Abstract: The present invention is directed towards implantable, inflatable, bioabsorbable medical prostheses. In particular, the present invention relates to an implantable, inflatable, bioabsorbable method and device for occluding septal defects such as an atrial septal defect. A double button shaped device is contained in a catheter to allow for easy positioning and re-positioning of the apparatus to ensure proper placement and deployment. The device is charged with a filling solution so that it temporarily stabilizes the defect for a period of time typically varying from weeks to a year while it provides a structure to support natural tissue growth. The device is eventually replaced by natural tissue as it degrades and is absorbed or eliminated from the body by natural processes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the holding of medical devices during manufacture to enable the application of therapeutic and/or protective coatings. More specifically, the present invention provides medical device holders that securely retain stents and other medical devices during the application of a coating while minimizing compressive and tensile forces applied to the stents. The invention avoids disruptions to coating quality due to holder blockage during coating deposition. The invention discloses an improved device containing a mandrel and frame that may improve coating uniformity by eliminating shadowing from the frame of the medical device holder when applying coatings to stents and other medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the holding of medical devices during manufacture to enable the application of therapeutic and/or protective coatings. More specifically, the present invention provides medical device holders that securely retain stents and other medical devices during the application of a coating while minimizing compressive and tensile forces applied to the stents. The invention avoids disruptions to coating quality due to holder blockage during coating deposition. The invention discloses an improved device containing a mandrel and frame that may improve coating uniformity by eliminating shadowing from the frame of the medical device holder when applying coatings to stents and other medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards the holding of medical devices during manufacture to enable the application of therapeutic and/or protective coatings. More specifically, the present invention provides medical device holders that securely retain stents and other medical devices during the application of a coating while minimizing compressive and tensile forces applied to the stents. The invention avoids disruptions to coating quality due to holder blockage during coating deposition. The invention discloses an improved device containing a mandrel and frame that may improve coating uniformity by eliminating shadowing from the frame of the medical device holder when applying coatings to stents and other medical devices.

Abstract: A sizing catheter and method of measuring a preselected internal opening within a patient to provide a rapid and precise determination of a stretched diameter of the preselected internal opening. The sizing catheter includes a dilation balloon constructed of a thin expandable plastic which is inflatable and is utilized to determine a size of the preselected opening. The dilation balloon is inflated to an inflation threshold, wherein the dilation balloon deforms about the preselected opening and the size of the dilation balloon adjacent the preselected opening approximates a stretched diameter of the preselected opening. The sizing catheter and method may be utilized to determine an appropriate sized occluding device to thereby occlude the preselected opening.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device and associated method for occluding an abnormal opening in, for example, a body organ, wherein the medical device is shaped from a shape memory metal fabric. The device may be used, for example, to non-surgically treat a patient having a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and resulting paradoxical cerebral emboli. The device is preferably made from a continuous tubular metal fabric and includes two outer occluding portions and a resilient central, spring-like interconnecting member. The metal fabric may be heat treated within a mold in order to substantially set a desired shape of the device. The medical device includes a fastener for attaching to the end of a guide wire or delivery catheter. The medical device having the desired relaxed shape may be collapsed and delivered through a catheter or the like for deployment in a desired channel or opening in a patient's body.