Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent manufactured from a thin-walled tube of surgical implant quality. The stent comprises a plurality of main circumferential rings, a plurality of longitudinal links and a plurality of intermediate circumferential rings. The main circumferential rings are longitudinally spaced apart along a longitudinal axis. Circumferential gaps are formed between adjacent main circumferential rings. The longitudinal links span the gaps and are attached to adjacent main circumferential rings. The intermediate circumferential rings fill in the circumferential gaps and are attached to the longitudinal links. The present invention thereby provides a stent with adequate radial strength to properly deploy, adequate scaffolding affect to properly support vessel walls and increased longitudinal flexibility to easily maneuver through tortuous vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a drug eluting stent, the method comprising coupling a stent framework to a mandrel, inserting the mandrel with stent framework into an open die, the die including a forming surface including a plurality of raised indention forming portions; closing the die against the stent framework; pressing the raised indention portions into the stent framework to form indentions in the stent framework; and inserting at least one drug polymer into the indentions formed in the stent framework.

Abstract: A catheter and guide wire exchange system including a catheter having a guide wire lumen with a guide way extending along the length of a stiffened proximal shaft portion, and a guide member slidably disposed about the proximal shaft for directing a guide wire into or out of the guide way and the guide wire lumen. The guide member may be slid along the proximal shaft portion and the guide wire in zipper-like fashion so that the guide wire is contained within the guide wire lumen distal to the guide member and with the guide wire and catheter being separated proximal of the guide member.

Abstract: A medical device for stenting within a patient's vascular system is a low profile fixed-wire balloon catheter. The balloon is not attached directly to the wire-like structure of the catheter, providing a degree of independent rotation therebetween.

Abstract: An endolumenal medical device assembly is provided for use in a bifurcation region of a body lumen. An expandable prosthesis, such as a stent, is included in the assembly and is adjustable from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition. The expandable prosthesis includes a prosthesis passageway and a side port. A dilator or an access device is engaged within the prosthesis passageway and also through the side port while the expandable prosthesis is in the radially collapsed condition. The expandable prosthesis may be positioned in the bifurcation region such that its distal end portion is in a first branch lumen extending from the bifurcation, its proximal end portion is in a common proximal lumen of the bifurcation region, and the side port is aligned with an entrance zone to a second branch lumen extending from the bifurcation.

Abstract: A stent having a hollow, cylindrical body made with a plurality of rings. The rings each extend circumferentially around the cylindrical body and include an undulating series of angulated peaks and valleys. The rings are joined together by a series of links, the rings and links being shaped and arranged to promote a very low compressed profile and longitudinal flexibility during stent delivery on the catheter and effective scaffolding after deployment. The rings are provided with inflection points on some portions of the rings which extend in a generally circumferential direction for a short distance.

Abstract: A method described includes positioning an x-ray emitter at a treatment area, where the x-ray emitter is connected to a cable, setting a voltage source at a source voltage, and measuring a current through the x-ray emitter. The method may include comparing a current flowing through the emitter with a limit and a low limit. The method further includes increasing the source voltage if the current is higher than the high limit. The method includes determining the high limit and the low limit based on the source voltage and the desired radiation. An apparatus of the invention includes an x-ray emitter with a voltage source and a current sensor. The apparatus may include a current comparison device for comparing the measured current with a high limit and a low limit, and further include a voltage source control. A current integrator for integrating a current from the x-ray emitter may also be included.

Abstract: A cathode structure comprising a getter material provided with a diamond film. The getter material may include zirconium, vanadium and iron. Cathode structures may have a substantially rounded configuration including a substantially straight portion. Other cathode structures may have a substantially flat portion, with the diamond film covering essentially the entire flat surface. Methods of manufacturing cathode structures may include conditioning the cathode structure by applying a voltage.

Abstract: An endovascular support assembly, or stent assembly, and a covered endovascular support assembly, or stent-graft assembly, with caps on either or both ends for improved and uniform deployment of the assembly. Additionally, the caps serve to capture the graft material between the caps and the endovascular support device or stent.

Abstract: A filter for filtering micro-emboli from a patient's blood during an angioplasty procedure is disclosed which comprises a plurality of curved wires connected to a rod between a first connector fixed with respect to the rod and a second connector slidingly mounted on the rod. Two layers of filter material are connected to opposite sides of the wires, and each layer includes perforations which are offset from the perforations in the other layer. When the rod and the wires are disposed within a catheter, the inner wall of the catheter compresses the wires toward the rod and when the rod is extended from the catheter, the wires resume their curved shape and pull the sliding connector along the rod toward the fixed connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for limiting the pressure of inflation fluid injected into a drug delivery catheter balloon, while permitting continuous and uninterrupted flow of such fluid to the balloon. The apparatus includes an elongated hollow housing having a fluid entrance, a fluid exit and a bore extending therebetween which forms an interconnecting chamber and passageway. A piston and piston shaft assembly is disposed inside the housing and is longitudinally movable within the chamber. The piston and piston shaft assembly is biased against the fluid pressure of the fluid entering the housing by a spring. The piston shaft has a distal end which extends toward the passageway inlet. As the incoming fluid pressure increases and approaches the predetermined maximum pressure level of the apparatus, the piston shaft distal end moves within the chamber against the biasing force of the spring toward a position adjacent the passageway inlet.