Abstract: An endolumenal medical device assembly is provided for use in a bifurcation region of a body lumen. An expandable prosthesis, preferably an endolumenal support device such as a stent, is included in the assembly and is adjustable from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition. The expandable prosthesis further includes a prosthesis passageway and a side port through which the prosthesis passageway communicates externally of the prosthesis. A dilator or an access device is engaged within the prosthesis passageway and also through the side port while the expandable prosthesis is in the radially collapsed condition.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method suitable for remodeling a mitral valve annulus adjacent to the coronary sinus. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having a proximal region and a distal region. Each of the proximal and distal regions is dimensioned to reside completely within the vascular system. The elongate body may be moved from a first configuration for transluminal delivery to at least a portion of the coronary sinus to a second configuration for remodeling the mitral valve annulus proximate the coronary sinus. A forming element may be attached to the elongate body for manipulating the elongate body from the first transluminal configuration to the second remodeling configuration. Further, the elongate body may comprise a tube having a plurality of transverse slots therein.

Abstract: An endolumenal medical device assembly is provided for use in a bifurcation region of a body lumen. An expandable prosthesis, preferably an endolumenal support device such as a stent, is included in the assembly and is adjustable from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition. The expandable prosthesis further includes a prosthesis passageway and a side port through which the prosthesis passageway communicates externally of the prosthesis. A dilator or an access device is engaged within the prosthesis passageway and also through the side port while the expandable prosthesis is in the radially collapsed condition.

Abstract: An endolumenal medical device assembly is provided for use in a bifurcation region of a body lumen. An expandable prosthesis, such as a stent, is included in the assembly and is adjustable from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition. The expandable prosthesis includes a prosthesis passageway and a side port. A dilator or an access device is engaged within the prosthesis passageway and also through the side port while the expandable prosthesis is in the radially collapsed condition. The expandable prosthesis may be positioned in the bifurcation region such that its distal end portion is in a first branch lumen extending from the bifurcation, its proximal end portion is in a common proximal lumen of the bifurcation region, and the side port is aligned with an entrance zone to a second branch lumen extending from the bifurcation.

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 medical apparatus and method suitable for remodeling a mitral valve annulus adjacent to the coronary sinus. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having a proximal region and a distal region. Each of the proximal and distal regions is dimensioned to reside completely within the vascular system. The elongate body may be moved from a first configuration for transluminal delivery to at least a portion of the coronary sinus to a second configuration for remodeling the mitral valve annulus proximate the coronary sinus. A forming element may be attached to the elongate body for manipulating the elongate body from the first transluminal configuration to the second remodeling configuration. Further, the elongate body may comprise a tube having a plurality of transverse slots therein.

Abstract: A profiled stent for supporting and maintaining the patency of lumens in living tissue. The profiled stent includes a plurality of support members, each of the support members having a first side, a second side positioned opposite the first side, a third side adjoining the first and second sides, a fourth side positioned opposite the third side adjoining the first and second sides. Four corners are defined by the adjoining first, second, third, and fourth sides. At least one of the support members of the stent is profiled such that the four corners of that support member are round, while the first and second sides are substantially flat or, stated differently, exhibit substantially similar radii of curvature.

Abstract: A stent for helping to hold open a lumen in a tubular body structure has at least one axial portion (preferably an axial end portion) that stents the surrounding portion of the tubular body structure to a lesser degree than another axial portion of the stent. For example, the stent portion that stents to a lesser degree may be circumferentially weaker than the other stent portion, or it may recoil more than the other stent portion after the stent is applied by being circumferentially expanded and then released.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating stenoses at bifurcated regions of body lumens is disclosed. A balloon catheter system is disclosed comprising two balloon catheters, or a balloon catheter having a bifurcated distal end, with a linking guide wire lumen at the distal end of one balloon catheter, or one branch of the bifurcated catheter, for linking the two balloons or branches such that the device can be tracked to a treatment site. Once at the treatment site, the balloon catheters or branches of the bifurcated distal end can be unlinked and separately positioned within the branches of the bifurcated body lumen. The apparatus can also serve as a delivery system for multiple prostheses or a bifurcated endoluminal prosthesis.

Abstract: A stent and method for manufacturing a stent comprising an expandable, generally tubular body portion in which one or both ends of the stent are provided with a generally rounded, smooth radiused portion that forms a bulbous protrusion out of the plane of the circumference of the stent. The design of the stent increases the profile of the end of the stent and decreases the risk of injury or vessel dissection during stent deployment.

Abstract: A stent for helping to hold open a lumen in a tubular body structure has at least one axial portion (preferably an axial end portion) that stents the surrounding portion of the tubular body structure to a lesser degree than another axial portion of the stent. For example, the stent portion that stents to a lesser degree may be circumferentially weaker than the other stent portion, or it may recoil more than the other stent portion after the stent is applied by being circumferentially expanded and then released.

Abstract: A stent for helping to hold open a lumen in a tubular body structure has at least one axial portion (preferably an axial end portion) that stents the surrounding portion of the tubular body structure to a lesser degree than another axial portion of the stent. For example, the stent portion that stents to a lesser degree may be circumferentially weaker than the other stent portion, or it may recoil more than the other stent portion after the stent is applied by being circumferentially expanded and then released.