Abstract: A stent includes a main body of a generally tubular shape for insertion into a lumen of a vessel of a living being. The tubular main body includes a substantially biodegradable matrix having collagen IV and laminin that enclose voids within the matrix. The tubular main body also includes a biodegradable strengthening material in contact with the matrix to strengthen the matrix. The tubular main body is essentially saturated with drugs.

Abstract: A method of depositing collagen coatings on a metal surface, namely metal stents, by electrodeposition.

Abstract: A stent includes a main body of a generally tubular shape for insertion into a lumen of a vessel of a living being. The tubular main body includes a substantially biodegradable matrix having collagen IV and laminin that enclose voids within the matrix. The tubular main body also includes a biodegradable strengthening material in contact with the matrix to strengthen the matrix. The tubular main body is essentially saturated with drugs.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A catheter delivered device to close a septal defect, the device comprising a cylindrical shaft of metal or polymeric material with concentric parallel cuts through the wall of the device which create flattened support struts. The center of the support struts move radially away from the axis in a hinge like fashion in response to the movement of the device's proximal and distal ends toward the center of the device. This movement is reversibly effected through mechanical means. The device can be coated with growth factors, mitogenic factors or other determinants which can improve tissue growth such that tissue ingrowth can occur over a period of time. The catheter itself may be an ultrasonic imaging catheter.

Abstract: Collagen applied to a vascular stent for increasing the biocompatability of the stent on implantation and method of treatment.

Abstract: Percutaneous repair of cardiovascular anomalies via the introduction of a photoactivated biopolymer introduced to the affected site via a catheter system.

Abstract: A device for closing off a septal defect including a polymeric self-hardening material in a specific conformation which is delivered by a catheter means to the area of defect either directly on the cardiac tissue or into a balloon which spans both surfaces of the defect, and hardened in-situ by change in pH or ionic concentration, organic solvents, by permeation of a secondary material capable of precipitation, or by exposure to heat, light or laser energy. In blood, the device may be hardened through photopolymerization or a cooperative effect of coagulation, precipitation or ionization. The device can be made of biodegradable material impregnated with growth factors, mitogenic factors or other determinants which can improve tissue growth such that tissue ingrowth can occur over a period of time. The catheter itself may be an ultrasonic imaging catheter.

Abstract: A catheter delivered device to close a septal defect, the device comprising a cylindrical shaft of metal or polymeric material with concentric parallel cuts through the wall of the device which create flattened support struts. The center of the support struts move radially away from the axis in a hinge like fashion in response to the movement of the device's proximal and distal ends toward the center of the device. This movement is reversibly effected through mechanical means. The device can be coated with growth factors, mitogenic factors or other determinants which can improve tissue growth such that tissue ingrowth can occur over a period of time. The catheter itself may be an ultrasonic imaging catheter.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an implantable medical device for detection and treatment of syncope comprising an algorithm for determining the presence of syncope based on physiological activity associated with the onset of a syncopal episode, and a means for infusion a drug. Drug infusion therapy may be used along or in combination with pacing. The physiological activities detected and used by the device are selected from the group including changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, QT interval, PR interval, pressure, blood flow, vagal nerve activity, temperature, pH, and AV conduction times, respiration rate, position, motion, and combinations thereof. Drugs which may be used with the invention include pharmaceutical compositions which are capable of both endocardial administration and treatment of syncope, such as compositions comprising beta-blockers.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A catheter delivered device to close a septal defect, the device comprising a cylindrical shaft of metal or polymeric material with concentric parallel cuts through the wall of the device which create flattened support struts. The center of the support struts move radially away from the axis in a hinge like fashion in response to the movement of the device's proximal and distal ends toward the center of the device. This movement is reversibly effected through mechanical means. The device can be coated with growth factors, mitogenic factors or other determinants which can improve tissue growth such that tissue ingrowth can occur over a period of time. The catheter itself may be an ultrasonic imaging catheter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the incorporation of thermoplastic polyimide into various parts of balloon catheters such as catheter shafts and balloons. Such catheter constructions may be integral or unitary in which the shaft of a portion thereof and balloon are manufactured as a single unit or the construction may be comprised of a separate shaft to which a balloon is attached as by adhesive or other bonding.

Abstract: A method for making a biodegradable stent for insertion into a lumen, the method involves the casting of a film including a matrix of collagen IV and laminin, drying the film, casting a film containing polylactic acid onto the first dried film to form stent material, drying the material formed and forming the biodegradable material into a stent.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an implantable medical device for detection and treatment of syncope comprising an algorithm for determining the presence of syncope based on physiological activity associated with the onset of a syncopal episode, and a means for infusion a drug. Drug infusion therapy may be used along or in combination with pacing. The physiological activities detected and used by the device are selected from the group including changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, QT interval, PR interval, pressure, blood flow, vagal nerve activity, temperature, pH, and AV conduction times, respiration rate, position, motion, and combinations thereof. Drugs which may be used with the invention include pharmaceutical compositions which are capable of both endocardial administration and treatment of syncope, such as compositions comprising beta-blockers.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus and method is provided for repairing tissue defects intraluminally by depositing a polymerizable material at a tissue defect site and polymerizing the material in situ to effect the build-up of a repair material at the site of a defect. This is accomplished in preferred arrangements by providing a catheter having an optical fiber arranged for the transmission and emission of radiation such as UV at the defect site along with the transmission of the polymerizable material. Contact between the radiation and the coincident delivery of polymerizable material at the site effects a build-up of solid repair material at the defect.

Abstract: A catheter delivered device to close a septal defect, the device comprising a cylindrical shaft of metal or polymeric material with concentric parallel cuts through the wall of the device which create flattened support struts. The center of the support struts move radially away from the axis in a hinge like fashion in response to the movement of the device's proximal and distal ends toward the center of the device. This movement is reversibly effected through mechanical means. The device can be coated with growth factors, mitogenic factors or other determinants which can improve tissue growth such that tissue ingrowth can occur over a period of time. The catheter itself may be an ultrasonic imaging catheter.

Abstract: A catheter for use with an implantable drug dispensing arrhythmia control device, includes a lumen and valve for dispensing the drug, and multiple electrodes for sensing heart activity.