tissue repair matrix is heated, the molecular phase changes to austenitic which causes the tissue repair matrix to expand to a size suitable for medical procedure.

Abstract: A guidewire comprising a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using tissue engineered blood vessels to repair and regenerate blood vessels of patients with vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: A guidewire comprising a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using tissue engineered blood vessels to repair and regenerate blood vessels of patients with vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using tissue engineered blood vessels to repair and regenerate blood vessels of patients with vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using tissue engineered blood vessels to repair and regenerate blood vessels of patients with vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a composite yarn comprising at least one wear-resistant polymeric fiber and at least one flexible polymeric fiber. The present invention also discloses a co-extruded filament comprising a polymeric inner core and a polymeric outer sheath. The polymeric inner core comprises a flexible polymeric material and the polymeric outer sheath comprises a wear-resistant polymeric material. The composite yarn and the co-extruded filament synergistically combine durability and flexibility, and thereby are particularly useful for the construction of graft materials. The present invention further discloses a reinforced fiber graft comprising wear-resistant beads and weaves of flexible polymeric fibers. In another aspect, the present invention discloses a process for assembling a graft device without suture knots by using the inventive co-extruded filament.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using tissue engineered blood vessels to repair and regenerate blood vessels of patients with vascular disease are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart, and related methods of using such closure devices for closing the passageway.

Abstract: A medical filter has more than one pair of struts extending along an undulating path between a first and second end, which cooperate to define a first and second filter element having a plurality of cells, connected by a central portion with longitudinal strut sections. The struts extend between the first and second ends, and the struts tend to resiliently expand in radially outward directions from a compressed initial shape to an expanded deployed shape. In the expanded shape, the undulating path is defined by (i) a first portion of each pair of ribs extends substantially adjacent to each other for a distance from the first end, (ii) a second portion of each pair of ribs extends substantially adjacent to each other for a distance from the second end; and (iii) an intermediate portion of each one of a pair of ribs extends to curve away from each other.

Abstract: A medical device has a structure made of a first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material and a second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material encapsulating a degradation additive incorporated into the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. The second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material has a degradation rate that is faster than the degradation rate of the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material such that the structure experiences a period of accelerated degradation upon release of the degradation additive following sufficient degradation of the second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: Biocompatible materials may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. The biocompatible material may comprise metallic and non-metallic materials in hybrid structures. In one such structure, a device may be fabricated with one or more elements having an inner metallic frame that is not degradable with an outer shell formed from a polymeric material that is biodegradable by extrusion blow molding. Additionally, therapeutic agents may be incorporated into the microstructure or the bulk material.

Abstract: Leading edges of concentric members are desirably hidden in unions of two concentric members intended for advancement through the vasculature for vasculature implant delivery. Grooves or impressions on the inner concentric member provide spaces for the leading edge of the distal tip of the outer concentric member to create edgeless unions of two concentric members for safe and unimpeded advancement and operation of vascular implant delivery devices which include the two concentric members.

Abstract: A loading device for self-expanding stents that utilizes a rod with a stop on one end, a compressible sleeve that is slidably mounted on the rod and a compressible member slidably mounted on the rod and configured to increase the diameter of the compressible sleeve when forced against it.