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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A high-strength ligament prosthesis having biological acceptability, flexibility, porosity and resistance to prolonged stress in excess of 100 Kg with little change in modulus, and less than 20% ultimate elongation is provided. These characteristics make the high-strength prosthesis favorable for critical applications, such as knee and ankle repair. The high-strength prosthesis is constructed of a biological compatible yarn having an outer shell with an "H-beam" cross-section and a velour surface to encourage rapid invasion by host tissue and a reinforcing core of the same yarn. The ends of the reinforcing core and outer wall are fitted with end tips to limit displacement of the core within the outer shell and to facilitate positioning of the prosthesis during surgery with minimal effort. An enlarged elongated end tip is particularly well adapted for special surgical procedures, such as arthoscopic procedures.