Abstract: A method for making a biodegradable stent for insertion into a lumen, the method involves the casting of a film including a matrix of collagen IV and laminin, drying the film, casting a film containing polylactic acid onto the first dried film to form stent material, drying the material formed and forming the biodegradable material into a stent.

Abstract: A stent includes a main body of a generally tubular shape for insertion into a lumen of a vessel of a living being. The tubular main body includes a substantially biodegradable matrix having collagen IV and laminin that enclose voids within the matrix. The tubular main body also includes a biodegradable strengthening material in contact with the matrix to strengthen the matrix. The tubular main body is essentially saturated with drugs.

Abstract: A device for closing off a septal defect including a polymeric self-hardening material in a specific conformation which is delivered by a catheter device to the area of defect either directly on the cardiac tissue or into a balloon which spans both surfaces of the defect, and hardened in-situ by change in pH or ionic concentration, organic solvents, by permeation of a secondary material capable of precipitation, or by exposure to heat, light or laser energy. In blood, the device may be hardened through photopolymerization or a cooperative effect of coagulation, precipitation or ionization. The device can be made of biodegradable material impregnated with growth factors, mitogenic factors or other determinants which can improve tissue growth such that tissue ingrowth can occur over a period of time. The catheter itself may be an ultrasonic imaging catheter.

Abstract: A drug delivery catheter is provided which includes a catheter comprised of an elongated tubular shaft with an inner lumen and a vessel puncturing element which is housed in the lumen. The puncturing element has a retracted position such that it will not be in contact with the vessel wall as the catheter is guided through the vasculature. The puncturing element also has a puncturing position where it protrudes radially outward of the catheter shaft and engages and punctures the vessel wall. The catheter is first inserted into the vessel to be treated and the puncturing element is positioned at the site in the vessel to be treated. The puncturing element is then moved to its puncturing position and the inner surface of the vessel wall is punctured. A drug is then delivered through the puncture. The drug may be delivered into either the vessel wall itself or to the outside of the vessel wall.

Abstract: A stent includes a main body of a generally tubular shape for insertion into a lumen of a vessel of a living being. The tubular main body includes a substantially biodegradable matrix having collagen IV and laminin that enclose voids within the matrix. The tubular main body also includes a biodegradable strengthening material in contact with the matrix to strengthen the matrix. The tubular main body is essentially saturated with drugs.

Abstract: A stent made of biodegradable material includes a drug that is released at a rate controlled by the rate of degradation of the biodegradable material. The stent includes a main body of a generally tubular shape. The main body may further include a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and a slot defined by opposing edges which permits insertion and positioning of the stent.