Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides indented structures that each include (a) a body defining a plurality of indentations, substantially all of the plurality of indentations including a surface layer including a biologically active substance; and (b) a body surface, wherein each of the plurality of indentations opens onto the body surface through a plurality of openings, and wherein the biologically active substance is not substantially present on the body surface. Examples of structures of the present invention include medical devices, such as medical devices that are completely or partially implantable into a living body. The surface layer of the indentations (or at least some of the indentations) of the medical devices of the invention may include biologically active molecules, such as proteins, that promote the growth of cells into and/or within the indentations, thereby promoting the acceptance of the implanted device by the living body.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent-graft endoprosthesis is provided. The graft included in the stent-graft is a knitted tubular structure circumferentially disposed and securably attached to the stent. The knitted tubular structure has a warp knit pattern of interlacing yarns with at least a two-needle underlap to provide greater than 150 percent longitudinal stretchability while substantially inhabiting dilation. A knitted tubular graft and a knitted medical fabric with greater than 150 percent longitudinal stretchability are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for attaching an axial filament to the body of a self expanding stent, the filament serving to enhance the radial self expanding force of the stent body. Also stents having enhanced radial self expansion characteristics.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis is percutaneously implantable in the body of a patient by means of a catheter, this endoprosthesis being changeable from a small lumen during insertion to a larger lumen conforming to the functional position. This implant has a hose-like netting produced from at least one elastic filament, such netting having the structure of a wire mesh fence with meshes forming polygons, wherein the filaments each grip around each other in the corner points of the meshes following each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the prosthesis. According to an alternative embodiment, the endoprosthesis is a hose-like netting produced from elastic filament, such netting having the structure of a wire mesh fence with meshes forming polygons, wherein the meshes have connection zones with two filaments twisted around each other, such connection zones in each case extending in the longitudinal direction of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A fabric graft having a high external velour profile is provided. The textile graft may be woven or knitted to form a tubular prosthesis. The high external velour profile is provided by outwardly extending loops ranging from about 1 mm to about 5 mm in length. The fabric graft is self-sealing to minimize bleeding after puncture by a dialysis needle.

Abstract: A container for a tissue implantable solid filler material is disclosed. The filler material can be directly inserted into a cavity within the tissue or into a shell can be inserted into the cavity which either already contains the filler or has the filler added thereto during implantation. Methods for packaging the filler material are also disclosed.

Abstract: An aortic root prosthesis for being implanted into a patient during a valve sparing surgery as a replacement for a biological aortic root segment of an ascending aorta is disclosed. The aortic root prosthesis includes a hollow, annular tube having proximal and distal ends, and an inner and outer wall. The distal end is for being attached to the ascending aorta. A plurality of sinuses are circumferentially connected to the proximal end of the tube. Each of the sinuses is adapted for being attached to the aortic wall. Each of the sinuses also includes contouring means for imparting a convex contour to an outer wall of the sinus to thereby create a space between the open leaflet and its respective sinus to prevent impact between the leaflet of the valve and the inner wall of the sinus.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent-graft endoprosthesis is provided. The graft included in the stent-graft is a knitted tubular structure circumferentially disposed and securably attached to the stent. The knitted tubular structure has a knit pattern of interlacing yarns in an Atlas or a modified-Atlas pattern to provide greater than 150 percent longitudinal stretchability. A knitted tubular graft and a knitted medical fabric with greater than 150 percent longitudinal stretchability are also provided.

Abstract: Pre-trimmed, cryopreserved homografts and other stentless bioprosthetic heart valves having natural tissue sewing rings formed thereon. The sewing ring may be formed of strip of pericardium or other suitable tissue. Material may be captured between the natural tissue sewing ring and a sub-valvular lip formed on the valve to impart a desired size or shape to the sewing ring. In the case of cryopreserved embodiments of the invention (e.g., cryopreserved human homografts) the sewing ring is attached to the valve by way of a natural tissue suture, biological glue or other attachment component that is capable of undergoing cryopreservation without breaking, excessive weakening, or other changes that prevent it from performing its attachment function.

Abstract: A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent for insertion into a bifurcated vessel such as a blood vessel. In one embodiment, a first sheet is formed into a first leg, a second sheet is formed into a second leg, a third sheet is formed into a stem, and the two legs are attached to the stem. In a second embodiment, a first sheet is formed into a member having a first leg and half of a stem, a second sheet is formed into a second member having a second leg and half of a stem, and the two stem halves are combined to form the bifurcated stent. In a third embodiment, the stent comprises two sections that are serially inserted and assembled within the vessel at the site of the bifurcation to be treated.

Abstract: A device for dovetailing a wall of a cavity formed in cartilage includes a handle from which a pair of flexible blades extend, the blades having outwardly bent distal ends provided with cutting edges. A spike, fixed to the handle in a position substantially coaxial with the handle's longitudinal axis, is disposed between the blades.

Abstract: Stent designs for use in peripheral vessels, such as the carotid arteries, are disclosed. The stents consist of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common longitudinal stent axis and interconnected by one or more interconnecting members placed so that the stent is flexible in a longitudinal direction. The cylindrical elements are generally serpentine wave pattern transverse to the longitudinal axis between alternating valley portion and peak portions, the valley portion including alternating double-curved portions and U-shaped portions. The interconnecting members are attached to the double-curved portions to connect a cylindrical element to an adjacent cylindrical element and interconnecting members are attached to the U-shaped portions to connect the cylindrical element to the other adjacent cylindrical element. The designs include an eight crown and six crown stent which exhibit flexibility and sufficient radial strength to support the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an intraocular lens that may accommodate automatically, including a central optic having an anterior optic connected with the stroke cylinder, a posterior optic connected with the outer core which is connected with the stroke cylinder, thereby enclosing the central optic in an inner periphery. Thus, by change of the inclined angle of the user, or by variation of the external magnetic field, the push force that is exerted on the central optic of the intraocular lens may be regulated, so as to actively control the position of the central optic of the intraocular lens, so that the user may actively control and regulate the refractive power of the eyeball that is implanted with the intraocular lens.

Abstract: Pre-trimmed, cryopreserved homografts and other stentless bioprosthetic heart valves having natural tissue sewing rings formed thereon. The sewing ring may be formed of strip of pericardium or other suitable tissue. Material may be captured between the natural tissue sewing ring and a sub-valvular lip formed on the valve to impart a desired size or shape to the sewing ring. In the case of cryopreserved embodiments of the invention (e.g., cryopreserved human homografts) the sewing ring is attached to the valve by way of a natural tissue suture, biological glue or other attachment component that is capable of undergoing cryopreservation without breaking, excessive weakening, or other changes that prevent it from performing its attachment function.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orthopedic implant suitable for arthroplasty procedures. The orthopedic implant includes a first plate, a second plate, an axial support between the first plate and the second plate and one or more torsional supports connecting the first plate and the second plate. The axial support may be, for example, one or more flexible struts, such as cables, or a ball and socket joint. The torsional supports connect the first and second plates and may be, for example, curved around the axial support. The torsional supports may be integrally formed with the first and second plates as a single unitary device, by, for example, a Laser Engineered Net Shape (LENS) process.

Abstract: A disk prosthesis for cervical vertebrae. The prosthesis includes a spherical cap formed on a first insert, while a spherical cup is formed on a second inset, two inserts made of ceramic material, one of the inserts being mounted on a first plate while the other insert is mounted on a second plate in such a manner that the center of rotation of the joint is substantially centered relative to the edges of the plates, a spherical cup possessing a contact surface area that is not less than that of the spherical cap and being connected via an annular molding to the base of the insert, and a plate provided with the insert having the spherical cap includes an annular setback to leave clearance for the annular molding.

Abstract: This relates to restoring recoil or maintaining compression of an emphysematous or otherwise unhealthy lung and includes elastic members which contract or compress the lung tissue. The elastic member is secured to tissue of the lung either inside or outside of the lung to supplement the natural elasticity of the lung or maintain the tissue in a compressed state. The elastic member may include elastic patches, elastic bands, coil springs, covers or a combination of these elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making an anastomotic connection between first and second tubular fluid conduits are provided. For example, a connector may be configured for attachment to the first and second tubular fluid conduits and have an interior thereof substantially accessible to the interior of the first tubular fluid conduit. The connector may be configured for annular enlargement. An expandable structure is provided having a first portion configured to annularly enlarge the connector by engaging the interior of the connector. A second portion may be configured to extend through an opening in the medial portion of the first tubular fluid conduit.

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.