Abstract: Various stent structures are provided with improved axial and torsional flexibility. One type of stent structure includes multiple segmented stent structures connected to each other by biodegradable interconnectors. A delivery system adapted to delivery the multiple segmented stents is also described. Another type of stent structure includes biodegradable connectors that are incorporated into a framework of non-biodegradable interconnecting members that form the support structure of the stent. The biodegradable connectors in both stent structures degrade or are absorbed after the stent is deployed. Stabilizing elements may be provided to the stent structures to supplement the stiffness of the stent with stability during loading and deployment.

Abstract: A medical device (10) includes a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a patient, the structure (12) being formed of a preferably non-porous base material (14) having a roughened or textured surface (16). The structure (12) is conveniently configured as a vascular stent with a base material (14) of stainless steel, nitinol or another suitable material. The medical device (10) also includes a layer (18) of a bioactive material posited directly upon the roughened or textured surface (16) of the base material (14) of the structure (12). The surface (16) of the base material (14) is roughened or textured by etching or by abrasion with sodium bicarbonate or another suitable grit. A preferred roughened or textured surface (16) is thought to have a mean surface roughness of about 10 ?in. (about 250 nm) and a surface roughness range between about 1 ?in. and about 100 ?in. (about 25 nm and about 2.5 ?m).

Abstract: A catheter apparatus and radiation dosimetry unit indicator for delivery of a prescribed radiation dose to a patient. A radiotherapy source vial (700) includes a fluid container (701) of radioactive fluid with a seal (702,731) disposed about the container. Seal (702,731) is moveable with respect to container (701) to change the contained volume therein. A radioactive fluid transport site (703) is in communication with the contained volume and with an exterior (726) of the container (701), and may include a septum (707) or a valve (711). An engagement mechanism (704) is connectable to an external control mechanism (706) whereby the contained volume in the radioactive fluid container can be decreased and increased by actuation of the external control mechanism.

Abstract: A medical device (10) includes a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a patient, the structure (12) being formed of a preferably non-porous base material (14) having a roughened or textured surface (16). The structure (12) is conveniently configured as a vascular stent with a base material (14) of stainless steel, nitinol or another suitable material. The medical device (10) also includes a layer (18) of a bioactive material posited directly upon the roughened or textured surface (16) of the base material (14) of the structure (12). The surface (16) of the base material (14) is roughened or textured by etching or by abrasion with sodium bicarbonate or another suitable grit. A preferred roughened or textured surface (16) is thought to have a mean surface roughness of about 10 &mgr;in. (about 250 nm) and a surface roughness range between about 1 &mgr;in. and about 100 &mgr;in. (about 25 nm and about 2.5 &mgr;m).