Abstract: An implantable stent and stent-graft for treating a patient having a relatively healthy first aorta portion upstream from a renal artery branch, and a diseased aorta portion downstream from the renal artery branch. One embodiment of the device includes a fixation section, a renal artery branch section and a diseased aorta section, all of which can be tubular, radially compressible and self-expandable structures formed from a plurality of filaments which are helically wound in a braided configuration. When the device is implanted and in its expanded state, the fixation section engages the first aorta portion upstream from a renal artery branch to provide substantial anchoring support. The diseased aorta section engages the portion of the aorta downstream from the renal artery branch and extends across the diseased portion of the aorta for purposes of treatment.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for delivering a stent, including, but not limited to, a self expanding stent, into a body lumen. The apparatus comprises an outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end and sized to hold a stent therein in a radially constricted condition, an inner tube within the outer tube and having a proximal end and a distal end, and a holding element comprising one or more inflatable balloons carried on the inner tube at or near the location of the loaded stent. The balloon can be inflated prior to the procedure so that the balloon presses against the inner surface of the outer tube trapping the stent in its longitudinal position between the inner and outer tubes. Accordingly, the outer tube can be slid proximally to release the stent or distally to retract the stent back into the delivery device without the stent inadvertently sliding.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for inserting a self expanding stent into a delivery device and subsequently delivering the stent into a body lumen.

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: 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: The invention is a completely bioabsorbable stent-graft or covered stent. The stent preferably is a self-expanded stent of the woven or braided type made entirely of bioabsorbable material such as polylactic acid (PLA) or polyglycolic acid (PGA). The stent is either totally or partially covered by a film of a bioabsorbable material such as a bioabsorbable elastomer that can conform to the stent deformation.

Abstract: A temporary and retrievable radiopaque marker and discrete radiopaque marker for use on an implantable endoprosthesis. The elongate marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a thickness. At least a portion of the marker is radiopaque and the marker is removably-attached to the implantable endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A temporary and retrievable radiopaque marker and discrete radiopaque marker for use on an implantable endoprosthesis. The elongate marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a thickness. At least a portion of the marker is radiopaque and the marker is removably-attached to the implantable endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a body vessel with a radioactive source includes an elongated tubular catheter and an axially flexible support structure on a distal end of the catheter. The catheter has proximal and distal ends, and a lumen for receiving a radioactive source. The support structure is formed from a plurality of filaments which are helically wound and interwoven in a braided configuration and has a plurality of alternately spaced unconstricted and constricted regions. The unconstricted regions are radially compressible and self-expandable from a positioning diameter when the device is in a positioning state to a vessel-engaging, treatment diameter which is greater than the positioning diameter when the device is in the treatment state. The constricted regions are engaged with the catheter and concentric with the unconstricted regions.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac pacing wire, or a similar device, includes a pair of flexible electrode wires extending conjointly from a distal end of the pacing wire to its proximal end, where two electrically conductive sections are located. The conductive sections are suitable for connection to a power source adapted to generate electrical signals for stimulating, pacing, sensing, monitoring or defibrillating the heart of a patient. One conductive section results from the distal end of a Keith-type needle that breaks away from the rest of the needle. The other conductive section is arranged at the free end of a third electrode wire which is movable independently of the other two electrode wires, thereby permitting its connection to the power source in a plug-like fashion.

Abstract: A temporary and retrievable radiopaque marker and discrete radiopaque marker for use on an implantable endoprosthesis. The elongate marker has a proximal end, a distal end, and a thickness. At least a portion of the marker is radiopaque and the marker is removably-attached to the implantable endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A temporary cardiac pacing wire, or a similar device, includes an electrically conductive lead which is folded over on itself so as to be adapted for connection to a pacing or monitoring apparatus. In the case of a bipolar temporary cardiac pacing wire, flexible wires are employed having two elongated conductive sections at a proximal end. The conductive sections are suitable for connecting to a power source adapted to generate electrical signals for stimulating, pacing, sensing, monitoring or defibrillating the heart of a patient. One conductive section results from the distal end of a Keith-type needle that breaks away from the rest of the needle. This section is suitable for directly connecting to the power source. The other conductive section is suitable for connecting to the power source when folded over on itself.

Abstract: A method for treating a body vessel using a stent formed from filaments of titanium or titanium alloys such as Ti—13Zr—13Nb.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a body vessel with a radioactive source includes an elongated tubular catheter and an axially flexible support structure on a distal end of the catheter. The catheter has proximal and distal ends, and a lumen for receiving a radioactive source. The support structure is formed from a plurality of filaments which are helically wound and interwoven in a braided configuration and has a plurality of alternately spaced unconstricted and constricted regions. The unconstricted regions are radially compressible and self-expandable from a positioning diameter when the device is in a positioning state to a vessel-engaging, treatment diameter which is greater than the positioning diameter when the device is in the treatment state. The constricted regions are engaged with the catheter and concentric with the unconstricted regions.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent formed from helically wound and braided filaments of titanium or titanium alloys such as Ti-13Zr-13Nb.

Abstract: A prostatic stent and method of manufacture. The stent has an elongate body defining a passage therethrough and includes a distal section, a mid-section and a proximal section. The elongate body has a length sufficient to extend distally from a bladder neck to a position somewhat short of the external sphincter. The proximal section has a shape conforming to the neck of the urinary bladder.