Abstract: A blood access for dialysis includes a radially distensible support structure having an open lattice structure defining a support wall having interstitial open areas and defining exterior and luminal wall surfaces; a first porous polymeric portion having a plurality of pores, the first porous polymeric portion being securably disposed over at least a portion of the exterior wall portion of the support structure; a second porous polymeric portion having a plurality of pores, the second porous polymeric portion being securably disposed over at least a portion of the luminal portion of the support structure; and a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material disposed within the pores of the first polymeric portion and/or pores of the second polymeric portion.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A catheter with a fluorescent temperature sensor is shown and described. The catheter includes a lumen, a fiber-optic cable that extends through the lumen. A distal end of the fiber-optic cable is coated with a fluorescent material and a proximal end of the fiber-optic cable is connected to a console. The console includes a light source for transmitting light through the fiber-optic cable for exciting the fluorescent material. The console further includes a photo multiplier tube for converting light emitted by the excited fluorescent material to a plurality of analogue voltage signals. The console further includes a digital oscilloscope linked to the photo multiplier tube for converting the plurality of analogue voltage signals to at least one digital signal. The console further includes a processor linked to the digital oscilloscope for converting the at least one digital signal to a temperature value for the distal end of the fiber-optic cable.