Abstract: The present invention relates to a double layer prothesis that is applied to every patient suffering from inguinal hernia. The two lower and upper layers of this dynamic prosthesis can move independently one from the other, since each of said two layers is fixed only on a side facing the side of the other layer. All this avoids, during muscular movements, (deambulation, cough efforts and so on), the formation of some traction and/or torsion points, frequently responsible for immediate post-operative and/or long term troubles and pains. The lower layer creates a new internal inguinal orifice and exercises a "sling" action on the spermatic cord. Said cord takes a "S" shape crossing the double prosthetic layer. The combination of the "sling" with the "S" shape of the cord prevents relapsing external oblique hernias.

Abstract: An implantable microporous ePTFE tubular vascular graft exhibits long term patency, superior radial tensile strength and suture hole elongation resistance. The graft includes a first ePTFE tube and a second ePTFE tube circumferentially disposed over the first tube. The first ePTFE tube exhibits a porosity sufficient to promote cell endothelization tissue ingrowth and healing. The second ePTFE tube exhibits enhanced radial strength in excess of the radial tensile strength of the first tube.

Abstract: An endovascular support device for treatment of chronic restenosis or other vascular narrowing is disclosed together with a method of manufacture and a method for delivering a plurality of such devices to an affected area of a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the endovascular support device comprises a unitary wire-like structure configured to form a plurality of upper and lower peaks which may be compressed for delivery to an affected area of a coronary or peripheral vessel in a human, and then expanded to maintain a passageway through the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soft-tissue prosthesis which is formed from a tubular textile substrate and a liner. The liner is affixed to the intraluminal surface of the tubular textile portion of the soft-tissue prosthesis to form a fluid-tight barrier on the intraluminal surface of the prosthesis. The liner is preferably formed from a polymer. Thus, the soft-tissue prosthesis formed in accordance with the present invention provides the advantages of both a textile prosthesis and a polymer prosthesis.

Abstract: A novel process for paving or sealing the interior surface of a tissue lumen by entering the interior of the tissue lumen and applying a polymer to the interior surface of the tissue lumen. This is accomplished using a catheter which delivers the polymer to the tissue lumen and causes it to conform to the interior surface of lumen. The polymer can be delivered to the lumen as a monomer or prepolymer solution, or as an at least partially preformed layer on an expansile member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reconstructing target tissue by grafting uses a stabilizing balloon cannula having an endoscope for visualizing the placement of the graft during the procedure. The method and apparatus advances a sheathed graft to the target tissue, releases the graft at the target site, occludes the target tissue, deploys a graft stabilizing catheter, dissects a cavity outside the target tissue site, maintains the dissection site, and then secures the graft to the target tissue. Alternatively, the method and apparatus creates a cavity extending to the target tissue using an everting balloon cannula with an endoscope, maintains the dissection site, introduces the graft to the target site via the dissection site, and then secures the graft to the target tissue.

Abstract: A tampon is disclosed which is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina especially during her menstrual period. The tampon includes an absorbent and a resilient member. The resilient member is positioned on or within the absorbent and both members are rolled or formed into an elongated softwind having a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is compressed into an elongated pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. The resilient member is capable of expanding at least a portion of the pledget so as to prevent premature leakage of body fluid when inserted into a woman's vagina. The tampon further includes a withdrawal string for removing the tampon from a woman's vagina. The withdrawal string is attached to the first and second ends of the softwind.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for controlling urinary continence is disclosed. The device has an opening pressure that varies in response to changes in physiologic parameters. The device can be controlled by the patient voluntarily without manual intervention. A nonsurgical method of maintaining urinary continence is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intraluminal graft (10) includes a tubular graft body (11) formed of a film or fabric which is reinforced along its length by a plurality of separate spaced apart maleable wires (17). Each of the wires (17) has a generally closed sinusoidal or zig-zag shape. A wire (17) located adjacent to one end of the graft body (11) has alternate crests or apices that project beyond that end of the graft body (11). The graft (10) may be inserted intraluminally into the body of a patient in a collapsed condition within a catheter. Once positioned to bridge across an aneurysm within the patient's arterial system the graft (10) may be expanded radially by a balloon to bridge the aneurysm and occlude the aneurysmal sack.

Abstract: A prosthesis for imparting structural integrity to a blood vessel having an aneurysm comprising a longitudinal member having an external surface, a first end, a second end, and an internal surface defining a longitudinal bore. The internal surface is provided with a constriction to increase the velocity of a fluid passing through the longitudinal bore. A plurality of apertures provide fluid communication between the external surface and the longitudinal bore at the constriction to cause a suction that will diminish the pressure within the aneurysmal sack.

Abstract: An implant and coverings for an implant for use in the human body are disclosed. Coverings for implants are constructed to present a biocompatible surface to the body and to provide a textured surface which serves to disorganize scar tissue which forms around the implant. Filaments of expanded PTFEe are attached to a stretch fabric backing in a loose weave configuration. Silicone molded in geometric patterns may be employed to present a textured surface. Compressive structures may be beneficially used on the surface of the implant or in the interior of the implant. Foam is one such compressive structure. Hexagonally shaped compressive cells containing fluid, gas, gel or foam are adapted to receive an insert which contains an outer biocompatible coating. A valve or port is provided to communicate between the cell and the body. Expansion means may be provided to expand the implant in a desired direction.

Abstract: A prosthetic conduit for the surgical treatment of cardiovascular pathologies, that can be attached in particular to each of the coronary ostia, left and right (D, S) and to the aortic valved conduit (H), respectively, comprising two hollow terminal elements (2, 3) implantable, by means of respective sewing rings (9, 10), on a coronary ostium (D, S) and on the aortic valved conduit (H), and at least one removable tubular element (4) for the connection between said terminal elements (2, 3), that can be rotated through 360.degree. with respect to them.

Abstract: Blood lines for hemodialysis and other blood handling procedures may be reused by placing connectors intermediately along the length of the blood lines so that the lines can be disconnected to separate out reusable portions thereof. Specifically, the bulk of the blood lines used may comprise branchless lengths of tubing which are easily reusable, and may be cleaned and stored along with a dialyzer or similar device by connection to a conventional reuse machine. Also, the connectors on the blood lines which are reused may have first and second sealing surfaces. The first sealing surfaces are used in the connections made to form the blood line in its normal form for use. Then, during cleaning and sterilization for reuse, the reusable connectors can connect first and second lengths of blood lines together making use of a second sealing surface, in which the first sealing surfaces are exposed to cleaning/storing solution to cause cleaning and antibacterial action on the first sealing surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inducing growth of soft tissues including skin, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and spinal cord which includes a tensioned spring causing the application of force on the soft tissue in the direction of the desired growth. The device also includes means for attaching the tensioned spring to the tissue and means for maintaining tension on the spring as the tissue grows. Further, a monitoring and control device can be included which can monitor and control the amount of growth.

Abstract: A stent includes a main body of a generally tubular shape for insertion into a lumen of a vessel of a living being. The tubular main body includes a substantially biodegradable matrix having collagen IV and laminin that enclose voids within the matrix. The tubular main body also includes a biodegradable strengthening material in contact with the matrix to strengthen the matrix. The tubular main body is essentially saturated with drugs.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis is implanted at a target location within a body lumen by transluminally placing and embedding an expansible prosthesis body within a sealing layer. The sealing layer occludes at least a circumferential band within an interface region between the prosthesis body and the inner wall of the body lumen, thus providing for blockage of body lumen flow past the prosthesis. The sealing layer may be introduced prior to or simultaneously with the prosthesis body. A tubular prosthesis may be implanted in blood vessels, particularly to protect aneurysms.

Abstract: A ligament fixator for a ligament anchor system and a process its use in an arthroscopic procedure for mounting a ligament graft end in a tunnel formed into a bone. The anchor system includes footing member for positioning in a bone tunnel, and includes a longitudinal opening formed therethrough, and a ligament carrying member that has a forward of proximal portion for fitting through the member longitudinal opening and includes a coupling for securing it to the footing member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more interconnective elements. The individual radially expandable cylindrical elements consist of ribbon-like material disposed in an undulating pattern. Portions of the expanded stent project outwardly into engagement with the vessel wall to more securely attach the stent.

Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis for intraluminal repair of body conduits, especially aortic aneurysms, is disclosed. The prosthesis includes a generally tubular, flexible graft (20) having a proximal open end (30) and at least one distal open end (31) terminating in a hem (33). A stent (21) can be disposed within the proximal open end (30) and is adapted to be attached to the body conduit (1). The hem (33) is inverted within the graft so that it is disposed as a cuff (34) within the graft. The hem (33) is arranged so that upon withdrawing the distal open end (31) from inside the cuff (34), the cuff will unfold and follow the distal open end to expose it to receive another stent for attachment to the body conduit (12) for intraluminal implantation of the graft. Preferably the hem is folded a second time within the cuff to form a second cuff (35) within the graft. The stents are preferably formed of a plexus of wires adapted to expand from a first narrow diameter to a second diameter to engage the body conduit.

Abstract: A blood stream adjuster is arranged inside a blood vessel for bypass made of autologous blood vessel, artificial blood and so on when the blood vessel for bypass is transplanted between two blood vessels of the human body. The blood stream adjuster comprises a stricture portion which is located at its axis direction center part and has a smaller inside diameter in comparison with the inside diameters of axis direction both ends. The inside diameter of the stricture portion is set so that quantity, velocity or pressure of blood stream will be suitable for the blood vessel with which the side to receive blood stream in the blood vessel for bypass is anastomosed. Hereby, the occurrence of stricture and obstruction is restrained around the anastomotic portion between the blood vessel for bypass and its anastomotic blood vessel.