Abstract: A catheter comprising a flexible tube having a proximal portion and a distal end portion. The proximal portion comprises a first or working lumen and a second lumen for a guidewire. The distal end portion consists of a small-diameter flexible tube having a single lumen. The catheter has a tapered transition portion interconnecting the proximal and distal portions, in which the first and second lumens have openings communicating internally of the catheter to the single lumen in the distal end portion. Coupled to a proximal end of the catheter are means for inserting an ultrasound or optical fiber into the first lumen for transmitting energy from an energy source through the catheter to an emission end near the distal end of the catheter and means for inserting the guidewire through the second lumen. The means for inserting are adapted to permit extension and retraction of the fiber and the guidewire in their respective lumens.

Abstract: It is a general object of the invention to provide a method of effecting repair or replacement or supporting a section of a body tissue. Specifically to provide an elastin or elastin-based biomaterial suitable for use as a stent, for example, a vascular stent, or as conduit replacement, as an artery, vein or a ureter replacement. The biomaterial can also be used as a stent or conduit covering or coating or lining. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method of securing an elastin or elastin-based biomaterial to an existing tissue without the use of sutures or staples.

Abstract: It is a general object of the invention to provide a method of effecting tissue repair or replacement using a biomaterial. It is a specific object of the invention to provide a biomaterial suitable for use as a stent, for example, a vascular stent, or as a conduit replacement, as an artery, vein or a ureter replacement. The biomaterial can also be used as a stent or conduit covering or lining. The present invention relates to a method of repairing, replacing or supporting a section of a body tissue. The method comprises positioning a biomaterial at the site of the section and bonding the biomaterial to the site or to the tissue surrounding the site. The bonding is effected by contacting the biomaterial and the site, or tissue surrounding the site, at the point at which said bonding is to be effected, with an energy absorbing agent. The agent is then exposed to an amount of energy absorbable by the agent sufficient to bond the biomaterial to the site or to the tissue surrounding the site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a prosthetic device comprising a support member comprising a stent, a conduit or a scaffold; and a layer of elastin or elastin-based material located on said support member. Preferably, the layer of said elastin or elastin-based biomaterial completely surrounds said support member. The support member can be formed of a metal or a synthetic material such as a polymeric material.