Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same, are provided. A medical device can include a frame with one or more projections each having at least one edge extending from the surface of the frame, and a biocompatible, water-soluble removable material coated over at least a portion of the at least one edge. The projections can be barbs positioned to engage the interior wall of a body vessel or to attach a material, such as a valve leaflet or graft, to the frame. The removable material can be dissolved within a body vessel upon implantation, thereby exposing the at least one edge. Methods of making an implantable medical device and methods of treating a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: Elliptical prosthetic valve devices are provided. The prosthetic valve device can include an elliptical support means having an elliptical cross-sectional shape and having an opening for fluid flow therethrough. The elliptical support is preferably characterized by a first radial axis and a second, shorter radial axis perpendicular thereto. A flexible valve member, such as a tube member portion or valve leaflet, can be operably connected to the elliptical support and the flexible member is adapted for regulating fluid flow through the opening. An attachment portion is desirably operably connected to the elliptical support for implanting the valve in the body vessel.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation within a body vessel comprising a thromboresistant material are provided. The thromboresistant material preferably comprises a biocompatible polyurethane, a remodelable material, a bioactive agent or any combination thereof. The medical device can be a prosthetic valve comprising a thromboresistant material. The medical device can also comprise a support frame with one or more valve leaflets attached to the support frame.

Abstract: Described are percutaneous vascular valves (11) free of attached support structures and deployment systems (31) and methods for providing attachment of the valves within a vascular vessel.

Abstract: Delivery systems for delivering and deploying expandable intraluminal medical devices at a desired point of treatment within a body vessel are provided. The delivery systems comprise a sheath member and an inner member slideably disposed within a cavity formed by the sheath member. An expandable intraluminal medical device is disposed about the inner member and is initially positioned within the delivery system. A means for preventing axial movement of the inner member holds the inner member in position so that, while the delivery system and medical device are positioned at a desired point of treatment, the sheath member can be retracted while an axial position of the inner member is substantially maintained.

Abstract: Delivery systems for self-expanding devices are provided having a system proximal portion with a handle, an elongate middle section delivery device with an outer sheath and inner compression member, and a system distal portion including an outer guide channel member with first and second end portions defining a guide channel that slidably receives an inner guide channel member having a guide channel, the guide channels being substantially aligned. A mounting region for self-expanding devices is disposed radially between the inner and outer guide channel members. The outer guide channel member has a stepped profile from a first outer diameter to a second smaller outer diameter located near a transition region having a breech position opening for passage of a wire guide, catheter, or other medical instrument. The outer member is axially slideable relative to the inner member to deploy a self-expanding device. Methods of using and manufacturing are also provided.

Abstract: Medical device delivery systems that include a distal protection feature are provided. A distal tip member that includes a distal protection device and a mounting region for a self-expandable, intraluminal medical device is slidably disposed within a passageway defined by a tubular member.

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: Prosthetic valves for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel are described. The valves include a valve member that includes at least a portion that is capable of moving to selectively permit and substantially prevent fluid flow through the body vessel, either alone or with one or more additional valve members. A cannula is associated with the valve and permits a controlled amount of fluid flow through the valve, such as retrograde flow while the valve member substantially prevents fluid flow through the body vessel.

Abstract: Exchangeable delivery systems, methods of making delivery systems, and methods of delivering a self-expandable prosthetic device are provided. Delivery systems according to embodiments of the invention include an elongate tubular member defining a passageway with a distal end defining an exchange port, and a distal tip member slideably disposed partially within the distal end of the passageway.

Abstract: Disclosed is an anchoring element for an implantable prosthesis that includes a barb, wherein the anchoring element, which includes a basal portion, comprises a thin layer of material, such as a cannula or sheet of metal, that extends or wraps at least partially around the strut of the prosthesis to which it is attached. The barb is configured to extend outward from the basal portion to penetrate adjacent tissue. The anchoring element is either permanently affixed to the strut, such as by laser or spot welding, crimping, or some other method of bonding, or allowed to slide longitudinally over the strut between two points or stops in order to relieve any excessive loads placed upon the barb that could cause fracture. The anchoring element and strut may be configured to limit axial rotation of the barb, while still allowing longitudinal movement. In another embodiment, the slidable anchoring element may be manipulated following initial deployment to reorient the barb toward the implantation site.

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 a compliance that can change upon implantation of the medical device within the lumen of a body vessel. Controlled fracture or bioabsorption of frame material can, in some embodiments, increase the compliance of a frame after implantation. 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: Prosthetic valves, methods of making medical devices, and methods of treatment are provided. The prosthetic valves of the invention have a valve portion moveable between first and second positions, and a spacing member that has a thickness and protects a portion of the valve portion from contact with a wall of a vessel in which the prosthetic valve is implanted, and/or another structural component of the prosthetic valve, such as a support frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a first elongate medical device and short wire guide that are coupled together into a work site and remotely disconnecting them within the work site such that a secondary device comprising a catheter member can be introduced over the wire guide to the work site, and/or a second wire guide can be introduced to the work site via a passageway of the primary access device. A separating member may be provided to remotely separate the wire guide from the elongate medical device. A system of indicia, such as radiopaque or viewable markers, permits the operator to monitor the relative alignment of the devices within the work site to determine when uncoupling has occurred. In one example of the method, a wire guide and primary access device (e.g., a sphincterotome) is coupled to the wire guide and introduced via a duodenoscope into the biliary system.

Abstract: A processing machine, particularly a reader, for punched document cards including a hopper for a deck of the document cards, pick rolls disposed beneath the hopper in such position as to feed the document cards transversely thereof from the bottom of the hopper, a vertically movable hopper bed for moving the deck onto and off of the pick rolls to make them effective or ineffective, a deck lifter positioned beneath the card deck in the hopper for supporting one side of the card deck after the bottommost card has been moved transversely thereof partially out from underneath the other cards in the deck, driving rolls for moving the bottommost card longitudinally after it has been partially so moved from underneath the rest of the deck and means operative for reading punched holes in the document card on continued longitudinal movement of the card.

Abstract: A hopper mechanism comprising a hopper front panel and a back shoe horizontally sideable with respect to a hopper base together forming a hopper into which a horizontal deck of document cards may be placed; a belt extending around a pick roll moveable through the front panel for picking an end card in the hopper and driving it downwardly through a throat gap disposed in the hopper base; a relatively large diameter roll supporting the belt and forming a nip with the belt into which the picked document card moves from the throat gap for reversing the direction of movement of the card from vertical to horizontal; a registration arm swingable by the card as it passes out from engagement with the large diameter roll and belt for sensing the position of the card; and a reversely rotating roll coacting with a roller carried by the registration arm for moving the card backwardly, after the card has cleared the registration arm, into contact with a card abutting registration edge of the arm for providing a registered