Abstract: A blood vessel implant to influence the flow of blood in the area of arteriovenous malformations. The implant has a wall of individual filaments forming a tubular braiding extending axially from the proximal to the distal end, the individual filaments crossing and forming points of intersection. The implant is deformable so that in an insertion catheter it is shaped so that its diameter is reduced and can be expanded at the implantation site adapting to the diameter of the blood vessel. The filament ends at the proximal and/or distal end of the braiding are each brought together at least in pairs and connected with each other permanently. The filament ends connect with each other and are shaped so as to be atraumatic The filaments cross at the points of intersection distally from the filament ends and are connected with each other at the proximal end of the implant.

Abstract: A stent includes a series of helical windings defining an outer circumference of a cylinder. The helical windings include a plurality of struts having straight portions connected by curved portions. The straight portions may be substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the stent when the stent is in a reduced state. A plurality of bridges connect adjacent windings. The bridges may be substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the stent in the reduced state. A plurality of radiopaque members extend from a terminal helical winding. The radiopaque members include an extension portion and an end portion. The extension portion may have a first width and the end portion may have a second width greater than the first width. The end portion may include an extreme end substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the stent.

Abstract: A tubular vascular stent graft with passively pulsating section where the difference between the cross-sectional areas of the lumen under the systolic and diastolic pressures after the implantation is 10% or more. The pulsating stent graft accumulates blood during the systolic pressure wave thus lowering the peak value of the tugging force at the proximal attachment site.

Abstract: Devices including, but not limited to, a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member.

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: An inventive flanged graft for end-to-side anastomosis includes a tubular graft member and a flanged section The type and size of the flanged section is determined by various factors such as identity of the receiving artery, position of the arteriotomy on the receiving artery, and luminal diameter of the graft. The graft is preferably anastomosed to the receiving artery using continuous sutures to join the arteriotomy to the peripheral edges flanged section.

Abstract: A system for treating a bifurcation includes first and second delivery catheters, each having an expandable member and a stent. The stent on the second delivery catheter has a side hole. A portion of the first delivery catheter is disposed under a portion of the stent on second delivery catheter. The first delivery catheter is slidable relative to the second delivery catheter, and the first delivery catheter passes through the side hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent graft that includes one or more fenestrations to accommodate endovascular disease, such as an aneurysm in cases where one or more side branches is involved. In one aspect, the prosthesis includes fenestrations that are pivotable to accommodate the dynamic geometry of the aortic branches. In another aspect, the pivotable fenestrations include a first perimeter, a band of flexible material attached and surrounding the first perimeter, and a second perimeter attached to and surrounding the band of flexible material. The first perimeter, band of flexible material, and second perimeter have a geometric shape. In one aspect, the prosthesis includes at least three pivotable fenestrations.

Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are described. One method involves providing an elongated delivery device and an implant mounted at a distal end of the delivery device. An incision is formed in eye tissue and the implant is inserted the through the incision using the delivery device. The implant is implanted at a location communicating with a physiologic outflow pathway of an eye such that a distal end portion of the implant and a proximal end portion of the delivery device are relatively disposed in a non-linear orientation during implantation. In one method, the implant is non-linear after insertion.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for a conduit, such as an implantable conduit for a vessel. The conduit may comprise a main member and a side-branch member. The conduit may be implanted with the side-branch member initially disposed within the main member. When positioned, the side-branch member may then be extended from within the main member and into a vessel side-branch. The materials for the conduit may include circumferentially distensible and/or low recoil materials. The materials for the conduit may be constructed by various techniques and may include materials with enhanced flexibility and kink resistance.

Abstract: An endovascular graft, which is configured to conform to the morphology of a vessel to be treated, includes a tubular ePTFE structure; an inflatable ePTFE structure disposed over at least a portion of the ePTFE tubular structure; and an injection port in fluid communication with the inflatable ePTFE structure for inflation of the inflatable ePTFE structure with an inflation medium. The inflatable ePTFE structure may be longitudinally disposed over the tubular ePTFE structure. The ePTFE structure may be a bifurcated structure having first and second bifurcated tubular structures, where the inflatable ePTFE structure is disposed over at least a portion of the first and second bifurcated tubular structures.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent graft that includes one or more fenestrations to accommodate endovascular disease, such as an aneurysm in cases where one or more side branches is involved. In one aspect, the prosthesis includes fenestrations that are pivotable to accommodate the dynamic geometry of the aortic branches.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis comprises a graft having a tubular body comprising proximal and distal ends, and a valve replacement disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the graft. At least one stent is coupled to the graft and has a contracted delivery state and an expanded state for maintaining patency within a portion of the graft. At least one fenestration is disposed in a sidewall of the graft at a location distal to the valve replacement. In one embodiment, the at least one fenestration is pivotable in any direction away from an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent graft that includes one or more fenestrations to accommodate endovascular disease, such as an aneurysm in cases where one or more side branches is involved. In one aspect, the prosthesis includes fenestrations that are pivotable to accommodate the dynamic geometry of the aortic branches. In another aspect, the pivotable fenestrations include a first perimeter, a band of flexible material attached and surrounding the first perimeter, and a second perimeter attached to and surrounding the band of flexible material. The first perimeter, band of flexible material, and second perimeter have a geometric shape.

Abstract: An endovascular graft, which is configured to conform to the morphology of a vessel to be treated, includes a tubular ePTFE structure; an inflatable ePTFE structure disposed over at least a portion of the ePTFE tubular structure; and an injection port in fluid communication with the inflatable ePTFE structure for inflation of the inflatable ePTFE structure with an inflation medium. The inflatable ePTFE structure may be longitudinally disposed over the tubular ePTFE structure. The ePTFE structure may be a bifurcated structure having first and second bifurcated tubular structures, where the inflatable ePTFE structure is disposed over at least a portion of the first and second bifurcated tubular structures.

Abstract: A stent for positioning within a lumen is provided. The stent includes a stent region and a pair of transition regions extending from respective ends of the stent region, wherein each of the transition and stent regions define an aperture therethrough. At least a portion of at least one of the transition regions is configured in a helix including a plurality of turns, wherein the stent region is capable of expanding to conform to a stricture and each of the transition regions is capable of expanding to conform to the lumen proximally and distally of the stricture.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a stent dilatable by means of a balloon, including a multilumen polymeric catheter having at least two balloons at the input end, where the distal balloon can expand an eccentric stent mounted on it, and the proximal balloon of smaller diameter has, at least, two radiopaque labels (markers) and has a capability of accurate orientation of the stent in an artery lumen.

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: A closable-tip fracture stent for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The device comprises a flexible or semi-rigid wall, defining an interior cavity, and one or more closable tips to close the hollow cavity. A delivery tool is also provided for removably carrying the orthopedic device to the treatment site.

Abstract: A stent graft includes at least one aperture extending through the main body thereof, into which an extension portion may be deployed for positioning within an adjacent branch flow lumen. The extension portions include self biasing features, wherein the extension is biased into engagement with the main body to seal the interface thereof. Additionally, the extension portion may be configured for tortuous or deviated anatomy, to enable sealing of the extension portion with the body while extending the extension portion in a substantially non-radial direction from the main body.

Abstract: A graft comprises an inner interior surface defined by a relatively large radius and an outer interior surface defined by a relatively small radius for maintaining laminar flow of blood passing through the graft and thereby substantially reducing cellular proliferation and blood clotting.

Abstract: A stent/graft assembly includes a tubular graft having an upstream end, a downstream end and a tubular passage between the ends. The assembly also includes a tubular stent having an upstream end, a downstream end and a tubular passage. The upstream end of the tubular graft is affixed in substantially end-to-end relationship with the downstream end of the tubular stent. The affixation may employ sutures, bonding, hooks or the like. The end-to-end connection may also require a slight overlapping to ensure an adequate affixation. The end-to-end disposition of the tubular graft and tubular stent reduces the cross-sectional profile of the stent/graft assembly. One or more wires may extend from the tubular stent through the tubular graft for anchoring near the downstream end of the tubular graft. The wire prevents axial collapsing of the tubular graft and provide radial support for the tubular graft.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis includes a coiled body and a graft material covering at least part of the coiled body to create a coiled stent graft. The average stent graft diameter to turns width ratio may be about 0.8 to 1 to about 2.4 to 1 when expanded.

Abstract: An expandable bifurcated stent comprising a proximal end and a distal end in communication with one another. The proximal end comprises a primary passageway and the distal end comprises a pair of secondary passageways. The stent is expandable from a first, contracted position to a second, expanded position upon the application of a radially outward force exerted on the stent. Each of the primary passageway and the secondary passageway being constructed of a tubular wall having a porous surface, a method for production of a bifurcated stent is also described. The method comprises the step of connecting a first stent section to a second stent section, the first stent section having an end thereof adapted for connection to an opening disposed along the length of a second stent section.

Abstract: An inventive flanged graft for end-to-side anastomosis includes a graft with bifurcated flanges. The bifurcated flanges may be symmetrical or asymmetrical relative to one another. The type and size of flange to be used is determined by various factors such as identity of the receiving artery, position of the arteriotomy on the receiving artery, and lumenal diameter of the graft. The graft is preferably anastomosed to the receiving artery using continuous sutures to join the arteriotomy to the peripheral edges of the bifucated flanges. In an alternate embodiment, the inventive bypass graft includes a flared skirt which extends circumferentially about the tubular graft member. The flared skirt has an elliptical shape and is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the graft member.

Abstract: A novel endovascular approach useful in the treatment of aneurysms, particularly saccular aneurysms. The present endovascular prosthesis comprises a leaf portion capable of being urged against and blocking the opening of the aneurysm thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. The leaf portion is attached to, and independently moveable with respect to, a body comprising at least one expandable portion. Thus, the body serves the general purpose of fixing the endovascular prosthesis in place at a target body passageway in the vicinity at which the aneurysm is located and the leaf portion serves the purpose of blocking the aneurysmal opening thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. A method of delivering and implanting the endovascular prosthesis is also described.

Abstract: A bifurcation stent (1) having a closed terminus (4) and two angled apertures (5, 6) at its distal end (3). The bifurcation stent may be a balloon-inflated stent, or a self-expanding stent. The delivery systems for the stent employ a guide wire through each aperture of the stent.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis for angioplasty of a vessel injured by an aneurysm wherein the vessel intersects another vessel and has an intersection point which forms right angles between axial lines extending through the vessels and wherein the vessel has a neck portion extending from the another vessel including an expandable frame covered by an impermeable material and having a beveled end adapted to engage the neck portion, wherein an angle of the beveled end is determined such that a front plane of the beveled end is substantially perpendicular to the axial line of the vessel at the intersection point.

Abstract: An intraluminar prosthesis which includes a tubular member having at least one end which is at an oblique angle to the lumen. The prosthesis is inserted into a body lumen, such as a blood vessel, while compressed. The prosthesis is expanded within the lumen, and the oblique end of the prosthesis contacts the lumen at an oblique angle. This oblique angle reduces the stenotic effects of hyperplasia which generally occurs at the ends of intraluminal prostheses.

Abstract: A bio erodable myringotomy tube which is bio erodable and does not require removal.

Abstract: A serpentine coiled ladder stent is provided, in which the coil is formed from a wound strip of cells, wherein the sides of the cells are serpentine. Thus, the stent is comprised of a strip helically wound into a series of coiled windings, wherein the strip is formed of at least two side bands connected to each other, for example by a series of cross struts. Each side band is formed in a serpentine pattern comprising a series of bends, wherein upon expansion of the stent, the bends of the side bands open to increase the length of each of the individual cells in the helical direction, thereby lengthening the strip in the helical direction to allow the stent to expand without any significant unwinding of the strip.

Abstract: A novel endovascular approach useful in the treatment of aneurysms, particularly saccular aneurysms. The present endovascular prosthesis comprises a leaf portion capable of being urged against and blocking the opening of the aneurysm thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. The leaf portion is attached to, and independently moveable with respect to, a body comprising at least one expandable portion. Thus, the body serves the general purpose of fixing the endovascular prosthesis in place at a target body passageway in the vicinity at which the aneurysm is located and the leaf portion serves the purpose of blocking the aneurysmal opening thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. A method of delivering and implanting the endovascular prosthesis is also described.

Abstract: An implantable bypass device establishes a bypass between an artery and a vein. The device includes an implantable venous connection graft in fluid communication along a vein. The connection graft includes an elongate tubular body, an elongate access lumen extending from an intermediate location of the tubular body. An elongate tubular bypass graft has end secured in fluid communication with an artery and the other end securable to a distal end of the access lumen for establishing fluid communication between the artery and the vein through the venous connection graft. The device provides enhanced life expectancy as well desirable visualization of arterial and venous flows through the device.

Abstract: An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene flanged vascular graft (10) suitable for end-to-side anastomosis grafting having an integral terminal polytetrafluoroethylene flanged skirt or cuff section (12) which facilitates an end-to-side anastomosis directly between an artery and the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene flanged bypass graft (10) without need for an intervening venous collar or venous patch.

Abstract: A novel endovascular approach useful in the treatment of aneurysms, particularly saccular aneurysms. The present endovascular prosthesis comprises a leaf portion capable of being urged against and blocking the opening of the aneurysm thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. The leaf portion is attached to, and independently moveable with respect to, a body comprising at least one expandable portion. Thus, the body serves the general purpose of fixing the endovascular prosthesis in place at a target body passageway in the vicinity at which the aneurysm is located and the leaf portion serves the purpose of blocking the aneurysmal opening thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. A method of delivering and implanting the endovascular prosthesis is also described.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis for the treatment of blood-vessel bifurcation stenosis. The endoprosthesis comprises three tubular sections (110, 120 and 140) and two connectors (130 and 150). A distal section (120) is aligned at least approximately with a proximal section (110). The first distal section is intended for insertion into a first blood vessel (T2) branching off on the bifurcation. The first distal section (120) is linked to the proximal section (110) by a first lateral connector (130). A second distal section (140), located at the side of the first distal section (120) is intended for insertion into a second vessel (T3) branching off from the bifurcation. The two distal sections (120 and 140) have their proximal ends linked by a second connector (150).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tubular shunt for insertion into a fluid vessel in a living creature constructed of an elastically deformable material that reduces in circumference when stretched longitudinally so that the ends of the shunt may be easily inserted into openings in a blood vessel and where the material expands circumferentially when allowed to axially contract such that the ends of shunt press against the vessel wall to secure the shunt and form a water tight seal to permit fluid to flow through the tubular conduit of the shunt. A method for shunting fluid-flow in a portion of a vessel in a living creature is also disclosed wherein a shunt of the present invention is stretched longitudinally so that the ends of the shunt contract and then inserted into a lumen of a blood vessel. Following insertion of the shunt, the shunt is allowed to return to its relaxed geometry so that it forms a fluid tight seal with the interior of the lumen.