Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and performing tissue modulation are disclosed. An example system may include an elongate shaft having a distal end region and a proximal end and having at least one ablation electrode disposed adjacent to the distal end region. The system may further include a control unit for controlling the power level and duration of the modulation procedure.

Abstract: An intravascular nerve modulation or tissue/ablation heating system comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region, a plurality of electrodes disposed adjacent the distal end region, wherein the plurality of electrodes are configured to operate in phase.

Abstract: A stent can include a tubular body, a plurality of circumferential serpentine bands, a plurality of connectors extending between immediately adjacent serpentine bands, and a plurality of tabs. The plurality of tabs include peak tabs and trough tabs. Each peak tab and each trough tab have a first end and a second end wherein only the first end is engaged to a serpentine band, each peak tab extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from a peak on a serpentine band toward a peak on an immediately distal serpentine band. Each trough tab extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from a trough on a serpentine band toward a trough on an immediately proximal serpentine band. Each serpentine band defines a plurality of holes and each tab defines a plurality of holes. The holes are constructed and arranged to contain a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An expandable bifurcated stent is formed of a main body and a first branch. The body wall is made up of interconnected stent members that define a plurality of cells, at least one of which is a side opening. The first branch body extends from the body wall from at least two regions adjacent the side opening. At least one stent member adjacent the perimeter is bioabsorbable.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a stent having a tubular wall where at least a portion of the tubular wall comprises a bioabsorbable membrane. In the portion of the tubular wall containing the bioabsorbable membrane, the members (e.g. struts and connectors) of the stent are embedded in the bioabsorbable membrane. In at least one embodiment, the stent is also configured to elute a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An expandable bifurcated stent is formed of a main body and a first branch. The body wall is made up of interconnected stent members that define a plurality of cells, at least one of which is a side opening. The first branch body extends from the body wall from at least two regions adjacent the side opening. At least one stent member adjacent the perimeter is bioabsorbable.

Abstract: A stent can include a tubular body, a plurality of circumferential serpentine bands, a plurality of connectors extending between immediately adjacent serpentine bands, and a plurality of tabs. The plurality of tabs include peak tabs and trough tabs. Each peak tab and each trough tab have a first end and a second end wherein only the first end is engaged to a serpentine band, each peak tab extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from a peak on a serpentine band toward a peak on an immediately distal serpentine band. Each trough tab extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from a trough on a serpentine band toward a trough on an immediately proximal serpentine band. Each serpentine band defines a plurality of holes and each tab defines a plurality of holes.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to a stent having a tubular wall where at least a portion of the tubular wall comprises a bioabsorbable membrane. In the portion of the tubular wall containing the bioabsorbable membrane, the members (e.g. struts and connectors) of the stent are embedded in the bioabsorbable membrane. In at least one embodiment, the stent is also configured to elute a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An expandable bifurcated stent is formed of a main body and a first branch. The body wall is made up of interconnected stent members that define a plurality of cells, at least one of which is a side opening. The first branch body extends from the body wall from at least two regions adjacent the side opening. At least one stent member adjacent the perimeter is bioabsorbable.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent having a side branch constructed out of a bioabsorbable material. The side branch comprises one or more bio cells which are flexible and easily deformable when the stent is in the unexpanded state. The bio cells have a locking member which fixedly holds the bio cells in place once the stent assumes the expanded state. The locking member uses oppositely directed hooks or ratchet teeth to prevent contraction in the bio cells once the expanded state is assumed. By having an appropriate alternation between flexibility and rigidity the side branch is flexible enough to deal with the geometric difficulties of bending and deploying a side branch while being fixed and rigid enough to properly support and scaffold a side branch assembly. The deployment of the side branch can be facilitated by the use of a ratcheting device. The side branch can also have a flared shape.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent is formed of a stent framework and retaining segments disposed about the framework. The retaining segments hold the stent in a partially or fully contracted state in a bodily vessel. The retaining segments are constructed to fail after a predetermined time or upon the application of a predetermined force. Upon failure of the segments, the stent expands in the bodily vessel.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent is formed of a stent framework and retaining segments disposed about the framework. The retaining segments hold the stent in a partially or fully contracted state in a bodily vessel. The retaining segments are constructed to fail after a predetermined time or upon the application of a predetermined force. Upon failure of the segments, the stent expands in the bodily vessel.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent is formed of a stent framework and retaining segments disposed about the framework. The retaining segments hold the stent in a partially or fully contracted state in a bodily vessel. The retaining segments are constructed to fail after a predetermined time or upon the application of a predetermined force. Upon failure of the segments, the stent expands in the bodily vessel.