Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transeutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a vascular condition that inhibits restenosis at the ends of a stent by delivering a therapeutic agent to the vessel wall at and beyond the stent ends. The system comprises a catheter, a stent, and a therapeutic agent. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon. The stent is operably coupled to the balloon. The therapeutic agent is disposed on at least a portion of the balloon and is delivered to a wall of a vessel at a proximal and a distal end of the stent when the balloon is inflated. The therapeutic agent may also be disposed on at least a portion of the stent. The system may further comprise a protective coating disposed under the therapeutic agent, over the therapeutic agent, or both under and over the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stent that is differentially coated to accommodate areas of high strain. A therapeutic coating is applied to only those areas of the stent that do not experience high strain. This allows a therapeutic coating to be chosen for its elution characteristics, for example, rather than for its ability to withstand high strain. An elastic coating may be applied to the areas of high strain. The elastic coating may or may not include a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solvent-bonded stent-graft assembly. A solvatable polymer coating is applied to a stent framework. A generally cylindrical graft member is placed adjacent to the solvatable polymer coating, and this assembly is subjected to a solvent. The solvatable polymer coating is conjoined with the graft member using the resulting solvate.

Abstract: A stent-graft assembly having a thin-walled membrane and method of preparing the same are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the assembly comprises a stent, a coating and a porous membrane, wherein the membrane is less than 0.040 inch thick or less. Portions of the coating extend into the pores of the thin membrane to sealingly engage the membrane to achieve secure adhesion. In a second embodiment the coating and thin membrane bond to form a homogenous structure. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly comprises an inner and outer thin membrane bound to one another through the interstices of the support member and a coating at the proximal and distal regions. In any of the foregoing embodiments, the proximal and distal regions of the stent-graft assembly may comprise an additional coating, whereby layers of material are sealed, thereby minimizing thrombogenic potential of free ends of the assembly.

Abstract: A stent-graft assembly having a thin-walled membrane and method of preparing the same are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the assembly comprises a stent, a coating and a porous membrane, wherein the membrane is less than 0.040 inch thick or less. Portions of the coating extend into the pores of the thin membrane to sealingly engage the membrane to achieve secure adhesion. In a second embodiment the coating and thin membrane bond to form a homogenous structure. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly comprises an inner and outer thin membrane bound to one another through the interstices of the support member and a coating at the proximal and distal regions. In any of the foregoing embodiments, the proximal and distal regions of the stent-graft assembly may comprise an additional coating, whereby layers of material are sealed, thereby minimizing thrombogenic potential of free ends of the assembly.

Abstract: A stent-graft assembly and method of preparing the same are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the assembly comprises a stent and a graft, wherein the graft has a delivery configuration and a treatment configuration in relation to the stent. In the delivery configuration, the graft material is longer than the stent, covers the outer diameter of the stent, and is folded under and into the inner diameter of the stent. In the treatment configuration, the graft is shorter in length than the stent, such that the graft is no longer folded under the ends and the end regions of the stent are uncovered. The graft is sufficiently affixed to the stent to prevent migration of the graft, yet sufficiently free of the stent such that it can assume a second configuration upon deployment of the device.

Abstract: An endovascular support assembly, or stent assembly, and a covered endovascular support assembly, or stent-graft assembly, with caps on either or both ends for improved and uniform deployment of the assembly. Additionally, the caps serve to capture the graft material between the caps and the endovascular support device or stent.