Abstract: A multi-component endovascular stent system (10) includes an outer generally tubular stent (20), configured to assume radially-compressed and radially-expanded states, and an inner generally tubular stent (22), including a braided metal wire mesh (24) including wire, and configured to assume a radially-compressed and longitudinally-elongated state and a radially-expanded and longitudinally-contracted state. The inner stent (22) is configured to be nested in the outer stent (20), such that the inner and the outer stents (22, 20) are fixed together when the inner stent (22) is in its radially-expanded and longitudinally-contracted state and the outer stent (20) is in its radially-expanded state.

Abstract: An endovascular stent-graft (20, 120, 180, 220, 320) includes a fluid flow guide (22), and a plurality of structural stent elements (24) attached to at least a portion of the fluid flow guide (22). The stent-graft is configured to define a generally tubular foldable section (30), which comprises first, second, and third subsections (32, 34, 36). The stent-graft is configured to assume a delivery configuration and a deployment configuration. In the delivery configuration, (a) the stent-graft, including the foldable section (30), is in a radially-compressed state, and (b) the foldable section (30) is in a longitudinally-expanded state, in which state the first and the third subsections (32, 36) longitudinally surround the second subsection (34).

Abstract: An electrostimulation device including an electrode shaft that includes a plurality of electrodes, a delivery device that includes a cannula, through which the electrode shaft is insertable, a fixation member fixable on the cannula, and a locking mechanism for selectively permitting and preventing relative movement between the electrode shaft and the delivery device.

Abstract: A system for treating a medical condition in a living body, comprising two subsystems, an implant subsystem and an electrical stimulation unit subsystem. The implant subsystem comprises at least one electrostimulation module, contains at least one electrically conductive electrode and, preferably, an anchoring member. The electrical stimulation unit, adapted for producing and controlling electrical waveforms, is connected to the electrodes. The implant subsystem is implanted adjacent to at least one of the following structures: the carotid sinus nerve, aortic nerve, common carotid artery, external carotid artery, internal carotid artery, carotid artery bifurcation, carotid body, aortic body or aortic arch receptors.

Abstract: An endovascular stent system (10) includes first and second generally tubular stents members (20, 22), which are shaped so as to define first and second interface sections (40, 42), respectively, which are securely coupleable to each other. The first interface section (40) is shaped so as to define an opening (44). The second interface section (42) is shaped so as to define a neck portion (50).

Abstract: An auditory implant system for treating a hearing disorder is disclosed. Methods are also disclosed for the use thereof. The system comprises an implantable array of electrodes and a pulse generator (PG), wherein at least one electrode is a cochlear effecting electrode adapted for disposition in the associated Eustachian tube in the proximity of the associated fenestra rotunda.

Abstract: A multiple-component expandable endoluminal system for treating a lesion at a bifurcation including a self expandable tubular root member having a side-looking engagement aperture, a self expandable tubular trunk member comprising a substantially blood impervious polymeric liner secured therealong; both having a radially compressed state adapted for percutaneous intraluminal delivery and a radially expanded state adapted for endoluminal support.

Abstract: An interventional system that utilizes a carotid chemoreceptor(s) and optionally baroreceptor(s) for inducing vasodilatation in blood vessels of the brain is provided for treating ischemic conditions of the CNS, such as ischemic stroke and cerebral vasospasm. The system includes an electrical signal generator and an endovascular module with electrode units for transiently being disposed in the internal and external carotid arteries, adjacent a carotid body.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided that includes an extra-vascular ring (12) and an endo vascular stent-graft (14). The ring (12) comprises a structural member (30), which is configured to assume an elongate hollow shape (32), which has first and second longitudinal ends (40, 42), and is suitable for placement at least partially around an aorta (20) so as to provide a generally cylindrical landing zone. The endovascular stent-graft (14) is suitable for endovascular placement inside the aorta (20) such that a portion of the stent-graft (14) is positioned against an internal wall of the aorta (20) at the landing zone provided by the structural member (30).

Abstract: A method is provided that includes identifying an aortic endoleak in a human subject implanted with an endovascular stent-graft in an aneurysmatic aorta. An extra-vascular ring is positioned at least partially encircling a segment of the aneurysmatic aorta in which the endovascular stent-graft has been implanted.

Abstract: A stent (120) has proximal and distal ends (140, 142), and is configured to assume radially-compressed and radially-expanded states. The stent (120) comprises a plurality of circumferential bands (122) disposed about a longitudinal axis (123) of the stent (120), each of which bands (122) comprises a plurality of struts (124) connected to one another. At least one of the bands (122) is shaped so as to define a plurality of distally-directed peaks (126) alternating with a plurality of proximally-directed troughs (128), and one or more strain-concentration modules (132). Each of the modules (132) has a central axis (156) parallel to the longitudinal axis (123) of the stent (120), and comprises: (a) an open loop section (150), which comprises one of the distally-directed peaks (126); (b) a primary neck section (152); and (c) a secondary section (154). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An extra-luminal ring (1200) includes a structural member (1202), which assumes a first elongate hollow shape (1206) when in a relaxed state; when deformed to a planar state (1208), generally defines a planar shape (1209) having two first sides (1220A, 1220B) parallel to each other, and two second sides (1222A, 1222B) parallel to each other; and when in the relaxed state, is configured such that the two first sides (1220A, 1220B) are generally straight and parallel with each other, and the two second sides (1222A, 1222B) are curved at least partially around a first longitudinal axis (1230) defined by the first elongate hollow shape (1206).

Abstract: A biomedical tester includes a fluid-control container, shaped to define a fluid-control container port and a first interface surface defining fluid-control container apertures. A fluid controller is shaped to define a second interface surface defining controller ports. These elements and a motor are arranged to relative translation between the first and second interface surfaces; thereby effecting a time-varying overlap between subgroups of the system. Fixtures allow disposition therewithin of respective medical devices. Each of the fixtures includes one or more fixture first ports and fixture second ports. The fixture first ports are mounted in fluid Communication respective with the controller ports. A fluid pump includes first and second pump ports in fluid communication with the fixture second ports and the fluid-control container port, respectively.

Abstract: A multi-component endovascular stent-graft system (10) includes a body portion (16), which includes a plurality of stent-grafts (20), which include: (a) respective stent members (22), which are shaped, when the stent-grafts (20) are in respective radially-expanded states, so as to define respective tubes, each of which is circumferentially complete at at least one longitudinal location therealong; and (b) respective graft members (24), which circumscribe respective circumferential arcs (40) of the respective stent members (22). The circumferential arcs (40) have respective extents that are less than entire circumferences of the respective stent members (22) at least partially along respective axial lengths of the stent members (22).

Abstract: A system for treating an aneurysmatic abdominal aorta, comprising (a) an extra-vascular wrapping (EVW) comprising (i) at least one medical textile member adapted to at least partially encircle a segment of aorta in proximity to the renal arteries, and (ii) a structural member, wherein EVW is adapted for laparoscopic delivery, and (b) an endovascular stent-graft (ESG) comprising (i) a compressible structural member, and (ii) a substantially fluid impervious fluid flow guide (FFG) attached thereto. Also described is an extra-vascular ring (EVR) adapted to encircle the neck of an aortic aneurysm. Further described are methods for treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm, comprising laparoscopically delivering the extra-vascular wrapping (EVW) and endovascularly placing an endovascular stent-graft (ESG). Also described are methods to treat a type I endoleak.

Abstract: Medical apparatus (100) is provided for insertion into a mammalian body. The apparatus (100) includes structural stent elements (110), at least a portion of which are shaped so as to define (a) at least one generally circumferential band (112), and (b) a plurality of engagement members (114) that are joined to and extend radially inwardly from the band (112). The apparatus (100) further includes an elongated latch member (118) which is threaded through the engagement members (114), thereby physically latching the engagement members (114). The band (112) and the engagement members (114) are configured such that (a) when the latch member (118) is threaded through and thus physically latches the engagement members (114), the engagement members (114) retain the band (112) in a radially-compressed state, and (b) when the latch member (118) is removed from the engagement members (114), the band (112) assumes a radially-expanded state. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A retrievable, sustained release, solid dosage form is provided for implanting into cranial bony canals and for prolonged release of an anesthetic, whereby treating neurovascular conditions, such as migraine. The dosage comprises an anesthetic contained in a polymeric carrier, and a retrieval member, the anesthetic being gradually released from the carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is provided, which includes an endovascular stent-graft (20) and a heating device (22) that is coupled to the stent-graft (20). The stent-graft (20) is configured to be implanted in at least one blood vessel in a vicinity of an aneurysm (102). The heating device (22) is configured to apply, to a region (24) external to the stent-graft (20), thermal energy sufficient to coagulate blood flowing into the aneurysm (102). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A multi-component stent-graft system (10) comprises first, second, and third generally tubular stent-grafts (20, 22, 24), which are configured to assume radially-expanded states. The first (20) is shaped so as to define a first lateral opening (34) when radially-expanded. The second (22) is shaped so as to define a second lateral opening (44) when radially-expanded. The first and second (20, 22) are configured such that the second (22) forms a blood-impervious seal with the first (20) around the first lateral opening (34) when the second stent-graft (22) is disposed therethrough, and the first and the second (20, 22) are radially-expanded. The second and the third (22, 24) are configured such that the third (24) forms a blood-impervious seal with the second (22) around the second lateral opening (44) when the third (24) is disposed therethrough, and the second and third (22, 24) are radially-expanded. Other embodiments also described.

Abstract: A stent-graft (20) is provided, which is configured to initially be placed in a delivery shaft (40) in a radially-compressed state, and which comprises a support structure (36) and a covering element (38). The support structure (36) has proximal and distal ends, and is shaped so as to define at least a coupling portion (30), which 5 is configured to transition to a partially-radially-expanded state upon deployment of the stent-graft (20) from the delivery shaft (40), in which state the coupling portion (30) defines a sharp tip (34) at the proximal end of the support structure (36). The covering element (38) is securely attached to and covers at least a portion of the support structure (36). A 10 coupling-end expansion tool (100) is configured to transition the coupling portion (30) from the partially-radially-expanded state to a more-radially-expanded state. Other embodiments are also described.