Abstract: A stent of variable surface area as determined by stent struts. The stent can have a variable surface area per unit length which accommodates a therapeutic agent. A patterned distribution of therapeutic agent can be provided throughout the stent. The stent can have an increased level of therapeutic agent near an end of the stent. A decreased level of therapeutic agent can be provided near an end of one embodiment of a stent. Indentations can be provided at the surface of the stent with therapeutic agent disposed therein. The stent can be cut with struts of variable thickness to provide the variable stent surface area.

Abstract: A hybrid stent is formed which exhibits both high flexibility and high radial strength. The expandable hybrid stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, consists of radially expandable cylindrical rings generally aligned on a common longitudinal axis and interconnected by one or more links. In one embodiment, a dip-coated covered stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer material. In other embodiments, at least some of the rings and links are formed of a polymer material which provides longitudinal and flexural flexibility to the stent. These polymer rings and links are alternated with metallic rings and links in various configurations to attain sufficient column strength along with the requisite flexibility in holding open the target site within the body lumen. Alternatively, a laminated, linkless hybrid stent is formed by encapsulating cylindrical rings within a polymer tube.

Abstract: A delivery system for a medical device or other devices to be deployed within a biological body including a sheath having a longitudinal joint. The joint can be either resealable or non-resealable. The joint remains intact during delivery of the medical device, thereby facilitating accurate delivery of the medical device. During removal of the sheath, the joint is separated, thereby permitting the sheath to be peeled from the medical device while maintaining the position of the device. The delivery system allows a single operator to deploy the medical device and remove the sheath.

Abstract: Stents and a method of using the stents to increase blood flow to ischemic tissues in a patient are disclosed.

Abstract: Coatings for stents that include a polymer and a drug are provided. The stent's struts are generally linear segments interrupted by a curved or bent segment that contain a drug/polymer coating wherein the concentration of the drug in the coating is greater in at least a portion of the curved or bent segment as compared to the linear segments.

Abstract: Medical implants containing a temporary plasticizer, methods of producing such implants, and methods of using the implants in treating a disease, or ameliorating one or more symptoms thereof, in a subject are provided.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a balloon catheter with a multilayered polymeric sleeve at the rapid exchange intermediate section, having an outer layer formed of a polymer with a relatively low processing temperature (i.e., melting temperature for semi-crystalline polymers or glass transition temperature for amorphous polymers), and having an inner layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously polishing the inner and outer surfaces of an unpolished polymeric stent using a heat process. The unpolished stent can be mounted, for example, on a “spiral-mandrel,” a tubular helical structure with gaps in between a series of coils of the structure. Heat from a heat source can then applied to the spiral-mandrel at a range between the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of the polymer of the stent.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering therapeutic agents and a method of making such a device is disclosed. The device includes an inflatable balloon having a plurality of holes formed in the wall of the balloon. A microporous coating covers a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the balloon. The thickness of the coating and the size of the micropores can permit controlled delivery of a substance from the micropores of the coating and into the tissue of a patient's lumen.

Abstract: The end cap is preferably formed of a relatively high durometer material with an inner surface on an outer surface of the shaft and on an outer surface of the balloon skirt section, and contacts a compression member on the balloon outer surface. The configuration prevents or inhibits failure at the balloon seals which otherwise results from the compression member moving or the balloon pulling off the shaft and out from under the compression member during inflation of the balloon. As a result, the balloon catheter of the invention has an improved consistent burst pressure and/or failure mode.

Abstract: The invention provides bioactive compositions and methods of delivery for ameliorating a vascular diseased state, particularly for the management of stenosis or restenosis following a vascular trauma or disease.

Abstract: Methods of coating a stent subsequent to mounting or crimping of the stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly are disclosed. One method includes forming a sacrificial layer on a balloon of a catheter assembly; followed by mounting a stent on the balloon, the stent including struts separated by gaps; followed by forming a stent coating on the stent; and followed by removal of the sacrificial layer. Another method includes mounting a stent on a balloon, the stent including struts separated by gaps; followed by forming a sacrificial layer on the balloon in the areas of the gaps between struts of the stent; followed by forming a coating on the stent; and followed by removing the sacrificial layer, wherein the coating remains on an outer surface of the stent.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for supporting a stent and a method of using the same to coat a stent is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an expandable polymer link hybrid stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery along with a method of making the stent. The stent generally includes a series of metallic cylindrical rings longitudinally aligned on a common axis of the stent and interconnected by a series of polymeric links. The polymer links are formed by applying polymer layers between the rings and laser ablating the excess material. The polymeric material forming the polymeric links, provides longitudinal and flexural flexibility to the stent while maintaining sufficient column strength to space the cylindrical rings along the longitudinal axis. The metallic material forming the rings provides the necessary radial stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire, and method for making the device. The guidewire of the present invention is formed, at least in part, of a composite elongate core formed, at least in part, of precipitation hardened material. The elongate core members of the present invention will have an ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity greater than the same for an identically dimensioned elongate member formed from superelastic NITINOL alone.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable medical devices and methods for fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings include a layer comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a layer comprising a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer.

Abstract: A method and system for purifying polymers to use with medical devices, particularly for a drug eluting stent, is described.

Abstract: An embolic filtering device for use in a bifurcated vessel includes delivery device having a first guide wire and a second guide wire. The second guide wire diverges from the distal-end region of the first guide wire. The filter device also includes a filter support having a first deployment member and a second deployment member. These deployment members can be formed as a first loop and a second loop. A bifurcated filter element is coupled to the filter support. The distal-end region of the first guide wire extends through a first leg of the filter element and the second guide wire extends through a second leg of the filter element. During use, the first leg of the filter element is deployed within a first branch of the bifurcated vessel and the second leg of the filter element is deployed within a second branch of the bifurcated vessel.

Abstract: A filtering device has a directional member and filtering member disposable in a vessel (e.g. blood artery) at a position past a lesion in the direction of fluid flow. The filtering member is made from a resilient material having properties of passing the fluid while blocking the passage of emboli in the fluid. This material may be selected from a group consisting of blood filter material and a braided/woven biocompatible material with the properties specified above. The inner end of the filtering member is attached to a shaft which provides for the disposition of the members in the vessel at the position past the lesion and the withdrawal of the members from the vessel. The directional member has a length extending at least to the vessel wall. The directional member is made from a pliable and elongatable material with properties of blocking fluid and emboli passage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire, and method for making the device. The guidewire of the present invention is formed, at least in part, of a composite elongate core formed, at least in part, of precipitation hardened material. The elongate core members of the present invention will have an ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity greater than the same for an identically dimensioned elongate member formed from superelastic NITINOL alone.