Abstract: An implantable device consisting of a plurality of links and configured to be in one of two modes, either flexible in at least one plane or rigid in all planes. The implantable device is inserted into a body cavity in the flexible mode and transformed to the rigid mode resembling a figure eight and anchoring the device in the body cavity.

Abstract: A sleeve that is inserted into intestine has an extendable length, varying length. When no food is ingested the sleeve is short. The length of the sleeve could be thirty or less centimeter. When food is ingested the sleeve extends into the intestine the full length and reduces absorption of food by the intestine.

Abstract: The invention provides a system (1) and method for manufacturing a stent. A spraying device (14) sprays a polymeric suspension (16) onto a mandrel (4). During spraying of the polymeric suspension (16) onto the mandrel (4), the mandrel (4) is manipulated by a micromanipulator (8) to produce a continuous coating on the mandrel (4) having a nonuniform thickness. The polymeric coating is allowed to cure on the mandrel (4) to form the stent, which is then removed from the mandrel (4). The method can comprise embedding a filament (2) in the polymeric coating and incorporating one or more drugs in the stent.

Abstract: A stent with at least one cross-section having either a vertex or having first and second contour points where the radius of curvature of the first point is at least 2.5 times the radius of curvature of the second point.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a stent, having a hollow portion formed from a fashioned filament (100, 110). Between adjacent segments of the fashioned filament is a detachable seam (140). After implantation of the device in the body, the device may subsequently be removed by grasping an end of the filament and pulling the end of the filament so as to detach the seam between adjacent segments of the fashioned filament, and unravel the hollow portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a system (1) and method for manufacturing a stent. A spraying device (14) sprays a polymeric suspension (16) onto a mandrel (4). During spraying of the polymeric suspension (16) on to the mandrel (4), the mandrel (4) is manipulated by a micromanipulator (8) to produce a continuous coating on the mandrel (4) having a nonuniform thickness. The polymeric coating is allowed to cure on the mandrel (4) to form the stent, which is then removed from the mandrel (4). The method can comprise embedding a filament (2) in the polymeric coating and incorporating one or more drugs in the stent.

Abstract: A cylindrical lining for insertion into a body lumen having a fluctuating caliber, such as a pulsating artery, peristaltic organ, or a lumen adjacent to a sphincter. The lining has a radial resistance less than a radial force applied to it by the lumen as the caliber of the lumen fluctuates so as to allow the lining to continuously conform to the shape of the lumen.