Abstract: A medical device for implantation into vessels or luminal structures within the body is provided. The medical device, such as a stent and a synthetic graft, is coated with a pharmaceutical composition consisting of a controlled-release matrix and one or more pharmaceutical substances for direct delivery of drugs to surrounding tissues. The coating on the medical device further comprises a ligand such as an antibody or a small molecule for capturing progenitor endothelial cells in the blood contacting surface of the device for restoring an endothelium at the site of injury. In particular, the drug-coated stents are for use, for example, in balloon angioplasty procedures for preventing or inhibiting restenosis.

Abstract: A vascular filter for temporary or permanent implantation within a body vessel to filter particulates or thrombus in the blood stream, is capable of being converted some time after initial implantation into a tubular stent. In this configuration, the stent tends to hold the vessel open without any significant filtering effect. The convertible filter/stent may have a tubular metal mesh structure. Also, the device may form one or more filter lattices when in the filter configuration.

Abstract: A vascular filter for temporary or permanent implantation within a body vessel to filter particulates or thrombus in the blood stream, is capable of being converted some time after initial implantation into a tubular stent. In this configuration, the stent tends to hold the vessel open without any significant filtering effect. The convertible filter/stent may have a tubular metal mesh structure. Also, the device may form one or more filter lattices when in the filter configuration.

Abstract: A stent crimper is provided for loading a stent onto a catheter in order to provide a stenting assembly that is suitable for use in procedures in conjunction with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty catheters. The crimper has a stent holding member or sheath which supports the stent by its exterior surface so that a balloon of a catheter can be slid within the stent. An elongated wrapping member or belt winds around the sheath. By properly manipulating the belt, the belt applies generally cylindrical radially directed forces onto the sheath and thus onto the stent within the sheath, as well as the balloon beneath the stent, in order to crimp the stent onto the balloon. A procedure is also illustrated by which a stent is crimped onto the balloon by a hand-held crimper which can be discarded after stent delivery and crimping has been completed.