Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching support frames to substrates to form articles such as implantable stent grafts can include providing a first laminate material; positioning a support frame onto the first laminate material, the support frame having a pre-formed shape; positioning a second laminate material onto the support frame and first laminate material; bonding the first laminate material to the second laminate material; cutting the first and second laminate materials along opposite sides of the support frame thereby forming a laminated support frame having generally the same pre-formed shape of the support frame; and attaching the laminated support frame to a substrate.

Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching support frames to substrates to form articles such as implantable stent grafts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable medical device assemblies. The assemblies are primarily used to introduce and deposit implantable medical devices in the vasculatures of implant recipients. The principle implantable medical device used in the assembly is an expandable element in the form of an endovascular device. The expandable element is maintained in a compacted configuration during introduction of the device into the vasculature with a confinement means. The expandable element is released from the confinement means at an implantation site with a control line. The control line has high tensile strength, high modulus, structural rigidity, and low compressibility. These features of the control line provide a practitioner with tactile feedback of the release of the expandable element from the confinement means. The tactile feedback is present during the entire deployment of the expandable element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to implantable medical device assemblies. The assemblies are primarily used to introduce and deposit implantable medical devices in the vasculatures of implant recipients. The principle implantable medical device used in the assembly is an expandable element in the form of an endovascular device. The expandable element is maintained in a compacted configuration during introduction of the device into the vasculature with a confinement means. The expandable element is released from the confinement means at an implantation site with a control line. The control line has high tensile strength, high modulus, structural rigidity, and low compressibility. These features of the control line provide a practitioner with tactile feedback of the release of the expandable element from the confinement means. The tactile feedback is present during the entire deployment of the expandable element.

Abstract: A layered electrode having a large tissue contact area of the portion of the electrode that is electrically active and providing low polarization losses, high pacing impedance and low chronic stimulation voltage. In a fundamental embodiment, the electrode tip has an outer layer of microporous material which is permeable to conductive body fluids which covers a layer of insulating material which is provided with at least one perforation through the thickness of the material. The at least one perforation provides a localized, high current density path. Both of these layers in turn cover the exterior surface of an electrically conductive, preferably metal, electrode body.