Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to a modular stent device that is deployed into the ascending aorta via femoral access. The modular stent device is a base or anchor component to which additional modular stent devices can be attached to exclude diseased areas of the aorta while at the same time allowing perfusion of the brachiocephalic artery, the left common carotid artery, and/or the left subclavian artery.

Abstract: A sensitive and selective, in-line method to measure and validate the sulfur content at ppb levels in both the liquid and gas phase of an analyte. The method includes patterning graphene, for example to form a mesa structure comprising horizontal or vertical lines or an array of multidentate star features; functionalizing the patterned graphene and attaching nanoparticles to the functionalized graphene to form a device; exposing the device to an analyte in the gas or liquid phase; detecting a change in electrical response when sulfur is present in the analyte; and recovering the device for future use. Also disclosed is the related sulfur detector.

Abstract: A venous valve prosthesis includes a frame and a prosthetic valve coupled to the frame. With the venous valve prosthesis implanted in a vein, the prosthetic valve includes a closed configuration wherein an outer surface of the prosthetic valve is in contact with a wall of the vein around a circumference of the prosthetic valve to prevent blood from flowing past the prosthetic valve between the wall of the vein and the outer surface of the prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve is configured to move to an open configuration such that at least a portion of an outer wall of the prosthetic valve partially collapses away from the wall of the vein in response to antegrade blood flow through the vein to enable blood flow between the outer surface of the prosthetic valve and the wall of the vein.

Abstract: An underwater diving marker is disclosed which has a tube with at least one removable end. A strap element extends between the removable end and the housing and is folding or otherwise compressed to fit within the housing. The end cap has a positive buoyancy so it will float when separated from the housing even with being attached to the strap. The housing includes a weight element which insures that the housing has a negative buoyancy when separated from the end cap. The user removes the end cap and allows it to float up pulling the strap/tether, while the housing sinks to the sea floor, thereby providing an indicator flag to divers.

Abstract: A sensitive and selective, in-line method to measure and validate the sulfur content at ppb levels in both the liquid and gas phase of fuel. The method includes etching graphene, for example to form a mesa structure comprising horizontal or vertical lines or an array of multidentate star features; functionalizing the etched graphene and attaching metal oxide nanoparticles to the functionalized graphene to form a device; exposing the device to a fuel in the gas or liquid phase; detecting a change in conductivity when sulfur is present in the fuel; and recovering the device for future use. Also disclosed is the related in-line graphene-based ppb level sulfur detector for fuels.

Abstract: A venous valve prosthesis includes a frame and a prosthetic valve coupled to the frame. With the venous valve prosthesis implanted in a vein, the prosthetic valve includes a closed configuration wherein an outer surface of the prosthetic valve is in contact with a wall of the vein around a circumference of the prosthetic valve to prevent blood from flowing past the prosthetic valve between the wall of the vein and the outer surface of the prosthetic valve. The prosthetic valve is configured to move to an open configuration such that at least a portion of an outer wall of the prosthetic valve partially collapses away from the wall of the vein in response to antegrade blood flow through the vein to enable blood flow between the outer surface of the prosthetic valve and the wall of the vein.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to an assembly including a trifurcated modular stent device. The trifurcated modular stent device includes a main body, a bypass gate extending distally from a distal end of the main body, a primary artery leg extending distally from the distal end of the main body, and a distal artery leg extending distally from the distal end of the main body. The trifurcated modular stent device is delivered via supra aortic access such that the primary artery leg is deployed within the brachiocephalic artery providing immediate perfusion thereof.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to an assembly including a docking graft. The docking graft includes a main graft defining a main lumen, a first internal lumen within the main lumen, a second internal lumen within the main lumen, and a main docking lumen within the main lumen. The first and second internal lumens are configured to receive first and second bridging stent graft therein. The main docking lumen is configured to receive a tube graft therein. The first internal lumen, the second internal lumen, and the main docking lumen being parallel to one another and extending an entire length of the docking graft when the docking graft is in a relaxed configuration. The docking graft forms the foundation, or anchor device, for attachment of the first bridging stent graft, the second bridging stent graft, and the tube graft within the aorta.

Abstract: Optical and electronic detection of chemicals, and particularly strong electron-donors, by 2H to 1T phase-based transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) films, detection apparatus incorporating the TMD films, methods for forming the detection apparatus, and detection systems and methods based on the TMD films are provided. The detection apparatus includes a 2H phase TMD film that transitions to the 1T phase under exposure to strong electron donors. After exposure, the phase state can be determined to assess whether all or a portion of the TMD has undergone a transition from the 2H phase to the 1T phase. Following detection, TMD films in the 1T phase can be converted back to the 2H phase, resulting in a reusable chemical sensor that is selective for strong electron donors.

Abstract: A laser is used to form openings within a graft material to selectively enhance permeability of a prosthesis for tissue integration therein. A feature of utilizing a laser to create the openings for tissue integration builds from its tunability. More particularly, the laser precisely places openings in any pattern and location, and on any textile that forms the graft material. Further, the power and focus of the laser is precisely adjusted to control the diameter and shape of the openings. All parameters of the openings can be controlled at will, allowing for the opportunity to selectively enhance and optimize the permeability of the graft material in a vessel.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to an assembly including a single branch stent device and a modular stent device configured to be coupled to the single branch stent device. The single branch stent device includes a main body and a branch coupling extending radially from the main body. The modular stent device includes a main body configured to be coupled inside of the main body of the single branch stent device, a bypass gate extending distally from a distal end of the main body of the modular stent device, and an artery leg extending distally from the distal end of the main body of the modular stent device.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to a variable permeability layered prosthesis including an impermeable outer layer and a permeable inner layer. The impermeable outer layer is well suited to seal a dissection opening of a dissection. The permeable inner layer allows fluid to enter into a dead space between the impermeable outer layer and the permeable inner layer. The fluid in the dead space coagulates in the dead space providing a media for tissue growth into the prosthesis. The ability of tissue to integrate into the prosthesis provides biological fixation of the prosthesis in vessels and prevents endoleaks and migration of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to a modular stent device including a main body configured to be deployed in the ascending aorta, a bypass gate configured to be deployed in the aorta, and a bifurcated contra limb. The bifurcated contra limb includes a single proximal limb that is bifurcated (split) into a first distal limb and a second distal limb. By forming the bifurcated contra limb to include a single proximal limb that is bifurcated into the distal limbs, guiding a guide wire into the relatively larger opening of bifurcated contra limb at a proximal end is simpler than guiding a guidewire into two smaller limbs extending distally from main body. Accordingly, cannulation of the bifurcated contra limb is relatively simple thus simplifying the procedure. In addition, the parallel design mimics anatomical blood vessel bifurcations to limit flow disruptions.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to an assembly including a single multibranch stent device. The single multibranch stent device includes a main body, a proximal coupling extending radially from the main body, and a distal coupling extending radially from the main body. The main body, the proximal coupling, and the distal coupling are permanently coupled to one another and the single multibranch stent device is a single piece. By forming the single multibranch stent device as a single piece, the single multibranch stent device can be deployed in a single deployment thus simplifying the deployment procedure.

Abstract: A needle lattice is used to form openings within a graft material to selectively enhance permeability of a prosthesis for tissue integration therein. The needle lattice may be disposed on, for example, a surface of a roller or press. The needle lattice precisely places openings in any pattern and location, and on any textile that forms the graft material. The needle lattice can be heated to fuse the surrounding material of the openings of the textile to prevent movement of the textiles and to prevent collapse of the openings. All parameters of the openings, including varying density, patterns, and size of each opening, can be controlled, allowing for the opportunity to selectively enhance and optimize the permeability of the graft material in a vessel. The needle lattice can quickly form multiple openings within a graft material, allowing for quick manufacturing of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to a stent-graft system including a bifurcated stent-graft, a first bifurcating branch device, and a first branch extension. The bifurcated stent-graft includes a body, a first branch limb, and a second branch limb. The first bifurcating branch device includes a body segment coupled to the first branch limb of the bifurcated stent-graft, a first branch limb, and a second branch limb. The first branch extension is within the first branch limb of the first bifurcating branch device and within an external iliac artery. The first bifurcating branch device has a wide patient applicability since the treatment can be extended proximal to the anatomical iliac bifurcation and is not limited by the common iliac artery length. The stent-graft system is suitable to treat a wide range of internal and external iliac artery diameters.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to endovascular prostheses. More particularly, the disclosure relates to endovascular prostheses having an outer surface of a graft material thereof associated with a hydrogel composition, which may swell upon implantation within a blood vessel, thereby mediating various complications associated with endovascular procedures. The hydrogel compositions can also include various stabilizing polymers and active agents to further aid their use in the body.

Abstract: Optical and electronic detection of chemicals, and particularly strong electron-donors, by 2H to 1T phase-based transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) films, detection apparatus incorporating the TMD films, methods for forming the detection apparatus, and detection systems and methods based on the TMD films are provided. The detection apparatus includes a 2H phase TMD film that transitions to the 1T phase under exposure to strong electron donors. After exposure, the phase state can be determined to assess whether all or a portion of the TMD has undergone a transition from the 2H phase to the 1T phase. Following detection, TMD films in the 1T phase can be converted back to the 2H phase, resulting in a reusable chemical sensor that is selective for strong electron donors.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to a modular stent device that is deployed into the ascending aorta via femoral access. The modular stent device is a base or anchor component to which additional modular stent devices can be attached to exclude diseased areas of the aorta while at the same time allowing perfusion of the brachiocephalic artery, the left common carotid artery, and/or the left subclavian artery.