Abstract: A composite multilayer implantable material having a first inner tubular layer formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethyene having a porous microstructure defined by nodes interconnected by fibrils, wherein said first layer has a plurality of pleated folds, a second tubular layer formed of textile material circumferentially disposed exteriorly to said first layer; and having an elastomeric bonding agent applied to one of said first layer or second layer and disposed within the pores of said microstructure for securing said first layer to said second layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming hydrogel systems in situ are provided using a delivery system configured to deliver two or more fluent prepolymer solutions without premature crosslinking. The delivery system comprises separate first and second lumens coupling first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports, respectively, and may include a balloon, flexible distal region, mixing chamber or steerable distal end. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating tinnitus are described where an oral appliance having an electronic and/or transducer assembly for generating sounds via a vibrating transducer element is coupled to a tooth or teeth. Generally, the transducer may generate one or more frequencies of sound via the actuatable transducer positioned against at least one tooth such that the sound is transmitted via vibratory conductance to an inner ear of the patient, whereby the sound completely or at least partially masks or provides sound therapy for habituation of the tinnitus perceived by the patient. The one or more generated frequencies may be correlated to measured tinnitus frequencies or they may be preset.

Abstract: A device for delivery of biologic materials, comprising: a cartridge having at least two cylinder bores for fluids to be delivered, wherein each cylinder includes an exit port for a fluid, a plunger within each cylinder for pushing the fluids out of the cylinder, a housing adapted to receive the cartridge, wherein the housing or cartridge includes an adaptor to receive and lock a manifold that operably connects to the exit ports of the cartridge, at least two toothed rams, wherein each toothed ram is at least partially within a cylinder bore, a trigger connected to the housing, wherein the trigger includes a toothed drive rack, a toothed wheel assembly that cooperates with the toothed drive rack and with the toothed rams, as well as methods of making the device, methods of using the device to treat discs, kits including the device.

Abstract: Particles and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A graft system for intraluminal delivery in a vessel in need of repair comprising a graft, anchoring means, and a strippable sheath around at least part of the graft. A preferred anchoring means is a balloon-expandable stent. Also included in the invention is a method of using the device to treat a body lumen. The strippable sheath is removable by pulling on a drawstring to remove it which permits expansion of the graft. The positioning of the device may then be adjusted prior to stent dilation. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a bifurcated graft system for intraluminal delivery in an aortic aneurysm comprising a bifurcated graft having a distal region and two legs, an expandable stent disposed in part of the distal region, and a strippable crocheted sheath around the distal region and one of the two legs. The strippable crocheted sheath is removable by untying it to permit expansion of the graft after initial placement within the aneurysm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or transducer assembly through a tooth or teeth are disclosed herein. The assembly may include a bracket which is adhered or affixed onto the tooth or teeth and an electronics and/or transducer assembly which may be removably coupled to the bracket. The electronic and/or transducer assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element coupled to the bracket for transmission into the underlying tooth or other bone structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming hydrogel systems in situ are provided using a delivery system configured to deliver two or more fluent prepolymer solutions without premature crosslinking. The delivery system comprises separate first and second lumens coupling first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports, respectively, and may include a balloon, flexible distal region, mixing chamber or steerable distal end. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A stent-graft having an exo-skeleton attached to a tubular graft, the tubular graft having a peripheral wall defining a lumen therein extending between first and second ends. The exo-skeleton may assume contracted and enlarged conditions, and includes one or more serpentine elements, each extending both peripherally and axially along at least a portion of the peripheral wall. Coiled-sheet stents are provided on the ends of the tubular graft for anchoring the ends within a body passage. Each serpentine element is a zigzag structure extending peripherally about the peripheral wall, with a plurality of serpentine elements distributed axially along the peripheral wall. The serpentine elements are individually attached to the peripheral wall and/or connector elements may extend between adjacent serpentine elements. Alternatively, each serpentine element may define a generally sinusoidal shape extending axially along the peripheral wall.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming hydrogel systems in situ are provided using a delivery system configured to deliver two or more fluent prepolymer solutions without premature crosslinking. The delivery system comprises separate first and second lumens coupling first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports, respectively, and may include a balloon, flexible distal region, mixing chamber or steerable distal end. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A tissue ablation assembly comprises an elongate probe device, at least one ablation electrode element carried by the probe device for conveying ablation energy, and at least one magnetic element for substantially altering the path of the ablation energy conveyed by the electrode element(s). In one embodiment, the magnetic element substantially urges the ablation energy radially outward. In another embodiment, magnetic element takes the form of a ring magnet that exhibits at least four alternating magnetic poles circumferentially disposed around the probe device axis. A method of treating tissue (e.g., a tumor) is also provided. The method comprises introducing a probe device into the patient, conveying ablation energy from the probe device, and applying a magnetic field adjacent the probe device to substantially alter the path of the ablation energy, e.g.

Abstract: A stent-graft having an exo-skeleton attached to a tubular graft, the tubular graft having a peripheral wall defining a lumen therein extending between first and second ends. The exo-skeleton may assume contracted and enlarged conditions, and includes one or more serpentine elements, each extending both peripherally and axially along at least a portion of the peripheral wall. Coiled-sheet stents are provided on the ends of the tubular graft for anchoring the ends within a body passage. Each serpentine element is a zigzag structure extending peripherally about the peripheral wall, with a plurality of serpentine elements distributed axially along the peripheral wall. The serpentine elements are individually attached to the peripheral wall and/or connector elements may extend between adjacent serpentine elements. Alternatively, each serpentine element may define a generally sinusoidal shape extending axially along the peripheral wall.

Abstract: An ablation device includes an electrode having an enclosed lumen, and a heat sink located within the lumen. An ablation device includes an elongated body, an electrode secured to the elongated body, and a heat sink connected to the electrode, wherein the heat sink is confined by the electrode and at least a portion of the elongated body. An ablation device includes an electrode, and a heat sink connected to the electrode, wherein the heat sink is not connected to a pump.

Abstract: Medical probe kits and methods for treating tissue regions (e.g. tumors) are provided. The kit comprises a delivery cannula and an ablation probe. The delivery cannula comprises a shaft, a lumen extending through the shaft, and a plurality of windows formed through a wall of the shaft in communication with the cannula lumen. The ablation probe is configured to be removably disposed within the cannula lumen. The ablation probe has a shaft and proximal and distal arrays of electrodes that are deployable from the probe shaft. The electrodes of the proximal array are configured to be deployed out from the respective windows when the ablation probe is disposed within the cannula lumen. The electrodes of the distal array may be configured to be deployed out from an axial opening at the distal end of the cannula shaft when the ablation probe is disposed within the cannula lumen.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis for treatment of a condition in a lumen in the vicinity of a branch lumen, the lumen being adapted to resist migration, is provided. In one embodiment, the prosthesis includes a substantially tubular main stent adapted for placement in the main lumen. A substantially tubular anchor stent is connected to the main stent and adapted for placement in the branch lumen.

Abstract: A graft system for intraluminal delivery in a vessel in need of repair comprising a graft, anchoring means, and a strippable sheath around at least part of the graft. A preferred anchoring means is a balloon-expandable stent. Also included in the invention is a method of using the device to treat a body lumen. The strippable sheath is removable by pulling on a drawstring to remove it which permits expansion of the graft. The positioning of the device may then be adjusted prior to stent dilation. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a bifurcated graft system for intraluminal delivery in an aortic aneurysm comprising a bifurcated graft having a distal region and two legs, an expandable stent disposed in part of the distal region, and a strippable crocheted sheath around the distal region and one of the two legs. The strippable crocheted sheath is removable by untying it to permit expansion of the graft after initial placement within the aneurysm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming hydrogel systems in situ are provided using a delivery system configured to deliver two or more fluent prepolymer solutions without premature crosslinking. The delivery system comprises separate first and second lumens coupling first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports, respectively, and may include a balloon, flexible distal region, mixing chamber or steerable distal end. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent comprises a trunk region and at least one branch. The trunk region has a balloon expandable section and a self-expandable section. The balloon expandable section is less compressible than the self-expandable section. The branch is self-expandable and extends from the self-expandable section of the trunk region. The balloon expandable section is less compressible than the branch.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for treating aneurysms, occlusive disease of vessels and body organs, and arterio-venous fistulas, occurring in single and bifurcated lumens. The prosthesis comprises an expandable coiled sheet portion having a biocompatible graft, either a sheet or tube, affixed thereto along part or all of the circumference of the coiled sheet portion. The prosthesis has a small delivery profile, making it suitable for use in a variety of body vessels. Methods of making and deploying the prosthesis in single and bifurcated lumens are also provided.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis of the present invention includes an expandable stent and a means for sealably attaching a tubular graft to the stent within the stent's lumen. The means of sealably attaching a graft includes membranes, foams, polymeric materials and combinations thereof. Additionally, the present invention includes methods of forming an endovascular prosthesis and methods of implanting an endovascular prosthesis within a vessel to provide sealable securement of a tubular graft within the stent's lumen.