Abstract: Drug eluting stents, methods of making, using, and verifying long-term stability of the drug eluting stents, and methods for predicting long term stent efficacy and patient safety after implantation of a drug eluting stent are disclosured. In one embodiment, a drug eluting stent may include a stent framework; a drug-containing layer; a drug embedded in the drug-containing layer; and a biocompatible base layer disposed over the stent framework and supporting the drug-containing layer. The drug-containing layer may have an uneven coating thickness. In addition or in alternative, the drug-containing layer may be configured to significantly dissolve/dissipate/disappear between 45 days and 60 days after stent implantation. Stents may reduce, minimize, or eliminate patient risks associated with the implantation of a stent, including, for example, restenosis, thrombosis, and/or MACE.

Abstract: An implantable graft may include a main section having walls formed with a woven fabric, the main section having a main lumen extending therethrough. The implantable graft may also include a bifurcated section having walls formed with the woven fabric, where the bifurcated section extends from main section, where the bifurcated section includes a first branch and a second branch, and where the first branch and the second branch each include a branch lumen in fluid communication with the main lumen. At least one branch of the bifurcated section may include a branch taper formed by a seam connecting a first woven layer and a second woven layer. A seam extension may extend outwardly along the seam of the branch taper, the seam extension being a single-layer woven structure.

Abstract: A sheath for loading and retrieving a prosthetic implant is disclosed, which includes a tube. The tube has opposing distal and proximal ends in its axial direction, and the distal end has a plurality of support rods arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the tube and having relative converged and flared configurations. A plurality of connecting strips are provided in the axial direction between two adjacent support rods, and each connecting strip is folded back and forth in the converged configuration and tends to be straightened in the flared configuration relative to the converged configuration. The straightened lengths of the connecting strips increase sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end, and two ends of each connecting strip are connected to the support rods on the corresponding sides and the connecting portions have the same axial level.

Abstract: Computerized system and method of manufacturing an articulated surgical device. Surgical device pathway data (often from medical scans), target and entry point location data, and design parameters in computer memory are used to automatically design, and subsequently manufacture the customized device. The device typically comprises a plurality of units, which may have varying lengths and widths, connected to other units by at least one moveable joint. The device is configured to accommodate multiple pull cables, often running from the distal to the proximal end. These cables enable an operator, often using a proximal control device, to precisely control the orientation of the distal end as the device traverses a patient's body pathways. The distal end of the device may have an effector unit configured to perform a medical task. Design and manufacture are facilitated by use of AI computerized design methods and computer controlled (CNC, laser cutting, 3D printing) methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a degradable vascular stent capable of avoiding late restenosis, comprising a base region formed by a polylactic acid based polymer; at least one storage region in which an active agent is stored; and an outer layer of a drug sustained release coating covered on the base region and/or the storage region. Before the mass of the polylactic acid based polymer is decreased by 10-20%, the active agent is retained in structural units of the polylactic acid based polymer. After the mass of the polylactic acid based polymer is decreased by 10-20%, the active agent is released from the storage region. The base region provides a supporting capacity for ensuring patency of blood vessels; the drug sustained release coating is used for drug release in an early stage; and the active agent only works in late degradation of the stent to avoid late restenosis.

Abstract: A stent apparatus, system, and method that senses wall shear stress by measuring fluid flow at localized areas within the stent, that processes measured information through an integrated circuit, and selectively sends power to mechanically controllable stent surfaces which results in localized geometric changes. In various embodiments the stent apparatus, system, and method sends data to outside the body in real time.

Abstract: A prosthetic insertion apparatus and related methods of use in delivering filled prosthetic bladders through a skin incision and into a surgical cavity or pocket. The prosthetic insertion apparatus imparts control and retention properties to a surgical professional such the prosthetic bladder can be oriented and manipulated into the surgical cavity without risk of inadvertent dropping of the prosthetic bladder and without imparting damaging stress or torque to the bladder. Suitable materials can be utilized that are selected as having advantageous properties including lubricity, rigidity, easily sterilizable, and high strength.

Abstract: A covered stent (100) includes a first wave ring (20) provided on at least one end of the covered stent (100), wherein the first wave ring (20) is formed of braided wires by means of braiding; each of the braided wires has wire heads (21) and a wire rod (22), with the wire heads (21) being located at two ends of the wire rod (22); and the wire heads (21) of the braided wire are wound around the adjacent wire rod (22); and the covered stent (100) further includes a limiting unit (40), with the limiting unit (40) being arranged on the wire head (21) and the wire rod (22) adjacent to the wire head (21), and the limiting unit (40) limiting the range of axial and/or radial movement of the wire head (21) relative to the wire rod (22).

Abstract: A device for protecting neurons and reducing inflammation and adhesion formation following surgery is provided. Also provided is a method for protecting neurons and reducing inflammation and adhesion formation following surgery. The device includes a bioabsorbable substrate and a layer of an oxidation inhibitor mimicking the effects of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes located on a surface of the substrate. Oxidation inhibitors that may be used include EUK-8, EUK-134, EUK-189, and EUK-207 (a mimetic of superoxide dismutase/catalase), monosodium luminol or phenyl N-t-butylnitrone or an analog with similar anti-oxidant properties. The oxidation inhibitors reduce oxidative stress and trigger the subject's natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses, thereby reducing neuron death, loss of neuron connectivity, inflammation and scarring and restoring excitatory function of neurons.

Abstract: An embolic device for treating aneurysms or other vascular disorders may be more compliant than conventional devices, while still achieving desired porosity. In particular, the device may achieve the desired porosity only at discrete sections along the length of the device where such a porosity is required (e.g., sections that will block the neck of the aneurysm upon deployment). The remaining sections of the device can be configured to increase the device's compliance. For example, the remaining sections can be formed from less material than the sections with the desired porosity. In some instances, the sections with the desired porosity are formed from mesh-screen segments and the remaining sections are formed from coil segments. In some instances, the mesh-screen segments are configured to further enhance the device's compliance. For example, the mesh-screen segment can be formed from a layered structure that achieves greater compliance than conventional braided structures.

Abstract: A flexible, passive pressure sensor includes three LC tank circuits. The first LC tank circuit is a pressure sensing LC tank circuit, having a capacitance that varies in response to changes in environmental pressure. The second and third LC tank circuits are reference LC tank circuits, having capacitances that are relatively constant over changes in environmental pressure. A measurement tool measures the resonant frequencies of the three LC tank circuits and then computes a pressure measurement that accounts for changes in resonant frequencies in the LC tank circuits due to environmental effects and deforming.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double stent comprising two coaxially arranged stents (2, 3), wherein a first membrane (4) being arranged between a first inner stent (2) and the second outer stents (3), and a second membrane (5) being arranged on the second stent (3), with the membrane ends of the first and second membrane (4, 5) being brought together at the ends of the stents (2, 3) and folded over onto the inside of the first stent (2) and secured/fixed there.

Abstract: 2D and 3D cell culture containers formed from blends of poly-L-lactide and poly-D-lactide provide growth surfaces for adherent cells and do not require surface treatment or coating to support mammalian cell growth. The cell culture containers are transparent, heat tolerant, and are environmentally degradable and suitable for composting in landfills.

Abstract: A stent spring for repairing a pipe includes a substantially tubular mesh structure comprising one or more strands, the one or more strands comprising a spring material, wherein the stent spring is expandable and compressible between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration; and an elastic wire connected to the one or more strands, the elastic wire configured to increase a flexibility of the stent spring.

Abstract: A medical device for sealing a defect in a body includes a wire frame that includes a plurality of wires that form a first occluding member and a second occluding member, the wire frame including a defect-occupying portion disposed between the first occluding member and the second occluding member. The defect-occupying portion is adapted to fill a wide range of potential defect sizes, such that no more than five devices of a range of sizes are required to effectively seal a range of nominal defect sizes of approximately 8 to 35 mm.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusion system for occluding an aneurysm includes a delivery catheter having a delivery lumen extending therethrough, a pusher member at least partially extending through the delivery lumen, and a vaso-occlusive device loaded within the delivery lumen, the vaso-occlusive device comprising an expandable braid formed out of a plurality of elongate braid filaments, the elongate braid elements having respective proximal end portions that are formed into a flexible transition section having a proximal end portion attached to a distal end of the pusher member and/or to an elongate central member coupled to, and extending distally of, the pusher member.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis has an expanded state and an unexpanded state, the endoprosthesis includes a stent, wherein the stent has a first end, a second end, an inner surface defining a lumen, an outer surface, and a thickness defined between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a stent end covering disposed at one of the first and second ends, the stent end covering including a polymeric coating that includes a base and a plurality of protrusions, the base including a first major surface facing the outer surface of the stent, the base further including a second major surface from which each of the plurality of protrusions extends outwardly, the first major surface opposing the second major surface, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a micropattern. Methods of making and using an endoprosthesis are provided.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system includes a handle, a guidewire catheter extending distally from the handle, at least one tube, and at least one wire extending through the at least one tube, wherein each wire of the stent graft delivery system is configured as a loop at the distal end of the tube. The stent graft delivery system can be employed to implant stent grafts in a patient to thereby treat, for example, an aortic aneurysm spanning a region of an aorta that includes at least one arterial branch.

Abstract: An integrated valve prosthesis includes an anchor stent, a tether component, and a valve component. The anchor stent includes a self-expanding tubular frame member configured to be deployed in the annulus of an aortic valve or the aorta. The valve component includes a valve frame and a prosthetic valve coupled to the valve frame, and is configured to be deployed within the anchor stent. The tether component includes a first end coupled to the anchor stent and a second end coupled to the valve frame. In the delivery configuration, the tether component extends in a first direction from the anchor stent to the valve component, and in the deployed configuration, the tether component extends in a second direction from the anchor stent to the valve component. The second direction is generally opposite the first direction. The tether component may set the location of the valve component relative to the anchor stent.

Abstract: Devices that can be delivered into a vascular system to divert flow are disclose herein. According to some embodiments, devices are provided for treating aneurysms by diverting flow. An expandable device can comprise, for example, first a plurality of strut regions and a plurality of bridge regions. Each of the bridge regions may connect a first strut of a first strut region to a second strut of a second strut region. The first strut region may comprise a first plurality of apices defining a first circumferential plane, and the second strut region may comprise a second plurality of apices defining a second circumferential plane. A first curved segment of the bridge may extend across the first circumferential plane towards the first strut region, and a second curved segment of the bridge may extend across the second circumferential plane towards the second strut region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an injection molding method for a degradable intravascular stent with a flexible mold core structure. The injection molding method includes the following steps: Step 1, winding a metal rod with a flexible metal film, and applying an inward bending stress to the flexible metal film; Step 2, fixing the flexible metal film to the metal rod, and processing a complementary structure of the degradable intravascular stent on the surface of the flexible metal film; Step 3, performing injection molding processing; Step 4, ending the injection molding, removing the mating body of the flexible metal film and the metal rod and the degradable intravascular stent formed on the surface of the flexible metal film by injection molding, performing cooling, separating the metal rod from the flexible metal film, withdrawing the metal rod, and then removing the flexible metal film to obtain a formed degradable intravascular stent.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame, a valve, and an expansion element. The frame is movable between contracted and expanded configurations and includes first struts and second struts non-hingedly coupled together. The second struts are configured to pivot relative to the first struts as the frame moves between the contracted and expanded configurations. The valve is coupled to the frame and includes leaflets. The expansion element extends through a lumen of the first struts. The expansion element is slidable relative to the lumen of the first struts and is configured to move the frame incrementally from the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration and from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.

Abstract: A method of treating an eye of a patient may include positioning an expandable strut structure within at least one of an internal carotid artery, an ophthalmic artery, or an ostium at a junction between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery. Additionally, the method may include directing blood flow towards the ophthalmic artery via a diverter element associated with the expandable strut structure.

Abstract: A bifunctional expandable stent delivery assembly having a bifunctional expandable stent, a breakable cover, and a balloon. The bifunctional expandable stent has a balloon-expandable body portion and a self-expandable trumpet portion. The breakable cover fits over only the self-expandable trumpet portion and prevents self-expansion. The balloon is used to expand the balloon-expandable portion, which breaks the breakable cover and allows the self-expandable trumpet portion to self-expand. A method of stenting a patient using the bifunctional expandable stent delivery assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A blood flow control device having a catheter adapted to be advanced into a blood vessel to a blood flow control site within the blood vessel; an expandable anchor supported by the catheter, the expandable anchor being adapted to expand to engage a wall of the blood vessel, the expandable anchor having a blood impermeable wall defining an adjustable blood flow path extending through the expandable anchor from a proximal opening to a distal opening, the catheter being disposed outside of the adjustable blood flow path; a flow control element supported by the catheter, the flow control element being adapted to change a dimension of the adjustable blood flow path to change a rate of blood flow through the blood flow path; and a blood flow control actuator disposed at a proximal section of the catheter and adapted to actuate the flow control element.

Abstract: Implantable therapeutic devices and methods for endovascular placement of devices at a target site, such an opening at a neck of an aneurysm, are disclosed. Selected embodiments of the present technology have closures that at least partially occlude the neck of an aneurysm to stabilize embolic or coagulative treatment of the aneurysm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-cross-linkable shape-memory polymer and a preparation method therefor. The shape-memory polymer according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a photo-cross-linkable functional group, and thus a shape-memory polymer having a melting point suitable for a physiological or medical application device can be provided. Particularly, a method for preparing the shape-memory polymer, according to one embodiment of the present invention, uses a catalyst for inducing the simultaneous ring-opening polymerization of two monomers (CL, GMA) during synthesis of the shape-memory polymer, thereby enabling the synthesis time of the shape-memory polymer to be reduced, and shape-memory polymers having various melting points can be readily prepared by controlling the introduction amounts of CL and GMA.

Abstract: Post deployment radial force recovery of biodegradable scaffolds are described where a high molecular weight polymer may be formed into a high molecular weight scaffold by solution casting into a tubular substrate such that the scaffold retains its mechanical properties through processing. The tubular substrate is laser cut and subsequently crimped onto a catheter for deployment into a body lumen. The polymeric scaffold may retain its mechanical properties and result in increased radial strength post-deployment in a saline environment, e.g., within a body lumen. This scaffold enhancement may be attributable at least in part to entanglement of high molecular weight polymer chains as one factor that effects radial force recovery and also to the design or geometry of the scaffold as another factor that effects radial force recovery after deployment.

Abstract: An occlusive device for occluding a target area can include an elongate member having opposing first and second side edges extending longitudinally along the member and a member width. The member can have a collapsed configuration in which the first and second side edges are curled toward each other about a longitudinal axis of the member. Further the member can have an expanded configuration in which the member form a series of loops and the first and second side edges uncurl to be spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A prosthesis retaining assembly for securing an implantable prosthesis to a catheter assembly can include a first member including a prosthesis retaining slot configured to retain a portion of the prosthesis. The retaining slot can have a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width. The first portion can be distal to the second portion. The second width can be larger than the first width, and the retaining slot can have an opening at a first surface of the first member. The prosthesis retaining assembly can also include a second member configured to be move relative to the first member. The second member can be configured to move to a position that obstructs a portion of the opening of the retaining slot.

Abstract: A lubricated tubular graft is implanted in the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava in order to control the inflow of blood to the right atrium. A bifurcated leg with a non-collapsing stent extends across the tricuspid valve. A bioprosthetic valve is positioned proximal of the stent in the bifurcated leg in order to regulate flow through the tricuspid valve and to eliminate tricuspid regurgitation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thrombectomy stent system, comprising a thrombectomy stent, wherein the thrombectomy stent is roll-shaped, and the cross section of the thrombectomy stent is of an open-ring structure. Disclosed is a thrombectomy device, comprising the thrombectomy stent, wherein the thrombectomy stent is provided with a developing element that can accurately display the expansion state of the thrombectomy stent during thrombectomy and the specific position of the thrombectomy stent so as to determine the situation of the thrombectomy stent being fused with a blood vessel. Disclosed is a thrombectomy device system, comprising the thrombectomy stent and a push rod, wherein a proximal end of the thrombectomy stent is connected to the push rod, and the proximal end of the thrombectomy stent or the push rod is connected to a catching member; and the catching member is configured to receive the thrombectomy stent. The catching member can effectively catch a thrombus that is detached during the thrombectomy.

Abstract: A transcatheter prosthesis includes a stent, a prosthetic valve component, and an anti-paravalvular leakage component. The anti-paravalvular leakage component is coupled to the stent and includes an inner skirt, an outer wrap, a cavity, an opening, and a one-way valve. The inner skirt is disposed on an inner surface of the stent and has an inflow end and a downstream end. The outer wrap is disposed around an outer surface of the stent and has an inflow end coupled to the inflow end of the inner skirt and a downstream end. The cavity is formed between an outer surface of the inner skirt and an inner surface of the outer wrap. An opening is disposed between the inner skirt and the outer wrap. The one-way valve includes a flap at the opening configured to open to allow blood flow into the cavity but prevent blood flow out of the cavity.

Abstract: A stent graft, including multiple wavy rings. The stent graft includes, in a circumferential direction, a region A and a region B connected to the region A. Each wavy ring includes a first wavy section located in the region A, and a second wavy section located in the region B. The wave included angle of the first wavy section is about 70°-120°; the ratio of the wave height of the first wavy section to the spacing between adjacent first wavy sections is 1/4-3; the wave included angle of the second wavy section is 30°-60°, the ratio of the wave height of the second wavy section to the spacing between adjacent second wavy sections is 1/4-3/2, and the ratio of the wave height of the first wavy section to the wave height of the second wavy section is greater than or equal to 1/3 and less than 1.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. Embodiments may include a permeable implant having a radially constrained state configured for delivery within a catheter lumen, an expanded state, and a plurality of elongate filaments that are woven together. The permeable implant may include a stiffer proximal portion that is configured to sit at the neck of an aneurysm. The stiffer proximal portion may include coils, stiffening elements, or reinforcement elements disposed about or associated with the filaments or woven together with the filaments.

Abstract: A growth stent and valve and methods for making and using the same. The growth stent and valve may be delivered to treat early stage congenital lesions, while expanding to adult vessel diameters. In selected embodiments, the growth stent and valve can comprise a frame and may have a covering on some portion to prevent blood flow through a wall of the frame. The growth stent and valve advantageously can maintain radial strength across an entire range of diameters necessary to treat a narrowed lesion from birth and childhood through adulthood as the vessels grow over the lifetime of a patient.

Abstract: A coronary stent is disclosed herein as having a lattice configuration on a generally thin-walled cylindrical tube. This particular stent is fabricated using an elongated thin-walled tubular solid that has a diameter equal to that of the final expanded configuration of the stent. In other words, the lattice configuration is cut onto the surface of the tubular solid that has a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the blood vessel for which the stent is intended. The tubular lattice is then shrunk (collapsed) axisymmetrically to a new cylindrical configuration with a diameter substantially less than the blood vessel for which the stent is intended. The stent in its reduced diameter state can then be delivered to a desired site in the body via a catheter with an inflatable balloon at its distal portion. Upon the inflation of the balloon, the stent will assume its expanded, deployed configuration into the original diameter at the desired site in the body.

Abstract: A stent graft includes a main body extending along a longitudinal axis when in a preinstalled configuration prior to insertion into a body of a patient. The stent graft also includes a mobile external coupling extending away from the main body and configured to align with a secondary blood vessel within the body to provide access thereto. The main body includes a plurality of stents extending thereabout. The stents include a first bracketing stent extending about a proximal side of the mobile external coupling, and a second bracketing stent located adjacent the first bracketing stent and extending about a distal side of the mobile external coupling. The first bracketing stent includes peaks that are aligned along a first axis, and the second bracketing stent includes peaks that are aligned along a second axis that diverges from the first axis relative to a circumferential direction toward the mobile external coupling.

Abstract: A cardiac valve prosthesis including an armature for anchorage of the valve prosthesis at an implantation site. The armature defining a lumen for the passage of the blood flow and having a longitudinal axis, and a set of prosthetic valve leaflets supported by said armature and configured to move, under the action of blood flow, in a radially divaricated condition to enable the flow of blood through said lumen in a first direction, and in a radially contracted condition, in which said valve leaflets co-operate with one another and block the flow of blood through the prosthesis in the direction opposite said first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anchor for use with a medical device. The anchor includes a coil, a barb, and a turn connecting the coil to the barb. The anchor may be made of a shape memory material. The coil may have a first handedness, and the turn may have a second handedness opposite the first handedness. The anchor may be attached to the medical device by a friction fit, in some cases without being attached by welding, soldering, adhesive, or crimping.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent graft for implantation in vessels of a patient, wherein the stent graft has a hollow cylindrical main body made of a first prosthesis material, with a proximal end and a distal end, with a longitudinal axis c and a circumference u, at least one pocket element which is made of a second prosthesis material and which is mounted circumferentially on the outer face and/or inner face of the main body in order to form a circumferential closed pocket on a longitudinal portion of the main body, and at least one stent element which extends in a meandering formation around the main body and is received inside the pocket element.

Abstract: Pure compressed diamond (PCD), grown in a laboratory, is laser-shaped into dental implants with high tensile strength, high compressive strength, high thermal conductivity, and which are harder than any other substance on earth. PCD is harder than ceramic zirconia and harder than titanium. Because PCD is pure carbon, it is also 100% compatible with carbon-based living tissue. Unlike titanium, it does not provoke an immune response. PCD implants readily integrate into human jawbone. This drastically reduces post-surgery bone loss.

Abstract: Medical implants that include a containment layer surrounding, or surrounded by, a biodegradable medical device provide the benefit that pieces formed during degradation of the medical device are held within a constrained place and thus do not causes injury to a hosts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an intravascular stent, preparation method and use thereof, and the intravascular stent comprises a positioning segment and a supporting segment, the positioning segment comprising a plurality of first repeating elements, the supporting segment comprising at least two supporting units and at least one connecting unit, the supporting unit comprising a plurality of second repeating elements, the number of the first repeating elements differing from the number of the second repeating elements, a plane formed by front ends of the plurality of first repeating elements being vertical to or intersecting with the axis of the intravascular stent. The intravascular stent of the present disclosure is particularly suitable for iliac vein, with good supporting effect for iliac vein and less damage to venous wall, and can effectively avoid forming in-stent secondary thrombosis after intravascular stent implantation.

Abstract: A stent graft comprises a plurality of wavy rings sequentially arranged in a spaced manner, and membranes fixed to the plurality of wavy rings, wherein the stent graft comprises, in a circumferential direction, at least one keel region and a non-keel region connected to the keel region, the keel region having an axial shortening rate that is less than that of the non-keel region, and the axial shortening rate of the keel region is 10-40%. The stent graft can be bent in all directions, and the keel region on the stent graft can provide a sufficient amount of an axial support force for the stent.

Abstract: A dual opposing helical stent having a furled, small-diameter state and an expanded, large-diameter state. In the furled, small-diameter state, the stent includes a plurality of central lobes arranged at spaced-apart intervals and extending longitudinally defining a stent axis. The stent also includes peripheral lobes formed on the plurality of central lobes. The terminal ends of the stent are welded in a middle section of the stent. A method and technique for manufacturing the stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are implants (e.g., medical textiles/biotextiles) that include stitched gripping filaments to increase gripping, and methods of forming and using them. In some configurations these apparatuses may be configured as surgical grafts that may be used for soft tissue reconstruction, regeneration, or repair.

Abstract: An entirely or partially implantable medical product with a negatively charged surface for repulsing bacteria has a superficially bonded substance with a permanently negative excess charge, which substance is inert against cells of the human body and the bacteria contained therein.

Abstract: A stent having an improved anti-sliding function is proposed. The stent includes an inner stent and a pair of outer stents that have undergone heat treatment and have several spaces formed by weaving or crossing wires made of a superelastic shape memory alloy in a hollow cylindrical net shape, in which each of the outer stents is shorter than the inner stent and has an enlarged section having a diameter larger than the inner stent and a bending section formed by bending inward a side of the enlarged section; and the pair of outer stents are fitted on both ends of the inner stent such that the enlarged sections of the outer stents face each other, and spaces of the inner stent and spaces of the bending sections of the outer stents are connected by a connection thread, whereby a space section is defined between the inner stent and the outer stents.

Abstract: A prosthesis retaining assembly for securing an implantable prosthesis to a catheter assembly can include a first member including a prosthesis retaining slot configured to retain a portion of the prosthesis. The retaining slot can have a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width. The first portion can be distal to the second portion. The second width can be larger than the first width, and the retaining slot can have an opening at a first surface of the first member. The prosthesis retaining assembly can also include a second member configured to be move relative to the first member. The second member can be configured to move to a position that obstructs a portion of the opening of the retaining slot.