Abstract: A method for making an encapsulated stent-graft having an essentially tubular configuration with a central longitudinal lumen and having a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The stent-graft may include a self-expanding stent and a first and second tube of biocompatible material between which the stent is positioned. The stent-graft may also include an interlayer member between the first and second tube. The method generally includes applying pressure and heat to a stent-graft assembly to form a monolithic layer of biocompatible material around the stent.

Abstract: Guidewires and thin-film catheter-sheaths, fabricated using vacuum deposition techniques, which are monolayer or plural-layer members having ultra-thin wall thicknesses to provide very-low profile delivery assemblies for introduction and delivery of endoluminal devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in prosthetic cardiac and venous valves and implantable medical devices having moveable septa. The inventive prosthetic cardiac and venous valves have metallic or pseudometallic valves coupled to metallic or pseudometallic stents that permit percutaneous delivery of the devices.

Abstract: An endoluminal stent composed of a plurality of circumferential expansion elements arrayed to form the circumference of the stent and extending along the longitudinal axis of the stent, and a plurality of interconnecting members that interconnect adjacent pairs of circumferential expansion elements, the interconnecting members joining struts of adjacent pairs of interconnecting members at approximate mid-points of the struts.

Abstract: An endoluminal vascular device having a plurality of predetermined boding locations between respective first and second covering members to selectively encapsulate a support member. Selective bonding between the first and second covering members results in unbonded slip pockets to accommodate movement of the support member. Such a configuration allows compression of the support member with minimal force and also promotes a low profile of the compressed device. Unbonded regions of the covering members also encourage enhanced cellular penetration for rapid healing and can be configured to hold bioactive substances that diffuse through the covering members.

Abstract: An endoluminal stent contains a hollow passageway for the circulation of heated and/or cryogenic fluids to recapture a previously implanted shape memory stent. The hollow passageway stent can have one or a plurality of passageways and is configured in a tubular shape with numerous coils, providing an empty tubular lumen through the center of the stent to allow blood flow. The stent is connected to a removable catheter that conducts fluid to the stent. Fluid flow may be regulated by valves incorporated in either the stent and/or the catheter.

Abstract: A method for making an encapsulated stent-graft having an essentially tubular configuration with a central longitudinal lumen and having a first diameter and a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The stent-graft may include a self-expanding stent and a first and second tube of biocompatible material between which the stent is positioned. The stent-graft may also include an interlayer member between the first and second tube. The method generally includes applying pressure and heat to a stent-graft assembly to form a monolithic layer of biocompatible material around the stent.

Abstract: An implantable intraluminal device having a self-expanding stent encapsulated between a first and second seamless ePTFE tube. The implantable intraluminal device has a reduced first diametric dimension and an expanded second diametric dimension, and is adapted to be modeled to the in vivo profile of a receiving anatomical structure through radial expansion of at least a portion thereof to a third diametric dimension greater than the second diametric dimension.

Abstract: An implantable endoluminal device which is fabricated from materials which present a blood or body fluid and tissue contact surface which has controlled heterogeneities in material constitution. An endoluminal stent which is made of a material having controlled heterogeneities in the stent material along the blood flow surface of the stent and the method of fabricating the stent using vacuum deposition methods.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy and elastically self-expanding endoluminal stents which are at least partially encapsulated in a substantially monolithic expanded polytetrafluorethylene (“ePTFE”) covering. An endoluminal stent, which has a reduced diametric dimension for endoluminal delivery and a larger in vivo final diametric diameter is encapsulated in an ePTFE covering which circumferentially covers both the luminal and abluminal walls along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the endoluminal stent. The endoluminal stent is fabricated from a shape memory alloy which exhibits either shape memory or pseudoelastic properties or from an elastic material having an inherent spring tension.

Abstract: An endoluminal stent composed of a plurality of circumferential expansion elements arrayed to form the circumference of the stent and extending along the longitudinal axis of the stent, and a plurality of interconnecting members that interconnect adjacent pairs of circumferential expansion elements, the interconnecting members joining struts of adjacent pairs of interconnecting members at approximate mid-points of the struts.

Abstract: A metal balloon catheter having a main tubular body, a metal balloon proximate a distal end of the main tubular body, a central annulus extending along an entire longitudinal aspect of the catheter for accommodating a guidewire therethrough and an inflation annulus adjacent the central annulus which extends along the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body and terminates in fluid flow communication with an inflation chamber of the metal balloon. The metal balloon catheter may be either unitary integral metal catheter in which the main tubular body and the balloon are fabricated of metal, or it may consist of a polymeric main tubular body and a metal balloon.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis for implantation within a body lumen to maintain luminal patency, including a support structure and a polymer component, which may be in the form of a wire member joined to a polymer cladding. The support structure may be formed of shape memory alloys, which exhibit either shape memory or pseudoelastic properties, or from an elastic material having an inherent spring tension such as spring steel, braided stainless steel wire, or composite materials, such as woven or braided carbon fibers. The polymer cladding may be formed from a variety of suitable materials.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy and elastically self-expanding endoluminal stents which are at least partially encapsulated in a substantially monolithic expanded polytetrafluorethylene (“ePTFE”) covering. An endoluminal stent, which has a reduced diametric dimension for endoluminal delivery and a larger in vivo final diametric diameter is encapsulated in an ePTFE covering which circumferentially covers both the luminal and abluminal walls along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the endoluminal stent. The endoluminal stent is fabricated from a shape memory alloy which exhibits either shape memory or pseudoelastic properties or from an elastic material having an inherent spring tension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable endoluminal graft comprised of a microporous thin-film covering having a plurality of openings and a structural support element underlying and physically attached to the microporous thin-film covering, the microporous thin-film covering having shape memory properties.

Abstract: A metal balloon catheter having a main tubular body, a metal balloon proximate a distal end of the main tubular body, a central annulus extending along an entire longitudinal aspect of the catheter for accommodating a guidewire therethrough and an inflation annulus adjacent the central annulus which extends along the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body and terminates in fluid flow communication with an inflation chamber of the metal balloon. The metal balloon catheter may be either unitary integral metal catheter in which the main tubular body and the balloon are fabricated of metal, or it may consist of a polymeric main tubular body and a metal balloon.

Abstract: An endoluminal stent contains a hollow passageway for the circulation of heated and/or cryogenic fluids to recapture a previously implanted shape memory stent. The hollow passageway stent can have one or a plurality of passageways and is configured in a tubular shape with numerous coils, providing an empty tubular lumen through the center of the stent to allow blood flow. The stent is connected to a removable catheter that conducts fluid to the stent. Fluid flow may be regulated by valves incorporated in either the stent and/or the catheter.

Abstract: An endoluminal vascular device having a plurality of predetermined boding locations between respective first and second covering members to selectively encapsulate a support member. Selective bonding between the first and second covering members results in unbonded slip pockets to accommodate movement of the support member. Such a configuration allows compression of the support member with minimal force and also promotes a low profile of the compressed device. Unbonded regions of the covering members also encourage enhanced cellular penetration for rapid healing and can be configured to hold bioactive substances that diffuse through the covering members.

Abstract: A method for making an endoluminal prosthesis for implantation within a body lumen to maintain luminal patency, the prothesis including a support structure, such as a wire member, and a polymer component, such as a polymer cladding. The method may include joining a wire member to a polymer cladding, helically wrapping a length of the joined support wire member and polymer cladding such that adjacent windings of the polymer cladding have overlapping regions, and heating the joined support wire member and polymer cladding above the melt point of the polymer cladding.

Abstract: An endoluminal stent contains a hollow passageway for the circulation of fluids to treat vascular walls affected with malignant growths or experiencing restenosis. The hollow passageway stent can have one or a plurality of passageways and is configured in a tubular shape with numerous coils, providing an empty tubular lumen through the center of the stent to allow blood flow. The stent is connected to a removable catheter that conducts fluid to the stent. Fluid flow may be regulated by valves incorporated in either the stent and/or the catheter. The stent and catheter are connected to avoid leakage of the fluid. Cryogenic, heated or radioactive fluids are circulated through the stent to treat the affected sites. A method of delivering drugs to the vascular wall is also provided by creating a stent with porous outer walls to allow diffusion of the drug.