Abstract: A variable zone high metal to vessel ratio stent includes a proximal high metal to vessel ratio zone, a central low metal to vessel ratio zone, and a distal high metal to vessel ratio zone. The proximal high metal to vessel ratio zone is deployed with fixation and sealing to healthy tissue of a main vessel superior to branch vessels and an aneurysm. The central low metal to vessel ratio zone is deployed directly on ostai of the branch vessels. However, as the central low metal to vessel ratio zone is highly permeable, blood flows from the main vessel through the central low metal to vessel ratio zone and into branch vessels.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis includes a tubular body and a mobile external coupling. The tubular body includes a graft material and stents coupled thereto, a forms a lumen therethrough. The mobile external coupling extends outwardly from the tubular body. The mobile external coupling includes a graft material and is generally frustoconically shaped. The mobile external coupling includes a base coupled to the tubular body, a top spaced from the tubular body, and a coupling lumen disposed between the base and the top, wherein the coupling lumen is in flow communication with the body lumen. A cylindrical sealing cuff of graft material is attached to and extends from the top of the mobile external coupling towards the tubular body within the coupling lumen. The sealing cuff is configured to contact a portion of a branch vessel prosthesis and thereby provides an elongated interference seal between the branch vessel prosthesis and the mobile external coupling.

Abstract: A method includes covering an ostium of a branch vessel emanating from a main vessel with a proximal landing zone of a high metal to vessel ratio landing zone stent-graft, wherein a metal to vessel ratio of the proximal landing zone when deployed is sufficiently high to encourage tissue ingrowth around the proximal landing zone yet is sufficiently low to ensure perfusion of the branch vessel through the proximal landing zone. The method further includes covering an aneurysm of the main vessel with an exclusion zone of the high metal to vessel ratio landing zone stent-graft, the exclusion zone being formed of graft material. By forming the exclusion zone of graft material, excellent exclusion of the aneurysm is achieved.

Abstract: A stent comprises at least one curve deployment section. The at least one curve deployment section comprises at least one expansion ring having a circumferential length, a longitudinal length and comprising a first circumferential section and a second circumferential section. The first circumferential section comprises an expansion column and the second circumferential section comprises at least two expansion columns longitudinally offset from one another. The expansion column of the first circumferential section is engaged to the at least two expansion columns of the second circumferential section.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis includes a tubular body and a mobile external coupling. The tubular body includes a graft material and stents coupled thereto, a forms a lumen therethrough. The mobile external coupling extends outwardly from the tubular body. The mobile external coupling includes a graft material and is generally frustoconically shaped. The mobile external coupling includes a base coupled to the tubular body, a top spaced from the tubular body, and a coupling lumen disposed between the base and the top, wherein the coupling lumen is in flow communication with the body lumen. A cylindrical sealing cuff of graft material is attached to and extends from the top of the mobile external coupling towards the tubular body within the coupling lumen. The sealing cuff is configured to contact a portion of a branch vessel prosthesis and thereby provides an elongated interference seal between the branch vessel prosthesis and the mobile external coupling.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes a ceramic, such as IROX, having a select morphology and composition.

Abstract: A stent for delivering therapeutic agents to a body lumen includes a plurality of circumferential serpentine bands with each band comprising a plurality of struts. At least one strut has at least one first well region and at least one second well region. The at least one first well region has a first thickness, the at least one second well region has a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. Each well region defines a well having a depth. At least some of the wells contain a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent that uses turning segments to reduce the strain at regions which bend at extreme angles. The turning segments can be placed on side branch petals or on connectors connecting the petals to the stent body. Combining the turning segments with connectors of different length and tethers provides for a stent with high flexibility that can accommodate various shaped body vessels. This design allows the bifurcation branch to extend easily, to a useful distance, and to be deployed along oblique angles. Best of all, this design avoids the problems of angularly strained side branch.

Abstract: A stent having one or more beneficial agents which enhance the healing effect of the stent. The agent is positioned within a reservoir. The reservoir dynamically releases the agent when the stent is expanded. The reservoir makes use of various changes in stent shape during expansion to assure proper release of the agent. Agent release can be modulated at various points along the stent and with various rates of release. The reservoirs can also be cooperatively combined with features that enhance stent flexibility, structural integrity, and which prevent recoil.

Abstract: An expandable stent has a plurality of expandable rings formed of a plurality of struts and at least one first connector interconnecting adjacent expandable rings. The plurality of struts include a first strut and the at least one first connector has a first arm. A first portion of the first arm is engaged to a first portion of the first strut so that the first portion of the first arm and the first portion of the first strut define a through hole.

Abstract: Nanocapsules are disclosed which comprise (a) a drug-containing core and (b) a polyelectrolyte multilayer encapsulating the drug-containing core. The nanocapsules include particles whose largest dimension typically ranges between 50 nm to 10000 nm. In some embodiments, the nanocapsules contain a single drug. In others, the nanocapsules contain multiple drugs, either within the same nanocapsules or within separate populations of nanocapsules. In some embodiments, the nanocapsules comprise surfaces that are functionalized, for example, with ligands that allow for attachment to bodily tissue. In some embodiments of the present invention, the nanocapsules are rendered magnetic or are rendered susceptible to magnetic fields. Also disclosed is a drug delivery method that comprises the steps of (a) providing nanocapsules such as those above; and (b) placing the nanocapsules at a desired location within the body of a subject using an implantable or insertable medical device.

Abstract: A stent for delivering therapeutic agents to a body lumen includes a plurality of circumferential serpentine bands with each band comprising a plurality of struts. At least one strut has at least one first well region and at least one second well region. The at least one first well region has a first thickness, the at least one second well region has a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. Each well region defines a well having a depth. At least some of the wells contain a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, e.g., a stent, that includes a pro-healing surface and a temporary non-fouling material attached to the surface, and a method of making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes: providing a substrate, depositing a ceramic and an extractable material onto the substrate, forming a porous structure in the ceramic by removing the extractable material, and utilizing the ceramic in an endoprosthesis. An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, including a coating formed of a ceramic and an extractable material that can be removed from the coating to form voids is also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes a ceramic, such as IROX, having a select morphology and composition.

Abstract: A stent comprises at least one curve deployment section. The at least one curve deployment section comprises at least one expansion ring having a circumferential length, a longitudinal length and comprising a first circumferential section and a second circumferential section. The first circumferential section comprises an expansion column and the second circumferential section comprises at least two expansion columns longitudinally offset from one another. The expansion column of the first circumferential section is engaged to the at least two expansion columns of the second circumferential section.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent that uses turning segments to reduce the strain at regions which bend at extreme angles. The turning segments can be placed on side branch petals or on connectors connecting the petals to the stent body. Combining the turning segments with connectors of different length and tethers provides for a stent with high flexibility that can accommodate various shaped body vessels. This design allows the bifurcation branch to extend easily, to a useful distance, and to be deployed along oblique angles. Best of all, this design avoids the problems of angularly strained side branch.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a brazed joint between first and second elements of a medical device such as a stent. The method begins by forming a joint by positioning the first element with respect to the second element. A filler material is applied to the joint. An electromagnetic beam of energy is applied to the joint to at least partially melt the filler material.

Abstract: Nanocapsules are disclosed which comprise (a) a drug-containing core and (b) a polyelectrolyte multilayer encapsulating the drug-containing core. The nanocapsules include particles whose largest dimension typically ranges between 50 nm to 10000 nm. In some embodiments, the nanocapsules contain a single drug. In others, the nanocapsules contain multiple drugs, either within the same nanocapsules or within separate populations of nanocapsules. In some embodiments, the nanocapsules comprise surfaces that are functionalized, for example, with ligands that allow for attachment to bodily tissue. In some embodiments of the present invention, the nanocapsules are rendered magnetic or are rendered susceptible to magnetic fields. Also disclosed is a drug delivery method that comprises the steps of (a) providing nanocapsules such as those above; and (b) placing the nanocapsules at a desired location within the body of a subject using an implantable or insertable medical device.