Abstract: The invention includes an XRF analyzer with reduced x-ray attenuation between sample and target and between sample and detector. Attenuation can be reduced by removing atmospheric-air paths through which the x-rays must travel. Reduced x-ray attenuation can allow for easier detection of low-atomic-number elements. Cost saving can be achieved by reducing the number of x-ray windows.

Abstract: The invention includes an XRF analyzer with reduced x-ray attenuation between sample and target and between sample and detector. Attenuation can be reduced by removing atmospheric-air paths through which the x-rays must travel. Reduced x-ray attenuation can allow for easier detection of low-atomic-number elements. Cost saving can be achieved by reducing the number of x-ray windows.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to treat vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a medical device to treat an occlusive plaque, and is also adapted to release a biologically active agent to treat vulnerable plaque located downstream from the occlusive plaque. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus has an expandable tube attached to the inner surface of a stent, and a layer of endothelial cells seeded on the inner surface of the expandable tube. The expandable tube shields a vulnerable plaque from a body lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to treat vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a medical device to treat an occlusive plaque, and is also adapted to release a biologically active agent to treat vulnerable plaque located downstream from the occlusive plaque. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus has an expandable tube attached to the inner surface of a stent, and a layer of endothelial cells seeded on the inner surface of the expandable tube. The expandable tube shields a vulnerable plaque from a body lumen.

Abstract: This invention relates to an implantable medical device for and method of treating a vascular disease where the device is preferably a stent comprising a drug reservoir layer comprising poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) and zotarolimus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to treat vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a medical device to treat an occlusive plaque, and is also adapted to release a biologically active agent to treat vulnerable plaque located downstream from the occlusive plaque. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus has an expandable tube attached to the inner surface of a stent, and a layer of endothelial cells seeded on the inner surface of the expandable tube. The expandable tube shields a vulnerable plaque from a body lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to treat vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a medical device to treat an occlusive plaque, and is also adapted to release a biologically active agent to treat vulnerable plaque located downstream from the occlusive plaque. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus has an expandable tube attached to the inner surface of a stent, and a layer of endothelial cells seeded on the inner surface of the expandable tube. The expandable tube shields a vulnerable plaque from a body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved stent design and stent delivery catheter assembly for repairing a main vessel and a side branch vessel forming a bifurcation. The present invention includes a trap door stent design, a stent delivery catheter assembly, an apparatus for crimping the stent and the method for crimping the stent onto the catheter assembly, and the method for delivering and implanting the stent in a bifurcated vessel. The stent is implanted at a bifurcation so that the proximal section and distal section are in the main vessel, and the central section covers at least a portion of the opening to the side branch vessel. A second stent can be implanted in the side branch vessel and abut the expanded central section to provide full coverage of the bifurcated area in the main vessel and the side branch vessel.