Abstract: A medical device includes a first end, a second end, and a central segment proximate a middle of the medical device and about which the medical device is symmetrical. The medical device also includes a pair of inner reverse bends spaced from the central segment by a first body plane extending from the central segment to the pair of inner reverse bends in a first longitudinal direction, and a pair of outer reverse bends. The outer reverse bends are spaced from the pair of inner reverse bends by a second body plane extending from the pair of inner reverse bends to the pair of outer reverse bends in a second, opposite longitudinal direction, and the outer reverse bends are spaced from the first and second ends of the medical device by a third body plane extending in the first direction from the outer reverse bends to the first and second ends.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflow cannula for an implantable blood pump assembly. The inflow cannula includes a tubular body that extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The tubular body includes a proximal portion adapted for connection to a pump housing, and a distal portion adapted for positioning within an opening formed in a heart. The inflow cannula further includes an expandable sleeve coupled to an exterior surface of the distal portion. The sleeve has a first portion coupled to the distal portion of the tubular body, and a second portion extending from the distal end of the tubular body. The second portion is deployable from a first, stored configuration to a second, deployed configuration in which the second portion expands radially to engage and conform to an endocardial surface of the heart.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflow cannula for an implantable blood pump assembly. The inflow cannula includes a tubular body that extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The tubular body includes a proximal portion adapted for connection to a pump housing, and a distal portion adapted for positioning within an opening formed in a heart. The inflow cannula further includes an expandable sleeve coupled to an exterior surface of the distal portion. The sleeve has a first portion coupled to the distal portion of the tubular body, and a second portion extending from the distal end of the tubular body. The second portion is deployable from a first, stored configuration to a second, deployed configuration in which the second portion expands radially to engage and conform to an endocardial surface of the heart.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a vascular closure plug having a reinforced proximal end and methods of use therefor. The reinforcement may comprise a proximal force distributing member and a plurality of plug restraining members thereby tending to limit tearing or spreading of at least the proximal end of the vascular closure plug. In some embodiments, the reinforcement may also comprise a distal force distributing member and a plurality of plug restraining members, a circumferential collar, and/or a supplemental force distributing member.

Abstract: Self-expanding endoprostheses, such as stents, have good fatigue resistance are disclosed.

Abstract: A process comprising the steps of providing a precursor for an implantable medical device, at least a portion of the precursor made of a shape memory material, the shape memory material having a receptacle for receiving a marker therein, the shape memory material having an austenitic and a martensitic phase; enlarging the receptacle while the shape memory material is in the martensitic phase; inserting a marker in the receptacle while the shape memory material is in the martensitic phase; and thereafter transforming the precursor to the austenitic phase.