Abstract: A process and an apparatus for densifying a porous structure is disclosed. The porous structure comprises a first surface, a second surface, an inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface. The process may comprise progressive densification in conjunction with thermal gradient and/or pressure gradient densification processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating flow through a body lumen and delivering a therapeutic agent into said lumen. In one embodiment, the prosthesis includes a frame having an exterior wall, a hollow interior space, a valve member, and at least one aperture through the exterior wall that permits a controlled amount of therapeutic agent loaded into the hollow interior into the surrounding body lumen following implantation. In another embodiment, the prosthesis includes a frame having a groove, a valve member, and therapeutic agent loaded in the groove.

Abstract: This invention is directed to graft materials for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient and to methods of making the graft materials. The present invention is also directed to stent grafts and endoluminal prostheses formed of the graft materials. More specifically, the present invention is a graft material which includes porous polymeric sheet, extracellular matrix material (ECM) disposed on at least a portion of the porous polymeric sheet and at least one polymer layer disposed on at least a portion of the ECM. The ECM may be in a gel form. The polymeric sheet and the polymer layer may be made from foam material and may comprise a polyurethane urea and a surface modifying agent such as siloxane.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation within a body vessel comprising a thromboresistant material are provided. The thromboresistant material preferably comprises a biocompatible polyurethane, a remodelable material, a bioactive agent or any combination thereof. The medical device can be a prosthetic valve comprising a thromboresistant material. The medical device can also comprise a support frame with one or more valve leaflets attached to the support frame.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis delivery system has an inner tubular member having a distal end including a prosthesis-carrying portion and a proximal end intended to remain outside the patient. An outer tubular member has a distal end spaced from the prosthesis-carrying portion of the inner member. A coupling member couples the inner and outer tubular members to each other in fixed relationship generally at a location intended to remain outside the patient. An intermediate tubular member located between the inner and outer tubular members has a distal end adapted to cover the tubular prosthesis and a proximal end that projects proximally beyond the proximal ends of both the inner and outer tubular members. The proximally projecting end of the intermediate tubular member is longitudinally movable with respect to the coupled inner and outer tubular members by a distance sufficient to retract the intermediate tubular member distal end from any position covering the prosthesis carried by the inner member.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis is provided for strengthening a main lumen and a branch lumen that branches from the main lumen. The intraluminal prosthesis can comprise two tubular grafts. The first tubular graft can have a flexible body with a fenestration. The second tubular graft can have a flexible body that is configured for intraluminal coupling to the fenestration of the first tubular graft. The flexible body of the second tubular graft can have an outer dimension that is about equal to an inner dimension of the fenestration of the first tubular graft. The second tubular graft can also have a terminal stent that curves outwardly from a proximal end of the flexible body of the second tubular graft, whereby the terminal stent acts to couple the second tubular graft to the first tubular graft.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a discount for a credit-based transaction. The system includes a discount credit network wherein a participant holding a transaction card account issued by a card issuer is assigned a membership number that is associated with the participant's transaction card account. The preferred discount credit system also includes a discount authorization processor that is operatively connected to the discount credit network having a database containing the membership numbers and their associated transaction card accounts and processing means for correlating the membership numbers to such associated transaction card accounts. The preferred discount authorization processor is operatively connected to receive discount authorization requests from authorized merchants, correlate such requests to an associated transaction card account and transaction card issuer, and issue a transaction request to that particular transaction card issuer.

Abstract: A wear-indicating brush and warning circuit is adapted to convey an indication that a dynamoelectric machine is in need of maintenance before the brush wears to the point that a rotor contact surface is damaged by contact with electrical connections to the brush. A brush (10) having current carrying pigtail leads (16) embedded therein includes a wear-detecting wire (20) embedded in the brush a short distance (A) beyond the lowest extent of the pigtail leads (16). The wire (20) is insulated over its periphery, including its tip (24), the insulation (26) being abraded by contact with the rotor contact surface (50), so that the wire (20) senses the voltage present thereon. Non-latching warning circuits (66, 66a), with and without the use of an isolating resistor within the dynamoelectric machine to permit the use of a single wire between the machine and the warning circuit to provide a brush wear indication.

Abstract: A permanent magnet motor is provided which has first and second U-shaped sections comprising the motor stator. Each section is constructed of low reluctance magnetic material. The motor armature shaft passes through a hole in the bight of each section and carries a commutator. An air space separates the bight and shaft to provide a high reluctance path to the shaft. The two parallel sides of the first section fit between the two sides of the second section in a contact relation; the combination defining a two piece magnetic circuit that passes around the motor from end to end. The first section contains a permanent magnet mounted upon each of the sides at diametrically opposite locations adjacent the armature. The flux coupling the two magnets passes through the armature core. The magnets define a pole pair and are spaced very close to the edge of the armature core to minimize the air gap between the armature and the magnet.