Abstract: This document provides flexible driveshaft devices. For example, this document provides flexible driveshaft devices that have bi-directionally balanced torsional stiffness properties. In some embodiments, the flexible driveshaft devices provided herein are utilized in medical device systems, such as endoluminal medical device systems. For example, in some embodiments the flexible driveshaft devices provided herein are utilized in endoluminal ultrasonic catheter systems.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valve leaflets of particular configurations that control bending character. In embodiments provided herein, a valve leaflet is provided with a planar zone that is bounded at a planar zone base by a straight line, wherein the leaflet is operable to bend along a base of the planar zone.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves and systems and methods of making prosthetic valves. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic valve comprises and leaflet frame, and outer frame and a film. The leaflet frame has a generally tubular shape defining a plurality of leaflet windows. The outer frame has a generally tubular shape. The leaflet frame is coaxially disposed at least partially within the outer frame. The leaflet frame and outer frame is coupled at least in part by a contiguous portion of the film. At least a portion of the contiguous portion of the film is contained between and coupling the leaflet frame and outer frame operable to prevent relative movement and contact therebetween. The film defines a leaflet extending from each of the leaflet windows.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves having leaflets of particular shapes that control bending character. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic valve comprises a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet includes a central region and two side regions on opposite sides of the central region. The central region is defined by a shape substantially that of an isosceles triangle defined by two central region sides, the leaflet base and the leaflet free edge, wherein the two central region sides converge from the leaflet base, and wherein each of the two side regions have a shape substantially that of a triangle and each are defined by one of the central region sides, one of the leaflet sides, and the leaflet free edge.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valve leaflets of a particular shape that allows redundant coaptation height in the leaflets when a planar segment is present in each leaflet.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves having leaflets of a particular shape that improves bending character without requiring a long length valve. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic valve comprises a leaflet frame, a plurality of leaflets coupled to the leaflet frame, where each leaflet has a free edge and a base. Each leaflet has a planar zone in a central portion, wherein the planar zone is substantially planar. The planar zone defines a shape having an area, wherein the area is larger nearer the base than the free edge.

Abstract: Garment constructs and garments prepared therefrom having a functional layer and an inner layer of a plurality of textiles, at least two of which are dissimilar textiles, adhered to the functional layer are provided.

Abstract: Thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite materials are disclosed that are suitable for use in a valve for regulating blood flow direction. In one aspect, the composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as a prosthetic heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes a porous polymer membrane and an elastomer, wherein the elastomer fills substantially all of the pores of the porous polymer membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include devices and methods directed toward creating reverse flow within a vessel and thereby providing protection against embolic debris. Embodiments comprise a catheter and a plurality of occluders that are expandable and adjustable within a lumen to create low-pressure areas that reroute blood flow and embolic debris therein.

Abstract: An insert for a protective garment, the insert having a fabric having at least 45 percent by weight of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers, the fabric having a 2-Grain V-50 Fragmentation Resistance of at least 700 feet per second and a FAST-2 Bending Rigidity of less than 40 microNewtonmeters.

Abstract: An aqueous delivery system is described including at least one surfactant and at least one water insoluble wetting agent. Further described are low surface energy substrates, such as microporous polytetrafluoroethylene, coated with such an aqueous solution so as to impart a change in at least one surface characteristic compared to the surface characteristics of the uncoated low surface energy substrate.

Abstract: An aqueous delivery system is described including at least one surfactant and at least one water insoluble wetting agent. Further described are low surface energy substrates, such as microporous polytetrafluoroethylene, coated with such an aqueous solution so as to impart a change in at least one surface characteristic compared to the surface characteristics of the uncoated low surface energy substrate.

Abstract: Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a device is provided comprising a balloon configured to expand to an expanded state in response to introduction of a fluid at a first pressure, wherein the fluid perfuses through the balloon above a second pressure, the second pressure being the same or greater than the first pressure. In various embodiments, a method comprising fabricating a balloon configured to expand to an expanded state in response to introduction of a fluid at a first pressure, wherein the fluid perfuses through the balloon above a second pressure, the second pressure being at or greater than the first pressure, disposing the balloon on an elongate member having a lumen, placing the lumen in fluid communication with an interior volume of the balloon.

Abstract: A bifurcated intravascular stent graft comprises primary stent segments and a primary graft sleeve, forming a main fluid channel and having a side opening therethrough. An external graft channel formed on the primary graft sleeve has a first end communicating with the side opening and an open second end outside the primary graft sleeve, thereby providing a branch flow channel from the main channel out through the side opening and external graft channel. The primary stent segments and graft sleeve engage an endoluminal surface of a main vessel and form substantially fluid-tight seals. The stent graft further comprises a secondary stent graft, which may be positioned partially within the external graft channel, through the open second end thereof, and partially within a branch vessel. The secondary stent graft engages the inner surface of the external graft channel and the endoluminal surface of the branch vessel, thereby forming substantially fluid-tight seals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: The invention provides a cardiovascular occluder for treating a cardiovascular abnormality comprising a frame and an alarmin or an alarmin activator bound to the surface of the frame. The invention further provides methods of manufacturing the cardiovascular occluder and methods of treating cardiovascular abnormalities by delivering the cardiovascular occluder.

Abstract: An aqueous delivery system is described including at least one surfactant and at least one water insoluble wetting agent. Further described are low surface energy substrates, such as microporous polytetrafluoroethylene, coated with such an aqueous solution so as to impart a change in at least one surface characteristic compared to the surface characteristics of the uncoated low surface energy substrate.

Abstract: A functional TFE copolymer fine powder is described, wherein the TFE copolymer is a polymer of TFE and at least one functional comonomer, and wherein the TFE copolymer has functional groups that are pendant to the polymer chain. The functional TFE copolymer fine powder resin is paste extrudable and expandable. Methods for making the functional TFE copolymer are also described. The expanded functional TFE copolymer material may be post-reacted after expansion.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a branched endoprosthesis comprising a graft component and at least one support component. In various embodiments, the branched endoprosthesis comprises a body portion and at least two leg portions, wherein at least two legs are in an aligned configuration for ease of cannulation. In various embodiments, at least one leg is in an open configuration for ease of cannulation. Cannulation methods are also taught.