Abstract: A system and method for treating and repairing complex anatomy characterized by a plurality of vessel portions oriented at various angles relative to each other. The system including a graft device that is capable of being assembled in situ and has associated therewith a method that avoids the cessation of blood flow to vital organs. A delivery catheter system and various graft supporting, mating and anchoring structures are additionally included.

Abstract: A highly flexible tissue-type heart valve is disclosed having a structural stent in a generally cylindrical configuration with cusps and commissures that are permitted to move radially. The stent commissures are constructed so that the cusps are pivotably or flexibly coupled together at the commissures to permit relative movement therebetween. The stent may be cloth-covered and may be a single element or may be made in three separate elements for a three cusp valve, each element having a cusp portion and two commissure portions; adjacent commissure portions for each pair of adjacent stent element combining to form the stent commissures. If the stent has separate elements their commissure portions may be pivotably or flexible coupled, or may be designed to completely separate into independent leaflets at bioresorbable couples. The cloth covering may have an outwardly projecting flap that mates with valve leaflets (e.g., pericardial leaflets) along the cusps and commissures.

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: 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 system and method for exclusion of an aneurysm of an aortic arch region using a graft delivery system capable of maneuvering around an aortic arch, an aortic arch graft, and an occluder system for isolating an aneurysm while occluding one or more corresponding arteries, and with bypass of those arteries being performed using one or more selected bypass grafts. The graft may be branched or branchless. The graft delivery system has a flexible sheath that is manipulated manually with the aid of a guidance system. A hoist delivery system may also be provided. The occluder system may comprise independent occluders with one or more anchor members adjacent to one end. Alternatively, the occluders can be provided as part of the aortic arch graft, either as a built-in singular self-deploying occluder or as built-in multiple occluders. A kit is also provided containing a graft, stents, occluders, and optional delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing the function of a diseased valve includes an annular first support member expandable to a first diameter. An annular second support member is spaced axially apart from the first support member and is expandable to a second diameter that is independent of the first diameter. A tubular graft section interconnects the first and second support members. The graft section defines an annulus having a third diameter that is independent of each of the first and second diameters. A prosthetic valve is secured within the annulus of the graft section. The bioprosthetic valve has at least two valve leaflets that are coaptable to permit the unidirectional flow of blood. Methods for repairing the function of a diseased valve and for making the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A ceramic-metal composite articulation is provided with substantial elimination of wear debris, wherein a ceramic material is provided with superior mechanical properties tailored for articulating with ceramic articulations having high flexural strength (greater than about 700 MPa), high fracture toughness (greater than about 7 MPam1/2) and a high Weibull modulus (greater than about 20), in comparison with presently available bio-ceramics such as alumina or zirconia. The mechanical property enhancement enables ceramic materials with greater reliability and significantly reduced in-vivo fracture risk to be obtained. Preliminary in-vitro wear performance, to several million cycles using established test protocols, of head/cup components in a prosthetic hip joint made from these ceramics also demonstrates the ultra low wear characteristics.

Abstract: Described is a monolithic in situ forming valve system. The valve system is delivered in an unformed, collapsed configuration that lacks any functional characteristics commonly associated with a valve before. However, once expanded, the system is transformed into a competent valve for use in a wide variety of applications. The valve system includes a superior expandable structure, an inferior expandable structure, and a helical pre-valve component. The helical pre-valve component comprises a first end attached with the superior expandable structure and a second end attached with the inferior expandable structure. The helical pre-valve component is formed such that expansion of the superior expandable structure and the inferior expandable structure causes the helical pre-valve structure to transform into a functional valve held between each of the expandable structures.

Abstract: An improved knee prosthesis includes a ceramic tibial component for articulation with natural or prosthetic (re-surfaced) femoral surfaces. The ceramic tibial component is provided in the form of a ceramic monoblock adapted for fixation relative to the patient's tibial bone, or alternately in the form of a ceramic bearing insert component carried by a tibial baseplate member which is adapted in turn for fixation relative to tibial bone. In either form, the ceramic tibial component includes at least one upwardly concave articulation surface for movable bearing engagement by a generally convex or condylar shaped femoral articulation surface. The ceramic tibial component provides improved wear characteristics with extended service life.

Abstract: An endovascular stent comprising an expandable framework including a plurality of interconnected segments, and a plurality of entangled cylindrical micelles disposed on the expandable framework. Each of the plurality of cylindrical micelles may be loaded with a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An improved hip prosthesis includes an acetabular cup bearing component constructed from a relatively hard and high strength ceramic material for articulation with a ball-shaped femoral head component which may be constructed from a compatible ceramic or metal material. In one form, the acetabular cup further includes a ceramic porous bone ingrowth surface adhered thereto for secure ingrowth attachment to natural patient bone.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a flexible annuloplasty ring, a plurality of anchoring members and a tensioning filament attached to the flexible ring. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a flexible annuloplasty ring to the annulus of a mitral valve, and adjusting the lengths of segments of the tension filament attached to the flexible ring in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve close completely during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: Hemi joint replacements for the base of the first metacarpal of the CMC joint are provided which can effectively restore and reestablish functional joint mechanics while preserving the soft tissues that contribute to joint stability and function. The implants have a unique head shape with a saddle-like articular surface that is shaped somewhat similar to a conventional bicycle seat. A set of four proportionately larger and smaller implants allows a surgeon to choose the appropriately sized prosthesis for implantation in respect of the metacarpal osteotomy.