Abstract: Retrieval of material from vessel lumens can be improved by electrically enhancing attachment of the material to the removal device. The removal device can have a core assembly that includes a hypotube coupled to a first electrical terminal and a pushwire coupled to a second electrical terminal, the pushwire extending through the hypotube lumen. An insulating layer separates the hypotube and the pushwire, and an interventional element is coupled to a distal end of the pushwire. The interventional element can be disposed adjacent to a thrombus. An electrical signal is delivered to the interventional element to promote adhesion of the thrombus to the interventional element. The electrical signal can optionally be a periodic waveform, and the total energy delivered can be between 0.75-24,000 mJ and the peak current delivered via the electrical signal can be between 0.5-5 mA.

Abstract: A stent comprises a framework that includes a sequence of cells that each occupy a discrete segment of the stent length, and each of the cells includes a plurality of struts with ends connected at respective vertices. An adjacent pair of the cells are attached to one another by a plurality of T-bars that each include a column defining a long axis that extends parallel to the stent axis, and a top bar attached to one end of the column. An opposite end of the column is attached to a first cell, and the top bar is attached at opposite ends to a second cell of the adjacent pair of cells. The column has a minimum width perpendicular to the long axis that is wider than a maximum width of each of the struts, and the column defines at least one slot. The top bar includes a curved edge on an opposite side from the column, and the curved edge straddles the long axis.

Abstract: A biocompatible medical device is provided having at least one surface, wherein at least a part of this surface is coated with a biocompatible layer configured to provide visibility of the device in X-rays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve assembly. In embodiments, a prosthetic heart valve assembly, including a self-expandable support structure and a self-expanding heart valve, are advanced through the aortic arch of a patient using a delivery system. The support structure, which includes a plurality leaflet retaining arms, is at least partially expanded and positioned on or adjacent to the outflow side of the aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is positioned in the aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is expanded while it is within an interior of the support structure and while the support structure is positioned on or adjacent to the outflow side of the aortic valve, thereby causing one or more native leaflets of the aortic valve to be frictionally secured between the arms of the support structure and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: An expandable tube for deployment within a blood vessel is disclosed. In one arrangement, the tube comprises an elongate frame that is reversibly switchable from a radially expanded and longitudinally contracted state to a radially contracted and longitudinally expanded state. The frame comprises a plurality of longitudinally deformable elements for providing longitudinal expansion and contraction of the frame and a plurality of circumferentially deformable elements for providing radial expansion and contraction of the frame. The longitudinally deformable elements can be expanded or contracted longitudinally substantially without any change in the shape of the circumferentially deformable elements. The plurality of circumferentially deformable elements comprises a plurality of sets of circumferentially deformable elements. Each set of circumferentially deformable elements forms a closed ring around an axis of elongation of the frame.

Abstract: A system and method for treating critical limb ischemia (CLI) including a radiopaque micro stent disposed for cross ankle stenting as well as retrograde pedal/tibial artery access, in conjunction with antegrade access for the recanalization of impaired tibial vessels. A radiopaque medical device is constructed from a tubular-shaped body having a thin wall defining a specific strut pattern. In an additional aspect, the present apparatus introduces a new radiopaque medical device, such as a stent, wherein the tubular body includes a super elastic, nickel-titanium (nitinol) alloy.

Abstract: An expandable mechanical device for use during a thrombectomy medical procedure having enhanced visibility during imaging. Furthermore, the configuration of the eyelet and/or strut optimizes retention of the marker in the eyelet during the medical procedure without increasing overall profile of strut.

Abstract: A medical implant may include a structural member and a radiopaque marker. The structural member may include a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface and defining a central axis, and a plurality of barbs extending into the opening toward the central axis. The barbs may be spaced apart from one another and spaced apart from each of the first surface and the second surface. The radiopaque marker may be disposed within the opening.

Abstract: Asymmetric external support for stabilizing vein grafts used in coronary arterial bypass graft (CABG) procedures, and applications thereof. Includes: tubular wire braided mesh longitudinally extending proximally and distally, configured with non-paired elastic wires and paired plastically deformable wires. Elastic wires extend along support full length. Paired plastically deformable wires proximal ends are non-connected and open. Plastically deformable wires extend less than support full length, and are configured with inter-looped distal end portions (loops) proximally longitudinally offset from support distal end, and outwardly radially extending beyond support outer radius. Loops may be individually secured, via loop closure securing procedures. In CABG procedures, support externally covers vein grafts, whereby support distal portion (with longitudinally offset loops) is positionable at coronary artery anastomosis sites, and support proximal end is positionable at other anastomosis sites.

Abstract: A medical implant may include a structural member and a radiopaque marker. The structural member may include a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface, an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface and defining a central axis, and a plurality of barbs extending into the opening toward the central axis. The barbs may be spaced apart from one another and spaced apart from each of the first surface and the second surface. The radiopaque marker may be disposed within the opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and methods for medical devices to be placed within a lumen of a patient, wherein the devices comprise one or more radiopaque filaments arranged with the devices and viewable to assist in placement and orientation of the devices with respect to the lumen.

Abstract: An adjustable vascular graft with a user-customizable reduced inner diameter is provided. The graft includes a flexible tubular body having open ends and a plurality of receivers in a sidewall thereof, which may be arranged in two circumferentially spaced rows of receivers. The receivers may take the form of ringlets, eyelets, loops, or holes, which may be provided in a reinforced region of the graft sidewall, and which may be radiopaque. A suture passes through the plurality of receivers, the suture having first and second free ends capable of being pulled, and which suture may also be radiopaque. Tensioning or tightening the first and second ends of the suture reduces an inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the tubular body of the graft, thereby allowing for the custom reduced inner diameter and a resulting flow restriction to be provided. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods to position a prosthetic heart valve such that the prosthetic valve does not compress conduction tissue and thereby produce heart block. Guide devices promote positioning the prosthetic valve within a native aortic valve to avoid the conduction tissue and, optionally, to center the prosthetic valve within the native heart valve. Prosthetic valves include one or more cut-outs, openings or recesses configured to align with the conduction tissue so that the conduction tissue is not contacted in a way that would lead to higher incidents of complete heart block.

Abstract: A stent covering includes a polymeric tube having a first end, a second end and a length extending therebetween, the polymeric tube including an inner surface defining a lumen and an outer surface. A plurality of tissue ingrowth features are formed on the outer surface of the polymeric tube, at least some of the plurality of tissue ingrowth features including polymeric loops that extend above the outer surface such that, once implanted, tissue can grow between the outer surface and the polymeric loops. A stent may include such a stent covering.

Abstract: A valve replacement implant may include an expandable anchor member having a proximal end and a distal end, the anchor member being actuatable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. A plurality of locking mechanisms may be configured to secure the anchor member in the deployed configuration. Each locking mechanism may include an axially movable post including a leg portion extending inwardly therefrom, and a receiving portion fixed to the anchor member, the receiving portion being configured to slidably receive the post. A plurality of valve leaflets may be disposed within a central lumen of the anchor member, the plurality of valve leaflets being secured to the leg portions of the plurality of locking mechanisms. The plurality of locking mechanisms may be releasably attached to a delivery device.

Abstract: A hand-held actuator device for releasing into the body from a delivery system a medical prosthesis, like a stent, comprising a frame that acts as a housing, a reel for receiving a wire, a manually operable slider mounted to the frame and a one-way connection between the slider and the reel. Actuating the slider causes the reel to wind up the wire and release the medical prosthesis.

Abstract: An expandable prosthesis having an imageable structure comprising one or more elements visually distinguishable by an external (e.g., radiographic or ultrasonic) imaging system, the structure being located about a first axis that corresponds to a structural feature of the prosthesis that is configured to perform a specific function particular to that axis. The imageable structure is configured to assist in the rotational orientation of the prosthesis during placement within the implantation site. In one embodiment, the prosthesis comprises a venous valve that includes imageable elements or structure, such as a pair of radiopaque markers, that defines the orifice of the valve structure such that the orifice can be oriented with a particular anatomical feature under imaging, such as to align the orifice with the long axis of the vessel.

Abstract: Processes are described herein for preparing medical devices and other articles having a low-fouling surface on a substrate comprising a polymeric surface. The polymeric surface material may possess a range of polymeric backbones and substituents while providing the articles with a highly efficient, biocompatible, and non-fouling surface. The processes involve coating the substrate to conceal or reduce flaws on or in the surface of the medical device or other article substrate, and thereafter forming a grafted polymer layer on the treated substrate surface.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure can include a frame structure adapted for use with a stent graft. The frame structure can include a scallop region and a Z-form region. The scallop region can have a first end portion, a second end portion, and a perimeter that defines an aperture. The Z-form region can extend from the scallop region and include a plurality of Z-shaped struts, each of which has a first end and a second end that is connected to the scallop region at different points so as to form a central frame structure lumen. The second end portion of the scallop region can include a backstop that is deployable from a first flattened configuration to a second erect configuration. The backstop, in the second erect configuration, is sized and dimensioned to extend into a lumen of an aortic branch vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting features of interest in cardiovascular images by receiving information from a first modality and transforming information from the first modality into a first coordinate space, receiving information from a second modality and transforming information from the second modality into a second coordinate space. The first coordinate space is aligned to the second coordinate space to combine information from the first modality and the second modality into a combined data set. The method can also involve detecting the feature of interest in a vascular image based on the combined data set.

Abstract: A venous access port assembly having a housing base with a discharge stem, a septum, a cap, and an interior reservoir. The port assembly is provided with X-ray discernable indicia to identify an attribute of the assembly after its implantation and clearly appear on an X-ray of the patient in a manner informing the radiologist or technologist and the medical practitioner of that particular attribute. The indicia are cutouts through a reservoir lining of radiopaque material such as metal where the cutouts have narrow slot width are in the form of one or more sets of alphabetical letters such as “CT” in the lining's side wall or bottom wall.

Abstract: A valve stent includes a plurality of crown elements arranged coaxially one behind the other, each formed by several u-shaped bends with at least one base and two ends. The bases of one crown element are connected to the ends of another crown element via connection bars. To produce this valve stent, 3D droplet dosing technology is used to form a thin-walled sandwich structure. A device, suitable for application of a stent is provided with positioning wires having clamps at their ends which can be connected to the fixing hooks at the ends of the crown elements in force-locking manner.

Abstract: A mandrel for supporting a stent and rollers for pressing a radiopaque marker into a stent are disclosed. The mandrel can have a forward portion for carrying the stent and a rear portion for urging the stent forward portion into a gap between the rollers. The mandrel may be pushed or pulled into the gap, which is sized to allow the rollers to press the marker into engagement with the stent. Prior to moving the mandrel into the gap, the marker may be placed on a surface of the stent or partially inside a recess in the stent. Several markers can be efficiently and uniformly pressed onto the stent by moving the mandrel into the gap in one continuous movement in an axial or lateral direction. Markers can also be pressed onto the stent by placing the stent in the gap and rotating the stent about its central axis.

Abstract: A system for mounting a scaffold on a balloon catheter includes two positioning and alignment stations, which are used to prepare a scaffold and catheter for crimping using the same crimping head. The system is configured for automated assembly of the scaffold and catheter prior to crimping and performing post-crimping inspection for the crimped scaffold and prior to placing a restraining sheath over the crimped scaffold.

Abstract: Embodiments of a stent and methods of fabricating the same with a bioabsorbable radiopaque layer are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers disposed within depots in the stent, are described herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns are described herein.

Abstract: An arrangement for temporarily retaining a side arm (36) of a stent graft (30) in a selected position during loading thereof onto a deployment device, the side arm extending from an ostium (38) in the tubular body (32) and substantially helically around and along the tubular body to an open end (40). A first tie down wire (48) is stitched through the tubular body and through the side arm and then through the biocompatible graft material of the tubular body at the open end of the side arm. The stent graft can then be loaded into a sheath of a deployment device for the stent graft. There can be a second tie down wire (50) stitched through the biocompatible graft material of the tubular body and through the side arm and then through the biocompatible graft material of the tubular body at the ostium end of the side arm. The first and/or second tie down wires can be withdrawn after the stent graft is loaded into the sheath or left in place until delivery.

Abstract: A stent system is provided for stenting a bifurcated vessel structure having a parent vessel and a daughter vessel. The stent system has a parent vessel stent and a daughter vessel stent. The parent vessel stent has a substantially tubular body that is configured to be deployed into the parent vessel. This body has an angular flap that is openable to extend into the daughter vessel. The daughter vessel stent has a substantially tubular body that is configured to be deployed through the flap in the parent vessel stent into the daughter vessel. The daughter vessel stent has an angled tail portion that is configured to overlap with the flap of the parent vessel stent when both stents are deployed in the vessel structure. A method of stenting using this system is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for precision cutting using multiple laser beams is described. The system and method includes a combination of optical components that split the output of a single laser into multiple beams, with the power, polarization status and spot size of each split beam being individually controllable, while providing a circularly polarized beam at the surface of a work piece to be cut by the laser beam. A system and method for tracking manufacture of individual stents is also provided.

Abstract: A stent is formed from a wire having an outer member, a radiopaque member lining at least a portion of the outer member inner surface, and a lumen defined by the outer member inner surface or the radiopaque member inner surface. A substance is disposed in the lumen to be eluted through at least one opening disposed through the outer member to the lumen. The radiopaque member may be substantially continuous along the length of the wire or disposed only along portions of the wire such as crowns. In a method for making the stent, a composite wire including an outer member, a radiopaque intermediate member, and a core member is shaped into a stent pattern and processed to remove the core member and optionally portions of the radiopaque intermediate member, without damaging the outer member.

Abstract: A marker composite for medical implants composed of a biocorrodible metallic material and a medical implant comprising an X-ray marker which was made of the marker composite. The marker composite contains a large number of particles composed of a radio-opaque metal, which are embedded in an electrically non-conductive polymer. The particles have an additional electrically non-conductive coating.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a beneficial agent in the form of a viscous liquid or paste allows holes in a medical device to be loaded in a single step process. The loading of a beneficial agent in a paste form also provides the ability to deliver large and potentially sensitive molecules including proteins, enzymes, antibodies, antisense, ribozymes, gene/vector constructs, and cells including endothelial cells.

Abstract: A radiation and radiochemically sterilized, multi-component, fiber-reinforced composite, absorbable/disintegratable urinogenital stent, such as an endoureteral stent, with radiomodulated residence time in the biological site of 1 to 10 weeks depending on the high energy radiation dose used for sterilization.

Abstract: A branched stent graft comprises a main body portion and a branch portion. Each of the main body portion and the branch portion includes a stent and a tubular graft. The stent of the main body portion includes a plurality of stent segments, at least one of which is a varying-height stent segment (102). The stent of the branch portion includes one or more stent segments, at least one of which is a varying-height stent segment (103). The distance between the proximal-most stent segment of the branch portion and the main body portion is in the range of 2-8 mm. A positioning ring (105) may be used at a side opening which connects the branch portion and the main body portion, and the positioning ring (105) can be sutured inside the graft of the main body, between the graft of the main body and the graft of the branch, or outside the graft of the branch.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stent including at least one member having a first portion and a second portion and at least one radiopaque connector joining the first portion to the second portion. In one or more embodiments, at least one radiopaque connector may form a first radiopaque pattern distinguishable from a second radiopaque pattern formed by at least one radiopaque marker. Methods for manufacturing a stent including at least two member portions connected by at least one radiopaque connector are also provided.

Abstract: Novel devices and methods for implanting medical stents are provided. A novel apparatus, which may be in a first compressed position, may be inserted into the artery, such as by being positioned over a catheter. The apparatus may be expanded to a second position. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to expand away in two substantially opposing directions along a second axis away from the longitudinal axis. The second axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may include markers that are detectable to determine the orientation of the catheter or the apparatus and/or assist in the determination of the type or size of stent to utilize.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include first and second longitudinal connecting members joining a first hoop member to a second hoop member such that the first and second longitudinal connecting members extend across an entire space separating the first and second hoop members.

Abstract: A stent and method of exhibiting radiopaque properties in a stent are disclosed, which includes a stent main body that is made of a metal, and a radiopaque marker that is made of a complete solid solution alloy having a corrosion potential of +200 mV of a corrosion potential of the metal of the stent main body.

Abstract: A system and method for precision cutting using multiple laser beams is described, The system and method includes a combination of optical components that split the output of a single laser into multiple beams, with the power, polarization status and spot size of each split beam being individually controllable, while providing a circularly polarized beam at the surface of a work piece to be cut by the laser beam. A system and method for tracking manufacture of individual stents is also provided.

Abstract: A stent for a bifurcated vessel includes a stent body (1) with two open ends (5, 6). The stent body (1) includes multiple sets of annular units (2) having multiple undulating rods (4) and connecting rods (3) positioned between adjacent annular units (2) and used to connect the adjacent annular units (2). At least one open end (6) of the stent body (1) has a slope structure.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable implant including an elongated metallic element including more than 50% a metal substantially free of rare earth metals, with the elongated metallic element defining at least a portion of the bioabsorbable implant.

Abstract: A stent or other intraluminal medical device having markers formed from housings integral with the stent and marker inserts having a higher radiopacity than the stent provides for more precise placement and post-procedural visualization in a vessel, by increasing the radiopacity of the stent under X-ray fluoroscopy. The housings are formed integral to the stent and the marker inserts are made from a material close in the galvanic series to the stent material and sized to substantially minimize the effect of galvanic corrosion. The housings are also shaped to minimize their impact on the overall profile of the stent.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a manifold pad that is, at least in part, radiopaque includes providing a manifold member having a plurality of flow channels; providing a radioopacifier; and heating the manifold member and the radioopacifier in a heating vessel at an elevated temperature to form the manifold pad. The manifold pad may distribute reduced pressure at a tissue site and allow for detection using radiography. Systems, manifold pads, and other methods are also presented.

Abstract: A radio-opaque marker for medical implants comprising between 10 and 90 weight percent of a biodegradable base component, between 10 and 90 weight percent of one or more radio-opaque elements selected from the consisting of I, Au, Ta, Y, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir and Bi as a marker component and 10 weight percent of residual components, the aforementioned components amounting to 100 weight percent.

Abstract: A medical device has a structure made of a first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material and a second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material encapsulating a degradation additive incorporated into the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. The second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material has a degradation rate that is faster than the degradation rate of the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material such that the structure experiences a period of accelerated degradation upon release of the degradation additive following sufficient degradation of the second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a radiolucent member provided with an x-ray mirror that reflects incident x-ray radiation to enable visualization of the device. The x-ray mirror includes a multilayer nanolaminate having alternating layers of a first metal or ceramic layer deposited by atomic layer deposition having a first refractive index, and a second metal or ceramic layer deposited by atomic layer deposition having a second refractive index that is different from the first refractive index. The nanolaminate includes a total of at least four layers.

Abstract: A stent (10) formed by slitting a tube to create a matrix of struts which are separated from each other by no more than the width of the slit and which lie more or less parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the slitted tube being radially expandable to a stenting disposition in which the struts exhibit a zigzag pattern in successive loops around the circumference of the stent, the angle each strut makes with the longitudinal axis increasing as the stent diameter increases the zigzag pattern exhibiting a cusp between any two adjacent struts with selected tied cusps of any one loop being connected by a bridge (12) to a facing cusp of the adjacent loop, the bridge extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube and with intervening free cusps (46, 48), between any two bridge of a loop, not being connected to the adjacent loop the zigzag pattern exhibiting a lengthwise staggering of circumferentially adjacent said slits to the extent that the lengths of two circum

Abstract: A medical device that may be implanted in a patient's body is disclosed. An illustrative medical device has an elongated structure that includes a material loaded with a radiopaque material. The radiopaque material includes radiopaque particles having multiple sets of radiopaque particles. The multiple sets of radiopaque particles may include a first set of radiopaque particles having particles with particle sizes in a first particle size range and a second set of radiopaque particles having particles with particle sizes in a second particle size range. The second set of radiopaque particles may have particles configured to fit within interstitial spaces between particles of the first set of radiopaque particles.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an endoprosthesis comprising a tube or substantially tubular lumen. The tube can comprise a first end and a second end, and a side wall can extend between the first and second ends. The side wall can be fenestrated by a side opening or fenestrated portion. The endoprosthetic device can further comprise a patch or support wall coupled to an inner surface of the side wall. The patch can overlap the fenestration. Further, the patch can have a first open edge and/or a second open edge, both of which can open to receive a branch endoprosthetic device. The patch can be movable between a closed configuration adjacent to the inner surface of the side wall and an open configuration spaced apart from the inner surface of the side wall. The open configuration can define a support channel that receives the branch endoprosthetic device.