Abstract: A tubular prosthesis has a plurality of tubular rings that are radially expandable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration. Each ring comprises a plurality of axially oriented struts that are interconnected so as to form a circumferential series of at least one high peak and at least one low peak. The high and low peaks have apices that are oriented in the same axial direction. The apices of the high and low peaks are also oriented in the same direction and the apices of the high peaks are axially offset from the apices of the low peaks. A bridge member couples a pair of adjacent tubular rings together. The bridge member has a first end connected to a first low peak in a first tubular ring and a second end connected to either a high or low peak in an adjacent tubular ring.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for accessing and treating the interior of the facet joint for vertebral distraction and immobilization. The systems include a number of tools that facilitate access to the facet joint, distraction of the articulating decortication of the articulating surfaces, and delivery of implants and agents into the facet joint for fusion.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis has a plurality of tubular rings that are radially expandable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration. Each ring comprises a plurality of axially oriented struts that are interconnected so as to form a circumferential series of at least one high peak and at least one low peak. The high and low peaks have apices that are oriented in the same axial direction. The apices of the high and low peaks are also oriented in the same direction and the apices of the high peaks are axially offset from the apices of the low peaks. A bridge member couples a pair of adjacent tubular rings together. The bridge member has a first end connected to a first low peak in a first tubular ring and a second end connected to either a high or low peak in an adjacent tubular ring.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for accessing and treating the interior of the facet joint for vertebral distraction and immobilization. The systems include a number of tools that facilitate access to the facet joint, distraction of the articulating decortication of the articulating surfaces, and delivery of implants and agents into the facet joint for fusion.

Abstract: A metallic composite coating, and methods for forming same, for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The composite coating comprises at least one metal or metallic tie layer formed on the surface of the device, followed by an electroless electrochemical cladding of one or more additional layers over the tie layer. One or more therapeutic or biologically active agents are co-deposited with at least one of the electroless electrochemical claddings.

Abstract: A metallic composite coating, and methods for forming same, for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The composite coating comprises at least one metal or metallic tie layer formed on the surface of the device, followed by an electroless electrochemical cladding of one or more additional layers over the tie layer. One or more therapeutic or biologically active agents are co-deposited with at least one of the electroless electrochemical claddings.

Abstract: A stent is provided with modified ends (782, 786) and enhanced drug delivery. The stent assembly also provides for enhanced overlapping between adjacent stents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods to create medical devices and medical devices including bioactive composite structures. The methods include using template-assisted electro- or electroless deposition or codeposition methods for providing implantable medical devices coated with bioactive composite structures and also include layering deposited or codeposited metal layers with layers of bioactive materials. In one use, the implantable medical devices of the present invention include stents with bioactive composite structure coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods to create medical devices and medical devices including bioactive composite structures. The methods include using electroless and electrophoretic deposition and codeposition methods for providing implantable medical devices coated with bioactive composite structures. In one use, the implantable medical devices of the present invention include stents with bioactive composite structures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described providing therapeutic preparations of tachykinins, and more specifically sialokinins, for treating various types of abnormal cellular proliferation conditions in regions of tissue associated with the body of a patient. The sialokinins may be isolated and purified from natural or bioengineered sources, or may be synthesized, and may be combined into, with, or on an implant for local elution or otherwise as a powder mixed in a carrier vehicle for injection delivery. Tumors, warts, and restenosis are abnormal cellular proliferation conditions treated by therapeutic doses of sialokinin. Size of the tissue structure to be treated is used to determine the therapeutic dose of sialokinin. The sialokinins are either locally or systemically delivered at therapeutic doses for the desired effect. Implants such as stents are coated with sialokinins for local elution at the site of injury or tissue otherwise vulnerable to harmful conditions treated by the sialokinin.

Abstract: A metallic composite coating, and methods for forming same, for an implantable medical device is disclosed. The composite coating comprises at least one metal or metallic tie layer formed on the surface of the device, followed by an electroless electrochemical cladding of one or more additional layers over the tie layer. One or more therapeutic or biologically active agents are co-deposited with at least one of the electroless electrochemical claddings.

Abstract: Administration of mosquito salivary tachykinins, such as sialokinin I and II, topically or by injection to an area of unregulated cellular proliferation will result in the recovery of cellular proliferative control. The tachykinins cause a number of physiological and immune system changes which induce recovery of proliferative control. These changes include vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, activation of macrophages, activation of neutrophil granulocytes, T-lymphocyte proliferation, monocyte interleukin production, mast cell degranulation in epithelia and eosinophyles; all of which function to stimulate the body to regain the delicate proliferative balance which has been disturbed by various environmental and viral insults on the body such as UV radiation, ionizing radiation, HPV, and other insults that cause tumors or warts through the same mechanisms.