Abstract: Systems and devices with an implantable, intravascular filter for preventing emboli from traveling into brain and causing a stroke or transient ischemic attack are disclosed. In particular, an implantable, intravascular device having a filter element, a pressure sensor, and a valve is disclosed. The valve is biased into a closed configuration and changes into an open configuration upon a predetermined pressure drop across the filter. Systems comprising an external device at least one implantable device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intravascular filter device having a flexible arm which comprises a portion of an alarm system for detecting filling or plugging of the filter by captured emboli is described. The flexible arm may be made of ferromagnetic material, a magnet, or have at its tip a magnet which, as it moves under systolic and diastolic pressures, generates a signal detectable by an electrical sensor or a magnetometer. The signals from each of a pair of artery filters may be measured and compared to determine whether one filter is plugged. A system for detection and a method of use are also provided.

Abstract: An aortic stent-graft may include a tubular graft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the graft comprising a proximal sealing portion and an intermediate portion, wherein a proximal end of the intermediate portion abuts the distal end of the proximal sealing portion. At least one sealing stent may be attached to the proximal sealing portion. A first fenestration window is disposed in the intermediate portion. The first fenestration window has a length determined by the equation L=1.23*D?24 millimeters, where L is the length of the first fenestration window. D is between about 24 millimeters and 45 millimeters.

Abstract: An intraluminal filtration device for embolic protection includes a device body and each of a coarse filter and a fine filter, for filtering larger-size and smaller-size particles, respectively. The device body includes a body wall extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, and being formed at least in part of an organic gel.

Abstract: An intravascular filter device having a flexible arm which comprises a portion of an alarm system for detecting filling or plugging of the filter by captured emboli is described. The flexible arm may be made of ferromagnetic material, a magnet, or have at its tip a magnet which, as it moves under systolic and diastolic pressures, generates a signal detectable by an electrical sensor or a magnetometer. The signals from each of a pair of artery filters may be measured and compared to determine whether one filter is plugged. A system for detection and a method of use are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and devices with an implantable, intravascular filter for preventing emboli from traveling into brain and causing a stroke or transient ischemic attack are disclosed. In particular, an implantable, intravascular device having a filter element, a pressure sensor, and a valve is disclosed. The valve is biased into a closed configuration and changes into an open configuration upon a predetermined pressure drop across the filter. Systems comprising an external device at least one implantable device are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a medical device and, in particular, to a prosthesis or stent graft assembly for use within the human or animal body and, more particularly, to the fastening of a stent to the graft material of the stent graft assembly or prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for delivering and deploying a prosthesis is described and comprises an elongate sheath having a sheath lumen and a delivery catheter slidably disposed within the sheath lumen. A deployment assist mechanism may be coupled to the delivery catheter and the sheath and configured to apply a retraction force to the delivery catheter and the sheath. Additional devices, systems, and methods of delivering and deploying a prosthesis are described.

Abstract: An intraluminal filtration device for embolic protection includes a device body and each of a coarse filter and a fine filter, for filtering larger-size and smaller-size particles, respectively. The device body includes a body wall extending circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, and being formed at least in part of an organic gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices, systems and methods for preventing the embolic material flowing about a junction of at least one branch blood vessel and another blood vessel from entering the other blood vessel. The device includes a self cleaning flexible filter and a frame. The external surface of the filter is configured to temporarily trap at least some of the embolic material flowing about the junction as a result of the blood inflow though the filter. The filter is also configured to expel the trapped embolic material into the other blood vessel.

Abstract: A method of attaching an intravascular device to a vessel wall of a body vessel is disclosed. The attachment system includes an intravascular device and biological attachment material connected to the intravascular device. The biological attachment material is configured to attach the intravascular device to the vessel wall.

Abstract: A delivery and deployment device comprises a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen disposed therebetween; a dilator having a distal end slidingly disposed within the sheath lumen; a valve assembly comprising a valve housing affixed to the sheath and a valve disposed within the housing between the sheath and the dilator; and a valve lubrication mechanism disposed between the valve and the dilator.

Abstract: An aortic stent-graft may include a tubular graft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the graft comprising a proximal sealing portion and an intermediate portion, wherein a proximal end of the intermediate portion abuts the distal end of the proximal sealing portion. At least one sealing stent may be attached to the proximal sealing portion. A first fenestration window is disposed in the intermediate portion. The first fenestration window has a length determined by the equation L=1.23*D?24 millimeters, where L is the length of the first fenestration window. D is between about 24 millimeters and 45 millimeters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating flow through a body lumen and delivering a therapeutic agent into said lumen. In one embodiment, the prosthesis includes a frame having an exterior wall, a hollow interior space, a valve member, and at least one aperture through the exterior wall that permits a controlled amount of therapeutic agent loaded into the hollow interior into the surrounding body lumen following implantation. In another embodiment, the prosthesis includes a frame having a groove, a valve member, and therapeutic agent loaded in the groove.

Abstract: This invention is directed to graft materials for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient and to methods of making the graft materials. The present invention is also directed to stent grafts and endoluminal prostheses formed of the graft materials. More specifically, the present invention is a graft material which includes porous polymeric sheet, extracellular matrix material (ECM) disposed on at least a portion of the porous polymeric sheet and at least one polymer layer disposed on at least a portion of the ECM. The ECM may be in a gel form. The polymeric sheet and the polymer layer may be made from foam material and may comprise a polyurethane urea and a surface modifying agent such as siloxane.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical device systems that include a delivery instrument comprising a sheath having an abluminal surface and a luminal surface; a radially-expandable frame disposed at least partially within the sheath, the frame having an abluminal surface at least partially in contact with the luminal surface of the sheath, and a luminal surface defining a sub-stantially cylindrical lumen; and a fine powder coating disposed on at least one of the abluminal surface of the frame and the luminal surface of the sheath. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing, loading, and delivering the coated medical devices.

Abstract: A system for delivering and deploying an expandable endoluminal prosthesis comprises a delivery catheter and a sheath. The delivery catheter has a proximal end and a distal end and is slidably disposed within a lumen of the sheath. An operating mechanism comprises a contractible air vessel that couples the sheath and the delivery catheter so that contraction of the air vessel causes the sheath to retract proximally over the delivery catheter. Additional aspects of the invention include a method of deploying an expandable endoluminal prosthesis.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an intravascular device to a vessel wall of a body vessel is disclosed. The attachment system includes an intravascular device and biological attachment material connected to the intravascular device. The biological attachment material is configured to attach the intravascular device to the vessel wall.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an intravascular device to a vessel wall of a body vessel is disclosed. The attachment system has an intravascular device having a first end and a second end. The intravascular device defines a longitudinal axis along a length thereof. Several struts are connected to one or more ends of the intravascular device. Each strut is configured to move along a strut path relative to the longitudinal axis between an expanded state for engaging the vessel wall and a collapsed state for delivery or retrieval. Each strut has a free end configured to engage the vessel wall in the expanded state.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an intravascular device to a vessel wall of a body vessel is disclosed. The attachment system includes a tubular expandable body defining a lumen therethrough. The tubular expandable body is configured to move between an expanded state to contact the body vessel and a collapsed state for delivery or retrieval. The tubular expandable body is configured to contact the vessel wall along the length of the tubular expandable body in the expanded state when deployed in the body vessel. An intravascular device is held to the exterior side of the tubular expandable body and is configured to contact the vessel wall when the tubular expandable body is in the expanded state and the system is deployed within a body vessel.