Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: A catheter atherotome and method for its use for performing partial atherectomy in an artery and thereby enlarging the lumen effectively available for blood flow through the artery. Several blades are mounted at a distal end of a catheter, in a helical basket configuration and spaced angularly apart from one another about the associated ends of two concentric sheaths in such a way that longitudinal and rotary relative movement of the sheaths selectively bows the blades arcuately outwardly into a cutting position or draws the blades flat into alignment with the sheaths. The blades have sharpened cutting edges extending helically and directed toward the catheter's proximal end when the blades are bowed. Partial removal of an atheroma is effected by manually pulling the basket knife past an atheroma with the basket blades in their outwardly bowed cutting positions, with the speed, force, and amount of expansion of the blades determined by the operator.

Abstract: A method of enlarging the lumen of a vessel is disclosed, by which an access opening or passageway is provided to the vessel, a head is inserted through the opening and advanced to a constriction within the vessel. The head engages, severs, and removes plaque. A vascular graft lining is inserted into the vessel and to the site of enlargement where it is secured within the vessel at the site of enlargement.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: A method of restoring lost blood flow capacity to an artery is disclosed. The artery is enlarged by enlarging the flow path of a plaque-ridden segment of the artery using a plaque-removing instrument. The instrument is introduced through a small arteriotomy located remote from the segment. Next, a vascular lining is inserted through the small arteriotomy to a position co-extensive with the segment where the lining is secured.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: Methods of artificially lining a vessel, especially an artery, of a medical patient to address the existence of a flow-inhibiting atheroma and to significantly alleviate the probability of restenosis, and the resulting products.

Abstract: A novel, long lasting prosthetic heart valve compatible with implantation in a human natural heart valve annulus. The prosthetic heart valve comprises a trileaflet heart valve apparatus which in form, dimension, and function resembles a human trileaflet heart valve, but which is formed of synthetic resinous material. A seamless supporting frame capable of annular deformation and limited perimetric expansion during each heartbeat is totally enveloped in an essentially biologically inert cylindrical cover to form a cusp supporting stent for the valve leaflet apparatus. The free top and bottom edges of the cylindrical cover are disposed on the exterior of the stent and everted outward to provide at least one sewing ring. Valve embodiments comprise aortic and mitral implantable valves.

Abstract: A catheter atherotome and method for its use for performing partial atherectomy in an artery and blood flow through the artery. Several blades are mounted at a distal end of a catheter, in a helical basket configuration and spaced angularly apart from one another about the associated ends of two concentric sheaths in such a way that longitudinal and rotary relative movement of the sheaths selectively bows the blades arcuately outwardly into a cutting position or draws the blades flat into alignment with the sheaths. The blades have sharpened cutting edges extending helically and directed toward the cathether's proximal end when the blades are bowed. Partial removal of an atheroma is effected by manually pulling the basket knife past an atheroma with the basket blades in their outwardly bowed cutting positions, with the speed, force, and amount of expansion of the blades determined by the operator.

Abstract: A novel long lasting prosthetic heart valve compatible with implantation in a human natural heart valve annulus. The prosthetic heart valve comprises a trileaflet heart valve apparatus which in form, dimension, and function resembles a human trileaflet heart valve, but which is formed of synthetic resinous material. A seamless supporting frame capable of annular deformation and limited perimetric expansion during each heartbeat is totally enveloped in an essentially biologically inert cylindrical cover to form a cusp supporting stent for the valve leaflet apparatus. The free top and bottom edges of the cylindrical cover are disposed on the exterior of the stent and everted outward to provide at least one sewing ring. Valve embodiments comprise aortic and mitral implantable valves.

Abstract: A catheter atherotome (10) and method for its use for performing partial atherectomy in an artery and thereby enlarging the lumen effectively available for blood flow through the artery. Several blades (34) are mounted at a distal end of a catheter (30), in a helical basket configuration and spaced angularly apart from one another about the associated ends of two concentric sheaths (12, 14) in such a way that longitudinal and rotary relative movement of the sheaths selectively bows the blades arcuately outwardly into a cutting position or draws the blades flat into alignment with the sheaths. The blades (34) have sharpened cutting edges (44) extending helically and directed toward the catheter's proximal end when the blades are bowed. Partial removal of an atheroma is effected by manually pulling the basket knife past an atheroma with the blades (34) in their outwardly bowed cutting positions, with the speed, force, and amount of expansion of the blades determined by the operator.

Abstract: A filter useful in tubular organs of the human body, intended primarily for endovascular use during surgical procedures for removal of plaque and other treatment of stenoses in arteries, in order to entrap particles of plaque or other materials freed from the interior wall of an artery while permitting continued flow of blood through the artery during the procedure of treating the stenosis. Several filter elements are fastened in apart-spaced relationship with one another along a flexible elongate member and are large enough to require the entire flow of blood through the artery to pass through the filter elements. An open-mouthed tubular stocking of porous filter material encloses the filter elements and supports the periphery of each filter element. Successive filter elements, progressing in the direction of blood flow, pass only progressively smaller particles.

Abstract: A catheter atherotome and method for its use for performing partial atherectomy in an artery and thereby enlarging the lumen effectively available for blood flow through the artery. Several blades are mounted at a distal end of a catheter, in a helical basket configuration and spaced angularly apart from one another about the associated ends of two concentric sheaths in such a way that longitudinal and rotary relative movement of the sheaths selectively bows the blades arcuately outwardly into a cutting position or draws the blades flat into alignment with the sheaths. The blades have sharpened cutting edges extending helically and directed toward the catheter's proximal end when the blades are bowed. Partial removal of an atheroma is effected by manually pulling the basket knife past an atheroma with the basket blades in their outwardly bowed cutting positions, with the speed, force, and amount of expansion of the blades determined by the operator.