Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a marking element into a marker body includes a body portion, an insertion member, and a pushing member. The body portion has a compartment configured to receive a marker body. The insertion member is configured to engage the marker body within the compartment. The pushing member is configured to engage with the insertion member. The pushing member is operable to force a marking element along the insertion member into the marker body. The insertion member may include a hollow needle configured to penetrate the marker body. The pushing member may include a pin configured to fit within the hollow needle. The marker body may include an opening such as a slit, a slot, or a passage that is configured to receive a marking element. The marker body may include a collagen dowel, and the marking element may be formed of titanium.

Abstract: A method includes deploying a bloused stent-graft into a main vessel such that a bloused section of the bloused stent-graft covers a branch vessel emanating from the main vessel. The bloused section includes loose graft cloth. A pressure differential between the main vessel and the branch vessel causes the bloused section to be forced into an ostium of the branch vessel creating a pocket aligned with the branch vessel. A distal tip of a puncture device is located in the pocket and thus aligned with the branch vessel. An outward force is applied to the puncture device to cause the distal tip of the puncture device to fenestrate the bloused section thus creating a collateral opening in the bloused section precisely aligned with the branch vessel.

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthesis in a patient at a treatment site includes the steps of providing a prosthesis delivery sheath with an alignment device, loading a prosthesis into the sheath, advancing the sheath in a patient up to the treatment site, and viewing at least one of a rotational and an axial position of the alignment device at the treatment site and, if the sheath is not in a desired position, moving the sheath to the desired position based upon the position of the alignment device. The alignment device can be a pair of markers on opposing sides of a longitudinal axis of the sheath such that, when viewed from a side of the sheath, the pair forms a given shape that communicates to a user a direction in which the sheath needs to rotate minimally to align the markers and form the given shape.

Abstract: A stent for implantation within a body vessel is provided with a plurality of varying parallelogrammic cells. The stent is radially expandable from a compressed condition, suitable for inserting the device in an introducer, to a deployed or expanded condition within a body vessel. The stent includes a plurality of parallelogrammic body cells and a plurality of parallelogrammic flare cells. The flare cells have a substantially greater elongation ratio than the body cells. Also provided is a method for manufacturing stents having a plurality of varying parallelogrammic cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for use by an operator in a cavity of a mammalian body with a scope having a distal face providing a field of view. The apparatus includes a flexible elongate member having a distal extremity adapted for extending into the cavity and a proximal extremity accessible from outside of the mammalian body when the distal extremity is disposed in the cavity. An expandable prosthesis is releaseably secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member. A visual marker capable of being seen by the operator in the field of view is secured to one of the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and the prosthesis for facilitating placement of the prosthesis in the mammalian body.

Abstract: A stent includes a plurality of annular units each made of a linear portion which extends circumferentially while folding in a zigzag manner and which is connected annularly, and connection portions which connect axially adjacent ones of the annular units with each other. Predetermined annular units have radiopaque markers each fixedly attached midway between one folded portion and a next folded portion in the linear portion located in a predetermined circumferential position.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot extension has first and second foot portions extending circumferentially from corresponding ends of the circumferentially-adjacent strut members, and are contoured to provide at least two areas of flexure. The first and second foot portions are joined at a toe portion of the foot extension, and define a circumferentially-directed apex between the pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. Preferably, at least one or more additional annular elements, each defined by interconnected strut members, are provided. The annular elements are generally expandable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent, an intraluminal stent delivery system, and a method of manufacturing an intraluminal stent. The stent comprises a body and at least one pad operably attached to the stent body. The pad includes at least one therapeutic agent disposed thereon. The delivery system comprises a catheter and the stent disposed on the catheter. The manufacturing method includes providing a stent including a body, and at least one pad. The pad is operably attached to the stent body. The pad is treated with at least one therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Self-expandable bifurcation stent and systems for delivery and implantation of the self-expandable bifurcation stent, comprising a self-expandable bifurcation stent made of a material possessing shape memory, capable of shaping a mesh with cylindrical surface and marked by radioactive labels, and the delivery system for its implantation, comprising a polymeric tubular catheter with a cap at the distal end, a guiding wire and a pushing wire, where the tubular catheter is executed double-barreled, one lumen accommodating the guiding wire, and the second lumen accommodating the pushing wire with a cap at its distal end, which cap is executed in the shape of a polymeric elastic cap put over the tubular catheter accommodating, between the polymeric elastic cap and the tubular catheter, the stent in the first position with the reduced diameter, the cap is executed with the capability of distal 5 moving along the guiding wire and along the tubular catheter accommodating the stent, by means of the pushing wire, and w

Abstract: The present application provides a method of repairing a diseased vessel having a plurality of branch vessels extending therefrom. The method includes locating a vessel to removal from blood flow. A single incision is made to provide access to the vessel. Branch locating stent grafts having radio opaque edges are placed in a plurality of branch vessels branching from the located vessel. A single main vessel stent graft is placed in the vessel temporarily occlude the branch locating stent grafts that subsequently are located using the radio opaque edges. The surgeon punctures the wall of the main vessel stent graft at the edges to provide an access port from the main vessel stent graft to the branch locating stent grafts and finally places a plurality of branch connecting stents corresponding to each of the plurality of branch locating stent grafts.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices fabricated at least in part of a polymer-bioceramic composite having bioceramic particles with radiopaque functional groups grafted to a surface of the bioceramic particles are disclosed. Implantable medical devices fabricated at least in part of a radiopaque material having bioceramic particles with polymer chains grafted onto a surface of the bioceramic particles, the radiopaque functional groups being chemically bonded to the grafted polymer chains, are disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular implant having an axial end to which is attached a ring of spoons of a material different from that of the implant. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of attaching elements to an axial end of a tubular implant comprising the steps of providing said elements on one end of a support tube having a radius substantially that of the implant in its unexpanded configuration, abutting the implant and elements end-to-end, fixing the elements to the implant; and parting the elements from the support tube. In a third aspect, the invention provides an implant carrying an element of another material, the element and implant having complementary tapered mating surfaces for achieving a taper form fit of the element onto the implant.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: Among other things, a bio-erodible implantable endoprosthesis comprises a member that includes (a) a core having a surface, and (b) a bio-erodible metal on a least a portion of the surface of the core, wherein the bio-erodible metal erodes more slowly than the core and includes openings through which physiological fluids can access the core upon implantation.

Abstract: Radiopaque, iodinated, absorbable polyesters, polyester urethanes, and polyether-ester-urethanes with and without inorganic iodide micro-/nanoparticles dispersed or solubilized therein, and composite inorganic iodide micro-/nanoparticles in an absorbable polyester, polyester-urethane, polyester-ester, or polyether-ester urethane matrix are employed in medical devices and therapeutic compositions.

Abstract: Stents having a plurality of serpentine bands including a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a middle portion therebetween are herein disclosed. Each of the bands includes peaks and valleys. Serpentine bands of the proximal end portion are connected together in a repeating pattern of connected and unconnected peaks and valleys. Serpentine bands of the distal end portion are connected together in a repeating pattern of connected and unconnected peaks and valleys. The repeating pattern of the proximal end portion is different than the repeating pattern of the distal end portion.

Abstract: A stent comprises a tubular framework having an outer surface and an inner surface and a plurality of interconnected struts. An outer covering of PTFE extends along at least a portion of the outer surface of the expandable framework and an inner covering of PTFE extends along at least a portion of the inner surface of the expandable framework. At least a portion of the inner and outer coverings are contiguous with one another. The stent further comprises at least one radiopaque marker disposed between the inner covering and the outer covering.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode stent system comprises a stent having at least one sacrificial anode portion and a vaso-occlusive device. The vaso-occlusive device has at least one portion with a potential different from that of the sacrificial anode portion of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a marker element (1) for marking one or more boundaries of a section of a stent (2) with a mesh (20), the marker element (1) including a radiopaque material and being fitted on a device (5) for the delivery of the self-expanding stent (2) into a body vessel, the device (5) including a tubular element (6) which is inserted through the stent (2). The marker element (1) between the stent (2) and the tubular element (6) can slide on the tubular element (6) and engages detachably into the mesh (20) of the stent (2). The invention further concerns a device (5) for the delivery of a self-expanding stent (2) into a body vessel which is fitted with a marker element (1) of this type.

Abstract: An expandable, implantable medical device, such as an intraluminal stent (10) fabricated from polymeric materials, includes a plurality of elongated struts (16) in consecutive series and alternating stress concentration junctions (18) interconnecting ends of adjacent struts (16). When the stent (10) is in an expanded condition, the adjacent struts (16) form expanded substantial V-shapes and stresses are concentrated within the junctions (18). The junctions (18) define pivot points (P) for the respective attached, adjacent struts (16). Each of the pivot points (P) is located substantially on a line bisecting the V-shapes formed by the struts (16), when the stent (10) is expanded.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices fabricated at least in part of a polymer-bioceramic composite having bioceramic particles with radiopaque functional groups grafted to a surface of the bioceramic particles are disclosed. Implantable medical devices fabricated at least in part of a radiopaque material having bioceramic particles with polymer chains grafted onto a surface of the bioceramic particles, the radiopaque functional groups being chemically bonded to the grafted polymer chains, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a stent made from a material operable to perform a stent's desired therapeutic functions, and also made from a material that has a radiopacity that substantially preserves the appearance of the stent when the stent is viewed under a CT imaging beam. Such a stent can allow for follow-up of the stent and the surrounding blood-vessel on CT.

Abstract: An expandable, implantable medical device, such as an intraluminal stent fabricated from polymeric materials, includes a plurality of elongated struts in consecutive series and alternating stress concentration junctions interconnecting ends of adjacent struts. When the stent is in an expanded condition, the adjacent struts form expanded substantial V-shapes and stresses are concentrated within the junctions. The junctions define pivot points for the respective attached, adjacent struts. Each of the pivot points is located substantially on a line bisecting the V-shapes formed by the struts, when the stent is expanded.

Abstract: A radiopaque marker configured for being securing to a tubular member adapted for introduction into a patient and having relief sections to provide localized accommodation of diametrical-circumferential dimensional reduction.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular graft includes a vessel structure having outer and inner wall surfaces. The vessel structure has outer and inner transverse dimensions. The vascular graft includes a fold structure which is integral with the vessel structure. The fold structure extends from the outer or inner wall surface of the vessel structure for altering the inner or outer transverse dimension thereof. A method for making the vascular graft facilitates formation of the fold structure.

Abstract: A stent is formed by encasing or encapsulating metallic rings in an inner polymeric layer and an outer polymeric layer. At least one polymer link connects adjacent metallic rings. The stent is drug loaded with one or more therapeutic agent or drug, for example, to reduce the likelihood of the development of restenosis in the coronary arteries. The inner and outer polymeric materials can be of the same polymer or different polymer to achieve different results, such as enhancing flexibility and providing a stent that is visible under MRI, computer tomography and x-ray fluoroscopy.

Abstract: An endoluminal device for deployment in a body lumen includes a radially expandable stent, a graft attached to the stent, and a plurality of indicator members affixed to the graft and adapted to form a normal pattern in response to a normal pressure differential and an abnormal pattern in response to an abnormal pressure differential across the graft. By forming different patterns at different pressure differentials, the indicator members enable the detection of a change in pressure which could be evidence of a leak. A system for detecting a change in pressure differential includes the endoluminal device and an imaging system for displaying the indicator members. A method for detecting a change in pressure includes the steps of identifying the normal pattern, implanting the device, imaging the indicator members, and comparing the imaged pattern with the normal pattern to determine whether the normal pressure or an abnormal pressure differential exists.

Abstract: A graft device comprising a layer of synthetic non-metallic material having a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from the first surface. The device further, includes a radiopaque marker at least partially embedded in the layer.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices fabricated at least in part of a polymer-bioceramic composite having bioceramic particles with radiopaque functional groups grafted to a surface of the bioceramic particles are disclosed. Implantable medical devices fabricated at least in part of a radiopaque material having bioceramic particles with polymer chains grafted onto a surface of the bioceramic particles, the radiopaque functional groups being chemically bonded to the grafted polymer chains, are disclosed.

Abstract: A stent made of a material having a low strength and having a main body circumscribing a cylindrical shape and radially expandable from a contracted starting position into a dilated support position, comprising a) a plurality of support segments disposed around the circumference and arrayed on one another in the axial direction each segment being formed by a strut meandering in its coarse structure in its contracted starting position and having alternately opposing meandering curves expandable into the support position made of flexible material; b) a plurality of axial connectors connecting between zenith points of at least a part of the meandering curves in the axial-parallel direction of the support segments; (c) a plurality of x-ray marker projections, and d) at least one stabilizer for stabilizing the strut coarse structure in its contracted starting position against radial expansion and being automatically detachable upon radial expansion.

Abstract: A stent is configured having a tubular, flexible body. The body of the stent has a wall which is formed by a web structure. The stent further contains a portion with radiopaque material. This radiopaque material is integrated in the material of the body of the stent.

Abstract: A crack-resistant endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen can be comprised of a multilayered material. The multilayered material can include at least two layers having a boundary layer therebetween. The boundary layer is configured to inhibit cracks from propagating from a first layer-to a second layer. The different layers can be comprised of the same materials or different materials. It can be preferred that the multilayered material have layers that are comprised of resiliently-flexible materials, shape memory materials, and/or radiopaque materials.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to endoluminal prostheses having one or more reinforced fenestrations therein. The one or more reinforced fenestrations can have improved sealing capabilities with respect to branch grafts deployed within the fenestrations, improved tear resistance and expandability, and improved pull-out resistance for branch grafts. In some embodiments, the endoluminal prosthesis can have a main graft body defining a flow lumen therethrough, a first opening passing through a wall of the main graft body, and a first support member supported by the main graft body and overlapping an edge of the first opening, the first support member being configured to at least increase the tear resistance of the main graft body adjacent to the first opening. The support member can be stitched or otherwise attached to the main graft adjacent to the fenestration.

Abstract: A medical device includes a balloon catheter having an expandable member, e.g., an inflatable balloon, at its distal end and a stent or other endoprosthesis. The stent is, for example, an apertured tubular member formed of a polymer and is assembled about the balloon. The stent has an initial diameter for delivery into the body and can be expanded to a larger diameter by inflating the balloon.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided for creating a connection between a first body lumen (114) of a subject and a second body lumen (116) of the subject. The apparatus (20) includes a first engagement portion (102) configured to engage a wall of a first body lumen (114), a second engagement portion (104) that engages a wall of a second body lumen (116), and a cylindrical connecting portion (106) connecting the first engagement portion (102) to the second engagement portion (104). The connecting portion (106) defines a channel therethrough for passage of fluid from the inner space of the lumen (114), through the flow channel, and into the inner space of the body lumen (116). The apparatus also includes a projection (200) coupled to the second engagement portion (104), and surrounds an external surface of the wall of the lumen (116). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for imaging an implantable device is described. The method may include positioning an implantable device within a patient. Ultrasonic energy may be transmitted toward the implantable device. The returning ultrasonic energy may be analyzed to determine a first characteristic of the implantable device. A method for manufacturing an implantable device is also described. The method may include selecting a first size dimension for a plurality of ultrasonically visible portions. The method may further include selecting a first spacing dimension for the plurality of ultrasonically visible portions. An implantable device may be formed. The plurality of ultrasonically visible portions may be formed into the first outer surface. An implantable device is also described. The implantable device may include a first outer surface. The first outer surface may include a first ultrasonically visible portion having a first size dimension.

Abstract: There is provided a stent which can be surely indwelled up to a deeper place than an obstructed or stenosed portion of a tubular organ so as to exhibit an expansion force and keep flexibility. The stent 1 has a plurality of annular units 10 and 20 each made of a linear portion 11 which extends circumferentially while folding in a zigzag manner and which is connected annularly, and connection portions 40 which connect axially adjacent ones of the annular units with each other. Predetermined annular units 20 have radiopaque markers 30 each fixedly attached to a midway between one folded portion 13 and a next folded portion 13 in the linear portion 11 located in a predetermined circumferential position.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis includes a scaffold with a plurality of expandable segments axially spaced apart along a substrate, adjacent segments connected by one or more support members when the prosthesis is in a collapsed configuration and disconnected when the prosthesis is in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A crack-resistant endoprosthesis for delivery in a body lumen can be comprised of a multilayered material. The multilayered material can include at least two layers having a boundary layer therebetween. The boundary layer is configured to inhibit cracks from propagating from a first layer-to a second layer. The different layers can be comprised of the same materials or different materials. It can be preferred that the multilayered material have layers that are comprised of resiliently-flexible materials, shape memory materials, and/or radiopaque materials.

Abstract: A method of deploying a bifurcation stent at a vascular bifurcation of a main vessel into first and second branch vessels includes: positioning a bifurcation stent at a vascular bifurcation, the bifurcation stent expandable from a reduced diameter to an expanded diameter, the bifurcation stent comprising a first end, a second end, and a marker near the first end, wherein the first end diameter is larger than the second end diameter when the bifurcation stent is expanded, and wherein the bifurcation stent is positioned such that the marker is approximately aligned with a carinal plane at the vascular bifurcation; partially expanding the first end of the bifurcation stent; adjusting the position of the bifurcation stent such that the marker is positioned past the carinal plane and towards the first branch vessel; and deploying the bifurcation stent at the bifurcation. Devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a stent with a tubular support frame consisting of axially successively following, interconnected annular segments which support frame is surrounded on its outside by a thread. The thread ends are guided via a deflection from the outside into support frame, where they are coupled by a connector consisting of a material visible in x-rays. Deflection is realized by two deflection elements in the form of eyelets provided on annular segments. Deflection elements are arranged on the circumference of support frame at an interval from one another and are provided on end-side annular segments, viewed in longitudinal direction of the stent.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a stent formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and compressed toward its center axis when inserted in vivo, with the stent being capable of restoring its pre-compression shape through outward expansion when left indwelling in vivo. The stent delivery system also includes an inner tube possessing a guide wire lumen, and a stent accommodating tube having a distal portion accommodating the stent. The stent is disposed as to cover a distal portion of the inner tube, and the stent is adapted to be exposed by moving the stent accommodating tube toward the proximal side relative to the inner tube.

Abstract: A biocompatible solid-solution alloy may be formed into any number of implantable medical devices. The solid-solution alloy comprises a combination of elements in specific ratios that make it magnetic resonance imaging compatible while retaining the characteristics required for implantable medical devices. The biocompatible solid-solution alloy is a cobalt-chromium alloy having substantially reduced iron, silicon, phosphorus and sulfur content.

Abstract: A vascular graft that has a valve incorporated into a wall thereof is described. The graft may be used in gaining access to interior portions of the heart. The valve is normally closed and may be opened by a surgical device threaded into the vascular graft and to the valve. Surgical procedures may be performed within the heart with the access provided. Alternately, the valve may be placed in an open state to permit blood communication between the interior of the graft and the interior of the heart or in a closed state to prevent such communication. The vascular graft described has application in Fontan procedures and is useful in pediatric cardiac surgery and in further treating patients who have undergone Fontan procedures.

Abstract: There is described an artificial blood vessel for use in a region of a living body which needs to be repeatedly pierced with a needle. The artificial blood vessel includes a main section having a vessel wall which includes a laminated assembly comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer positioned therebetween, and a pair of anastomotic sections disposed on the respective opposite ends of the main section. Each of the anastomotic sections has an intermediate layer thinner than the intermediate layer of the main section or is free of an intermediate layer, so that the anastomotic section as a vessel wall thinner than the main section.

Abstract: A stent formed by slitting a tube to create a matrix of struts, the slitted tube being radially expandable to a stenting disposition in which the struts exhibit a zig-zag pattern in successive loops around the circumference of the stent, the zig-zag pattern exhibiting a cusp between any two adjacent struts, with selected tied cusps of any one loop being connected by a bridge to a facing cusp of the adjacent loop and with intervening free cusps, characterised by lengthwise staggering of circumferentially adjacent said slits within said loops, wherein any two struts that are contiguous with a said tied cusp are of different lengths and any strut that extends from one free cusp to another free cusp has the same length as any other such strut such that, in the said stenting disposition, the free cusps of adjacent loops are circumferentially displaced from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device (5) and more particularly, an implantable biomaterial. The biomaterial comprises a radiopaque (22) collagenous biomaterial (10).

Abstract: A catheter system comprises a catheter having a catheter body with a distal end, a proximal end, a main vessel guidewire lumen for receiving a main vessel guidewire and a balloon disposing at the distal end of the catheter body. The catheter further includes a side member that is disposed adjacent to the catheter body. The side member has a distal end, a proximal end, and a branch vessel guidewire lumen for receiving a branch vessel guidewire. A stent having a side hole is disposed over the balloon, and a distal portion of the side member is disposed beneath at least a portion of the stent while being adjacent to and movable with respect to the balloon.

Abstract: A flexible stent having a waveform pattern formed from a sheet of biocompatible material and into a tubular shape for maintaining the patency of a lumen such as in a coronary vessel. The waveform pattern of the stent is formed from a flat sheet of malleable, biocompatible material by, for example, photochemically etching the sheet biocompatible material and leaving a framework or plurality of closed cells. The waveform pattern is formed into a tubular shape around a deflated, delivery catheter balloon with segments of the closed cells being interposed only overlapping a reinforcing member extending longitudinally along the stent. The stent material is treated to reduce the coefficient of friction of the material and to aid in the radial expansion of the stent with the balloon. Radiopaque markers are positioned at the ends of the stent to aid the physician in positioning the stent at an occlusion site.