Abstract: A passive electrical transponder may be encoded with a code corresponding to medical information, and the transponder directly transplanted in a patient's underarm area. Medical devices may also carry transponders to identify them for use with the system of the present invention. The code may be accessed with an electromagnetic hand held reader which is brought into proximity of the transponder. The medical information may itself be directly encoded into the transponder, or a code used which is then keyed to a corresponding data entry in a data bank or computerized data base accessible over telecommunication lines. With this invention, medical information may be reliably and confidentially recorded, maintained, and accessed with minimal patient involvement in order to achieve a high degree of reliability and accuracy.

Abstract: An implantable bioartificial pancreas device having an islet chamber containing glucose responsive and insulin-secreting islets of Langerhans or similar hormone secreting cells, one or more vascularizing chambers open to surrounding tissue, a semi-permeable membrane between the islet and vascularizing chambers that allows passage of small molecules including insulin, oxygen and glucose and does not allow passage of agents of the immune system such as white cells and antibodies, the vascularizing chambers containing a growth factor soaked fibrous or foam matrix having a porosity of about 40 to 95%, the matrix providing small capillary growth and preventing the blood from clotting in the lower chamber.

Abstract: A biocompatible titanium implant with a modified exterior surface having a covering layer that comprises a hydrated titania gel. The exterior surface of the titanium implant is processed by a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution that contains metal ions which not only promotes a reaction between the titanium implant and the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution but also provides a high apatite formation ability to the hydrated titania gel on the surface of the implant.

Abstract: A bioresorbable sealant composition useful for impregnating implantable soft-tissue prostheses includes at least two polysaccharides in combination to form a hydrogel or sol-gel. The sealant compositions may optionally include a bioactive agent and/or be cross-linked subsequent to application of these compositions to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A prosthesis for insertion into a lumen to limit restenosis of the lumen. The prosthesis carries restenosis-limiting drugs which elute after the device is positioned in the lumen.

Abstract: A stent assembly (10) for placement in a body lumen (12) acting to retain the body lumen (12) in an open position. The stent assembly (10) includes a cylindrical shell (14) and a plurality of circular coils (16) embedded within the cylindrical shell (14). The stent assembly (14) is changeable between a first unexpanded state for placement within the body lumen (12) and a second expanded state for holding the body lumen (12) open once positioned therein. The cylindrical shell (14) is made of expandable PTFE material and the plurality of coils (16) are formed of cut rings, the cuts in each coil being staggered about the 360 degree radius of the cylindrical shell (14) providing full support for the cylindrical shell (14) throughout its circumference. The cylindrical shell (14) may also include ridges (24) extending from an outer wall (30) thereof for engaging the inner wall (28) and holding the stent assembly (10) in place.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent for a medical device to be introduced into a cavity of a human body, is disclosed and includes a radially expandable and axially retractable tubular body (1), characterized in that the tubular body comprises first filaments (2, 3) which are arranged side by side in a number at least equal to two, wound along a first helicoid direction around a longitudinal axis (4) of the tubular body, and second flexible rigid filaments (5, 6) which are arranged side by side in a number at least equal to two, wound along a second helicoid direction opposite to the first, each multiple filament wound in one of the said directions crossing multiple filaments wound in the other direction according to a plaited arrangement. Methods for reproducibly forming the stent of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular graft prosthesis includes a tubular conduit for subcutaneous implantation. The tubular conduit has a first end for attachment to a vein, a second end for attachment to an artery, and an enlarged portion between the first and second ends. The enlarged portion has a diameter greater than the diameter of a remaining portion of said tubular conduit. The enlarged portion is positioned proximate the first end and spaced from the first end a distance substantially equivalent to a length of the enlarged portion.

Abstract: A method for providing a synthetic barrier made of biocompatible polymeric materials in vivo which involves application of a material to a tissue or cellular surface such as the interior surface of a blood vessel, tissue lumen or other hollow space, is disclosed herein. The material may also be applied to tissue contacting surfaces of implantable medical devices. The polymeric materials are characterized by a fluent state which allows application to and, preferably adhesion to, tissue lumen surfaces, which can be increased or altered to a second less fluent state in situ; controlled permeability and degradability; and, in the preferred embodiments, incorporation of bioactive materials for release in vivo, either to the tissue lumen surface or to the interior of the lumen, which alter cell to cell interactions.

Abstract: An implantable intraluminal device includes a first porous elongate tube with first and second opposed ends and an exterior surface and an interior luminal surface. A radially expandable member is disposed about the exterior surface of the first tube. A second porous elongate tube is disposed concentrically over the first tube and the radially expandable member and is secured to the first tube so that the radially expandable member is transversely mobile within a pocket formed by the securement of the first tube to the second tube.

Abstract: A stent or other endoprosthesis is provided from a single strand of biocompatible and resilient material into which spring coils are formed by winding the strand through in excess of 360.degree.. The thus-formed coil springs are positioned along outside edges of the endoprosthesis, with legs joining the coil springs in order to form a generally zig-zag structure. When the endoprosthesis is compressed for endoluminal delivery, the coil springs allow for large angular deflection between adjoining legs while avoiding plastic deformation of the coil or of the legs.

Abstract: A breast implant comprising a plurality of bags filled with a fluid and each having, when at rest, a predetermined configuration. Each of the bags is defined by a flexible membrane. A means, particularly an outer shell, is provided to hold the bags together.

Abstract: A method for improving the radial enlargeability and other properties of tape-reinforced tubular vascular graft formed of sintered fluoropolymer(s), such as expanded, sintered PTFE. Broadly, the method comprises the step of radially shrinking the reinforcement tape layer of the graft, or the entire tape-reinforced graft, after sintering thereof. Such radial shrinkage of the reinforcement tape layer, or of the entire graft, renders the graft subsequently radially enlargeable by more than 5%, without tearing or breaking of the reinforcement tape layer of the graft. Radially enlargeable grafts of the present invention may be combined with various types of stents or anchoring systems, to form endovascular graft devices which are transluminally insertable and implantable within the lumen of a host blood vessel.

Abstract: A stent comprising a helical mesh coil is provided having a substantially rectangular cross-section and a band width equal to at least one-quarter to one-third of the maximum expanded circumference of the stent. The helical mesh has a multiplicity of openings forming a lattice which preferably provides about 60% open space or more. Alternative embodiments of the helical mesh may include specially designed free ends that preferentially overlap neighboring turns of the coil, to ensure that the free ends of the stent do not project into the body lumen, and integrally formed barbs that induce a ratcheting effect that ensures that the stent resists localized compressive forces. Methods of deploying the helical mesh coil stent also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides smooth delivery and accurate positioning of prostheses in the body. In embodiments, systems are provided that include elongate members extending generally along the axis of a supporting catheter to a free ends. The elongate members extend through openings in the prosthesis to maintain the position of the prosthesis on the catheter. The prosthesis can be released from the catheter by relative axial motion of the catheter and the elongate members such that the free ends are removed from the openings in the prosthesis. In embodiments, the elongate members hold the distal end of a self-expanding stent at a desired axial location and in radial compaction as a restraining sheath is withdrawn. The friction between the sheath and stent puts the stent under tension, which reduces the radial force on the sheath wall, allowing smoother retraction. Proximal portions of the stent radially expand and axially shorten.

Abstract: An improved intraluminal grafting system incorporating novel structural features for enhancing the effective and efficient deployment of a bifurcated prosthesis having a plurality of attachment systems, in the vessel of an animal body, the system including a balloon catheter assembly, an ipsilateral capsule catheter assembly, distal and contralateral capsule assemblies and means interacting therewith, and a capsule jacket assembly. The capsule assemblies include an ipsilateral capsule assembly, a contralateral capsule assembly and a distal capsule assembly, wherein the attachment systems of the bifurcated prosthesis are disposed within the three capsule assemblies. The capsule jacket assembly includes a removable sheath that covers the bifurcated prosthesis and capsule assemblies to provide a smooth transition along the length of the deployment catheters.

Abstract: A radially self-expanding implantable intraluminal device formed from a hollow tubular braid. The intraluminal device may be used in a variety of medical procedures which require a passageway to be maintained in an open position or which require reinforcement, support or a bypass conduit such as in blood vessels weakened by disease. The intraluminal device is longitudinally expanded or radially collapsed for ease of insertion into a lumen and upon alignment within the lumen, the intraluminal device radially self-expands to come into intimate contact with the inner surface of the lumen.

Abstract: The wall of a prosthesis has a region which modulates communication through the porosity of the wall. The prosthesis is unitary, but may be assembled in successive bodies which are coalesced, so that the porous microstructure changes distinctly at stages through the thickness dimension of the wall. One embodiment is formed entirely of fluoropolymer, and has at least one surface adapted to support tissue regeneration and ingrowth. The modulation region is a stratum of high water entry pressure that reduces pulsatile hydraulic pressure transmission, or locally alters fluid-born-distribution of biological material through the wall and allows more natural gradients for tissue regeneration and growth in the outer region of the wall.

Abstract: A body compatible stent is formed of multiple filaments arranged in two sets of oppositely directed helical windings interwoven with one another in a braided configuration. Each of the filaments is a composite including a central core and a case surrounding the core. In the more preferred version, the core is formed of a radiopaque and relatively ductile material, e.g. tantalum or platinum. The outer case is formed of a relatively resilient material, e.g. a cobalt/chromium based alloy. Favorable mechanical characteristics of the stent are determined by the case, while the core enables in vivo imaging of the stent. The composite filaments are formed by a drawn filled tubing process in which the core is inserted into a tubular case of a diameter substantially more than the intended final filament diameter. The composite filament is cold-worked in several steps to reduce its diameter, and annealed between successive cold-working steps.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic device comprises at least two short stent segments welded together to form a connected stent. Each stent segment defines a single wire having straight sections integrally formed between axial turns. The welds are placed between stent segments at one or more aligned adjacent axial turns. The welded connected stent is flexible enough to allow it to pass through sharp turns and to be implanted to conform to the contour of the lesion to be treated. In one aspect of the invention all adjacent axial turns are welded together. In another aspect of the invention, selected adjacent axial turns are welded together to create a generally balanced spiral pattern of welds surrounding the cylindrical connected stent.