Abstract: An expandable tubular reinforcing member used for a body lumen that is made from a pair of end sections each constituted of an endless element of sinuous configuration defining a plurality of U-bends, an elongated element of sinuous configuration defining a plurality of U-bends extending between the end sections and spaced therefrom and being disposed in a helical configuration of the same diameter as the end sections. Turns of the helix of the elongate element are spaced apart with the U-bends of the elongated element aligned with the U-bends of the end sections. A plurality of first interconnecting strips, each having a bend, spans the space between axially successive turns of the elongated element and interconnects axially aligned proximate U-bends of the elongated element to define cells bounded by the elongated element and circumferentially successive first interconnecting strips.

Abstract: The self securing suture includes a suture having at least one terminal end and a toggle, formed of suture material, at the suture's terminal end. In one embodiment, the suture toggle is a bar. In another embodiment the suture is a wire and the toggle is a wire element toggle. The wire element toggle is a double strand segment or an open loop segment. The suture delivery system includes a slotted needle configured such that a protruding tab or leg of the toggle bar fits within slot of the needle. For wire sutures, the open loop wire element toggle fits within the slotted needle. In another embodiment, a depending wire tip, from the wire element toggle, fits within the slot in the needle.