Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: Prostheses are fatigue tested using an apparatus under simulated physiological loading conditions. A fluid housing defines an entrance chamber having fluid outflow ports and an exit chamber having opposing fluid inflow ports and a central flow conduit in communication with the entrance chamber and the exit chamber. A plurality of housing tubes into which prosthesis are deployed may extend between the fluid outflow and inflow ports. Alternatively, tubular prostheses may be connected directly between the inflow and outflow ports. A reciprocating linear drive pump having a flexible diaphragm is provided to cyclically pressurize fluid through a common closed loop within the fluid housing and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthesis being tested. The test system is capable of rotation independent of the motor drive for accurate diameter measurements of all test samples at elevated frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmental self-sealing graft for implantation in a patient including a base tubing element, a tubular access element overlying the base tubing, and a strand-like compression element wound over the access element so as to provide radially inward compression, and a method of making same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmental self-sealing graft for implantation in a patient including a base tubing element, a tubular access element overlying the base tubing, and a strand-like compression element wound over the access element so as to provide radially inward compression, and a method of making same.

Abstract: Prostheses are fatigue tested using an apparatus under simulated physiological loading conditions. A fluid housing defines an entrance chamber having fluid outflow ports and an exit chamber having opposing fluid inflow ports and a central flow conduit in communication with the entrance chamber and the exit chamber. A plurality of housing tubes into which prosthesis are deployed may extend between the fluid outflow and inflow ports. Alternatively, tubular prostheses may be connected directly between the inflow and outflow ports. A reciprocating linear drive pump having a flexible diaphragm is provided to cyclically pressurize fluid through a common closed loop within the fluid housing and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthesis being tested. The test system is capable of rotation independent of the motor drive for accurate diameter measurements of all test samples at elevated frequencies.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including: an optical coherence tomographic system; a spinal needle having a needle tip adapted to penetrate tissue; and an optical delivery system adapted to direct probe light from the optical coherence tomographic system onto tissue located in front of the needle tip, collect test light backscattered from the tissue, and transmit the test light to the optical coherence tomographic system. The optical coherence tomographic system is adapted to provide information indicative of one or more properties of the tissue based on the test light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmental self-sealing graft for implantation in a patient including a base tubing element, a tubular access element overlying the base tubing, and a strand-like compression element wound over the access element so as to provide radially inward compression, and a method of making same.

Abstract: A suspension of a chip-scale device is accomplished using a suspension frame and at least one first tether. The chip-scale suspension frame defines a first plane and an opening through the suspension frame. At least one first tether crosses the opening at a first angle relative to the first plane and can be used to position the chip-scale device at least partially within the opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides controlled expansion endoluminal prostheses and methods for their deployment and expansion. The present stent-grafts generally comprise a radially expansible tubular frame and a plastically expansible liner on the frame. Either the frame or the liner includes a reinforcing element which limits expansion of the stent-graft at a predetermined expanded size. In some embodiments, the reinforcing element restrains the frame, for example, by limiting the circumferential diagonals of perforations on a perforate frame structure. Generally, however, the reinforcing element is included in the liner as circumferentially oriented yarn. A particularly advantageous liner includes composite circumferential yarns having inexpansible fibers wrapped around an expansible fiber, such as a partially oriented yarn, PTFE, or the like.

Abstract: A microcavity apparatus and systems for maintaining microcavity spacing over a macroscopic area. An application of this invention is a microscale generator. This microscale generator includes a first element for receiving energy; a second element, opposite the first element for transferring energy; at least one panel on either of the first element or the second element, the panel facing the other element; a device for controlling the distance between the at least one panel and the facing element to form a predetermined, sub-micron gap between the panel and the facing element for increasing energy transfer to the element for receiving; and a device, responsive to the energy transfer, for generating electricity.

Abstract: The present invention provides controlled expansion endoluminal prostheses and methods for their deployment and expansion. The present stent-grafts generally comprise a radially expansible tubular frame and a plastically expansible liner on the frame. Either the frame or the liner includes a reinforcing element which limits expansion of the stent-graft at a predetermined expanded size. In some embodiments, the reinforcing element restrains the frame, for example, by limiting the circumferential diagonals of perforations on a perforate frame structure. Generally, however, the reinforcing element is included in the liner as circumferentially oriented yarn. A particularly advantageous liner includes composite circumferential yarns having inexpansible fibers wrapped around an expansible fiber, such as a partially oriented yarn, PTFE, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides modular intraluminal tubular prostheses, particularly stents and stent-grafts, for the treatment of disease conditions, particularly aneurysms. Modular sections of the prostheses, or “prosthetic modules,” may be selectively combined to form a composite prosthesis having characteristics which are tailored to the specific requirements of the patient. Each prosthetic module preferably includes one or more standard interface ends for engaging another module, the module/module interface typically comprising ends which overlap and/or lock within a predetermined axial range. Advantageously, the axial length, cross-section, perimeter, resilient expansive force, axial flexibility, liner permeability, liner extensibility, radial conformability, liner/tubal wall sealing and anchoring, and other prosthetic characteristics may be varied along the axis of the composite prosthesis, and also along the axis of each prosthetic module.