Abstract: An implantable lymph node replacement construct (10) comprising a body (12) having a plurality of inlets (24,26) and a lesser number of outlets (30). The body (12) further having an internal structure defining a fluid communication path through the body (12) from the inlets (24,26) to the outlet or outlets (30). The internal structure of the body (12) comprises an inlet portion (38), a convergent portion (40) and an outlet portion (42) such that lymph received by the construct (10) at the inlets (24,26) is conveyed through the inlet portion (38) of the internal structure to the convergent portion (40) whereupon the lymph is combined before passing to the outlet or outlets (30).

Abstract: An implantable lymph node replacement construct (10) comprising a body (12) having a plurality of inlets (24,26) and a lesser number of outlets (30). The body (12) further having an internal structure defining a fluid communication path through the body (12) from the inlets (24,26) to the outlet or outlets (30). The internal structure of the body (12) comprises an inlet portion (38), a convergent portion (40) and an outlet portion (42) such that lymph received by the construct (10) at the inlets (24,26) is conveyed through the inlet portion (38) of the internal structure to the convergent portion (40) whereupon the lymph is combined before passing to the outlet or outlets (30).

Abstract: A stent (100) including a support frame (106) for supporting a vessel in a non-collapsed state is disclosed. The support frame (106) includes a degradable component (102) for at least initially supporting the vessel in the non-collapsed state when the stent (100) is first implanted in the vessel. The degradable component (102) is degradable after implantation such that support provided by the degradable component (102) decreases a selected amount after a predetermined time after implantation. The support frame (106) may further include a durable component (104) which is resistant to degradation such that support provided by the durable component (104) remains substantially constant after implantation.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis tester (10) for inducing stresses upon a vascular prosthesis (22) having a channel extending through the vascular prosthesis is disclosed. The tester includes a pump (18) adaptable to pressurize a fluid disposed within the channel to induce a radial stress upon the vascular prosthesis. The tester may further include a bend applicator (16) operable to induce a bending stress, a torque applicator (12) operable to induce a torque, a linear force applicator (52) operable to induce a linear force, and/or a stop (28) for inducing a lateral push stress upon the vascular prosthesis. A method of fatigue testing a vascular prosthesis contained within a fluid conduit is also disclosed. The method includes injecting a fluid within the inner channel and inducing a torque, bending stress, linear stress, and/or later push stress upon the vascular prosthesis.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis tester (10) for inducing stresses upon a vascular prosthesis (22) having a channel extending through the vascular prosthesis is disclosed. The tester includes a pump (18) adaptable to pressurize a fluid disposed within the channel to induce a radial stress upon the vascular prosthesis. The tester may further include a bend applicator (16) operable to induce a bending stress, a torque applicator (12) operable to induce a torque, a linear force applicator (52) operable to induce a linear force, and/or a stop (28) for inducing a lateral push stress upon the vascular prosthesis. A method of fatigue testing a vascular prosthesis contained within a fluid conduit is also disclosed. The method includes injecting a fluid within the inner channel and inducing a torque, bending stress, linear stress, and/or later push stress upon the vascular prosthesis.

Abstract: A modular cooling system adapter for coupling to an orifice and applying pressure from a source of pressurized gas. The adapter includes a universal cooling orifice fitting for attaching the device to cooling system orifices of various sizes and configurations. The universal fitting preferably includes a plurality of steps having outer axially extending surfaces disposed at a slight negative angle to a plane parallel to the axial direction. The adapter may include a pressure adapter for coupling to a source of pressurized gas, such that the pressure adapter can be interchanged with other diagnostic tools including a valve assembly, a valve assembly incorporating a temperature probe and gauge and/or a pressure gauge. Additionally, the cooling system adapter is fully modular in that it allows quick disassembly for replacement of components and interchangeability of diagnostic tools.

Abstract: An adapter for connection to an opening in a fluid containing vessel for applying a vacuum to the interior of the vessel is provided. The adapter includes at least partially concentrically disposed outer and inner sleeves, each having a generally conical shape and a generally radially extending opening in a side wall thereof. The inner and outer sleeves are rotatable relative to each other such that the extent to which the openings in the side walls of the inner sleeve and outer sleeve are aligned can be selectively adjusted. The inner and outer sleeves define a passage through the adapter extending from a proximal opening at a proximal end to a distal opening at a distal end of the adapter. The proximal end of the adapter is configured for connection to a vacuum source and the distal end is configured for insertion in and to sealingly engage the edge of the opening in the vessel.