Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stent for use in a bifurcated body lumen having a main branch and a side branch. The stent comprises a radially expandable generally tubular stent body having proximal and distal opposing ends with a body wall having a surface extending therebetween. The surface has a geometrical configuration defining a first pattern, and the first pattern has first pattern struts and connectors arranged in a predetermined configuration. The stent also comprises a branch portion comprised of a second pattern, wherein the branch portion is at least partially detachable from the stent body.

Abstract: A knurling tool, with a base body featuring an axis and adapted to be clamped into a machine tool, which accommodates a holder and knurling wheels rotatably mounted in the holder, wherein knurling wheels arranged at equal circumferential distances are mounted in the holder around a wheel axis which embraces a first angle ?1 with respect to the supporting axis, wherein a workpiece cone is insertable between the knurling wheels along the supporting axis and the knurling wheels embrace a second cone angle ?2, wherein the holder features three segments, each of which mounting one knurling wheel via a bearing pin, an adjustment device is provided by which the segments, being guided radially, are radially adjustable synchronously about a certain amount, and fixing means are provided which fix the adjustment device and the segments, respectively, in an occupied position.

Abstract: A drug eluting stent comprising a multilayer tubular structure which includes at least one intermediate layer having reservoirs therein for deposition of a drug, the intermediate layer eluting drug in a lateral direction, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of providing a coating on a medical device, especially a dilatation balloon, which improves the durability of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter and catheter assembly for delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body and, in particular, to a target site in the heart. The micronized therapeutic agents are delivered in aerosol form or dry powder form. The present invention also provides a method of delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body by placing the therapeutic agents in a catheter, positioning the catheter in the target site, and exposing the therapeutic agents to an energizing mechanism sufficient to create supersonic flow to carry the therapeutic agents from a stationary state in the catheter to a mobile state towards the target site.

Abstract: Industrial truck, in particular a lift truck, with a drive axle with drive wheels and a drive motor, a steering axle with two steerable wheels, a target value sensor that is connected to a steering wheel, a steering motor, a steering device which is in effective connection with a steering tie rod, a position transducer magnet whose position is recorded by two magnetic resonance sensors that are arranged in parallel, where the position transducer magnet and the resonance sensors are moved relative to each other during a steering movement of the steering device, and where the magnetic resonance sensors generate counter directional analog signals for the actual value of the steering angle of the steerable wheels, a steering control, connected to the target value sensor, the steering motor, and the magnetic resonance sensors, which evaluates the signals received from the target value sensor and the magnetic resonance sensors, and controls the vehicle steering angle to the target steering angle, where the signals

Abstract: A method for percutaneously replacing a heart valve of a patient. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of percutaneously delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration in which the anchor contacts tissue at a first anchor site; repositioning the anchor to a second anchor site; and deploying the anchor at the second anchor site.

Abstract: A method for producing boehmite particles includes subjecting powder of aluminum hydroxide to hydrothermal reaction together with a nucleation agent, thereby obtaining boehmite particles having an average primary particle size of 0.6 ?m or less and including primary particles each having a hexahedral shape. A method for producing alumina particles includes: drying the boehmite particles produced by the above described method; calcining the boehmite particles, which have been dried, to obtain alumina particles; and disintegrating the obtained alumina particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a latching device for a slide rod system incorporated into a door. The latching device includes a keeper plate engaged to the slide rod, a positioning bracket engaged to a door, and a roller bracket having a roller adapted for engagement to the positioning bracket and the keeper plate. The slide rod and keeper plate are adapted for positioning within a slide channel. The roller bracket is adapted for engagement to a doorframe channel. The positioning bracket includes a slot which receives the roller whereupon the keeper plate is at least partially manipulated vertically to maneuver the keeper to the rear of the roller to accomplish latching of a door.

Abstract: A new multiple component stent arrangement which allows for initial self-expansion and subsequent deformation to a final enlarged size.

Abstract: A method of making a stent-graft comprising, providing a radially distensible, tubular stent having opposed open ends comprising an undulating wire helically wound into a plurality of circumferential windings to define stent wall structure having opposed exterior and luminal surfaces, providing a first non-textile, polymeric graft tube, providing a second non-textile, polymeric graft tube, laminating the radially distensible, tubular stent between the first non-textile, polymeric graft tube and the second non-textile, polymeric graft tube, trimming the laminated polymeric graft tube beyond the undulating wire at the open ends, providing a third non-textile, polymeric graft layer; placing the third non-textile, polymeric graft layer over the trimmed over ends, inserting the third non-textile, polymeric graft layer of the tubular stent into the undulating wires; and laminating the third non-textile polymeric graft layer to the first non-textile, polymeric graft tube and the second non-textile, polymeric graft t

Abstract: An expandable medical balloon useful for treatment at a vessel bifurcation, the balloon having at least one expanded state, the balloon having at least one inner layer and at least one outer layer, the outer layer having at least one cavity therein through which the inner layer protrudes when the balloon is in its at least one expanded state, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises an inner tube, a medical balloon and an inflation lumen. The medical balloon is disposed about the inner tube and in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A collapsible portion of the inner tube is constructed to collapse inward upon delivery of an inflation fluid to the medical balloon to secure the inner tube to the guidewire.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent comprising a plurality of spaced band-like elements and intersecting links is disclosed. The band-like elements have a generally serpentine configuration to provide continuous waves of generally sinusoidal character to each band-like element. The waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks and troughs taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that the waves in the band-like elements open as the stent is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter. The intersecting links are substantially U-shaped and terminate in first and second shanks. The first shank of a link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on a band-like element and the second shank of the link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on an adjacent band-like element.

Abstract: Vacuum concentrator, comprising a vacuum chamber with a closure which may be sealed in an airtight manner, a centrifuge rotor arranged in the vacuum chamber with at least one receiver for at least one vessel for samples to be dried, a drive motor arranged outside the vacuum chamber for driving the centrifuge rotor, a vacuum pump connected to the vacuum chamber, a tempering device associated with the vacuum chamber for tempering the at least one sample in the vacuum chamber, a pressure sensor associated with the vacuum chamber for detecting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber and an electrical control and evaluating device which is connected to the drive motor, the vacuum pump, the tempering device and the pressure sensor, for detecting the end point of the vacuum concentration by means of the pressures detected by the pressure sensor in the vacuum chamber and terminating the vacuum concentration when the end point is determined.

Abstract: An optical sensor system on an apparatus for treating liquids, with a device for projecting light to at least one illumination position in space, at least one device for imaging the at least one illumination position on at least one photo detector in order to supply a measurement signal depending on the received light, wherein the device for projecting is a device for simultaneously projecting light to plural illumination positions and/or the device for projecting is a device for simultaneously projecting light under different angles to the same illumination position, and/or plural photo detectors are existent, and an analysing unit connected to the at least one photo detector for analysing the at least one measurement signal.

Abstract: A phone for pets and pet owners is taught which allows the owner to call the house and “talk” to the pet. The owner can then see a video image of the pet in front of the pet phone to verify presence and happiness. The device can also present the owner's scent to the pet and deliver treats on remote command. In some embodiments, the pet can initiate the phone call.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable prosthesis and more specifically, an implantable tubular textile prosthesis comprising a biocompatible fabric having inner and outer surfaces and first and second ends; the fabric having a textile construction comprising cold drawn PTFE yarns having a substantially uniform denier and high molecular orientation. Use of cold drawn PTFE yarns result in implantable prostheses that have excellent abrasion resistance, strength and lubricity properties. Useful textile constructions include weaves, knits, braids, filament windings, spun windings and combinations thereof. The prostheses of the present invention are lubricious and have characteristics that closely resemble the properties of a natural body lumen.