Abstract: A stent graft device has an upper main tubular portion dividing into two tubular limbs and is adapted for location in an aorta having an aneurysm. The stent graft device is well suited for an aorta having a restricted section having an inner diameter smaller than the sum of the inner diameters of the iliac arteries, which branch from the aorta. The diameters of the two tubular limbs are sufficiently small to allow for both tubular limbs to be deployed side-by-side in a fully expanded state within the restricted section without being constrained by the aorta inner surface. The limbs also have distal end portions having diameters larger than the diameters of limbs at the area near the restricted section for being retained within the iliac arteries.

Abstract: An implantable endoluminal device which is fabricated from materials which present a blood or body fluid and tissue contact surface which has controlled heterogeneities in material constitution. An endoluminal stent which is made of a material having controlled heterogeneities in the stent material along the blood flow surface of the stent and the method of fabricating the stent using vacuum deposition methods.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for sustaining a vessel or hollow organ lumen (a stent) having a tubular wire frame (1) with rows of elongate cells (2) each having a larger axis and a smaller axis. The cells are arranged with the larger axis in the circumferential direction of the frame (2) and the smaller axis parallel to the axial direction thereof. Each cell is formed by two U-shaped wire sections, and in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis one of the branches of the U-shaped wire sections in one row form together a closed ring shape (4) which provides the frame (1) with large radial stiffness. In the axial direction the frame (1) has only low stiffness so that it easily conforms to the vascular wall even if this deforms due to external loads. The interconnection between the cells (2) may be flexible.

Abstract: An expandable annular ring for implantation in a valvular annulus and its percutaneous use thereof comprises a plurality of stenting elements made of a first shape-memory material having a first shape-transition temperature, wherein the first shape-memory material expands to a preshape when the first shape-memory material is heated to above the first shape-transition temperature; and a plurality of anchoring elements made of a second shape-memory material having a second shape-transition temperature that is higher than the first shape-transition temperature, wherein the second shape-memory material expands to the second preshape when the second shape-memory material is heated to above the second shape-transition temperature.

Abstract: A spinal implant for engagement in a space between upper and lower vertebrae has a center part extending along an axis and formed with upper and lower screwthreads of opposite hand. Respective upper and lower end parts axially flank the center part and each have an inner end threaded onto a respective one of the screwthreads and an outer end adapted to bear on a respective one of the vertebrae. One of the end parts is formed with an eye having a hole open transversely of the axis. A screw engages through the hole and anchors the one end part to the respective vertebra. The other end part is also formed with an eye having a hole open transversely of the axis and another screw engages through this hole and anchors the other end part to the respective vertebra.

Abstract: Joint prostheses which have one joint partner configured as a socket and the other joint partner configured as a ball head generally consist of two components. The socket is comprised of a metallic outer cup in which an insertion cup made of ceramic material or of a biocompatible plastic is inserted. The shaft has a peg, the so-called cone, on which a ball head is placed. The press fit connection, especially so-called conical pressing, is used as a connection technique between the respective components. Stress can result in a relative movement between the components, thus leading to a wear-related loosening of the connection thereof. In order to solve this problem, the invention provides that, from the prosthetic components (2, 3), the component (3) made of ceramic or plastic fitted with a covering (6), said covering being made of a biocompatible metal or of a biocompatible metal alloy, on the pressing surface (7) thereof via which said component (3) is connected to the metal component (2).

Abstract: A bioprosthetic heart valve is disclosed. In a first aspect of the invention, a prosthetic heart valve comprises three mammalian heart valve leaflets, each valve leaflet including a full root length of tissue, the valve leaflets being affixed to one another to define a fluid flow passage, the fluid flow through which may be governed by the valve leaflets. In a second aspect the heart valve comprises a plurality of heart valve leaflets affixed to one another to define a fluid flow passage, the fluid flow through which may be governed by the valve leaflets; and a permanent trimming guide on at least one of the plurality of valve leaflets. In yet a third aspect of the invention, a bioprosthetic heart valve comprises a plurality of assembled parts, wherein the assembled parts are sutured together by hidden and locking stitches.

Abstract: A method of correcting refractive error in an eye, comprising the steps of marking at least one axis on the surface of the cornea. A portion of the cornea is then separated, forming a first anterior facing surface and a second posterior facing surface. An inlay having at least one axis indicated on the surface thereof is positioned between the first and second surfaces, and the at least one axis on the inlay is aligned with the at least one axis on the surface of the cornea. This results in precise positioning and orientation of the inlay and thus correction of astigmatic error in the cornea.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within a body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radial. Preferred prosthesis exhibits reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacturing wear resistant medical prosthesis and materials used therein are also provided.

Abstract: A porous polytetrafluoroethylene substrate is used in an endoprosthesis device. An elongate radially expandable tubular stent is also included with the porous PTFE substrate, and form the endoprosthetic device. A method of making the porous polytetrafluoroethylene entails a novel method including siloxane in PTFE and thereafter removing the siloxane to form the porous structure. The PTFE structure does not have nodes and fibrils.

Abstract: A stent is adapted to be implanted in a duct of a human body to maintain an open lumen at the implant site, and to allow viewing body tissue and fluids by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) energy applied external to the body. The stent constitutes a metal scaffold. An electrical circuit resonant at the resonance frequency of the MRI energy is fabricated integral with the scaffold structure of the stent to promote viewing body properties within the lumen of the stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resilient foot insert for an artificial foot, having at least one spring element that determines the spring rigidity of the artificial foot, and an adapting device for changing the spring rigidity of the spring element. In order to improve and simplify the adaptation of the foot insert to the respective use conditions, the invention provides that the adapting device be automatically actuated as a function of the respective loading to which the foot insert is subjected by the patient wearing the artificial foot.

Abstract: Expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. In a first embodiment, an expandable pre-assembled heart valve includes a plastically-expandable annular base having plurality of upstanding commissure posts. A tubular flexible member including a prosthetic section and a fabric section is provided, with the prosthetic section being connected to the commissure posts and defining leaflets therebetween, and the fabric section being attached to the annular base. In a second embodiment, an expandable heart valve includes an annular tissue-engaging base and a subassembly having an elastic wireform and a plurality of leaflets connected thereto. The annular base and subassembly are separately stored and connected just prior to delivery to the host annulus. Preferably, the leaflet subassembly is stored in its relaxed configuration to avoid deformation of the leaflets. The expandable heart valves may be implanted using a balloon catheter.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a longitudinal foot body and a biasing unit. The foot body includes front and rear end portions, and a longitudinal cavity between the front and rear end portions and extending inwardly from an upper surface of the foot body. The biasing unit is mounted in the cavity and has first and second ends extending respectively toward the front and rear end portions. The foot body is deflectable to contract the cavity. The biasing unit is subjected to a compression force when the cavity contracts, and restores the foot body to a normal position when the compression force is relieved.

Abstract: A refractive anterior chamber iris fixated intraocular lens including an optic portion having an outer peripheral edge and two or more but preferably two haptic elements. Each haptic element is manufactured to have an inner portion and an outer free end portion for supporting the optic portion in a patient's eye. The inner portion of each haptic element is preferably permanently connected to the outer peripheral edge of the optic portion. Each haptic element also includes a tissue clasp for secure attachment of the intraocular lens to the non-mobile periphery of the iris of an eye.

Abstract: A prosthesis for implanting into a bone having a cavity is disclosed. The prosthesis comprises a body and a stem. A first coating including a bone ingrowth promoting material that promotes ingrowth of bone onto the stem and a bioabsorbable material that delays the ingrowth of bone onto the stem is disposed on a proximal portion of the stem outer surface. A second coating including the bone ingrowth promoting material and the bioabsorbable material is disposed on a distal portion of the stem outer surface. The ratio of bone ingrowth promoting material to bioabsorbable material in the first coating is greater than the ratio of bone ingrowth promoting material to bioabsorbable material in the second coating whereby the affixation of the bone to the proximal zone of the stem is faster and stronger over time than the affixation of the bone to the distal zone of the stem.

Abstract: A lower platform and an upper platform are connected first and second levers having different lengths, each lever being articulated about a first axis on said lower platform and a second axis on said upper platform. The upper platform can be swiveled from a rest position to a position of maximum excursion relative to the lower platform so that the distance between platforms is immediately reduced upon swiveling from the rest position. At least one axis is provided with a brake which slows down rotational movement.

Abstract: An inventive flanged graft for end-to-side anastomosis includes a graft with bifurcated flanges. The bifurcated flanges may be symmetrical or asymmetrical relative to one another. The type and size of flange to be used is determined by various factors such as identity of the receiving artery, position of the arteriotomy on the receiving artery, and lumenal diameter of the graft. The graft is preferably anastomosed to the receiving artery using continuous sutures to join the arteriotomy to the peripheral edges of the bifucated flanges. In an alternate embodiment, the inventive bypass graft includes a flared skirt which extends circumferentially about the tubular graft member. The flared skirt has an elliptical shape and is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the graft member.

Abstract: A lung-assist apparatus includes a tubular housing, a tubular nozzle therein, and a first valve disposed between the housing and nozzle. The housing is implanted across a bifurcation such that the nozzle extends from a first branch communicating with a healthy region of a lung towards a main passage, and terminates proximate a lateral opening in the housing that is disposed within a second branch communicating with a damaged region of the lung. During inhalation, the first valve opens to allow air flow into the first branch, and closes during exhalation to force air through the nozzle, thereby inducing a vacuum for drawing air from the damaged region. A second valve in the second branch opens during exhalation to draw air from the diseased region, and closes during inhalation to prevent air from being drawn into the damaged region.