Abstract: The stent of this invention is a self-expanding stent created by a scaffolding lattice. The stent may be made from a nickel-titanium alloy. The lattice is formed from two different types of helices that proceed circumferentially in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis of the stent. The helices have no free ends. The first type of helix is formed by a series of undulations and the second type of helix is formed from a series of connection elements. The undulations may be in a zigzag or sinusoidal pattern. The connection elements connect the junction points lying on adjacent turns of the first type of helix. The junction points are formed by the ascending and descending arms of the undulations or zigzags. The ends of the stent may be formed by a closed circumferential element which is linked by connection elements to a transition zone. The transition zone is formed by a closed loop that connects directly to the first helix.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for producing a medical device coated with a matrix and an antibody which reacts with an endothelial cell antigen. The matrix coating the medical device may be composed of synthetic material, such as polyurethane, poly-L-lactic acid, cellulose ester or polyethylene glycol. In another embodiment, the matrix is composed of naturally occurring materials, such as collagen, fibrin, elastin, amorphous carbon. In a third embodiment, the matrix may be composed of fullerenes. The fullerenes range from about C60 to about C100. The medical device may be a stent or a synthetic graft. The antibodies promote adherence of endothelial cells on the medical device. The antibodies may be mixed with the matrix or covalently tethered through a linker molecule to the matrix. Following adherence to the medical device, the endothelial cells differentiate and proliferate on the medical device. The antibodies may be different types of monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A drug eluting medical device is provided for implanting into vessels or luminal structures within the body of a patient. The coated medical device, such as a stent, vascular, or synthetic graft comprises a coating consisting of a controlled-release matrix of a bioabsorbable, biocompatible, bioerodible, biodegradable, nontoxic material, such as a Poly(DL-Lactide-co-Glycolide) polymer, and at least one pharmaceutical substance, or bioactive agent incorporated within the matrix or layered within layers of matrix. In particular, the drug eluting medical device when implanted into a patient, delivers the drugs or bioactive agents within the matrix to adjacent tissues in a controlled and desired rate depending on the drug and site of implantation.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for producing a medical device coated with a matrix and an antibody which reacts with an endothelial cell antigen. The matrix coating the medical device may be composed of synthetic material, such as polyurethane, poly-L-lactic acid, cellulose ester or polyethylene glycol. In another embodiment, the matrix is composed of naturally occurring materials, such as collagen, fibrin, elastin, amorphous carbon. In a third embodiment, the matrix may be composed of fullerenes. The fullerenes range from about C60 to about C100. The medical device may be a stent or a synthetic graft. The antibodies promote adherence of endothelial cells on the medical device. The antibodies may be mixed with the matrix or covalently tethered through a linker molecule to the matrix. Following adherence to the medical device, the endothelial cells differentiate and proliferate on the medical device. The antibodies may be different types of monoclonal antibodies.