Abstract: A composite biomaterial having a continuous metal sheet with arcuate members that define a first fenestration pattern, and a polymer layer over at least one surface of the continuous metal sheet. The arcuate members elastically stretch to allow the continuous metal sheet to bend in more than one axis without buckling or wrinkling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a covered endoprosthesis employs a conformed polymeric coating about an expandable stent. The expandable stent has an open tubular construction. A first polymeric liner is positioned about an inner surface of the tubular stent and a second polymeric liner is positioned about an outer surface of the tubular stent. The first and second polymeric liners are conformed to the tubular stent and laminated together through the open construction of the stent at a location coextensive with the inner surface of the tubular stent.

Abstract: A composite biomaterial having a continuous metal sheet with arcuate members that define a first fenestration pattern, and a polymer layer over at least one surface of the continuous metal sheet. The arcuate members elastically stretch to allow the continuous metal sheet to bend in more than one axis without buckling or wrinkling.

Abstract: A medical appliance is provided that includes a self-expanding stent; a sheath adapted to enclose the self-expanding stent in an interior space during deployment; and an external body comprising a bioactive agent attached to the self-expanding stent and adapted to lie outside the interior space of the sheath when the self-expanding stent is enclosed in the sheath. The medical appliance may be deployed in a lumen of a human body and the external body may release the bioactive agent. A method of producing a medical device is provided that includes attaching an external body to a stent and coupling the stent to a delivery arrangement. The external body includes a bioactive agent.

Abstract: A venous valve-with a structural member and valve leaflets that provide a sinus.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and valve leaflets that provide a sinus pocket. The venous valve provides for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A medical appliance is provided that includes a self-expanding stent; a sheath adapted to enclose the self-expanding stent in an interior space during deployment; and an external body comprising a bioactive agent attached to the self-expanding stent and adapted to lie outside the interior space of the sheath when the self-expanding stent is enclosed in the sheath. The medical appliance may be deployed in a lumen of a human body and the external body may release the bioactive agent. A method of producing a medical device is provided that includes attaching an external body to a stent and coupling the stent to a delivery arrangement. The external body includes a bioactive agent.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A venous valve with a tubular frame that includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a lumen, and a cover over at least the outer surface of the tubular frame, where the cover includes surfaces defining a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the lumen. A system with the venous valve and a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end, the venous valve located between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter. A method including forming the venous valve and reversibly joining the venous valve and a catheter. A method including positioning at least part of the catheter including the venous valve at a predetermined location and deploying the venous valve from the catheter at the predetermined location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure/membrane composite device which includes a support structure, such as a radially expandable stent, a porous non-textile polymeric membrane adjacent to said stent and a thermoplastic anchor means attaching said stent to said porous non-textile polymeric membrane. The porous non-textile polymeric membrane is preferably made from expandable fluoropolymer materials. The anchoring means is a thermoplastic material which is dissolvable at the interface between the support structure and membrane by a suitable solvent which wets the membrane surface and deposits the thermoplastic material within the pores of the membrane. Methods of preparing the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a covered endoprosthesis employs a conformed polymeric coating about an expandable stent. The expandable stent has an open tubular construction. A first polymeric liner is positioned about an inner surface of the tubular stent and a second polymeric liner is positioned about an outer surface of the tubular stent. The first and second polymeric liners are conformed to the tubular stent and laminated together through the open construction of the stent at a location coextensive with the inner surface of the tubular stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure/membrane composite device which includes a support structure, such as a radially expandable stent, a porous non-textile polymeric membrane adjacent to said stent and a thermoplastic anchor means attaching said stent to said porous non-textile polymeric membrane. The porous non-textile polymeric membrane is preferably made from expandable fluoropolymer materials. The anchoring means is a thermoplastic material which is dissolvable at the interface between the support structure and membrane by a suitable solvent which wets the membrane surface and deposits the thermoplastic material within the pores of the membrane. Methods of preparing the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a covered endoprosthesis employs a conformed polymeric coating about an expandable stent. The expandable stent has an open tubular construction. A first polymeric liner is positioned about an inner surface of the tubular stent and a second polymeric liner is positioned about an outer surface of the tubular stent. The first and second polymeric liners are conformed to the tubular stent and laminated together through the open construction of the stent at a location coextensive with the inner surface of the tubular stent.

Abstract: A stent delivery system for delivering a stent comprising, a stent disposed on the distal end of the catheter, and an inner core, wherein the inner core is resistant to appreciable compression or accordion. The catheter further comprising a first sheath covering a portion of the inner core, wherein at least a portion of the distal end of the inner core is left uncovered by the first sheath, a retractable sheath which covers at least a portion of the stent and a portion of the distal end of the inner core and a retracting means for retracting the distal sheath to release the stent.

Abstract: A composite intraluminal device is deployable within a body vessel. The composite device includes an elongate radially expandable tubular stent having an interior luminal surface and an opposed exterior surface extending along a longitudinal stent axis. A stent cover is formed of unsintered ePTFE which is expandable. The stent cover is positioned about the stent so as to permit expansion of the cover upon the radial expansion of the stent.