Abstract: Medical devices including vascular access systems comprising a strain relief component are disclosed. The vascular access system comprises an inflow conduit, connector, and strain relief component. The strain relief is configured to prevent kinking and an irregular internal surface of the inflow conduit to promote laminar flow of blood within the inflow conduit and prevent thrombosis of the inflow conduit. The strain relief is configured to be releasably coupled to the inflow conduit.

Abstract: An everting balloon catheter having a distal end opening defined by a beveled rim is disclosed. The distal end portion of a catheter, e.g., an everting balloon catheter, can be made radioopaque by bonding a distal end portion comprising a polymeric material doped with a major amount of radioopaque metals onto a catheter body. Alternately, a composition comprising polymeric adhesives, and/or precursors of polymeric adhesives, and a major amount of radioopaque metal components can be placed, e.g., painted on the distal end portion of a catheter body to provide the desired degree of radioopacity.

Abstract: A ribbed, porous tube suitable for use as a vascular graft prosthesis is prepared by scoring a stretched or unstretched tube of PTFE, stretching the tube at 200.degree.-320.degree. C. to develop the desired porosity, and heat setting the scored, stretched tube at 327.degree.-450.degree. C. while restraining the tube from axial shrinkage.

Abstract: A porous tube suitable for use as a vascular graft prosthesis is disclosed. It is reinforced by external ribs, integral with the tube wall. These ribs are generally transverse to the tube axis and less porous than the wall. Suitable tubing can be made from polymers exhibiting a significant degree of crystallinity, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene. Methods for making these ribbed, porous tubes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves comprising an annular, right cylindrical, metal stent covered with fabric to which a glutaraldehyde-stabilized pericardial valving element formed of three leaflets, each having a plateau on a truncated triangle extending higher at the center than at the edges, and formed as a cylinder having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the stent, and having a low profile is disclosed.

Abstract: A universal dialyzer end cap which provides a connection between a kidney dialyzer and a blood tubing line. The end cap is constructed of a material which allows a firm connection to the dialyzer while at the same time is of a configuration which does not allow blood to contact the surface of the end cap when properly attached to a kidney dialyzer.