Abstract: A tubular, radially self-expanding stent includes a latticework of interbraided, helically wound resilient structural strands. An axial control member is secured to the tubular latticework at axially spaced apart proximal and distal coupling locations. At the proximal location, the control member is coupled slidably, to permit an adjustment of the axial distance between the coupling locations, thus to selectively adjust the radius profile of the latticework between the two locations. To set a desired radius profile, the control member either is crimped near the proximal location or fixed within a self-locking connector. The control members, preferably monofilament strands, can be elastic or substantially inextensible. Two or more control members can be used if desired. In an alternative embodiment, recovery metal control members are fixed at their opposite ends to the latticework, then plastically deformed by elongation to axially elongate and radially reduce the latticework.

Abstract: A radially self-expanding stent particularly suited for treating esophageal strictures, includes a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the relaxed state. A silicone coating circumscribes the medial region, but the cuffs are not coated and retain their open weave construction. As a result, the cuffs remain particularly well suited to immediately contact esophageal wall tissue and resist stent migration, while the silicone coated medial region provides a barrier to tumor ingrowth, and has an enhanced radial restoring force to maintain an open passageway in the esophagus. A deployment device for the stent includes an interior catheter surrounded by the stent and having an esophageal dilation feature, along with an exterior catheter that radially compresses the stent.

Abstract: A radially self-expanding stent having multiple layers includes a medial region and proximal and distal cuffs having diameters greater than the medial region diameter when the stent is in the relaxed state. A silicone coating circumscribes at least the medial region of the stent. A deployment device for the stent includes an inner tube surrounded by the stent along with an outer tube that radially compresses the stent. A low durometer sleeve, fixed to the inner tube and in surface engagement with the compressed stent, tends to fix the axial position of the stent relative to the inner tube whenever the outer tube is moved axially relative to the inner tube. Consequently, precision in stent placement and the ability to recapture a partially deployed stent are enhanced.

Abstract: This invention relates to an angioplasty device that is formed from a hollow metallic tube, a balloon affixed adjacent the distal end of the tube and being in fluid communication with the lumen of the tube, a flexible distal segment connected to the distal end of the tube and a removable hub connected adjacent to the proximal end of the tube. The tube is preferably formed from a superelastic material such as nickel-titanium alloy. This invention also relates to various methods of using this angioplasty device.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing a surgical adhesive having at least two components has a barrel with a central longitudinal axis extending from a first to a second end thereof. The second end includes a nozzle with a discharge port. A rotatable screw conveyor shaft extends through the barrel position along the longitudinal axis. A dispensing element is mounted within the barrel and has a threaded bore for operative engagement with the screw shaft. The dispensing element has a keyway and may freely rotate at the first end of the barrel. A snap element is included to move the dispensing element into engagement with a key on the inner surface of the barrel which prevents the rotation of the dispensing element and causes the dispensing element to move from the first end of the barrel to the second end dispensing the adhesive.

Abstract: A novel prosthesis for use in repairing or replacing soft tissue is disclosed, which comprises a triaxially-braided fabric element having interwoven first, second and third sets of fibers, with the fibers of the second and third sets being oriented at substantially the same acute braiding angle with respect to the fibers of the first set. An elongated ligament prosthesis exhibiting the desired properties of high strength and high elasticity may be prepared by selecting high elasticity fibers for the first set, orienting said first set of fibers in the longitudinal direction of the prosthesis and selecting fibers having high yield strength and high Young's modulus for the second and third sets. A tubular prosthesis in which high elasticity fibers are oriented in the longitudinal direction is highly suitable for use as a vascular prosthesis. A prosthesis of the invention may also be manufactured in the form of a prosthetic heart valve leaflet.

Abstract: A shielding material for use in such as endotracheal tubes during laser beam surgery comprising a dispersion of particulate graphite in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: A novel prosthesis for use in repairing or replacing soft tissue is disclosed, which comprises a triaxially-braided fabric element having interwoven first, second and third sets of fibers, with the fibers of the second and third sets being oriented at substantially the same acute braiding angle with respect to the fibers of the first set. An elongated ligament prosthesis exhibiting the desired properties of high strength and high elasticity may be prepared by selecting high elasticity fibers for the first set, orienting said first set of fibers in the longitudinal direction of the prosthesis and selecting fibers having high yield strength and high Young's modulus for the second and third sets. A tubular prosthesis in which high elasticity fibers are oriented in the longitudinal direction is highly suitable for use as a vascular prosthesis. A prosthesis of the invention may also be manufactured in the form of a prosthetic heart valve leaflet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new heteropolysaccharide polymer and a method for producing this polymer by a fermentation process comprising culturing a heteropolysaccharide-producing strain of a micro-organism of the genus Methylomonas on an aqueous culture medium containing methanol as the sole source of assimilable carbon. Several uses for the heteropolysaccharide are also disclosed such as its use as a drag reducing agent, a thickening agent, an emulsifier, a soil suspending agent and a flocculant or deflocculant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new heteropolysaccharide polymer and a method for producing this polymer by a fermentation process comprising culturing a heteropolysaccharide-producing strain of a micro-organism of the genus Methylomonas on an aqueous culture medium containing methanol as the sole source of assimilable carbon. Several uses for the heteropolysaccharide are also disclosed such as its use as a drag reducing agent, a thickening agent, an emulsifier, a soil suspending agent and a flocculant or deflocculant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new heteropolysaccharide polymer and a method for producing this polymer by a fermentation process comprising culturing a heteropolysaccharide-producing strain of a micro-organism of the genus Methylomonas on an aqueous culture medium containing methanol as the sole source of assimilable carbon. Several uses for the heteropolysaccharide are also disclosed such as its use as a drag reducing agent, a thickening agent, an emulsifier, a soil suspending agent and a flocculant or deflocculant.