Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coating a surface of a stent by contacting the stent with a coating solution containing a coating material, inserting a thread through the lumen of the stent, and producing relative motion between the stent and the thread to substantially remove coating material located within the openings of the stent. Eliminating or minimizing coating material located within the openings preserves the functionality of the stent. The method can be used to apply a primer layer, a polymer, either with or without a therapeutic agent, and/or a top layer on the stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating for an intravascular implant that prevents hyperproliferative vascular disease after a mechanical injury, such as angioplasty. The coating includes first and second agents, with the first agent acting on a calcium independent cellular pathway and the second agent acting on a calcium dependent cellular pathway. In an exemplary embodiment, the first agent is rapamycin and the second agent is cyclosporine A. The agents can be incorporated in a polymeric agent and can be applied either directly to the implant or on top of a primer layer placed on the implant. A top coat can be applied to the therapeutic coating, if desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent preform for implantation in a body lumen. The stent preform includes an elongated metal core having first and second core ends, a contact surface, and a solid cross-section, and a hollow outer sheath made of a biocompatible polymer and having first and second sheath ends, caps disposed on the sheath ends, and an interior surface. The outer sheath surrounds and contacts the contact surface of the core to prevent the core from directly contacting the body lumen. In another embodiment, the biocompatible polymer of the outer sheath is formed of a heat-shrinkable polymer material, and the elongated core is formed of a shape-memory alloy. In another embodiment, the outer sheath is formed from a polymer tape.

Abstract: The stent has at least two different patterns along its longitudinal length such as a closed cell and an open cell design. The stent is made from nickel/titanium, titanium, stainless steel or a noble metal. The different patterns are joined by varying articulations including a W-pattern and S-patten. The stent has at least two coatings over the base structure, the coating depth not exceeding ten microns.

Abstract: A coated filter bag for use in cold or hot drinks, in particular, a novel method for administration of pharmaceutical actives, supplemental nutrients, genetically derived materials, or other beneficial agents using a coated filter bag that includes at least one agent that solubilizes when in contact with liquid and is dispersed in the proper dosage amount into the liquid for oral consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coating a surface of a stent by contacting the stent with a coating solution containing a coating material, inserting a thread through the lumen of the stent, and producing relative motion between the stent and the thread to substantially remove coating material located within the openings of the stent. Eliminating or minimizing coating material located within the openings preserves the functionality of the stent. The method can be used to apply a primer layer, a polymer, either with or without a therapeutic agent, and/or a top layer on the stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent preform for implantation in a body lumen. The stent preform includes an elongated metal core having first and second core ends, a contact surface, and a solid cross-section, and a hollow outer sheath made of a biocompatible polymer and having first and second sheath ends, caps disposed on the sheath ends, and an interior surface. The outer sheath surrounds and contacts the contact surface of the core to prevent the core from directly contacting the body lumen. In another embodiment, the biocompatible polymer of the outer sheath is formed of a heat-shrinkable polymer material, and the elongated core is formed of a shape-memory alloy. In another embodiment, the outer sheath is formed from a polymer tape.

Abstract: A low profile highly expandable stent includes a fabric cylindrical tube having a longitudinal axis wherein multiple serpentine shaped connecting pieces are affixed lengthwise to the fabric cylindrical tube along the longitudinal axis thereof. The multiple connecting pieces are circumferentially spaced from adjacent connecting pieces and a first and second end of each connecting piece has an aperture formed therein for allowing interconnection of the connecting pieces at the first and second end to the fabric cylindrical tube.

Abstract: Materials, devices and methods for the treatment of congestive heart failure are disclosed. In these methods, the volume of the left ventricle is reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the pumping action of the heart. Volume reduction is accomplished by introduction of biocompatible materials into the wall of the left ventricle, or into the ventricle itself. Suitable biocompatible materials include those that undergo a phase transition within the ventricle or within the wall of the ventricle, and are thereby converted from a substantially liquid state to a substantially solid state. Such materials also include those which increase in volume during the transition from the liquid state to the solid state. Also disclosed is a method for ventricular geometry reduction wherein flexible, elastic bands are attached to the external surface of the heart to effect a decrease in the volume of the left ventricle.

Abstract: Materials, devices and methods for the treatment of congestive heart failure are disclosed. In these methods, the volume of the left ventricle is reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the pumping action of the heart. Volume reduction is accomplished by introduction of biocompatible materials into the wall of the left ventricle, or into the ventricle itself. Suitable biocompatible materials include those that undergo a phase transition within the ventricle or within the wall of the ventricle, and are thereby converted from a substantially liquid state to a substantially solid state. Such materials also include those which increase in volume during the transition from the liquid state to the solid state. Also disclosed is a method for ventricular geometry reduction wherein flexible, elastic bands are attached to the external surface of the heart to effect a decrease in the volume of the left ventricle.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for use with a guidewire is disclosed. The catheter has a body with a balloon located thereon, preferably at the distal end. A lumen within the catheter body communicates with the interior of the balloon which can be inflated by known methods with saline solution. A series of sleeve members of predetermined lengths and sizes are coupled to and positioned along the length of the catheter body. One or more of the sleeve members can span the length of the balloon. Each sleeve member has a passageway and both an exit and entry port so that the guidewire can pass therethrough. Instead of a balloon, the catheter can include a device member that forms a chamber which can store medicine until discharged at the desired site within the blood vessel. Apertures or pores on the catheter body allow for the perfusion of blood or the delivery of medicine to the site of the blood vessel. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for use with a guidewire is disclosed. The catheter has a body with a balloon located thereon, preferably at the distal end. A lumen within the catheter body communicates with the interior of the balloon which can be inflated by known methods with saline solution. A series of sleeve members of predetermined lengths and sizes are coupled to and positioned along the length of the catheter body. One or more of the sleeve members can span the length of the balloon. Each sleeve member has a passageway and both an exit and entry port so that the guidewire can pass therethrough. Instead of a balloon, the catheter can include a device member that forms a chamber which can store medicine until discharged at the desired site within the blood vessel. Apertures or pores on the catheter body allow for the perfusion of blood or the delivery of medicine to the site of the blood vessel. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a coiled wire formed of a shape memory material for implantation into an anatomical defect. After implantation of one or more of the coiled wires according to the present invention, the defect is occluded and thereby corrected or treated. Prior to implantation, the coiled wire is generally elongated and thereafter it reverts to a predetermined shape that is suitable for occluding the defect. At least one clip having at least two prongs may be provided on the wire for attachment to body tissue. Preferably the wire is made of nickel-titanium. In an alternative embodiment, the coil includes a plurality of layers. At least one of these layers is formed of a shape memory material.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed in several embodiments including the use of a material known as NITINOL forming the ends of the stent as well as support structure connecting the ends. A fabric is interconnected with the NITINOL structure to form the stent. The NITINOL material ends have slits parallel with the direction of elongation of the stent allowing radial expansion of the ends. The pieces interconnecting the ends have a serpentine shape allowing longitudinal expansion of the stent. The NITINOL material structure may be located within the fabric portion or outside the fabric portion. The connecting pieces may be separate structures attached to the fabric. Alternatively, the end pieces may be separate structures attached to the fabric without the connecting pieces.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for use with a guidewire is disclosed. The catheter has a body with a balloon located thereon, preferably at the distal end. A lumen within the catheter body communicates with the interior of the balloon which can be inflated by known methods with saline solution. A series of sleeve members of predetermined lengths and sizes are coupled to and positioned along the length of the catheter body. One or more of the sleeve members can span the length of the balloon. Each sleeve member has a passageway and both an exit and entry port so that the guidewire can pass therethrough. Instead of a balloon, the catheter can include a device member that forms a chamber which can store medicine until discharged at the desired site within the blood vessel. Apertures or pores on the catheter body allow for the perfusion of blood or the delivery of medicine to the site of the blood vessel. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A star-shaped stent and replacement valve or replacement graft for use in repairing damaged vascular organs: Two to eight star-shaped members are interconnected into a “chain”. Once this “chain” has been created through interconnection of the star-shaped members, a central opening through all of the interconnected star-shaped members receives a graft made of any suitable flexible and bio-compatible material. A catheter delivery system is used to deliver the stent with the graft to the desired site. The star-shaped stents are made by using a laser to cut out a plurality of flat star-shaped members with a plurality of outwardly and inwardly directed points. The outwardly directed points are bent so that they face away from a plane defined by the inwardly directed points and then a series of such stents are fastened together in a chain.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed in several embodiments including the use of a material known as NITINOL forming the ends of the stent as well as support structure connecting the ends. A fabric is interconnected with the NITINOL structure to form the stent. The NITINOL material ends have slits parallel with the direction of elongation of the stent allowing radial expansion of the ends. The pieces interconnecting the ends have a serpentine shape allowing longitudinal expansion of the stent. The NITINOL material structure may be located within the fabric portion or outside the fabric portion. The connecting pieces may be separate structures attached to the fabric. Alternatively, the end pieces may be separate structures attached to the fabric without the connecting pieces.

Abstract: A stent is made generally tubular and is initially formed in a collapsed configuration. A fabric cover is provided for the inner stent and is attached outside the stent at one or more desired locations. The fabric cover is larger in diameter than the diameter of the collapsed stent, however, when the stent is expanded through activation of the balloon catheter therewithin, the stent expands to closely conform to the interior walls of the fabric cover. The securement of the fabric cover or intermediate stent layer about the inner stent is accomplished through the use of a wire spiraling externally about the outer surface of the fabric cover to secure the fabric cover or intermediate stent layer about the inner stent. When the stent sandwich is expanded, the configuration of this spiraling wire permits it to expand as well and lie against the inner walls of the blood vessel at the desired location. The stent has spaced ends, each of which may be coated or otherwise provided with a radio-opaque material.

Abstract: A stent is made of a fabric interlaced in a knitting machine. The knitting machine receives a plurality of fabric strands and at least one wire strand from spools and knits them into a tubular fabric stent having at least one reinforcing wire interwoven in the fabric. If desired, the spool carrying the wire may rotate more slowly than the yarn spools so that the wire is braided about the yarn locking the yarn together. The wire may be made of materials such as Stainless Steel, Tungsten, Titanium, NITINOL a nickel-titanium alloy, Gold or Silver.

Abstract: A star-shaped stent and replacement valve or replacement graft for use in repairing damaged vascular organs: Two to eight star-shaped members are interconnected into a "chain". Once this "chain" has been created through interconnection of the star-shaped members, a central opening through all of the interconnected star-shaped members receives a graft made of any suitable flexible and bio-compatible material. A catheter delivery system is used to deliver the stent with the graft to the desired site. The star-shaped stents are made by using a laser to cut out a plurality of flat star-shaped members with a plurality of outwardly and inwardly directed points. The outwardly directed points are bent so that they face away from a plane defined by the inwardly directed points and then a series of such stents are fastened together in a chain.