Abstract: An improved stent-graft device is provided that delivers a smooth flow surface over a range of operative expanded diameters by applying a unique cover material to the stent through a technique that allows the cover to become wrinkle-free prior to reaching fully deployed diameter. The unique cover material then allows the device to continue to expand to a fully deployed diameter while maintaining a smooth and coherent flow surface throughout this additional expansion. Employed with a self-expanding device, when the device is unconstrained from a compacted diameter it will self-expand up to a fully deployed diameter with the graft being substantially wrinkle-free over diameters ranging from about 30-50% to 100% of the fully deployed diameter. Preferably, the graft component comprises an elastomeric material, such as silicone, polyurethane, or a copolymer of PAVE-TFE.

Abstract: A thin, biocompatible, high-strength, composite material is disclosed that is suitable for use in various implanted configurations. The composite material maintains flexibility in high-cycle flexural applications, making it particularly applicable to high-flex implants such as heart pacing lead or heart valve leaflet. The composite material includes at least one porous expanded fluoropolymer layer and an elastomer substantially filling substantially all of the pores of the porous expanded fluoropolymer.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an aperture occlusion device and a method for occluding an aperture, including a perimembranous ventricular septal defect. The aperture occlusion device includes a wire frame element. The wire frame forms geometric shapes that include an occluder region and a securing region. The occluder region and the securing region are separated by an attachment region including a waist. The occluder region and securing region can include membranous coverings. The device can be attached to a delivery hub. The wires forming the occluder region and securing region can have a shape-memory capability such that they can be collapsed and distorted in a sheath during delivery, but resume and maintain their intended shape after delivery.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous closure of cardiac openings and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. In one embodiment, a closure device includes a patch with an adhesive and/or a removable frame. The patch may be placed across a cardiac opening, such as a patent foramen ovale, or across a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage. In another embodiment, a closure device includes a balloon together with adhesives and/or substances for stimulating tissue growth coated on, or contained within, the balloon. The balloon may be inserted into a cardiac opening, such as the patent foramen ovale, or into a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage.

Abstract: An improved stent-graft device is provided that delivers a smooth flow surface over a range of operative expanded diameters by applying a unique cover material to the stent through a technique that allows the cover to become wrinkle-free prior to reaching fully deployed diameter. The unique cover material then allows the device to continue to expand to a fully deployed diameter while maintaining a smooth and coherent flow surface throughout this additional expansion. Employed with a self-expanding device, when the device is unconstrained from a compacted diameter it will self-expand up to a fully deployed diameter with the graft being substantially wrinkle-free over diameters ranging from about 30-50% to 100% of the fully deployed diameter.

Abstract: Stainless steel alloys for fabricating endoprostheses. Endoprostheses can include a variety of devices such as staples, orthodontic wires, heart valves, filter devices, and stents, many of which devices are diametrically expandable devices.

Abstract: Small particle size expandable graphite materials are described which are highly expandable, as well as methods of making such unique graphite materials. In one embodiment, expandable graphite particles are described having a particle size nominally between about 100 and 200 US mesh, a chromium content of less than 5 parts per million (ppm) and an expansion of about 80 cc/g or greater when heated at about 500° C.

Abstract: A stitchless seam between a first panel having a functional layer and a second panel having a functional layer is provided. The seam system is formed via a discontinuous fused stitchless seam which connects a first panel to a second panel. A reinforcement may be used to strengthen the discontinuous fused stitchless seam connecting the first panel to the second panel, allowing formation of a liquid-impervious stitchless seam system. A method for forming the system is also provided.

Abstract: An improved tubular structure adapted to increase in diameter upon application of axial force is provided. Increase in diameter is achieved by constructing the tube from multiple layers of material that move relative to each other during axial elongation of the tube. The tube of the present invention can be used both to avoid problems in “necking” found in many prior tube devices, and to provide additional benefits that increases in diameter of the tube during axial elongation can provide. As such, the tube of the present invention may be useful as a manufacturing aid, as a deployment sheath (for example, to deliver medical devices), and in other applications that may benefit from easier tubular sheath removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immobilized biologically active entities having heparin cofactor II binding activity.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the medical device delivery system described herein can be configured to position and deliver a medical device in a body lumen. The medical device delivery system can comprise an elongate member, a medical device and a leash. During deployment, the medical device can be tethered to the catheter by the leash, to stabilize and prevent unwanted shifting of the medical device as it deploys at the treatment site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for occluding intracardiac defects, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The devices according to the invention have various features that enhance the flexibility of the device and improve the device's ability to conform to the location of the intracardiac defect. In particular, intracardiac occluders with curved arms are disclosed.

Abstract: A seamless, self-expanding implantable device having a low profile is disclosed along with methods of making and using the same. The implantable device includes a frame cut out of a single piece of material that is formed into a three-dimensional shape. The implantable device may comprise an embolic filter, stent, or other implantable structure. The present invention also allows complicated frame structures to be easily formed from planar sheets of starting material, such as through laser cutting, stamping, photo-etching, or other cutting techniques.

Abstract: Composite filter media which are highly resistant to thermal degradation and retain filter efficiency and extended lifetime in high temperature environments are disclosed. Methods of making the filter media are also disclosed. A composite filter media for removal of particles from a gas stream includes a layer of a porous polymeric membrane, the layer having an upstream side and a downstream side relative to the direction of the gas stream; and at least one layer of an electrostatic microfiber web containing an antioxidant in an amount ranging from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight; the at least one layer of microfiber web disposed on the upstream side of the porous polymeric membrane layer.

Abstract: Ventilating insole boards, self-ventilating footwear devices and self-bailing footwear articles and devices are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices and methods of using them. The devices are prostheses which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The prostheses are configured to have a lattice resistant to dilation and creep, which is defined by a plurality of openings. The prosthesis may also optionally have a stent disposed proximal to the lattice. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The composite materials exhibit high elongation while substantially retaining the strength properties of the fluoropolymer membrane. In at least one embodiment, the lattice is made of a composite material that includes a least one fluoropolymer membrane including serpentine fibrils and an elastomer. A lattice including a generally tubular member formed of a composite material including a least one fluoropolymer membrane containing serpentine fibrils and an elastomer is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an assembly comprising an expandable device, a restraining member wrapped circumferentially around the device, a coupling member releasably securing the restraining member, and at least one tactile indicator located on the assembly at a desired point of partial deployment, along with a method for partially deploying the expandable device in a patient. During partial deployment of the expandable device, the coupling member is tensioned and displaced from outside the patient by a clinician, and upon reaching the tactile indicator, a change in tension on the coupling member is felt my the clinician performing the procedure.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a valve having a first end and an opposite second end; a sheath fixedly secured to and extending axially from one of the first and second ends of the valve; a dilator extending through the valve and sheath; and a lock knob rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to releasably axially lock the tool relative to the sheath without causing corresponding rotation of the tool therewith.

Abstract: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure clip include two closure members, which may be heart shaped, joined by at least two spaced central connecting members. Each of the at least two spaced central connecting members is attached to each closure member at a location on the periphery of the closure member. The connecting member may be generally square shaped or include other shapes. The clips of the present invention may be formed of various materials, including metals, nonmetallic materials, bioresorbable polymers, spring steel, shape memory materials, bioresorbable shape memory polymers, or combinations thereof. The clips can take various forms depending, in part, upon the distribution of force required to close a given PFO. At least one of the closure members can include a tissue scaffold.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes treatment of the vasculature of a patient with an expandable implant. The implant is constrained to a reduced delivery diameter for delivery within the vasculature by at least one sleeve. The implant can be constrained to other diameters, such as an intermediate diameter. The sleeves can be expanded, allowing for expansion of the diameter of the expandable implant, by disengaging a coupling member from the sleeve or sleeves from outside of the body of the patient. The expandable implant can comprise a steering line or lines which facilitate bending and steering of the expandable implant through the vasculature of a patient.