Abstract: Systems and methods for repairing aneurysms (e.g., abdominal aneurysm) are provided. The systems and methods provide stent-graft systems having a first stent and a main graft body wherein the main graft body is configured to be inserted through a blood vessel located above a diaphragm of the patient into a target blood vessel. In some instances, the first stent and the main graft body can be in a substantially end-to-end configuration. In some instances, the stent-graft systems and methods are configured for use in a single arterial puncture or incision in, for example, a blood vessel with a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of a femoral artery from the same patient or subject.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for improved retention of stents on a delivery system. In one embodiment, a delivery system comprises a catheter and a balloon. A proximal end of the balloon is secured to an exterior surface of the catheter at a first location, and a distal end of the balloon is secured to the exterior surface of the catheter at a second location. A plurality of bands are disposed in a circumferential space situated between the exterior surface of the catheter and an interior surface of the balloon. The plurality of bands may comprise at least four bands that are discretely spaced-apart in an axial direction from one another along a length of the catheter. At least one stent is secured to the exterior surface of the balloon in a compressed delivery state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an encapsulated device that allows for improved flexibility and tailoring to specific needs by a user by selection of features along the lengths and/or circumferences of the encapsulated devices, and that provides enhanced radio-opacity at predetermined locations of the encapsulated device.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for improved retention of stents on a delivery system. In one embodiment, a delivery system comprises a catheter and a balloon. A proximal end of the balloon is secured to an exterior surface of the catheter at a first location, and a distal end of the balloon is secured to the exterior surface of the catheter at a second location. A plurality of bands are disposed in a circumferential space situated between the exterior surface of the catheter and an interior surface of the balloon. The plurality of bands may comprise at least four bands that are discretely spaced-apart in an axial direction from one another along a length of the catheter. At least one stent is secured to the exterior surface of the balloon in a compressed delivery state.

Abstract: A stent attachment and deployment mechanism is utilized to prevent the distal end of an endoprosthesis comprising fixation barbs or other fixation mechanism from deploying prior to the remaining sections of the fixation device. With this stent attachment and deployment mechanism accurate deployment may be achieved.

Abstract: An endograft device includes: an expandable tubular body having an inner side and an outer side of a surrounding wall, the tubular body encloses a lumen, having a first open end and a second open end. A sheath pocket having a pocket wall longitudinally disposed along the tubular body, enclosing a channel. The sheath pocket having an input port disposed proximal to the first open end, and an output port disposed proximal to the second open end. The input port faces towards the first open end to provide an entrance to the sheath pocket. An expandable lining of wire framework, is inserted longitudinally into the lumen such that the lining of wire framework after expansion exerts an outward pressure against the inner side of the surrounding wall and against the pocket wall of the sheath pocket to naturally shut seal both the input port and the output port.

Abstract: A stent attachment and deployment mechanism is utilized to prevent the distal end of an endoprosthesis comprising fixation barbs or other fixation mechanism from deploying prior to the remaining sections of the fixation device. With this stent attachment and deployment mechanism accurate deployment may be achieved.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery system and method of use thereof are described. The system includes a handle, an inner cannula extending proximally from the handle, an outer sheath extending proximally from the handle, and a pull member. The outer sheath including an axially collapsible segment and a non-collapsible body. The pull member is coupled between the handle and the axially collapsible segment or the non-collapsible body of the outer sheath. The handle is operable to retract the pull member such that the axially collapsible segment is shortened. The handle may include a spool and an actuator coupled to the pull member in a manner for winding the pull member around the spool. The handle may be shorter than the retraction length of the axially collapsible segment sized for deployment of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery system and method of use thereof are described. The system includes a handle, an inner cannula extending proximally from the handle, an outer sheath extending proximally from the handle, and a pull member. The outer sheath including an axially collapsible segment and a non-collapsible body. The pull member is coupled between the handle and the axially collapsible segment or the non-collapsible body of the outer sheath. The handle is operable to retract the pull member such that the axially collapsible segment is shortened. The handle may include a spool and an actuator coupled to the pull member in a manner for winding the pull member around the spool. The handle may be shorter than the retraction length of the axially collapsible segment sized for deployment of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of an improved endoprosthesis that includes a generally tubular graft, a plurality of independent stent hoops connected to the graft and at least one suture. The at least one suture connects one apex of one stent hoop to two apices of another stent hoop to reduce a predetermined distance between distinct stent hoops so that in a released configuration in a body vessel, the stent-graft is curved away from the longitudinal axis to conform to the body vessel and reduce formation of a gap between one end of the stent-graft with an inner surface of the body vessel.

Abstract: A guidewire including a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: A guidewire may include a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic device for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms using suprarenal fixation. A stent ring is anchored in an area above the renal arties using self-flaring barbs that project during the nitinol expansion process. Sutures extend from the stent ring to an area below the renal arties to a bifurcated trunk portion comprising a nitinol fabric on a non-kinking frame. The bifurcated trunk is sealed proximal the iliac arteries and includes iliac leg holders having self-flaring retention struts for non-traumatic holding of iliac leg prosthetics. Suprarenal fixation and collapsible cells having retention projections and barbs that only flare during the nitinol expansion process assist in lowering the devices profile and sheathability for percutaneous delivery and may provide for recapturing the anchored device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraluminal guiding device having an expandable guiding member so as to facilitate and overcome the difficulties associated with obtaining contra-lateral leg access of a bifurcated stent or a bifurcated stent graft with a second guidewire and a method for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms with such a device. The guiding device comprises an expandable member releasably or permanently affixed to a delivery system which facilitates placement and advancement of a second delivery system.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic device for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms using suprarenal fixation. A stent ring is anchored in an area above the renal arties using self-flaring barbs that project during the nitinol expansion process. Sutures extend from the stent ring to an area below the renal arties to a bifurcated trunk portion comprising a nitinol fabric on a non-kinking frame. The bifurcated trunk is sealed proximal the iliac arteries and includes iliac leg holders having self-flaring retention struts for non-traumatic holding of iliac leg prosthetics. Suprarenal fixation and collapsible cells having retention projections and barbs that only flare during the nitinol expansion process assist in lowering the devices profile and sheathability for percutaneous delivery and may provide for recapturing the anchored device.

Abstract: A prosthetic stent graft for the treatment of AAA includes a plurality of graft legs, each secured in a deployed position by a sealing gasket within a stent segment of the sealing gasket and to one side of a framing bracket. The framing bracket traverses the diameter of the stent segment and extends axially away, dividing the first stent segment into two portions, each portion for receiving a graft leg of the stent graft. The sealing gasket can include a stabilizer having a second generally cylindrical stent segment, and an extension bracket traversing the diameter of the second stent segment and extending away from the second stent segment. The extension bracket and the first bracket are connected with one another at a mutual generally central position.

Abstract: A stent graft device for implanting in a body lumen, comprising a stent with non-staggered or staggered apexes, said stent comprising a plurality of stent sections, bendable connecting members forming said non-staggered or staggered apexes and connecting each of said stent sections to other stent sections to form a zigzag pattern, wherein said stent is staggerdly sutured to a graft by a plurality of suture knots, and wherein said suture knots and staggered apexes are staggered when said stent sections are crimped, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A guidewire having a spreader or at least one centering device which may be used to open occluded vessels or other biological passages, especially chronic total occlusions. The guidewire may be used to either open the lumen or to center a boring device within the lumen, so that the chronic total occlusion can be crossed, and an interventional procedure can then be performed.

Abstract: A stent is provided for an endoprosthesis having a main body portion and two leg portions, particularly suitable for treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurism. The stent includes barbs that are twisted and shaped set to point radially outward. Each barb, as formed, points substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the stent, even when in a non-deployed configuration. The motion to move the barb into a deployed configuration for gripping tissue is a twisting motion which moves the barb from being substantially aligned with the circumference of the stent to extending radially outwards from the stent.

Abstract: A stent is provided for an endoprosthesis having a main body portion and two leg portions, particularly suitable for treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurism. The stent includes barbs that are twisted and shaped set to point radially outward. Each barb, as formed, points substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis of the stent, even when in a non-deployed configuration. The motion to move the barb into a deployed configuration for gripping tissue is a twisting motion which moves the barb from being substantially aligned with the circumference of the stent to extending radially outwards from the stent.