Abstract: A method for implanting a stent by providing an implantation system including a catheter, an expandable element, and a delivery wire, moving a first portion of the expandable element to exit the catheter, and maintaining a second portion of the expandable element within the catheter to establish a partially implanted configuration. Then moving the delivery wire independent of the expandable element in the partially implanted configuration, and enlarging a circumference of the expandable element in response to the moving the delivery wire.

Abstract: A method of connecting an expansion ring to at least one end of a braided implant is disclosed. The method can include positioning the braided implant about a tube; everting an end portion of the braided implant over a first end of the tube; assembling an expansion ring to the braided implant, the expansion ring being a multi-leaved expansion ring including clips terminating with an open-ended coupling opening. The openings can be pushed over a set of intersecting wires of the braided implant at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube. The method can also include closing the openings over the set of intersecting wire; trimming ends of the braided implant; and reversing eversion of the braided implant thereby positioning the expansion ring internal to the braided implant.

Abstract: An expandable element having a distal anchor member at a distal end, a proximal anchor member at a proximal end, and a braided intermediate portion can be delivered to a treatment site through a catheter by a delivery wire having a first, distal bump that can be translated distally to push the distal anchor distally and release the distal anchor upon exiting a distal end of the catheter, a shaped segment that can be moved to apply a radial force from within the braided intermediate portion to expand the braided intermediate portion, and a second, proximal bump that can be translated distally to push the proximal anchor distally and expel the expandable element from the catheter. The delivery wire can also have a third, recapture bump positioned between the proximal and distal bumps that can be translated proximally to retract a partially implanted expandable element into the catheter.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween and a first expansion ring connected to the lumen of the stent body. The first expansion ring may include a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies that are selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly can include a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection. Each support assembly can include a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body so that the frame imparts an outward radial expansion force of the stent to facilitate use and delivery of the stent.

Abstract: A braid implant delivery and retraction device having a catheter, an expandable element and a delivery wire with distal, pusher, and recapture bumps. The expandable element having compressed, partially delivered, and implanted configurations. Delivering the braid can include engaging the distal bump till the braid is in the partially delivered configuration. If the user needs to recapture the braid, the recapture bump engages the braid proximally. To fully implant the braid, the distal bump is used until the braid is partially delivered and the distal bump disengages, now the pusher bump completes implanting by proximally pushing the braid completely out of the catheter.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween and a first expansion ring connected to the lumen of the stent body. The first expansion ring may include a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies that are selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly can include a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection. Each support assembly can include a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body so that the frame imparts an outward radial expansion force of the stent to facilitate use and delivery of the stent.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes a stent body having a lumen formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices formed therebetween and a first expansion ring connected to the lumen of the stent body. The first expansion ring may include a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support assemblies that are selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the stent body, each support assembly can include a plurality of legs joined at a first intersection and connected to one of the other interconnected support assemblies at a second intersection opposite the first intersection. Each support assembly can include a claw portion mechanically connected to one or more of the interstices of the stent body so that the frame imparts an outward radial expansion force of the stent to facilitate use and delivery of the stent.

Abstract: A balloon assembly for a medical device includes an inflatable body formed of a semi-compliant material defining at least one inflation chamber which is adapted for inflation and deflation. The semi-compliant material is made of a blend of a first formulation which comprises an organofluorine polymer in sufficient concentration to provide lubricity without the presence of a lubricating surface layer of different formulation and a second formulation which is substantially-fluorine free.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a vascular catheter, is at least partly made from a formulation which comprises a relatively soft polymer, a compatible, relatively stiff polymer, and up to about 15 weight percent of a fluorine-containing polymer, to provide a material which has inherent lubricating characteristics against, for example, a guidewire in a guidewire lumen of the catheter. In one embodiment, the tip of the catheter may be made of such a fluorinated formulation, while the catheter body may be fluorine-free.