Abstract: A method of making a self-expanding stent entails applying a bend stress sufficient to over-bend a portion of a wire by an amount in a range from about 85% to about 105%, where the wire comprises a Ni—Ti alloy and includes from about 40% to about 46% cold work. The bend stress is then released, thereby forming a bend having a predetermined bend angle in the wire. The application and release of the bend stress are repeated on successive portions of the wire in order to create a series of bends along a length of the wire in a predetermined bend pattern. The wire comprising the predetermined bend pattern is then positioned about a mandrel in an expanded stent geometry and heat set. Thus, a self-expanding stent is formed.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter shaft body includes a proximal end segment with a first durometer and a first longitudinal length dimension. A proximal intermediate segment is fixedly joined to a distal end of the proximal end segment and includes a second durometer and a second longitudinal length dimension. A distal intermediate segment is fixedly joined to a distal end of the proximal intermediate segment and includes a third durometer and a third longitudinal length dimension. A distal terminal end segment is fixedly joined to a distal end of the distal intermediate segment and includes a fourth durometer and a fourth longitudinal length dimension. The first durometer is greater than at least the second and third durometers. The fourth durometer is greater than at least the second and third durometers. A plurality of parallel longitudinal lumens extends through the body, providing a structure useful in a cholangioscope or other endoscopic applications.

Abstract: A method of making a self-expanding stent entails applying a bend stress sufficient to over-bend a portion of a wire by an amount in a range from about 85% to about 105%, where the wire comprises a Ni—Ti alloy and includes from about 40% to about 46% cold work. The bend stress is then released, thereby forming a bend having a predetermined bend angle in the wire. The application and release of the bend stress are repeated on successive portions of the wire in order to create a series of bends along a length of the wire in a predetermined bend pattern. The wire comprising the predetermined bend pattern is then positioned about a mandrel in an expanded stent geometry and heat set. Thus, a self-expanding stent is formed.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter shaft body includes a proximal end segment with a first durometer and a first longitudinal length dimension. A proximal intermediate segment is fixedly joined to a distal end of the proximal end segment and includes a second durometer and a second longitudinal length dimension. A distal intermediate segment is fixedly joined to a distal end of the proximal intermediate segment and includes a third durometer and a third longitudinal length dimension. A distal terminal end segment is fixedly joined to a distal end of the distal intermediate segment and includes a fourth durometer and a fourth longitudinal length dimension. The first durometer is greater than at least the second and third durometers. The fourth durometer is greater than at least the second and third durometers. A plurality of parallel longitudinal lumens extends through the body, providing a structure useful in a cholangioscope or other endoscopic applications.

Abstract: Medical device surfaces, for example a plastic catheter or metal guide wire, are disclosed with a lubricating coating made from Brasenia schreberi polysaccharide mucilage. The coated device surfaces may be prepared with a variety of techniques offering improved alternatives to conventional coatings.

Abstract: A system for endoluminally delivering and deploying a prosthesis includes a prosthesis comprising a self-expanding stent and a cover for retaining at least a portion of the self-expanding stent. The stent is biased into contact with an inner surface of the cover. The inner surface has a hardness that is equal to or greater than the hardness of the stent. Additional aspects of the invention are disclosed and include a method of manufacturing an endoluminal prosthesis delivery and deployment system.

Abstract: Medical device surfaces, for example a plastic catheter or metal guide wire, are disclosed with a lubricating coating made from Brasenia schreberi polysaccharide mucilage. The coated device surfaces may be prepared with a variety of techniques offering improved alternatives to conventional coatings.

Abstract: A feeding device configured for insertion into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, and dynamic movement through the gastrointestinal tract toward the jejunum. The device includes an elongate tubular member having a plurality of distal projections disposed on an exterior surface thereof. The projections extend radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the tubular member a distance sufficient to engage an interior surface of the gastrointestinal tract during peristaltic contractions therein, and are configured to promote ingress of the device in response to the contractions. At least some of the projections are soluble under bodily conditions at the gastrointestinal tract, thereby facilitating removal of the feeding device.

Abstract: A stent constructed from at least two individual monolithic stent units is provided. The stent includes at least two individual stent units. Each individual stent unit has, as a monolithic structure, a first strut, a second strut, and a third strut. A first apex adjoins the first and second struts, and a second apex adjoining the second and third struts, where the second apex is disposed in a direction generally opposite the first apex. The monolithic stent unit includes an attachment mechanism at the end of at least the first strut. The first strut of each monolithic stent unit is joined at an attachment point to the third strut of an adjacent monolithic stent unit. The attachment mechanism is bent to form an angle relative to the attachment point. A method of manufacturing the same stent also is provided.

Abstract: A system for anchoring an endoluminal prosthesis comprises a barb. The barb comprises a base, a retractable body extending distally from the base towards a distal anchor, and a hinge disposed between the base and the anchor and spaced apart from the base. The anchor pivots about the hinge between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. Additional devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A stent constructed from at least two individual monolithic stent units is provided. The stent includes at least two individual stent units. Each individual stent unit has, as a monolithic structure, a first strut, a second strut, and a third strut. A first apex adjoins the first and second struts, and a second apex adjoining the second and third struts, where the second apex is disposed in a direction generally opposite the first apex. The monolithic stent unit includes an attachment mechanism at the end of at least the first strut. The first strut of each monolithic stent unit is joined at an attachment point to the third strut of an adjacent monolithic stent unit. The attachment mechanism is bent to form an angle relative to the attachment point. A method of manufacturing the same stent also is provided.

Abstract: A feeding device configured for insertion into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, and dynamic movement through the gastrointestinal tract toward the jejunum. The device includes an elongate tubular member having a plurality of distal projections disposed on an exterior surface thereof. The projections extend radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the tubular member a distance sufficient to engage an interior surface of the gastrointestinal tract during peristaltic contractions therein, and are configured to promote ingress of the device in response to the contractions. At least some of the projections are soluble under bodily conditions at the gastrointestinal tract, thereby facilitating removal of the feeding device.