Abstract: A self-sealing vascular graft, including a substrate with a sealant layer and several optional additional layers, is described. The substrate can be ePTFE and the material used for the sealant and additional layers can be polyurethane. The sealant layer and additional layers may include one or more base layers, one or more foam layers, beading of different sizes and shapes, and ePTFE tape. A flared cuff may be integral to one or both ends of the substrate or may be attached to one or both ends. Various methods of making a self-sealing vascular graft are also described, including methods of disposition, methods of forming, methods of bonding and methods of attaching.

Abstract: A covered stent including a stent covered on a first surface by a continuous covering and on a second surface by a discontinuous covering, the discontinuous covering bonded to the continuous covering, the discontinuous covering including first and second rings of material spaced apart such that a region of the second surface is uncovered.

Abstract: A method for forming a self-expanding stent-graft. The method includes coupling a shape memory member to a polymer cladding to form a polymer clad member, winding a length of the polymer clad member about a mandrel so that the polymer cladding has overlapping regions that form seams, and heating the wound polymer clad member to join and seal the overlapping regions to one another.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis including a first polymer member bonded to a second polymer member to selectively encapsulate a stent. Selective bonding between the first and second polymer members results in unbonded regions or pockets that accommodate movement of the stent, permitting compression of the prosthesis using minimal force and enabling collapse of the prosthesis to a low profile. The pockets are believed to encourage enhanced cellular penetration for rapid healing and may contain bioactive substances.

Abstract: A method to retrieve a deployed stent in a blood vessel. In one embodiment, the method includes the introduction of a retrieval stent within the lumen of the deployed stent, enlarging the retrieval stent to contact a surface of the deployed stent and contracting the retrieval stent which in turn causes the deployed stent to contract for removal from the blood vessel. The retrieval stent may contain one or more fluid passageways through which heated or cooled fluid can circulate and may be connected to a catheter for circulation of the fluid. Fluid flow may be regulated by a valve or valve assembly incorporated in the stent and/or the catheter.

Abstract: A flexible covered stent includes a stent covered on a first surface by a first layer of biocompatible material and on a second surface by a second layer of biocompatible material, the first and second layers of biocompatible material being bonded to one another through a wall in the stent. The first layer of biocompatible material is longer than the second layer of biocompatible material such that at least a portion of the second surface of the stent is left uncovered, imparting flexibility to the stent. A mid portion of the second surface of the stent can be left uncovered to impart flexibility to the stent similar to that enjoyed by a bare stent.

Abstract: A flexible covered stent includes a stent covered on a first surface by a first layer of biocompatible material and on a second surface by a second layer of biocompatible material, the first and second layers of biocompatible material being bonded to one another through a wall in the stent. The first layer of biocompatible material is longer than the second layer of biocompatible material such that at least a portion of the second surface of the stent is left uncovered, imparting flexibility to the stent. A mid portion of the second surface of the stent can be left uncovered to impart flexibility to the stent similar to that enjoyed by a bare stent.

Abstract: A portion of a covered stent is encapsulated with ePTFE, so that the unencapsulated portion, which is covered by a single ePTFE covering, imparts an unimpaired flexibility to the stent. One surface of the stent, either the luminal or abluminal surface, is covered by a single continuous layer of ePTFE, while limited regions, preferably near the ends of the stent, of the other surface are also covered by ePTFE. The regions covered by ePTFE on both surfaces become encapsulated when the ePTFE of one layer becomes bonded to second layer. By leaving a middle region of the stent unencapsulated, the stent retains flexibility similar to a bare stent, thereby reducing the loading and deployment forces.