Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to compression forces. Exemplary embodiments provide a stent that is coated in a manner that limits the amount of coating surface area that is in direct contact with the target lumen. In particular, a covered stent is provided that is coated internally such that the outer scaffolding surface of the stent is raised from the outer surface of the coating. To this end, cilia function is only partially limited and mucociliary clearance is not significantly affected.

Abstract: A removable stent for placement within a lumen is provided. The stent includes a scaffolding of struts configured to define a substantially cylindrical member having a proximal end and a distal end. The stent also includes at least one flexible element spirally wound along at least a portion of a respective strut, wherein the element comprises at least one engageable member such that a force applied to the engageable member does not result in purse-stringing.

Abstract: A catheter device comprising a chamber containing an opacity enhancing substance is disclosed. The opacity enhancing substance is in a dried or semi-dried form within the chamber of the device. Release of a liquid into the chamber suspends the substance and forms an opacity enhancing solution that is released into the lumen of the device in order to enhance the opacity of the device for imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lumen measuring device and method that allows the user to calculate the exact length and diameter of a suitable interventional prosthesis as well as the height and length of stenosis during the same exploratory procedure.

Abstract: A removable stent for placement within a lumen is provided. The stent includes a scaffolding of struts formed from a tube of memory material and having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior region. The stent includes at least two flexible elements independently secured to the scaffolding and spaced circumferentially from one another. Each element defines an engageable member such that an inwardly directed force applied to the engageable members reduces a diameter of the scaffolding.

Abstract: This application is directed to a device comprising a covering attached to the device. A process of making a device with a specific covering attached is also disclosed. The application further discloses a method for the treatment of perforations, fistulas, ruptures, dehiscence and aneurisms in luminal vessels and organs of a subject.

Abstract: A lumen measuring device generally includes a central member dimensioned to extend into a lumen and an elongate outer member having a flexible region configured to flex outward from the central member in response to retraction of the central member. In measuring a lumen, the flexible region is caused to contact the lumen. The lumen may be contacted by linear segments that hinge or by members that bow arcuately. A polygon, such as a triangle, may be defined by portions of the outer member and the central member. A handle assembly may be provided by which the disposition of the central member relative to the outer member may be adjusted. Indicators may be defined by the central member and outer member by which the disposition of the central member and by which the diameter of a lumen may be determined.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to compression forces. Exemplary embodiments provide a stent that is covered so as to provide certain predefined characteristics. In particular, a covered stent is provided that is coated internally such that the outer scaffolding surface of the stent has enhanced friction points while the internal surface exemplifies certain characteristics.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a stent with a tubular support frame consisting of axially successively following, interconnected annular segments, which support frame is surrounded on its outside by a thread. The thread ends are guided via a deflection from the outside into support frame, where they are coupled by a connector consisting of a material visible in x-rays. Deflection is realized by two deflection elements in the form of eyelets provided on annular segment. Deflection elements are arranged on the circumference of support frame at an interval from one another and are provided on end-side annular segment, viewed in longitudinal direction L of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lumen measuring device and method that allows the user to calculate the exact length and diameter of a suitable interventional prosthesis as well as the height and length of stenosis during the same exploratory procedure.

Abstract: An instrument for deploying an implantable medical device into a body lumen is disclosed. The instrument comprises a base member having a base handle and a deployment extension, a first tubular member having a first tubular body and a first handle, and a second tubular member having a second tubular body and a second handle. The first tubular member fits over the deployment extension and is longitudinally slidable over the deployment extension, and the second tubular member fits over the first tubular member and is longitudinally slidable over the first tubular member. The distal ends of the deployment extension, the first tubular body, and the second tubular body are adapted to hold and deploy the implantable medical device.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to radial forces. An exemplary embodiment also provides a family of stents with obstruction clearance and/or radiation therapy capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents generally and a biliary stent in particular where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to radial forces. An exemplary embodiment also provides a family of stents with novel interstice configurations that facilitate flexibility, durability and/or proper installation. Additionally, the biliary stent in accordance with the present invention provides enhanced flow mechanics to ensure the adequate clearance of viscid fluids such as bile.

Abstract: A bioabsorable stent is disclosed. The stent is made of a polymer and/or non-polymer material and has an elongated body having a proximate end, a distal end, and at least one open channel formed on the exterior surface of the elongated body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. Also disclosed is a bioabsorable stent having an elongated center rod having a proximate end and a distal end and a plurality of leaflets extending outward from the center rod and forming channels between two neighboring leaflets to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a stent with a tubular support frame consisting of axially successively following, interconnected annular segments which support frame is surrounded on its outside by a thread. The thread ends are guided via a deflection from the outside into support frame, where they are coupled by a connector consisting of a material visible in x-rays. Deflection is realized by two deflection elements in the form of eyelets provided on annular segments. Deflection elements are arranged on the circumference of support frame at an interval from one another and are provided on end-side annular segments, viewed in longitudinal direction of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to compression forces. Exemplary embodiments provide a stent that is coated in a manner that limits the amount of coating surface area that is in direct contact with the target lumen. In particular, a covered stent is provided that is coated internally such that the outer scaffolding surface of the stent is raised from the outer surface of the coating. To this end, cilia function is only partially limited and mucociliary clearance is not significantly affected.

Abstract: A delivery device for positioning and deploying an implantable device within a lumen is provided. The device includes an inner tube positioned within an outer tube and capable of sliding therein, wherein the inner and outer tubes have proximal and distal ends. A side opening is defined in each of the inner and outer tubes, wherein each side opening is defined proximate to the implantable device and is capable of substantially aligning with the other side opening. The device includes an optical device capable of viewing at least a portion of the lumen prior to deploying the implantable device when the side openings are aligned with each other. A mechanism is coupled to at least one of the inner and outer tubes and is operable to deploy the implantable device within the lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices for allowing a user to deploy a stent in an anatomical lumen of a patient. For example, one embodiment is directed to a device including a longitudinally extending inner tubular member and a longitudinally extending outer tubular member that are longitudinally and axially displaceable relative to one another. The outer tubular member includes at least one longitudinally extending channel formed between the exterior and interior diameter of the outer tubular member. In addition, the device includes a handle configured to displace the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to each other in response to user intervention and a stop configured to coaxially engage the handle to form a safety mechanism. Displaceability of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to each other is limited by the safety mechanism to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent deployment apparatus comprising safety and stent placement and deployment features. An exemplary stent deployment apparatus includes a longitudinally extending outer tubular member and a safety mechanism coupled thereto, wherein the safety mechanism includes a diverted channel. The apparatus also includes a longitudinally extending inner tubular member being longitudinally and axially displaceable relative to the outer tubular member, wherein the inner tubular member further comprises at least one detent along the longitudinal expanse thereof for operative interaction with the diverted channel. The extent of displaceability of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to the other is limited to a predetermined threshold corresponding to engagement of the detent with the diverted channel absent intervention by the user of the device such that the degree of stent deployment is limited absent the user intervention.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to compression forces. Exemplary embodiments provide a stent that is coated in a manner that limits the amount of coating surface area that is in direct contact with the target lumen. In particular, a covered stent is provided that is coated internally such that the outer scaffolding surface of the stent is raised from the outer surface of the coating. To this end, cilia function is only partially limited and mucociliary clearance is not significantly affected.