Abstract: An apparatus and method of deploying a stent graft having a proximal anchor stent ring includes restraining proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring between a spindle body of a spindle and a control release sleeve of a tapered tip. The control release sleeve is advanced relative to the spindle to release a first proximal apex through an opening in the control release sleeve while the remaining proximal apexes remain restrained by the control release sleeve. The control release sleeve is further advanced relative to the spindle to release the remaining proximal apexes from the control release sleeve. In another example, a stent capture fitting has variable length stent capture fitting arms. As the stent capture fitting is retracted, the proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring are sequentially exposed from and released by the variable length stent capture fitting arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of deploying a stent graft having a proximal anchor stent ring includes restraining proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring between a spindle body of a spindle and a control release sleeve of a tapered tip. The control release sleeve is advanced relative to the spindle to release a first proximal apex through an opening in the control release sleeve while the remaining proximal apexes remain restrained by the control release sleeve. The control release sleeve is further advanced relative to the spindle to release the remaining proximal apexes from the control release sleeve. In another example, a stent capture fitting has variable length stent capture fitting arms. As the stent capture fitting is retracted, the proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring are sequentially exposed from and released by the variable length stent capture fitting arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of deploying a stent graft having a proximal anchor stent ring includes restraining proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring between a spindle body of a spindle and a control release sleeve of a tapered tip. The control release sleeve is advanced relative to the spindle to release a first proximal apex through an opening in the control release sleeve while the remaining proximal apexes remain restrained by the control release sleeve. The control release sleeve is further advanced relative to the spindle to release the remaining proximal apexes from the control release sleeve. In another example, a stent capture fitting has variable length stent capture fitting arms. As the stent capture fitting is retracted, the proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring are sequentially exposed from and released by the variable length stent capture fitting arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of deploying a stent graft having a proximal anchor stent ring includes restraining proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring between a spindle body of a spindle and a control release sleeve of a tapered tip. The control release sleeve is advanced relative to the spindle to release a first proximal apex through an opening in the control release sleeve while the remaining proximal apexes remain restrained by the control release sleeve. The control release sleeve is further advanced relative to the spindle to release the remaining proximal apexes from the control release sleeve. In another example, a stent capture fitting has variable length stent capture fitting arms. As the stent capture fitting is retracted, the proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring are sequentially exposed from and released by the variable length stent capture fitting arms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of deploying a stent graft having a proximal anchor stent ring includes restraining proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring between a spindle body of a spindle and a control release sleeve of a tapered tip. The control release sleeve is advanced relative to the spindle to release a first proximal apex through an opening in the control release sleeve while the remaining proximal apexes remain restrained by the control release sleeve. The control release sleeve is further advanced relative to the spindle to release the remaining proximal apexes from the control release sleeve. In another example, a stent capture fitting has variable length stent capture fitting arms. As the stent capture fitting is retracted, the proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring are sequentially exposed from and released by the variable length stent capture fitting arms.

Abstract: A drug eluting implantable device includes an exterior surface on the device and at least one recess formed in the exterior surface. The device further include at least one sidewall protruding from the exterior surface adjacent the at least one recess defining a channel with the recess into which the drug may be loaded, the sidewall including a perpendicular portion substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface and the sidewall further including a parallel portion extending from the perpendicular portion, the parallel portion extending from the perpendicular portion at an angle greater than about 90 degrees as measured with reference to the exterior surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for aiding aneurysm repair are provided. Such apparatus is constructed to support or bolster the aneurysmal site and supply a therapeutic agent to aid in healing the surrounding aneurysmal tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and retaining a leadless medical implant to tissue, wherein a docking base and the implant are sequentially delivered to an implantation site. In a first stage, the docking base is delivered and deployed into tissue at an implantation site. In a second stage, the implant is navigated through the vasculature and coupled to the docking base. Various mechanisms for navigating the implant to the previously implanted docking base and coupling the implant thereto are described. Navigational mechanisms include advancing the implant over a proximally extending wire portion that is releasably attached to the previously implanted docking base, utilizing fluoroscopic visualization to guide the implant to a previously implanted docking base that is at least partially radiopaque and utilizing electromagnetism to guide the implant to a previously implanted docking base that is electro-magnetizable.

Abstract: Systems and methods of delivering and retaining a leadless medical implant to tissue, wherein a docking base and the implant are sequentially delivered to an implantation site. In a first stage, the docking base is delivered and deployed into tissue at an implantation site. In a second stage, the implant is navigated through the vasculature and coupled to the docking base. Various mechanisms for navigating the implant to the previously implanted docking base and coupling the implant thereto are described. Navigational mechanisms include advancing the implant over a proximally extending wire portion that is releasably attached to the previously implanted docking base, utilizing fluoroscopic visualization to guide the implant to a previously implanted docking base that is at least partially radiopaque and utilizing electromagnetism to guide the implant to a previously implanted docking base that is electro-magnetizable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of deploying a stent graft having a proximal anchor stent ring includes restraining proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring between a spindle body of a spindle and a control release sleeve of a tapered tip. The control release sleeve is advanced relative to the spindle to release a first proximal apex through an opening in the control release sleeve while the remaining proximal apexes remain restrained by the control release sleeve. The control release sleeve is further advanced relative to the spindle to release the remaining proximal apexes from the control release sleeve. In another example, a stent capture fitting has variable length stent capture fitting arms. As the stent capture fitting is retracted, the proximal apexes of the proximal anchor stent ring are sequentially exposed from and released by the variable length stent capture fitting arms.

Abstract: Described herein are biodegradable stent grafts and methods for treatment of early stage aneurysms and acute vessel injuries. The stent frameworks themselves are a biodegradable metal and the graft material is a semi-permeable, biodegradable porous fabric. The pores are sufficiently small to block the passage of monocytes through the semi-permeable fabric and sufficiently large to allow the passage of ions and small molecules through the semi-permeable fabric. The biodegradable stent grafts degrade completely leaving no permanent metal structures (or any structures at all) in the patient and therefore do not need to be later surgically removed or monitored.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent, an intraluminal stent delivery system, and a method of treating a vascular condition. The stent includes a framework with a plurality of flap portions projecting substantially beyond a central core region. The flap portions are movable from a compressed position and an extended position when the stent is deployed. The system includes a catheter and the intraluminal stent. The method includes positioning an intraluminal stent within a vessel. A plurality of flap portions of the stent is extended from a compressed position into contact with the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods related to aneurysm treatment. More specifically, the systems and methods disclosed herein relate to localized treatment of aneurysms utilizing polymeric micelles that release therapeutic agent(s) when exposed to energy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and stent graft configurations related to the treatment of aneurysms through the local administration of zinc chelator(s). The zinc chelator(s) can be locally administered by placing one or more of them directly onto a stent graft, incorporating them into a coating found on a stent graft, including them in a delivery device that is associated with a stent graft, and/or injecting them through delivery and/or injection catheters at or near the time of stent graft deployment.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention in a broad aspect provide novel multiple bioactive agent eluting stents for treating vascular diseases and conditions. Controlled elution of bioactive agents is achieved by the presence of the bioactive agents themselves. One or more characteristics of the bioactive agents cause variations in elution rates or profiles or the other bioactive agents.

Abstract: A method of treating a vascular condition includes delivering a stent including at least one elongated axial slot to a target region of a vessel and receiving endothelial cell growth in the slots. A system for treating a vascular condition includes a catheter and a stent disposed on the catheter. The stent includes a stent framework including elongated axial slot formed therein and at least one therapeutic agent carried within the elongated axial slots. An outermost surface of the therapeutic agent is recessed within the elongated axial slots from the outer surface of the stent framework to allow endothelial cell growth within the elongated axial slots upon delivery of the stent to a target region of a vessel.

Abstract: A stent for implantation within the body of a patient is disclosed. The stent can be formed from one or more stent modules comprising a plurality of stent struts, one or more of which have an inner contour designed for streamlined fluid flow when the stent is implanted within an anatomical passageway of the patient.

Abstract: A toroidal balloon system apparatus and method for use in a vessel includes a catheter defining an inflation lumen and having an inflation port in communication with the inflation lumen; and a toroidal balloon attached to the catheter. The toroidal balloon defines a balloon lumen in communication with the inflation port to inflate the balloon and a central lumen which allows fluid flow through the balloon and the vessel when the toroidal balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a drug loaded stent includes applying a photo resistant coating to at least a portion of a stent framework and removing at least a portion of the photo resistant coating from the stent framework. The method further includes applying an etchant to at least a portion of the stent framework and forming a plurality undercut drug reservoirs in the stent framework based on applying the etchant. A stent for treating a vascular condition includes a stent framework, a plurality of undercut reservoirs formed within the stent framework and a therapeutic agent disposed within at least a portion of the plurality of undercut reservoirs.

Abstract: A system for treating a vascular condition includes a catheter and a stent disposed on the catheter. The stent includes tubing having a wall defining a central lumen and a plurality of holes. The system further includes a therapeutic agent disposed within the central lumen of the tubing. A method of manufacturing a therapeutic agent carrying stent includes inserting a therapeutic agent within a therapeutic agent delivery system into the central lumen of a hollow metal tube and forming a stent framework from the hollow tube.