Abstract: Delivery systems, methods of making delivery systems, and methods of treatment are provided. A delivery system according to the invention facilitates a visual inspection of an intraluminal medical device included in the delivery system.

Abstract: Valvulotome devices comprising a cutting edge are provided. Some valvulotome devices incisably engage a venous valve leaflet within a body vessel while at least a portion of the cutting edge is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valvulotome device. Valvulotome devices are preferably configured to slidably engage a venous valve leaflet upon translation of the valvulotome device along the longitudinal axis of a body vessel. A valvulotome device can further comprise one or more valvulotome arms of variable lengths and dimensions. In some embodiments, the valvulotome device can be self expanding. Embodiments of the invention also provide delivery systems comprising a valvulotome device. The present invention also provides for methods of using a valvulotome device. Kits comprising a valvulotome device are also provided.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices, such as intraluminally implantable stents and valves, are provided having certain preferred shapes. Preferably, a portion of the implantable medical device can define a sinus region having a preferred geometry. The sinus region can have one or more preferred geometric configurations described herein, for example to mitigate or prevent thrombosis within a body vessel. The medical device can include a valve means, such as one or more valve leaflets positioned within the sinus region. The implantable medical devices can be delivered from a catheter within a body vessel, and are preferably expandable from a compressed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The implantable frames can be self-expanding or balloon expandable. Portions of the medical device, such as the implantable frame or a valve leaflet, are optionally coated with one or more bioactive materials.

Abstract: Medical devices that provide valves for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel are provided. The valves include a support frame having one or more adaptations for forming a leak path between the support frame and an interior wall of a body vessel in which the valve is implanted. A controlled amount of retrograde flow is able to flow through the leak path when the valve is implanted in a body vessel.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include first and second longitudinal connecting members joining a first hoop member to a second hoop member such that the first and second longitudinal connecting members extend across an entire space separating the first and second hoop members.

Abstract: Prosthetic valves for implantation in a body vessel are provided. Prosthetic valves according to the invention comprise first and second frame members and a graft member at least partially disposed between the first and second frame members. The graft member forms a valve that permits fluid flow through the body vessel in a first direction and substantially prevents fluid flow through the body vessel in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating fluid flow through a body lumen. The valve includes a frame and a valve member comprising at least one semi-rigid leaflet and at least one flexible leaflet. The at least one semi-rigid leaflet comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion attached to the frame and the second portion free of the frame. The at least one semi-rigid leaflet is slanted in a retrograde direction from the second portion to the first portion. The at least one flexible leaflet comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion attached to the frame and the second portion free of the frame. The at least one flexible leaflet is slanted in a retrograde direction from the first portion to the second portion when at rest.

Abstract: Methods of implanting a prosthetic valve in a body vessel are provided. A first expandable frame member is delivered to and deployed at a point of treatment in a body vessel. A second expandable frame member is delivered to the point of treatment. The second expandable frame member has an attached graft member that forms a valve adapted to permit fluid flow through the body vessel in a first direction and to substantially prevent fluid flow through the body vessel in a second, opposite direction. After deployment of the first expandable frame member, the second expandable frame member is deployed at the point of treatment such that the second frame member is positioned radially inward of the first frame member within said body vessel to form a prosthetic valve.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel are provided. Each medical device comprises a main body, a valve, and a vessel engaging member. The vessel engaging member is disposed on an outer surface of the main body. Kits including a plurality of vessel engaging members for use with one or more valve members are also provided. The vessel engaging members have varying radial dimensions, allowing assembly of medical devices having varying radial dimensions. Methods of treating a patient using medical devices according to the invention are also provided.

Abstract: An valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame/leaf structure to provide centering support and/or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and/or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices comprising a support frame and a graft member attached to the support frame. The support frame can define one or more structural features that substantially prevent migration of the graft member along the support frame.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames comprise one or more of certain preferred structural features that are generally applicable to frames comprising a plurality of curved and straight member portions that together define an interior lumen extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The implantable frames have an exterior surface comprising a plurality of openings between the interior lumen and the exterior surface, and preferably include one or more undulating hoop members attached to one or more longitudinal connecting members. The implantable frames can be formed from any suitable material, but preferably comprise material permitting the frame to radially self-expand from a radially compressed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The implantable frames are useful for endolumenal implantation within a body vessel, for example as a stent or as a support frame of an implantable valve.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices comprising a support frame and a graft member attached to the support frame. The support frame can define one or more structural features that substantially prevent migration of the graft member along the support frame.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same, are provided. Embodiments of the invention relate to medical devices comprising a frame having cross-section that can substantially conform to body vessel shapes that have elliptical or circular cross-sections, and dynamically respond to changes in the cross-section of a body vessel. Frames with directionally-dependent radial compressibility or expandability characteristics are also provided. Medical devices comprising a frame and one or more valve members adapted to regulate fluid flow in a body vessel, such as a vein, are also provided.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel are provided. Each medical device comprises a main body, a valve, and a vessel engaging member. The vessel engaging member is disposed on an outer surface of the main body. Kits including a plurality of vessel engaging members for use with one or more valve members are also provided. The vessel engaging members have varying radial dimensions, allowing assembly of medical devices having varying radial dimensions. Methods of treating a patient using medical devices according to the invention are also provided.

Abstract: An valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame/leaf structure to provide centering support and/or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and/or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.

Abstract: Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include one or more pairs of closely-spaced longitudinal connecting members aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the implantable frame. The circumferential distance between the closely-spaced longitudinal connecting members preferably subtends an angle less than (2?/n) radians, where (n) is an integer equal to the total number of longitudinal connecting members connecting two longitudinally adjacent hoop members.

Abstract: An expandable venous valve having a support structure that configured to enlarge the area adjacent to the valve structure such that the flow patterns of retrograde flow are modified in a way that facilitates the flushing of the pockets at the base of the valve area to prevent stagnation of bodily fluid, which in the venous system, can lead to thrombus formation. The enlarged pocket areas can be created by forming an artificial sinus adjacent the valve structure in an unsupported section of vessel wall between two support frame section or the support frame can comprise an expanded-diameter intermediate or proximal section that forms an artificial sinus adjacent the valve structure.

Abstract: A coating can be applied to an endolumenal wall of a medical device by positioning an optical fiber within the lumen, providing a photo-activated chemical to contact the endolumenal wall, supplying the optical fiber with radiation capable of activating the chemical within the lumen, and withdrawing the optical fiber from the lumen at a controlled rate while the radiation is being emitted from the optical fiber to activate the chemical in close proximity to the endolumenal wall.

Abstract: An valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame/leaf structure to provide centering support and/or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and/or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.