Abstract: A guidewire including a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: A guidewire may include a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: A guidewire having a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: A guidewire comprising a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: A guidewire having a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: A suture-less graft coupling system for anastamosis and bypass procedures comprising a first stent for insertion into a radially transected vessel being treated, a graft member overlapping the stented area of the transected vessel, and a second stent overlapping the graft and vessel in an area of the first stent wherein sealing pressure from the second stent can be applied to seal the vessel and graft in a leak-free arrangement.

Abstract: A guidewire comprising a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: A guidewire comprising a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: An artificial venous valve which incorporates a stent having one or more of the elements comprising its frame deformed inwardly towards its center and a biocompatible fabric attached to the one or more elements is utilized to replace or supplement incompetent or damaged venous valves. The elements are deformed and the fabric attached in such a way as to form valve flaps, which when there is no pressure differential on opposite sides of the flaps, substantially occludes the lumen of the vessel into which the artificial valve has been deployed. When there is a pressure differential, albeit slight, due to the pumping of the heart, the flaps easily open and allow blood to flow therethrough while substantially preventing backflow.

Abstract: An artificial venous valve which incorporates a stent having one or more of the elements comprising its frame deformed inwardly towards its center and a biocompatible fabric attached to the one or more elements is utilized to replace or supplement incompetent or damaged venous valves. The elements are deformed and the fabric attached in such a way as to form valve flaps, which when there is no pressure differential on opposite sides of the flaps, substantially occludes the lumen of the vessel into which the artificial valve has been deployed. When there is a pressure differential, albeit slight, due to the pumping of the heart, the flaps easily open and allow blood to flow therethrough while substantially preventing backflow.

Abstract: A guidewire comprising a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vascular filter (1) which can beplaced in a blood vessel, and which comprises at least one passage with a circumference suitable for the purpose of intercepting thrombus, wherein the filter (1) comprises a longitudinal body member (6) with, in a position of use, a circumference corresponding to the internal diameter of the blood vessel transverse to the longitudinal direction thereof. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing vascular filter (1).

Abstract: A hinge connection for a temple piece of an eyeglass frame having a hinge pin extending from a portion thereof. The temple piece includes a resilient portion biased against the hinge pin so as to attach the temple piece to the eyeglass frame. The temple piece is rotatable about the hinge pin and the resilient portion provides a tight hinge connection with the hinge pin and compensates for wear between the hinge pin and temple piece over extended use of the eyeglass frame.

Abstract: A fastener useful for attaching components of an eyeglass frame together. The fastener includes a pin having a smooth or fluted shank and a retainer having a hole for receiving the shank, the hole being sized to provide an interference fit with the shank. The retainer is made from a titanium nickel shape memory alloy in an optimized elastic condition. The optimized elastic condition is provided by work hardening a tube or wire of Ni--Ti and cutting the retainer out of the tube/wire. The retainer accommodates wear in moving parts held together by the retainer and pin assembly.

Abstract: A fastener useful for attaching components of an eyeglass frame together. The fastener includes a pin having a smooth or fluted shank and a belleville washer having a hole for receiving the shank, the hole being sized to provide an interference fit with the washer. The washer is made from a titanium nickel shape memory alloy in an optimized elastic condition. The optimized elastic condition is provided by work hardening a sheet of Ni-Ti and cutting or stamping the washer out of the sheet. The washer is also plastically deformed into a conical shape.

Abstract: A method of treating a sample of an alloy which is capable of transforming between martensitic and austenitic phases, to render the alloy pseudoelastic, the method comprising:(a) annealing the alloy at a temperature which is greater than the stress relaxation temperature (T.sub.SR) of the alloy and less than the temperature at which the alloy is fully recrystallized (T.sub.x); and(b) deforming the sample at a temperature which is greater than about the maximum temperature at which the alloy can be made to transform from its austenitic phase to its martensitic phase by the application of stress (M.sub.d), and less than the stress relaxation temperature.