Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having various frame-to-main body component attachment mechanisms which provide a secured bond, reduced graft material wear, and reduced delivery profile.

Abstract: A new endoluminal prosthesis for use in sealing a vascular graft to corporeal lumen provides for a flattened bulbous tail at the end of each cell of the prosthesis. The flattened bulbous tails reduce the amount of wear between the prosthesis and the softer material of the vascular grafts or corporeal lumen walls. A method of manufacturing a stent from a flat sheet of material is also included.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having various frame-to-main body component attachment mechanisms which provide a secure bond, reduced graft material wear, and reduced delivery profile.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating mitral regurgitation by reshaping the mitral annulus in a heart. One preferred device for reshaping the mitral annulus is provided as an elongate body having dimensions as to be insertable into a coronary sinus. The elongate body includes a proximal frame having a proximal anchor and a distal frame having a distal anchor. A ratcheting strip is attached to the distal frame and an accepting member is attached to the proximal frame, wherein the accepting member is adapted for engagement with the ratcheting strip. An actuating member is provided for pulling the ratcheting strip relative to the proximal anchor after deployment in the coronary sinus. In one preferred embodiment, the ratcheting strip is pulled through the proximal anchor for pulling the proximal and distal anchors together, thereby reshaping the mitral annulus.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided by maintaining tissue regions in desired orientation in or along an airway, e.g., for reducing or preventing snoring and/or sleep disordered breathing events, such as sleep apnea.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having an attachment frame connection mechanism that allows placement of the main body component in vasculature in combination with limb components. Various limb component-to-main body component attachment mechanisms are provided which ensure a reliable bond while facilitating a smaller delivery profile.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods employ at least one ferromagnetic structure sized and configured for placement in a tissue region. A component is attached to the structure to stabilize its placement in the tissue region. An anchoring structure holds the component in a state of tension. The anchoring structure can, e.g., take the from of an anchoring body that expands in situ. The anchoring structure can be adjustable for adjusting the state of tension. The component can be elastic, to deflect under load in a prescribed manner and to recover an initial shape when unloaded.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having an attachment frame connection mechanism that allows placement of the main body component in vasculature in combination with limb components. Various limb component-to-main body component attachment mechanisms are provided which ensure a reliable bond while facilitating a smaller delivery profile.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating mitral regurgitation by reshaping the mitral annulus in a heart. One preferred device for reshaping the mitral annulus is provided as an elongate body having dimensions as to be insertable into a coronary sinus. The elongate body includes a proximal frame having a proximal anchor and a distal frame having a distal anchor. A ratcheting strip is attached to the distal frame and an accepting member is attached to the proximal frame, wherein the accepting member is adapted for engagement with the ratcheting strip. An actuating member is provided for pulling the ratcheting strip relative to the proximal anchor after deployment in the coronary sinus. In one preferred embodiment, the ratcheting strip is pulled through the proximal anchor for pulling the proximal and distal anchors together, thereby reshaping the mitral annulus.

Abstract: A new endoluminal prosthesis for use in sealing a vascular graft to corporeal lumen provides for a flattened bulbous tail at the end of each cell of the prosthesis. The flattened bulbous tails reduce the amount of wear between the prosthesis and the softer material of the vascular grafts or corporeal lumen walls. A method of manufacturing a stent from a flat sheet of material is also included.

Abstract: A machine for collapsing a stent and loading the same into a delivery catheter is disclosed. The stent collapsing machine includes an elongate base plate, a belt having a first end and a second end, and a first and second sliding plate slidably mounted to the elongate base plate. A first belt mount may be affixed to the first sliding plate and a second belt mount affixed to the elongate base plate, each belt mount having a bottom piece and a top piece for tightly securing the belt first end and second end. A jaw block set is mounted to the second sliding plate, the jaw block set having a first jaw block and a jaw block sliding plate with a second jaw block mounted thereon. The jaw block sliding plate allows the second jaw block to be slidably translated in relation to the first jaw block. The belt is allowed to rest over the first and second jaw block thereby forming a belt loop therebetween for receiving a stent.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular grafting device having a main body component and limb components. The device is contemplated to be assembled in-situ for the purpose of treating vascular defects or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having various frame-to-main body component attachment mechanisms which provide a secure bond, reduced graft material wear, and reduced delivery profile.

Abstract: The present invention embodies an endovascular graft having an attachment frame connection mechanism that allows placement of the main body component in vasculature in combination with limb components. Various limb component-to-main body component attachment mechanisms are provided which ensure a reliable bond while facilitating a smaller delivery profile.

Abstract: A machine for collapsing a stent and loading the same into a delivery catheter is disclosed. The stent collapsing machine includes an elongate base plate, a belt having a first end and a second end, and a first and second sliding plate slidably mounted to the elongate base plate. A first belt mount may be affixed to the first sliding plate and a second belt mount affixed to the elongate base plate, each belt mount having a bottom piece and a top piece for tightly securing the belt first end and second end. A jaw block set is mounted to the second sliding plate, the jaw block set having a first jaw block and a jaw block sliding plate with a second jaw block mounted thereon. The jaw block sliding plate allows the second jaw block to be slidably translated in relation to the first jaw block. The belt is allowed to rest over the first and second jaw block thereby forming a belt loop therebetween for receiving a stent.

Abstract: A handle device for a catheter-sheath assembly includes a handle member having proximal and distal ends, and a control member including a tubular portion coupled to a control portion, the control portion slidably coupled to the handle member. A cooperating rail and wheel are provided on the handle member and the control portion for directing the control portion axially with respect to the handle member upon rotation of the wheel. A tubular sheath extends distally from the tubular portion, and a catheter or bumper is secured to the handle member that extends through the tubular portion into the sheath. The control portion is directable between distal and proximal positions to direct the tubular portion proximally and consequently retract the sheath with respect to the catheter or bumper to deploy a stent or other element from within the sheath.