Abstract: A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel at two longitudinal spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced, elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading end of the filter to form a first filter basket and to center a hub at the trailing end of the filter within the vessel. A second plurality of spaced elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof to form a second filter basket opening toward the leading end.

Abstract: A gripping device operative within a body vessel which includes an elongate, flexible support body having a plurality of spaced gripping members attached to the support body to extend axially outwardly from the outer end thereof. The gripping members are formed to have an expansion position where they angle laterally from the support body. A cone shaped flexible liner forming an open ended enclosure in the expansion position of the gripping members has an outer end connected to the distal ends of the gripping members and an inner end connected to the support body. The flexible liner is surrounded by the gripping members.

Abstract: A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel at two longitudinal spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced, elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading end of the filter to form a first filter basket and to center a hub at the trailing end of the filter within the vessel. A second plurality of spaced elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof to form a second filter basket opening toward the leading end.

Abstract: A unitary anastomosis device for use in forming a graft between two body members is provided which includes a body member of fluid impervious vessel compatible material formed to define at least one elongate chamber having at least two spaced open ends. The outer surface of the body member carries a bio-adhesive which bonds the body member to the luminal walls of two vessels to be joined when the body member is expanded into contact with the vessel luminal walls.

Abstract: A stent comprising a wire skeletal frame, the frame being adapted to assume a first condition in which the frame is relatively rigid and substantially tubular in configuration and a second condition in which the frame is flexible, of reduced stress, and collapsible, such that in the second condition walls of the frame are adapted to be positioned against each other to form a stent diameter substantially equal to the combined thickness of the frame walls in abutting engagement with each other, the frame in its second condition being substantially devoid of bias therein urging the frame to assume the first configuration.

Abstract: A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel at two longitudinally spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced, elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the trailing end of the filter to form a first filter basket. These arms prevent movement of the filter in a first longitudinal direction. A second plurality of spaced elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof. These second legs form a second filter basket opening toward the leading end and prevent longitudinal movement of the filter in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A medical appliance of shape memory material is provided for implantation in a vascular passageway for engagement with the walls of the passageway. The appliance includes a body formed of thermal shape memory material having a temperature transformation level below which the body is in a martensitic state and is pliable and compressible, and above which the body is in an austenitic state and is self-expandable to a substantially rigid pre-compressed configuration. The shape memory material in the austenitic state is capable of being transformed by stress to the martensitic state. The body includes segments which expand outwardly away from the longitudinal axis of the body in the austenitic state thereof, and a superelastic hinged joint is formed in at least one of the segments by reducing the cross-sectional area of the segment in a localized area.

Abstract: A unitary anastomosis device for use in forming a graft between two body members is provided which includes a body member of fluid impervious vessel compatible material formed to define at least one elongate chamber having at least two spaced open ends. The outer surface of the body member carries a bio-adhesive which bonds the body member to the luminal walls of two vessels to be joined when the body member is expanded into contact with the vessel luminal walls.

Abstract: A stent comprising a wire skeletal frame, the frame being adapted to assume a first condition in which the frame is relatively rigid and substantially tubular in configuration and a second condition in which the frame is flexible, of reduced stress, and collapsible, such that in the second condition walls of the frame are adapted to be positioned against each other to form a stent diameter substantially equal to the combined thickness of the frame walls in abutting engagement with each other, the frame in its second condition being substantially devoid of bias therein urging the frame to assume the first configuration.

Abstract: A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel at two longitudinally spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced, elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the trailing end of the filter to form a first filter basket. These arms prevent movement of the filter in a first longitudinal direction. A second plurality of spaced elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof. These second legs form a second filter basket opening toward the leading end and prevent longitudinal movement of the filter in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A stent including a wire skeletal frame, the frame being adapted to assume a first condition in which the frame is relatively rigid and substantially tubular in configuration and a second condition in which the frame is flexible, of reduced stress, and collapsible, such that in the second condition walls of the frame are adapted to be positioned against each other to form a stent diameter substantially equal to the combined thickness of the frame walls in abutting engagement with each other, the frame in its second condition being substantially devoid of bias therein urging the frame to assume the first configuration.