Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoprosthesis having a web structure that is expandable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration and that includes a plurality of longitudinally adjacent web rings. Each of the web rings is defined by web elements disposed circumferentially around a longitudinal axis, which are adjoined one to the other at junction bends. A first junction bend in a first web ring is coupled to a second junction bend in a second web ring by a connector which includes three or more struts of essentially equal length that extend circumferentially in essentially parallel directions. The struts of the connector are adjoined in sequence by coupling segments that, in one embodiment of the invention, are arcuate in shape.

Abstract: As described herein, a body lumen filter is provided that includes a body configured to move between a pre-deployed state and a deployed state, a filtering structure operatively associated with the body to filter particulates, and a blending structure operatively associated with the body. The blending structure can be configured to break up at least one of the particulates.

Abstract: A catheter is configured to prevent kinking of a catheter during handling or mounting of a pressure device. The catheter has a proximal end of its catheter shaft that is provided with a bending section having a flexibility greater than that of the section of the catheter shaft joining the proximal end.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stenting are provided comprising a stent attached to a porous biocompatible material that is permeable to endothelial cell ingrowth, but impermeable to release of emboli of predetermined size. Preferred stent designs are provided, as well as preferred manufacturing techniques. Apparatus and methods are also provided for use at a vessel branching. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may comprise a coating configured for localized delivery of therapeutic agents. Embodiments of the present invention are expected to provide enhanced embolic protection, improved force distribution, and improved recrossability, while reducing a risk of restenosis and thrombus formation.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing leakage of blood from a vessel. The method includes inserting a portion of an apparatus into a puncture tract extending through tissue to a puncture in the vessel; the apparatus including a thrombogenic matrix disposed in a distal portion of the apparatus. The method also includes deploying the thrombogenic matrix from the distal portion of the apparatus and into the puncture tract, the thrombogenic matrix being exposed to blood and compressively engaging the tissue surrounding the vessel to prevent leakage of blood.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and an electrolytic solution are described for electropolishing metallic stents made, for example, of high-strength medical alloys. The apparatus may include an electropolishing container made from material of low thermal conductivity. The apparatus may include at least one spiral cathode for optimization of solution agitation and/or voltage distribution in the electrolytic solution. Further, an electrolytic solution including at least dimethylsulfate is described. A method for improved electropolishing to consistently produce smooth surfaces is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and an electrolytic solution are described for electropolishing metallic stents made, for example, of high-strength medical alloys. The apparatus may include an electropolishing container made from material of low thermal conductivity. The apparatus may include at least one spiral cathode for optimization of solution agitation and/or voltage distribution in the electrolytic solution. Further, an electrolytic solution including at least dimethylsulfate is described. A method for improved electropolishing to consistently produce smooth surfaces is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates a vascular prosthesis and related assembly methods that includes a plurality of modular segments inter-engaged by flexible, and preferably lockable, inter-engageable elements forming joints or other connector areas. The segments may have a number of different mechanical properties and may be assembled by the clinician, through mechanical or chemical joining, to customize the prosthesis for a specific patient or application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent delivery system and a process for mounting a stent onto a delivery system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of loading a stent onto a balloon and mounting the stent balloon assembly onto a catheter. The premounting of the stent onto the balloon subassembly allows the stent to be crimped in a way that the crimping recoil can be compensated and stent retention is kept at a maximum.

Abstract: A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing leakage of blood from a vessel. The method includes inserting a portion of an apparatus into a puncture tract extending through tissue to a puncture in the vessel; the apparatus including a thrombogenic matrix disposed in a distal portion of the apparatus. The method also includes deploying the thrombogenic matrix from the distal portion of the apparatus and into the puncture tract, the thrombogenic matrix being exposed to blood and compressively engaging the tissue surrounding the vessel to prevent leakage of blood.

Abstract: A stent-graft including an inner stent having a wall structure including juxtaposed strut-patterns with interconnected struts and connectors connecting the strut-patterns is described. The wall structure of the inner stent has a predetermined length. An outer stent is coaxially arranged around the inner stent and has a wall structure including juxtaposed strut-patterns with interconnected struts and connectors connecting the strut-patterns. The wall structure of the outer stent has a predetermined length and a flexible stretchable material layer arranged between the inner stent and the outer stent. The wall structure of the inner stent has a design differing from the design of the wall structure of the outer stent and the length of the inner stent is equal to the length of the outer stent.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for stenting are provided comprising a stent attached to a porous biocompatible material that is permeable to endothelial cell ingrowth, but impermeable to release of emboli of predetermined size. Apparatus and methods are also provided for use at a vessel branching. The present invention further involves porous polymer membranes, suitable for use in medical implants, having controlled pore sizes, pore densities and mechanical properties. Methods of manufacturing such porous membranes are described in which a continuous fiber of polymer is extruded through a reciprocating extrusion head and deposited onto a substrate in a predetermined pattern. When cured, the polymeric material forms a stable, porous membrane suitable for a variety of applications, including reducing emboli release during and after stent delivery, and providing a source for release of bioactive substances to a vessel or organ and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a modified Co-Polymer or to the modified Co-Polymer itself having high flexibility and high stress resistance, especially tensile strength or tear resistance, in addition to the good physical characteristics of a Block-Co-Polymers of a polyamide and a polycarbonate diamine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical catheter, and more particularly, a balloon catheter having an auxiliary lumen configured to permit the advancement of a functional measurement wire to a treatment site. The auxiliary lumen communicates with a working lumen that is configured to permit the advancement of a guidewire and the functional measurement wire, so that the guidewire and functional measurement wire may selectively be advanced to the treatment site during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The apparatus is provided for sealing a vascular puncture tract by forming the autologous plug within the puncture tract, and extruding that plug into the puncture tract. The apparatus of the present invention forms an autologous blood plug by drawing blood into the apparatus from a vessel, mixing a blood congealing agent with the drawn blood, and ejecting a plug formed from the clotted blood within the puncture tract. Also provided are various closure elements to isolate the drawn blood from the vessel during mixture with the blood congealing agent, and to facilitate placement of the apparatus relative to the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a modified Co-Polymer or to the modified Co-Polymer itself having high flexibility and high stress resistance, especially tensile strength or tear resistance, in addition to the good physical characteristics of a Block-Co-Polymers of a polyamide and a polycarbonate, either polycarbonate diol or polycarbonate diamine.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprising a catheter tube, an inflatable and deflatable balloon fixed to the catheter tube and a refolding device for folding the balloon onto the catheter tube during balloon deflation, wherein the refolding device includes at least one flap arrangement being fixed on the catheter tube and being disposed within the balloon.

Abstract: The apparatus is provided for sealing a vascular puncture tract by forming the autologous plug within the puncture tract, and extruding that plug into the puncture tract. The apparatus of the present invention forms an autologous blood plug by drawing blood into the apparatus from a vessel, mixing a blood congealing agent with the drawn blood, and ejecting a plug formed from the clotted blood within the puncture tract. Also provided are various closure elements to isolate the drawn blood from the vessel during mixture with the blood congealing agent, and to facilitate placement of the apparatus relative to the vessel.

Abstract: A stent comprises a tubular flexible body composed of a web structure that is expandable from a contracted delivery configuration to a deployed configuration and that comprises neighboring web patterns of alternating concavities extending circumferentially and adjoined by X-shaped transition sections. The web pattern may comprise either arcuate struts interconnected by bends, or a plurality of substantially straight sections with the transition sections formed by the junctions between pairs of adjacent bends of opposite curvatures.