Abstract: A coated medical device adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient is provided. The medical device is preferably an implantable balloon with a bioactive deposited or within the balloon. The balloon can further include a hydrophilic material positioned between the balloon and a bioactive material posited on the balloon.

Abstract: A medical device (110) including a catheter shaft (111) and a unitarily and continuously formed portion (108) having a varying durometer, and optionally including an expandable balloon (18, 118). One or both of the unitarily and continuously formed portion (108) and the balloon (18, 118) are made from an irradiation cross-linked or cross-linkable mixture of a polyamide elastomer and at least one additional cross-linking reactant. The polyamide elastomer can be a polyester amide, a polyether ester amide or a polyether amide, and is preferably a nylon block copolymer. The aromatic molecule can be 1,3,5 triethyl benzene; 1,2,4 triethyl benzene; and 1,3,5 triisopropyl benzene. The cross-linking reactant can be: (a) a difunctional material, (b) a trifunctional material, (c) a tetrafunctional material, or (d) an aromatic molecule containing at least two ring substituents, each of the ring substituents having labile hydrogens at a benzylic site therein.

Abstract: A branch vessel prosthesis for use with an aorta stent graft defining a lumen and having a fenestration aligned with a branch vessel, includes an expandable stent that has a tubular portion, a flareable portion, and at least one bending portion located between the tubular and the flareable portions. Upon deployment of the branch vessel prosthesis, the flareable portion is flared by bending of the bending portion.

Abstract: A branch vessel prosthesis is provided for use with an aorta stent graft defining a lumen and having a fenestration aligned with a branch vessel, including a generally helical coiled stent, preferably with a graft material affixed thereto to form a branch vessel lumen. At least one full turn at the proximal end of the helical coiled stent has a diameter larger than the diameter of the fenestration so as to retain the proximal end within the aorta stent. At least two full turns of the helical coil have a diameter smaller than the at least one full coil so as to pass through the fenestration upon deployment.

Abstract: A stent introducer is provided for introducing a stented catheter through a hemostatic valve. The stent introducer is inserted into the hemostatic valve to open the valve member and provide an open passageway for the stented catheter. The stent introducer is made from flexible plastic and has a slot that extends along the entire length of the stent introducer. Advantages of the stent introducer include ease of use and improved protection for the stented catheter during introduction.

Abstract: A stent graft system for intraluminal deployment in an aorta and a branch vessel includes an aorta stent graft for deployment within an aorta and defining a lumen for the passage of blood therethrough, and having a fenestration aligned so as to allow blood to flow to a contiguous branch vessel. A branch vessel prosthesis having a flaring portion, a tubular portion and an anchoring device, are configured so that, upon deployment, the tubular portion passes through the fenestration and into the branch vessel, the anchoring device affixes the position of the tubular portion within the branch vessel, and the flaring portion is retained within the lumen of the aorta stent graft and is maintained against an inside wall of the aorta stent graft to thereby bias the aorta stent graft toward the branch vessel.