Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a class of fluorinated copolymers, such as PTFE copolymers, that can be dissolved in low toxicity solvents, such as Class III Solvents, and that enable the creation of stable water-in-solvent emulsions comprising the fluorinated copolymers dissolved in a low toxicity solvents and a hydrophilic agent (e.g., a therapeutic agent) dissolved in an aqueous solvent, such as water or saline.

Abstract: A device for treating disease along a main vessel and at least one branch vessel extending from the main vessel includes a branch member for deployment in the branch vessel, the branch member having a branch lumen; and a main body for deployment in the main vessel. The main body has a generally tubular wall extending generally longitudinally between opposite first and second ends. The wall has an internal surface defining a main lumen and an opposite outer surface. The wall has a recessed portion that is recessed relative to the outer surface of the wall and positioned between the first and second ends of the main body. The main body has an opening formed in the recessed portion of the wall for receiving the branch member therethrough such that the branch lumen is in fluid communication with the main lumen.

Abstract: An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene substrate comprising a microporous microstructure, an interlayer over at least a portion of the microstructure, the interlayer containing a reactive functionality, and a functional layer attached to the interlayer, the interlayer comprising a sol-gel or a polyvinylalcohol. The functional layer of the substrate having functional sites with a density of at least 50 nanomoles/cm2.

Abstract: Controlled deployable medical devices that are retained inside a body passage and in one particular application to vascular devices used in repairing arterial dilations, e.g., aneurysms. Such devices can be adjusted during deployment, thereby allowing at least one of a longitudinal or radial re-positioning, resulting in precise alignment of the device to an implant target site.

Abstract: A vascular graft having a sealing layer and a tapered length portion. The sealing layer provides the vascular graft with low bleed characteristics subsequent to a needle puncture such as with a dialysis needle or a suture needle. The sealing layer in the tapered length portion has varying wall thickness along the tapered length portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a composite balloon comprising a layer of material having a porous microstructure (e.g., ePTFE or expanded polyethylene) and a thermoplastic polymeric layer useful for medical applications. The layers of the composite balloons become adhered through a stretch blow-molding process. Methods of making and using such composite balloons are also described amongst others.

Abstract: Prosthetic valved conduits are provided that include a leaflet construct coupled between two portions of a conduit. Each leaflet has a free edge and a leaflet attachment edge. The leaflet attachment edge is disposed between a first conduit distal end and a second conduit proximal end that are coaxial therebetween defining a junction.

Abstract: A retrieval catheter operable by a single clinician that will neither displace a deployed stent nor cause undue trauma to the vascular lumen or lesion. The retrieval catheter may be sized to accommodate both a guidewire and a balloon wire. The retrieval catheter is easy to navigate through tortuous passageways and will cross a previously deployed stent or stent-graft easily with minimal risk of snagging on the deployed stent or stent graft. The sheath and dilator are adapted to allow a guidewire or balloon wire to pass through the walls of both and to allow the sheath and dilator to move axially with respect to each other.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a valve having a first end and an opposite second end; a sheath fixedly secured to and extending axially from one of the first and second ends of the valve; a dilator extending through the valve and sheath; and a lock knob rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to releasably axially lock the tool relative to the sheath without causing corresponding rotation of the tool therewith.

Abstract: Systems and methods of filtering with filter assemblies including a frame having a header structure, an end cap structure, and a plurality of side plates coupling the header structure to the end cap structure are provided. The filter pleated media may include an upstream surface and a downstream surface opposite the upstream surface in a direction of flow through the filter assembly, and the filter pleated media may include a pleated configuration. The filter assemblies may further include a support member coupled to a portion of the frame and along at least one of the upstream surface or the downstream surface of the filter pleated media. The support member may at least partially penetrate the pleated configuration and extend into a pleat of the pleated configuration of the filter pleat media.

Abstract: A filter bag is disclosed that comprises a porous membrane having a strength in the transverse direction to improve durability. There is a filter assembly for filtering particulates from a gas stream comprising a support substructure and a filter bag at least partially surrounding the support substructure. The filter bag comprises a porous membrane having a upstream surface exposed to the gas stream. The porous membrane is lightweight and has a structure to collect the particulates on the upstream surface. In particular, the porous membrane has a bubble point of 0.06 MPa or more and has a strength in a transverse direction that is 100 N/m or more. Other filter bags disclosed comprise a laminate comprising a porous membrane having a bubble point of 0.06 MPa or more and a second layer that acts as a sacrificial material.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of regenerating at least one filter medium comprising: providing at least one filter medium, wherein the at least one filter medium comprises: at least one catalyst material; and ammonium bisulfate (ABS) deposits, ammonium sulfate (AS) deposits, or any combination thereof; flowing a flue gas stream transverse to a cross-section of a filter medium, such that the flue gas stream passes through the cross section of the at least one filter medium, wherein the flue gas stream comprises: NOx compounds comprising: Nitric Oxide (NO), and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2); and increasing an NOx removal efficiency of the at least one filter medium after removal of deposits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices for connecting tissue layers or occluding body conduits and tissue structures include apposition portions, a central region, and a covering material. The methods of using the devices include endoscopic deployment, and the devices may include self-expanding frameworks that facilitate a secure connection between the tissue structures. In some embodiments, one or more tethers are used to longitudinally contract the device in situ.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for stent access and device delivery. In certain instances, the apparatuses, systems, and methods may include a plurality of struts arranged about the one or more cutting blades on a tip portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly is disclosed that comprises a porous expanded membrane having a plurality of pores, a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The porous expanded membrane comprises an active area and a bonded area. The bonded area comprises an adhesive material that forms a bridge extending through the plurality of pores in the bonded area from the first surface to the second surface. The adhesive material in the bonded area improves the Z-strength and allows the porous expended membrane to be a lightweight material having a mass/area ratio of less than or equal to 3 g/m2.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an endoprosthesis delivery system comprising an elongate member, such as a catheter, an endoprosthesis, and an end cap having one or more protrusions extending therefrom. The protrusions may assist in retraction of end cap into an outer sheath, such as an introducer sheath. In some examples, the protrusion includes fins. In some embodiments, the endoprosthesis delivery system further includes a covering member disposed about the endoprosthesis. The protrusions may support the covering member, which may extend beyond the distal end of the endoprosthesis and onto the end cap. In some embodiments, the end cap comprises a tapered profile, which may assist in retraction of the catheter tip and end cap into an outer sheath.

Abstract: The invention comprises an indwelling medical device which is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent evenly along the length of the indwelling portion, including the outer wall, of the device.