Abstract: A cartridge device is provided for applying a fiber matrix to a tubular member such as a saphenous vein graft. The cartridge includes a housing, a tubular member holder, a rotational drive, and a polymer delivery assembly. The housing defines a chamber which surrounds the tubular member holder. The rotational drive rotates the tubular member during the fiber application process.

Abstract: A graft device is provided comprising a flow conduit and a surrounding covering. The graft device can connect a first body space and a second body space. In one embodiment, the flow conduit is a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided are methods of preparing a graft device and connecting the graft device between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion.

Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying a restrictive fiber matrix to a conduit to create a graft device. A rotating assembly rotates the conduit, and a polymer delivery assembly delivers the restrictive fiber matrix. A controller controls the polymer deliver assembly and the rotating assembly.

Abstract: In some aspects, graft devices for a mammalian patient can include a tubular member comprising a first end; and a fiber matrix surrounding the tubular member, wherein the fiber matrix is designed and constructed to be substantially continuously tapered at the first end to define a diameter that increases as it approaches the first end.

Abstract: A system for electrospinning a fiber matrix on a tubular member includes at least one nozzle, a tubular member in a spaced relationship to the at least one nozzle, and a fluid source for pressurizing a lumen of the tubular member. An electrical potential is applied between the at least one nozzle and either the tubular member or fluid from the fluid source. The electrical potential draws at least one fiber from the at least one nozzle to the tubular member.

Abstract: In some aspects, a system for applying a fiber matrix on a tubular conduit is provided. The system can include a tubular conduit, a mandrel and a fiber matrix delivery assembly. The mandrel can comprise an elongate shaft and a rolling membrane configured to atraumatically engage the tubular conduit.

Abstract: A system for applying a fiber matrix on a tubular member is provided. A mandrel, configured for atraumatic placement within the tubular member, is included. Methods for atraumatic placement of a mandrel into a tubular member are also provided.

Abstract: A system for electrospinning a fiber matrix on a tubular member includes at least one nozzle, a tubular member in a spaced relationship to the at least one nozzle, and a fluid source for pressurizing a lumen of the tubular member. An electrical potential is applied between the at least one nozzle and either the tubular member or fluid from the fluid source. The electrical potential draws at least one fiber from the at least one nozzle to the tubular member.

Abstract: In some aspects, graft devices for a mammalian patient can include a tubular member comprising a first end; and a fiber matrix surrounding the tubular member, wherein the fiber matrix is designed and constructed to be substantially continuously tapered at the first end to define a diameter that increases as it approaches the first end.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a vessel for use in a medical procedure are disclosed. A vein or other vessel can be modified in situ, prior to harvesting. Subsequently, at least a portion of the vessel is removed, and subsequently implanted to treat a patient, typically in a bypass procedure in which the vessel portion fluidly connects a source of oxygenated blood to an occluded artery.

Abstract: A graft includes a flexible, resilient, generally tubular external support and a blood vessel segment, carried within and having an ablumenal surface in contact with and supported by the tubular support, the graft being capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the radial compliance properties of an artery.

Abstract: Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, a graft device can include a biodegradable inner layer, an outer layer, a first end portion, a second end portion, and a lumen therebetween. The biodegradable inner layer typically includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer layer typically includes a fiber matrix surrounding the outer surface of the inner layer. The graft device can include a reinforced end portion. At least 10% or at least 50% of the graft device can remain after 90 days of implantation. In some cases, at least 10% or at least 50% of the graft device can remain after 180 days of implantation. The graft device can include a kink-resisting element. The graft device can include at least one layer with a dynamic compliance less than or equal to at least one of: 20%/100 mmHg or 5%/100 mmHg.

Abstract: A cartridge device is provided for applying a fiber matrix to a tubular member such as a saphenous vein graft. The cartridge includes a housing, a tubular member holder, a rotational drive, and a polymer delivery assembly. The housing defines a chamber which surrounds the tubular member holder. The rotational drive rotates the tubular member during the fiber application process.

Abstract: A graft device for a mammalian patient tubular conduit comprises a fiber matrix surrounding the tubular conduit and a spine comprising a first support portion and a second support portion. At least one of the first support portion or the second support portions can be constructed and arranged to rotate relative to the other to receive the tubular conduit. The first support portion can comprise a first set of projections and the second support portion can comprise a second set of projections that interdigitiate with the first set of projections. Tools for creating the spine and for applying the spine are also provided.

Abstract: A graft device is provided comprising a flow conduit and a surrounding covering. The graft device is for connecting between a first body space and a second body space. In one embodiment, the flow conduit is a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided are methods of preparing a graft device and connecting the graft between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion.

Abstract: In some aspects, a system for applying a fiber matrix on a tubular conduit is provided. The system can include a tubular conduit, a mandrel and a fiber matrix delivery assembly. The mandrel can comprise an elongate shaft and a rolling membrane configured to atraumatically engage the tubular conduit.

Abstract: A tubular graft device is provided comprising a tubular member and a fiber matrix of one or more polymers about a circumference of the tubular member. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft and connecting the graft between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a vessel for use in a medical procedure are disclosed. A vein or other vessel can be modified in situ, prior to harvesting. Subsequently, at least a portion of the vessel is removed, and subsequently implanted to treat a patient, typically in a bypass procedure in which the vessel portion fluidly connects a source of oxygenated blood to an occluded artery.