Abstract: A tissue access system for tissue ablation without open surgery includes a distally open elongated tube (4) with a handle piece (6) having a through channel (7) in axial alignment with the elongated tube and an infusion fitting (9) that opens into the through channel for supplying a liquid or gaseous medium. An energy guide (16) or a catheter (10) housing such energy guide is arranged in the elongated tube and sealed from the outside. An energy-releasing zone of the energy guide is located in an energy-transparent section of the elongated tube. The medium, introduced into an annular flow channel between the energy guide or catheter and the elongated tube, serves as coolant for the energy-releasing zone and as heat transport medium in the tissue, and can also function as an ablation agent and as a contrast agent for inspection using imaging techniques.

Abstract: A stent implantation system comprising a catheter and an expandable vessel support which is releasable fixed in the region of the distal end thereof and which has a carrier structure which encloses a cavity open at its distal ends characterized in that the carrier structure of the vessel supports formed by at least two carrier rings which in their non-expanded condition are jointly fixed to the catheter and are not connected together otherwise.

Abstract: A tissue access system used for tissue ablation without open surgery includes a distally open tube-like hollow organ (4) with a proximally introduced handle piece (6) that comprises a through channel (7) in axial alignment with the hollow organ and an infusion fitting (9) that opens into the through channel for supplying a liquid or gaseous medium. An energy guide (16) such as a laser light guide or a catheter housing such light guide is arranged in the hollow organ and fixed in a sealing manner towards the outside using a seal (8) provided in the through channel. The energy-releasing zone of the energy guide is located in an energy-transparent section of the hollow organ. The medium, introduced into an annular flow channel between the energy guide or catheter and the hollow organ, serves as coolant for the energy-releasing zone of the energy guide and as heat transport medium in the tissue and can also function as an ablation agent and as contrast agent for inspection using imaging techniques.

Abstract: The stent comprises a cylindrical wall formed by meshed wires and a covering layer of elastic material extending on a portion of its length, with an outer surface, and totally embracing the wire mesh.

Abstract: The stent comprises a cylindrical wall formed by meshed wires and a covering layer of elastic material extending on a portion of its length, with an outer surface, and totally embracing the wire mesh.

Abstract: When installed in the device, the endoprosthesis is compressed radially and located in a cylindrical chamber (14), one proximal area (A) of this endoprosthesis lies within a first outer catheter (3) and a second distal area (B) is in a second outer catheter (30). In order to release the endoprosthesis (1) in a vessel (11), for example, the second outer catheter (30) is first retracted. The endoprosthesis (1) is then held in the first outer catheter (3) by friction and can be re-folded and thus repositioned by advancing the second outer catheter (30). Finally, the endoprosthesis (1) is released by retracting the first outer catheter (3). Because the friction is distributed over at least two outer catheters (3, 30), even endoprostheses (1) that generate a high level of friction on the outer catheter, for example because of a coating, of greater expansion force, or because of great length, can be released.

Abstract: The stent delivery device has an elongated sheath with a self-expandable stent placed in contracted condition within the distal area of the sheath. An elongated core is arranged in the sheath for relative longitudinal motion between core and sheath, and drive means are arranged between the core and the stent. Scratch protection tubular means comprise a reinforcement ring secured in the sheath and surrounding the distal end portion of the stent when the stent is in contracted condition in the sheath and a tube of thermoformable material heat shrunk over the proximal end portion of the stent and over the core.

Abstract: The coated stent comprises a cylindrical wall formed by meshed wires and a covering layer of elastic material extending on a portion of its length, with an outer surface, and totally embracing the wire mesh.Method of coating the stent using a lifting medium and then an elastomeric composition dissolved in solvent are disclosed.