Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve.

Abstract: Provided herein is a biocompatible implant for meniscus tissue engineering. Particularly, the biocompatible implant comprises a multi-layered crescent-shaped silk fibroin scaffold, in which each layer comprises distinct pore size and/or pore orientation, e.g., to mimic native meniscus complex architecture. Accordingly, the biocompatible implant can be used for repairing any meniscal defect or promoting meniscal regeneration in a subject.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the valve support may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary ostia.

Abstract: A stent comprises a generally cylindrical band having a pattern of alternating first and second struts, the first struts being wider than the second struts, the first and second struts being of substantially the same length.

Abstract: A multi-component ankle joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper tibia bone and an opposing and lower talus bone. A first component is anchored into the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower talus reconditioned end surface of and exhibits a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components. The spherical shaped component includes a multi-layer composition having a softer outer layer and at least one harder interior layer establishing an eccentric rotational interface therebetween.

Abstract: A method of forming a shoulder prosthesis includes forming a concave articular surface into an end portion of a humerus, including compacting bone of the end portion to define the concave articular surface. An implant having a convex articular surface is secured to a glenoid. The concave articular surface of the humerus is articulated with the convex articular surface of the implant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming a patient-specific surgical implant based on mold system. The apparatus comprises a forming tool and a mold that may be generated using imaging and processing techniques and rapid prototyping methods. The mold apparatus includes at least two non-adjacent surface features for securing an implant forming material (such as a titanium mesh) during the forming process, enabling the implant forming material to be stretched beyond its elastic and thus permanently deformed with the correct patient-specific curvature. The implant may include one or more anatomic surface features for guidance and registration when transferring the implant to a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, device and method for localized application of therapeutic substances within a biological conduit. In various embodiments, a dissolvable bag or bolus of at least one therapeutic agent is introduced and pressed and/or sealed against the wall of conduit. In other embodiments, dissolvable barbs formed from at least one therapeutic agent are ejected from a catheter by fluid pressure, embedding in the wall of conduit.

Abstract: An expandable stent comprised of a plurality of helical segments is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stent is generally cylindrical in shape having a cylindrical axis, and comprises a first and second set of helical segments. The helical segments in the first set are substantially parallel and have a first pitch forming a first helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. The helical segments in the second set are also generally parallel to each other and form a second pitch that differs from the first pitch, thereby forming a second helical angle with respect to the cylindrical axis. In an alternative embodiment, the stent comprises one set of helical segments and a plurality of circumferential elements that are joined together by the helical segments to form a plurality of cylindrical elements which are joined together to form a stent body. The stent may also have endzones.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis constructed in accordance to the present disclosure includes a femoral component and a boss. The femoral component can have a first condylar portion and a second condylar portion connected by an inner condylar portion that defines an intercondylar recess, the inner condylar portion having a first engagement portion comprising a first plurality of engaging members extending therefrom. The boss can have a longitudinal body extending along a boss axis between first and second ends. The first end can be configured to selectively mate with a stem. The second end can include a second engagement portion comprising a second plurality of engaging members extending therefrom. The second engagement portion of the boss can be selectively coupled to the first engagement portion of the femoral component in a plurality of discrete positions to attain a corresponding plurality of angles of the boss axis relative to the femoral component.

Abstract: Degradable, polymeric fiber-based, three-dimensional braided scaffolds for use as graft materials in ligament and tendon repair, reconstruction and replacement are provided. Also provided are methods for preparing these scaffolds.

Abstract: A device for treating mitral regurgitation including an anchor which features one or more reinforcing bars, ribbon and suture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces in a knee joint. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable for each patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. Kits are also provided to enable customized repairs to be performed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a curable nucleus pulposus implant having water absorption and swelling capabilities, compositions for producing the curable nucleus pulposus implants, and methods of using the curable nucleus pulposus implants. The curable nucleus pulposus implant can be created from a polymer blend composition comprising a ratio of a curable material and at least one hydrophilic polymer. The resulting polymer blend composition may be used to generate curable nucleus pulposus implants to treat a number of disease and/or disorders, such as herniated discs. The curable nucleus pulposus implants may further contain polyelectrolytes and elastomer compounds, as well as pharmacological and biological agents.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use with at least one tissue-adjustment device, including a tissue-engaging element having a distal portion configured to engage at least a first portion of tissue of a patient, and having a proximal portion. At least one docking station is coupled to the proximal portion of the tissue-engaging element and is configured to be coupled to the at least one tissue-adjustment device. The docking station includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the tissue-adjustment device to the tissue-engaging element. At least one guide member is reversibly coupled to the at least one docking station and is configured for facilitating slidable advancement of the at least one tissue-adjustment device toward the tissue-engaging element. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved stent design for repairing vasculature, the stent having rings including struts defining first peaks and second peaks, selected second peaks of adjacent rings being connected by links. The stent design incorporates non-linear links with undulating portions extending generally perpendicular to or circumferentially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the stent and adjacent first peaks with different longitudinal lengths such that stent flexibility is increased without sacrificing stent compression for delivery.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an implant structure configured to treat a native atrioventricular valve of a patient, the implant structure including a sleeve having a lumen and at least one end, the at least one end being shaped so as to define an opening. A closure element is disposed in a vicinity of the at least one end, the closure element being configured to facilitate closure of the opening. A contracting mechanism is coupled to the implant structure and configured to contract at least a contraction-facilitated portion of the implant structure. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method of implanting a distal radial wrist implant relative to a host radius while salvaging at least portions of fractured radial bone can include, determining a size of a host radius. A distal radial component can be selected based on the determination. The distal radial component can have a body that includes a first connection portion. A stem portion can be selected based on the determination. The stem portion can have a second connection portion. Portions of the fractured radial bone can be located around the body. The portions of the fractured radial bone can be secured relative to the body. The first connection portion of the distal radial component can be coupled with the second connection portion of the stem portion. The distal radial implant can be implanted relative to the host radius.

Abstract: Medical device coatings are provided that simultaneously release a therapeutic agent at different rates from different portions of the medical device coating. In a first embodiment, medical device coatings are provided that include particles comprising a therapeutic agent with two or more different particles sizes within a single layer on a surface of the implantable device. In a second embodiment, medical device coatings are provided having a higher concentration of the therapeutic agent in a first region of the coating than in a second region of the coating. In a third embodiment, medical device coatings are provided that are formed by certain coating processes wherein the droplet size of a spray coating solution is changed during the coating process. These coating processes preferably include applying a solution comprising a therapeutic agent and a suitable solvent to a surface of an implantable medical device.

Abstract: A prosthetic aortic conduit (1) for use during surgery on the aorta of a patient. The conduit includes an elongate tubular portion (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (11) between a first conduit terminal end (12) and a second conduit terminal end (13). The first conduit terminal end (12) is configured with two substantially U-shaped tongues (21, 22) extending away from the tubular portion (10) generally along the longitudinal axis (11). Each of the tongues (21, 22) is appropriately sized to together collectively approximate the shape of the scalloped bicuspid valve annulus. The second conduit terminal end (13) is configured with three substantially U-shaped tongues (31, 32, 33) extending away from the tubular portion (10) generally along the longitudinal axis (11). Each of the tongues (31, 32, 33) is appropriately sized to together collectively approximate the shape of the scalloped tricuspid valve annulus.