Abstract: The present invention provides an expanded tubular graft formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The graft has first and second open ends and a surface longitudinally extending between the ends. The graft also includes an inner and outer cylindrical walls, where the walls have crimps or corrugations located along the surface of the graft. Additionally, the graft is coated with biocompatible elastomer covering portions of the outer cylindrical walls of the PTFE graft. The resulting ePTFE crimped graft exhibits various enhanced properties, such as adjustable graft length, high kink resistance, improved suture retention and high crush resistance as compared to the same graft without the crimps.

Abstract: A graft, for example, an arterio-venous shunt graft, is provided, which in a first aspect of the subject invention, is formed with longitudinal ribs. With fibrotic tissue ingrowth between the ribs, a composite rib/tissue layer is formed about the graft. The ribs provide counteracting lateral force against the embedded tissue to seal punctures formed therethrough during hemodialysis procedures. To provide additional surface area for puncturing, the graft may be formed with a truncated cross-section. With a second aspect of the invention, the graft is mounted onto a strip to prevent kinking, twisting or bending during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE tubular structure having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure is formed from rotating the opposite ends relative to one another in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure has a node and fibril micro-structure in which substantially all of the fibrils are oriented in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A prosthesis, and method for forming same, are provided which includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes having angularly offset node and fibril configurations. Also, the node and fibril configurations are angularly offset from the longitudinal axes of the respective tubes, providing resistance against failure in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to prosthetic implants, and particularly those prosthetic implants which have an improved water entry pressure resistance. Particularly, the invention relates to a strong calendered PTFE tube and processes for making a strong calendered PTFE tube. The calendered PTFE tube may then be used to form a strong calendered expanded PTFE tube.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure has a node and fibril micro-structure. The ePTFE structure includes first and second regions each of which has a corresponding density. The density of the first region is different from the density of the second region.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE tubular structure having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure is formed from rotating the opposite ends relative to one another in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure has a node and fibril micro-structure in which substantially all of the fibrils are oriented in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A graft, for example, an arterio-venous shunt graft, is provided, which in a first aspect of the subject invention, is formed with longitudinal ribs. With fibrotic tissue ingrowth between the ribs, a composite rib/tissue layer is formed about the graft. The ribs provide counteracting lateral force against the embedded tissue to seal punctures formed therethrough during hemodialysis procedures. To provide additional surface area for puncturing, the graft may be formed with a truncated cross-section. With a second aspect of the invention, the graft is mounted onto a strip to prevent kinking, twisting or bending during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: A prosthesis, and method for forming same, are provided which includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes having angularly offset node and fibril configurations. Also, the node and fibril configurations are angularly offset from the longitudinal axes of the respective tubes, providing resistance against failure in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable graft, including a primary tubular body having a first outer wall surface and a first inner wall surface defining a primary blood contacting lumen, and a secondary tubular body having a second outer wall surface and a second inner wall surface. The secondary tubular body is located about the primary tubular body to form a space therebetween. The primary and secondary tubular bodies are joined by at least one rib.

Abstract: A prosthesis, and method for forming same, are provided which includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes having angularly offset node and fibril configurations. Also, the node and fibril configurations are angularly offset from the longitudinal axes of the respective tubes, providing resistance against failure in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable graft, including a primary tubular body having a first outer wall surface and a first inner wall surface defining a primary blood contacting lumen, and a secondary tubular body having a second outer wall surface and a second inner wall surface. The secondary tubular body is located about the primary tubular body to form a space therebetween. The primary and secondary tubular bodies are joined by at least one rib.

Abstract: A prosthesis, and method for forming same, are provided which includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes having angularly offset node and fibril configurations. Also, the node and fibril configurations are angularly offset from the longitudinal axes of the respective tubes, providing resistance against failure in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expanded tubular graft formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The graft has first and second open ends and a surface longitudinally extending between the ends. The graft also includes an inner and outer cylindrical walls, where the walls have crimps located along the surface of the graft. Additionally, the graft is coated with biocompatible elastomer covering portions of the outer cylindrical walls of the PTFE graft. The resulting ePTFE crimped graft exhibits various enhanced properties, such as adjustable graft length, high kink resistance, improved suture retention and high crush resistance as compared to the same graft without the crimps.

Abstract: A graft, for example, an arterio-venous shunt graft, is provided, which in a first aspect of the subject invention, is formed with longitudinal ribs. With fibrotic tissue ingrowth between the ribs, a composite rib/tissue layer is formed about the graft. The ribs provide counteracting lateral force against the embedded tissue to seal punctures formed therethrough during hemodialysis procedures. To provide additional surface area for puncturing, the graft may be formed with a truncated cross-section. With a second aspect of the invention, the graft is mounted onto a strip to prevent kinking, twisting or bending during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: A prosthesis, and method for forming same, are provided which includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes having angularly offset node and fibril configurations. Also, the node and fibril configurations are angularly offset from the longitudinal axes of the respective tubes, providing resistance against failure in the longitudinal direction.