Abstract: A tubal occlusion contraceptive device/appliance (100/200) and methods of implant and removal. The device (100) includes a plurality of barbs (124) with some preferentially resisting movement in a first axial direction and others preferentially resisting movement in a second opposite axial direction. The device (100) is implanted in a Fallopian Tube (FT) through a sheath. The appliance (200) includes an oversized cap (220) to prevent continued insertion of appliance (200) into a Fallopian Tube (FT), and a plurality of barbs (240) to facilitate a first axial direction slide fit insertion of the appliance (200) into a Fallopian Tube (FT) while preferentially resisting axial movement in a second opposite axial direction out from the Fallopian Tube (FT) once inserted. The barbs (240) can be replaced with screw threads (250).

Abstract: Expandable stents are disclosed. The stents have a plurality of rings or modules interconnected in series, with selectable links between the rings to provide for articulation. The preferred stent includes a plurality of modules, each of the modules being radially interconnected to form a ring configured to be expandably interconnected and being interconnected to each other in series by respective interconnection bridges. Each ring including a continuous strand of a material, the continuous strand of material being interconnected end to end so as to generally encompass a radial space within the ring. The strand of material being configured to include a repeating series of interconnected repeating W-shaped strand configurations having a repeating dip, rise, dip, rise, loop, dip, rise, dip, rise, loop patterned configuration. Methods of producing the devices are also disclosed, including various etching methods.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and stent delivery system for medical treatment of a patient are provided. The balloon catheter includes a hub, a shaft and a Y-shaped balloon. The Y-shaped balloon may include a first distal arm and a second distal arm having different diameters. The Y-shaped balloon may also include a first elongated balloon positioned or secured to a second elongated balloon to form the Y-shaped balloon. The first and second elongated balloons may be balloons having a circular profile at their distal end and a semi-circular profile at their proximal ends.

Abstract: Interconnects for connecting axially expandable segments of stents are disclosed. The interconnects include a proximal connector, a first arm, a second arm and a distal connector. The connectors secure the interconnect to the adjacent axially expandable members. The first arm and the second arm provide flexible elements of the interconnect to confer a degree of axial flexibility between the segments.

Abstract: Axially flexible stents for tracking through tortuous segments of tubular structures in body passages are disclosed. The stents, which utilize flexible interconnects, conform to such tortuous segments, track easily, and have sufficient surface areas to prevent gaps between stent components. In a preferred embodiment the interconnects have the form of “closed cells”. However, in contrast to stents of a closed cell design, the interconnects do not expand upon radial expansion of the stent during deployment. Instead, the interconnects can expand or contract axially to enable negotiating twists and turns encountered in body passageways. If the stent encounters a concavity in a body passageway, the interconnects contract. If the stent encounters a convexity, the interconnects expand.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent and a stent configuration for manufacture of a bifurcated stent are disclosed. The bifurcated stent includes a first mono-tubular stent, a second mono-tubular stent and a third mono-tubular stent connected at their proximal ends to form the bifurcated stent. The first, second and third mono-tubular stents are connected using a first, second and third intraconnect extending from the proximal end of the first, second and third mono-tubular stents. A reinforcing member may also be provided to reinforce the connection between the intraconnects. A reinforcing connector may also be provided.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a pair of connected members configured for being situated on opposing sides of a hole in a tissue, wherein the pair of connected members are formed of a material which is bioadsorbable to the tissue. The pair of connected members can include a non-metallic skeleton.

Abstract: Expandable stents are disclosed. The stents have a plurality of rings or modules interconnected in series, with selectable links between the rings to provide for articulation. The preferred stent includes a plurality of modules, each of the modules being radially interconnected to form a ring configured to be expandably interconnected and being interconnected to each other in series by respective interconnection bridges. Each ring including a continuous strand of a material, the continuous strand of material being interconnected end to end so as to generally encompass a radial space within the ring. The strand of material being configured to include a repeating series of interconnected repeating W-shaped strand configurations having a repeating dip, rise, dip, rise, loop, dip, rise, dip, rise, loop patterned configuration.