Abstract: Various stents and stent-graft systems for treatment of medical conditions are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exemplary stent-graft system may be used for endovascular treatment of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. The stent-graft system may comprise proximal and distal components, each comprising a graft having proximal and distal ends, where upon deployment the proximal and distal components at least partially overlap with one another to provide a fluid passageway therebetween. The proximal component may comprise a proximal stent having a plurality of proximal and distal apices connected by a plurality of generally straight portions, where a radius of curvature of at least one of the proximal apices may be greater than the radius of curvature of at least one of the distal apices. The distal component may comprise a proximal z-stent coupled to the graft, where the proximal end of the graft comprises at least scallop formed therein that generally follows the shape of the proximal z-stent.

Abstract: A stent for use in a medical procedure having opposing sets of curved apices, where the curved section of one set of apices has a radius of curvature that is greater than the curved section of the other set of apices. One or more such stents may be attached to a graft material for use in endovascular treatment of, for example, aneurysm, thoracic dissection, or other body vessel condition.

Abstract: A method of forming a surface structure of a component of a medical devices includes forming a fatigue-resistant portion, which entails forming a first layer comprising a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, Mo, V, Mn, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Si on at least a portion of a surface of the component, where the surface comprises a nickel-titanium alloy, and alloying the transition metal of the first layer with the nickel-titanium alloy of the surface. The method further includes forming a rough outer surface of the fatigue-resistant portion where the rough outer surface is adapted for adhesion of a material thereto.

Abstract: A method of making a stent-graft is provided. The method includes mounting a stent on a mandrel so that the stent is stretched when it is on the mandrel. A graft layer is then adhered to the stent while it is mounted on the mandrel. When the stent-graft is removed from the mandrel, the stent contracts and the graft layer becomes partially wrinkled when the stent is in its expanded relaxed state.

Abstract: A method of making a stent-graft is provided. The method includes mounting a stent on a mandrel so that the stent is stretched when it is on the mandrel. A graft layer is then adhered to the stent while it is mounted on the mandrel. When the stent-graft is removed from the mandrel, the stent contracts and the graft layer becomes partially wrinkled when the stent is in its expanded relaxed state.

Abstract: A method of attaching an intravascular device to a vessel wall of a body vessel is disclosed. The attachment system includes an intravascular device and biological attachment material connected to the intravascular device. The biological attachment material is configured to attach the intravascular device to the vessel wall.

Abstract: A closure device for a body passageway of a patient includes a plug member formed from an extracellular matrix material. The plug has a compressed condition, and is modifiable therefrom to an expanded condition for occluding the body passageway. A plurality of first frame members is disposed along a first side of the plug. The first frame members are aligned in a first position relative to the plug when the plug is in the compressed condition, and movable therefrom to a second position for occlusion of the passageway. A plurality of second frame members is disposed generally along a second side of the plug. The second frame members are aligned in a first position relative to the plug when the plug is in the compressed condition, and movable therefrom to a second position for occlusion of the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular stent-graft system. In one embodiment, a prosthesis comprises a first tubular graft comprising a layer of graft material, one lumen extending therein, and a first fenestration extending through the layer of graft material. A layer of fenestration covering material attaches to the layer of graft material. The layer of fenestration covering material is disposed in the lumen of the first tubular graft and partitions the first fenestration from the lumen of the first tubular graft. A first non-stented opening is disposed proximal to the first fenestration and communicates with the first fenestration between the layer of graft material and the fenestration covering material. In use, a proximal end of a second tubular graft sealably engages the first non-stented opening, and the second tubular graft further extends through the first fenestration and into a branch vessel.

Abstract: A method for attaching a porous metal layer to a dense metal substrate, wherein the method is particularly useful in forming orthopedic implants such as femoral knee components, femoral hip components, and/or acetabular cups. The method, in one embodiment thereof, comprises providing a solid metal substrate; providing a porous metal structure; contouring a surface of the porous metal structure; placing the porous structure against the substrate such that the contoured surface of the porous metal structure is disposed against the substrate, thereby forming an assembly; applying heat and pressure to the assembly in conjunction with thermal expansion of the substrate in order to metallurgically bond the porous structure and the substrate; and removing mass from the substrate after the porous structure is bonded to the substrate, thereby finish processing the assembly.

Abstract: An endoluminal device for repairing an aortic dissection and preventing future aortic dissections, the device including a plurality of struts with at least one of the plurality of struts having a mid-strut portion having two or more secondary struts, the device being configured to be secured within a false lumen of the aorta and contain filler material in order to encourage thrombosis within the false lumen.

Abstract: A hip prosthesis is provided for insertion into a femur. In one exemplary embodiment, the hip prosthesis includes a stem having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. This stem may include anterior and posterior locking surfaces which diverge away from the longitudinal axis. A shank portion may extend distally from the anterior and posterior locking surfaces and converge at an angle distally toward the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A balloon catheter assembly including a catheter, a sleeve, and a balloon. The catheter has a body, an exterior surface, a lumen, a port providing fluid communication between the lumen and the exterior surface, and a coupling mechanism to couple the lumen to an inflation source. The sleeve has an interior surface facing the exterior surface, the sleeve being coaxial with the catheter and configured to move longitudinally about the catheter. The balloon is disposed about the catheter and has a middle segment covering the port, a distal segment coupled to the sleeve, and a proximal segment coupled to the catheter. The middle segment has a middle longitudinal stiffness, the distal segment has a distal longitudinal stiffness, and the proximal segment has a proximal longitudinal stiffness. The middle longitudinal stiffness is greater than the proximal longitudinal stiffness and the middle longitudinal stiffness is greater than the distal longitudinal stiffness.

Abstract: An endoluminal medical device includes a cannula, the cannula having a proximal end and a distal end; an abrasion member having a series of struts interconnected by a series of bent segments forming a plurality of prongs attached to the cannula, the abrasion member having a first section and a second section; where the prongs of the first section of the abrasion member extend radially outward from the cannula.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antimicrobial barrier device and methods of manufacture. The antimicrobial barrier comprises one or more antimicrobial drugs that inhibit biofilm formation and bacterial and/or fungal growth. The antimicrobial barrier is suited for use with insertable devices (e.g., catheters) to reduce the incidence of infection at and around the insertion site.

Abstract: A stent for use in a medical procedure having opposing sets of curved apices, where the curved section of one set of apices has a radius of curvature that is greater than the curved section of the other set of apices. One or more such stents may be attached to a graft material for use in endovascular treatment of, for example, aneurysm, thoracic dissection, or other body vessel condition.

Abstract: A stent graft for use in a medical procedure to treat a dissection of a patient's ascending thoracic aorta. The stent graft includes bare alignment stents at least at a proximal end, and often with a stent at both ends, each stent having opposing sets of curved apices, where the curved section of one broader set of apices has a radius of curvature that is greater than the curved section of the other narrower set of apices. The proximal stent is flared in a manner such that its broad apices occupy a larger circumference around the stent than do its narrower apices, where this flared feature provides for anchoring engagement near the aortic root in a manner not interfering with the coronary arteries or the aortic valve.

Abstract: An aortic stent-graft may include a tubular graft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the graft comprising a proximal sealing portion and an intermediate portion, wherein a proximal end of the intermediate portion abuts the distal end of the proximal sealing portion. At least one sealing stent may be attached to the proximal sealing portion. A first fenestration window is disposed in the intermediate portion. The first fenestration window has a length determined by the equation L=1.23*D?24 millimeters, where L is the length of the first fenestration window. D is between about 24 millimeters and 45 millimeters.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent-graft, having a relatively low delivery profile. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises a membrane, and at least one stent having contracted and expanded states, where the stent is coupled to the membrane and maintains patency in the expanded state. The prosthesis further may comprise selectively oriented axial and/or circumferential fibers arranged at predetermined locations along the length and circumference of the prosthesis. An increased population density of the circumferential and/or axial fibers may be provided in areas in which the at least one stent portion is attached to the membrane, or in areas of higher physiological loads imposed upon the endoluminal prosthesis.

Abstract: A medical device is provided. The device includes a cannula with a lumen and a plurality of apertures and a visually perceptible indicator that is configured to allow the cannula to be positioned at an appropriate rotational position within the patient. A plurality of injection needles are disposed within the lumen and a first handle is fixed with respect to the cannula and a second handle is disposed in conjunction with the first handle and fixed to the proximal portion of each of the plurality of needles, the first handle is translatable with respect to the second handle to translate the plurality of needles from a first position where the distal portions of each of the plurality of needles are disposed within the lumen of the cannula, and a second position where the distal portion of each of the plurality of needles extends out of the lumen through their respective aperture.

Abstract: A method of making a stent-graft is provided. The method includes mounting a stent on a mandrel so that the stent is stretched when it is on the mandrel. A graft layer is then adhered to the stent while it is mounted on the mandrel. When the stent-graft is removed from the mandrel, the stent contracts and the graft layer becomes partially wrinkled when the stent is in its expanded relaxed state.