Abstract: A stent-graft, including a generally tubular vascular graft of biocompatible material, and a plurality of bio-resorbable discrete annular members spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the vascular graft and attached thereto.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for coating and/or loading a medical device with a therapeutic agent prior to or during the placement of the medical device within the patient's body. In one variation, the medical device is coated and/or loaded with a therapeutic agent while the device is positioned in a delivery apparatus. In another variation, the delivery apparatus comprises a reservoir for retaining a therapeutic agent. The user may release the therapeutic agent from the reservoir prior to or during the placement of the device to coat and/or load the device with the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A vascular graft with trim lines is described, the trim lines providing a guide for precision shaping of the cuff. The trim lines may be printed or otherwise disposed on a surface of the cuff or included on a template designed for disposition over the cuff. The trim lines may also be disposed on a side of a pocket into which the cuff is positioned for trimming. Also described is an apparatus and method for precise trimming of a vascular graft.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for coating and/or loading a medical device with a therapeutic agent prior to or during the placement of the medical device within the patient's body. In one variation, the medical device is coated and/or loaded with a therapeutic agent while the device is positioned in a delivery apparatus. In another variation, the delivery apparatus comprises a reservoir for retaining a therapeutic agent. The user may release the therapeutic agent from the reservoir prior to or during the placement of the device to coat and/or load the device with the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A stent including a plurality of curved sections and a connector. The curved sections surround a longitudinal axis to define a tube portion and are distributed along the longitudinal axis to form a helix. The connector includes a bioresorbable material and is positioned between two adjacent curved sections. The stent has a spring constant that changes to a different spring constant after exposure to biological material.

Abstract: A vascular graft with trim lines is described, the trim lines providing a guide for precision shaping of the cuff. The trim lines may be printed or otherwise disposed on a surface of the cuff or included on a template designed for disposition over the cuff. The trim lines may also be disposed on a side of a pocket into which the cuff is positioned for trimming. Also described is an apparatus and method for precise trimming of a vascular graft.

Abstract: A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted and to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall.

Abstract: A helical stent having bio-resorbable connecting members connecting sections of the stent. The connecting members provide various spring rates or spring constants to the stent, and permit a change in the flexibility of the stent subsequent to implantation while maintaining the unitary design of the stent.

Abstract: A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted and to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for coating and/or loading a medical device with a therapeutic agent prior to or during the placement of the medical device within the patient's body. In one variation, the medical device is coated and/or loaded with a therapeutic agent while the device is positioned in a delivery apparatus. In another variation, the delivery apparatus comprises a reservoir for retaining a therapeutic agent. The user may release the therapeutic agent from the reservoir prior to or during the placement of the device to coat and/or load the device with the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for coating and/or loading a medical device with a therapeutic agent prior to or during the placement of the medical device within the patient's body. In one variation, the medical device is coated and/or loaded with a therapeutic agent while the device is positioned in a delivery apparatus. In another variation, the delivery apparatus comprises a reservoir for retaining a therapeutic agent. The user may release the therapeutic agent from the reservoir prior to or during the placement of the device to coat and/or load the device with the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted and to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall.

Abstract: A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members disposed radially and extending angularly downward from a hub. The locator members include a number of linear portions having distinct axes configured to place a tip portion approximately parallel to the walls of a blood vessel when implanted and to apply sufficient force to the vessel walls to position the filter near the vessel centerline. The anchor members each include a hook configured to penetrate the vessel wall to prevent longitudinal movement due to blood flow. The hooks may have a cross section sized to allow for a larger radius of curvature under strain so that the filter can be removed without damaging the vessel wall.

Abstract: A helical stent having bio-resorbable connecting members connecting sections of the stent. The connecting members provide various spring rates or spring constants to the stent, and permit a change in the flexibility of the stent subsequent to implantation while maintaining the unitary design of the stent.

Abstract: A helical stent having bioresorbable connecting members connecting sections of the stent. The connecting members provide various spring rates or spring constants to the stent, and permit a change in the flexibility of the stent subsequent to implantation while maintaining the unitary design of the stent. A method of making the helical stent includes forming a tube with a section made of a bioresorbable material prior to forming the stent.

Abstract: A method of incorporating drugs into an implantable medical device. In one variation, water insoluble drugs are used to form crystals within the porous structure of the device. Upon implantation, the drug crystals dissolve slowly and release the drug into the surrounding tissue. In one example, a water insoluble drug is crystallized within the pores of an ePTFE vascular graft.

Abstract: A stent-graft, including a generally tubular vascular graft of biocompatible material, and a plurality of bio-resorbable discrete annular members spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the vascular graft and attached thereto.

Abstract: A helical stent having bioresorbable connecting members connecting sections of the stent. The connecting members provide various spring rates or spring constants to the stent, and permit a change in the flexibility of the stent subsequent to implantation while maintaining the unitary design of the stent. A method of making the helical stent includes forming a tube with a section made of a bioresorbable material prior to forming the stent.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for coating and/or loading a medical device with a therapeutic agent prior to or during the placement of the medical device within the patient's body. In one variation, the medical device is coated and/or loaded with a therapeutic agent while the device is positioned in a delivery apparatus. In another variation, the delivery apparatus comprises a reservoir for retaining a therapeutic agent. The user may release the therapeutic agent from the reservoir prior to or during the placement of the device to coat and/or load the device with the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for relining a blood vessel, including a tubular liner of biocompatible material and an anchoring device connected to a distal end thereof. The proximal end of the tubular liner is configured for attachment to a blood vessel following delivery of the apparatus to the blood vessel. The apparatus can include a delivery system, preferably having a removable hub that is initially attached to the tubular liner and a hollow tip that is positioned over the anchoring device.