Abstract: The present invention provides a system for chemohyperthermia treatment.

Abstract: A system for ablating tissue includes a reusable control unit including a processor monitoring and controlling ablation and a control interface receiving input to and output from the processor in combination with a disposable procedure set releasably connectable to the control unit to couple to the control interface for communication with the processor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrotherapeutic device useful for treating a variety of aspects associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The device is a TENS-like unit that is miniaturized, comfortable and unobtrusive, thereby allowing for unencumbered performance of daily activities. The device houses an electronic circuit comprising optimally placed electrodes and a microprocessor preprogrammed to deliver an optimal stimulus pulse protocol whereby the stimulus pulse parameters are varied so as to deliver a series of stimulus pulses for treating all aspects of CTS, including but not limited to pain blockage, nerve regeneration, reduction in inflammation and biochemical release.

Abstract: A device for communicating data between at least one of nerve cell endings, transducers and attachments the device comprising: at least one programmable neural bridge device; at least one programmable neural bridge switch, wherein each programmable neural bridge switch is an implanted integrated circuit and is connected to at least one programmable neural bridge device; at least one programmable neural bridge gateway; at least one communication means in communication with the at least one programmable neural bridge gateway and at least one programmable neural bridge switch; and at least one external calibrator in communication with at least one neural bridge gateway.

Abstract: The present invention provides significantly improved electrode structures, including segmented electrode structures, which are able to deliver highly focused energy to tissue when implanted into a patient. Embodiments of the invention include focused segmented electrodes. Also provided are leads that include the focused segmented electrodes, implantable pulse generators that include the leads, as well as systems and kits having components thereof, and methods of making and using the subject devices.

Abstract: A cardiac lead for placement in the vicinity of a patient's heart is described. The lead includes a self-expanding fixation mechanism, which in a retracted position, is contained within a cavity disposed at a distal end of the lead. In an expanded position, the fixation mechanism extends axially from the distal end of the lead and expands radially into contact with a desired lumen site.

Abstract: A radially expandable, endovascular stent designed for placement at a site of vascular injury, for inhibiting restenosis at the site, a method of using, and a method of making the stent. The stent includes a radially expandable body formed of one or more metallic filaments where at least one surface of the filaments has a roughened or abraded surface. The stent may include a therapeutic agent on the abraded surface.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the conditioning of coated medical devices such as stents. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for positioning a medical device within an elution media for a predetermined time period to eliminate a burst release from the coating. Under methods and processes of the invention, a medical device target surface may be identified and coated with therapeutic. The coated surface of the medical device may then be positioned within an elution media for a predetermined period of time to release a predetermined amount of coating.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are removable devices adapted to allow localized and contained delivery of bioactive materials to a treatment site within a lumen such as a blood vessel such that the flow of fluid through the lumen is not blocked during bioactive material delivery.

Abstract: Lumen support devices and methods of their use are provided. A lumen support includes one or more plastically deformable cells having two stable configurations with no stable configurations between the two stable configurations. The lumen support device may be plastically deformed to other stable configurations.

Abstract: Devices and methods for stent advancement, including methods for instructing another or others how to advance a stent into an anatomical structure or into a testing/demonstration synthetic structure, such as a polymer tube. The advancement may be achieved by at least two periods of stent engagement that drive a stent distally from a sheath separated by a period of non-engagement.

Abstract: An implantable coil stent comprises at least a first curved segment and a second curved segment which arc about the longitudinal axis of the stent. An expandable link extends between the second end of the first curved segment and the first end of the second curved segment.

Abstract: Stent delivery devices include at least one implantable stent carrier and/or membrane for carrying multiple stents or stent segments over an expandable member. At least a portion of the implantable carrier is expandable by the expandable member to deploy the portion of the carrier and one or more stent segments disposed thereon. A sheath may be retracted to expose and expand a distal portion of the expandable member to expand and deploy a distal portion of the carrier and the stent segment(s) disposed thereon. Stent delivery devices and methods provide enhanced delivery of multiple stents or stent segments by delivering the segments while coupled with one or more implantable carriers and/or membranes that are typically flexible and dividable.

Abstract: A biodegradable, bioabsorbable medical device with a coating for capturing progenitor endothelial cells in vivo and delivering a therapeutic agent at the site of implantation. The coating on the medical device is provided with a biabsorbable polymer composition such as a bioabsorbable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive for controlling the rate of delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are described. In some implementations, a stent has a surface region of magnesium with a protective surface layer of magnesium hydride obtained by hydrogen surface modification through an H-EIR process, offering enhanced corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A modular graft assembly includes a main graft, a lower extender cuff and an upper extender cuff. By rotating and/or telescoping the main graft, the lower extender cuff, and the upper extender cuff relative to one another, variations in the radial and longitudinal positions of branch vessels are readily accommodated by the modular graft assembly. Accordingly, an aneurysm in a main vessel is excluded while at the same time collateral flow to branch vessels is provided. Further, custom fabrication of a graft assembly to accommodate the vessel structure of a particular patient and the associated costs are avoided.

Abstract: A helical stent includes at least one helical winding. Each helical winding includes a plurality of alternating long struts and short struts, ends of at least some of the long struts being joined to an end of an adjacent short strut by a flexible hinge arrangement, the struts being substantially rigid. The stent also includes at least one interconnection member connecting a hinge arrangement on one turn of the at least one winding with a hinge arrangement on an adjacent turn of the at least one winding. Fewer than all hinge arrangements on the at least one helical winding are connected to other hinge arrangements by an interconnection member.

Abstract: An implantable medical apparatus includes a structure formed from bioabsorbable polymers. The apparatus also contains a therapeutic agent dispersed throughout the structure or coated on the structure in such a manner as to elute the therapeutic agent when implanted in an anatomical conduit. The apparatus can be constructed from a blend of polymers and other agents. The apparatus is implanted into the conduit by expansion with a balloon or some other expandable means. The morphology or arrangement of the polymeric structure ensures that the device maintains its shape characteristics to ensure proper modeling of the vessel. In particular, the crystallinity of the polymeric structure is adjusted so as to resist recoil.

Abstract: An expandable medical device has a plurality of elongated struts joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device, which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. At least one of the plurality of struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of the strut. A beneficial agent is loaded into the opening within the strut in layers to achieve desired temporal release kinetics of the agent. Alternatively, the beneficial agent is loaded in a shape which is configured to achieve the desired agent delivery profile. A wide variety of delivery profiles can be achieved including zero order, pulsatile, increasing, decrease, sinusoidal, and other delivery profiles.

Abstract: A helical stent includes at least one helical winding. Each helical winding includes a plurality of alternating long struts and short struts, ends of at least some of the long struts being joined to an end of an adjacent short strut by a flexible hinge arrangement, the struts being substantially rigid. The stent also includes at least one interconnection member connecting a hinge arrangement on one turn of the at least one winding with a hinge arrangement on an adjacent turn of the at least one winding. Fewer than all hinge arrangements on the at least one helical winding are connected to other hinge arrangements by an interconnection member.

Abstract: A helical stent includes at least one helical winding. Each helical winding includes a plurality of alternating long struts and short struts, ends of at least some of the long struts being joined to an end of an adjacent short strut by a flexible hinge arrangement, the struts being substantially rigid. The stent also includes at least one interconnection member connecting a hinge arrangement on one turn of the at least one winding with a hinge arrangement on an adjacent turn of the at least one winding. Fewer than all hinge arrangements on the at least one helical winding are connected to other hinge arrangements by an interconnection member.

Abstract: An In-Out-Lay Prosthesis (IOLP) (100), a catheter device (500), and methods are provided for replacing a diseased section of a blood vessel by using a sutureless technique. The IOLP has a tubular body member (102), a fixing end (106), and a connecting end (108). The fixing end has attachment means (110) that help in fixing the IOLP to the blood vessel. The connecting end helps in joining one IOLP to another similar IOLP. The catheter device has an inflatable end (502) that helps in pressing the attachment means into the wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Medical device valve repair systems that include a stabilization member are provided. The stabilization member includes an engaging channel to contact the engaging surface of a valve holding valve leaflets in a position such that a tissue repair device may form a coaptation between the valve leaflets.

Abstract: An valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame/leaf structure to provide centering support and/or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and/or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.

Abstract: A stent to be implanted in an organism includes a plurality of wavy annular members arranged in an axial direction thereof. Each of the wavy annular members has a plurality of one-end side bent portions each having an apex at a one-end side of the stent in the axial direction thereof and a plurality of other-end side bent portions each having an apex at an other-end side of the stent in the axial direction thereof. In the wavy annular members disposed adjacently to each other in the axial direction of the stent the wavy annular members disposed at the one-end side of the stent in the axial direction thereof has a sharing linear portion having a start point at the apex of one of the other-end side bent portions thereof or in the vicinity of the apex and a termination point between the apex of the other-end side bent portion thereof and the apex of one of the one-end side bent portions thereof. The sharing linear portion integrates the adjacent wavy annular members with each other.

Abstract: A machine and process useful for processing a delicate workpiece, e.g., an implantable medical device, includes a carrier having a mandrel and wheels. The workpiece is positioned on the mandrel, which is free to roll by gravity on rails which cooperate with the wheels to self-align the travel of the carrier. The carrier can move the workpieces through a series of processing steps by gravity feed and without human intervention. A laterally movable carriage receives the rolling carriers and moves the carrier for processing, and returns the carrier to the rails to again roll by gravity to another processing substation for additional processing. An elevator, which can including processing units itself, is positioned along the rails to receive carriers and raise them so they can continue to roll for further processing.

Abstract: A machine and process useful for processing a delicate workpiece, e.g., an implantable medical device, includes a carrier having a mandrel and wheels. The workpiece is positioned on the mandrel, which is free to roll by gravity on rails which cooperate with the wheels to self-align the travel of the carrier. The carrier can move the workpieces through a series of processing steps by gravity feed and without human intervention. A laterally movable carriage receives the rolling carriers and moves the carrier for processing, and returns the carrier to the rails to again roll by gravity to another processing substation for additional processing. An elevator, which can including processing units itself, is positioned along the rails to receive carriers and raise them so they can continue to roll for further processing.

Abstract: A machine and process useful for processing a delicate workpiece, e.g., an implantable medical device, includes a carrier having a mandrel and wheels. The workpiece is positioned on the mandrel, which is free to roll by gravity on rails which cooperate with the wheels to self-align the travel of the carrier. The carrier can move the workpieces through a series of processing steps by gravity feed and without human intervention. A laterally movable carriage receives the rolling carriers and moves the carrier for processing, and returns the carrier to the rails to again roll by gravity to another processing substation for additional processing. An elevator, which can including processing units itself, is positioned along the rails to receive carriers and raise them so they can continue to roll for further processing.

Abstract: An improvement in drug-eluting stents, and method of their making are disclosed. The surface of a metal stent is roughened to have a surface roughness of at least about 20 ?in (0.5 ?m) and a surface roughness range of between about 300-700 ?in (7.5-17.5 ?m). The roughened stent surface is covered with a polymer-free coating of a limus drug, to a coating thickness greater than the range of surface roughness of the roughened stent surface.

Abstract: There is described an artificial blood vessel for use in a region of a living body which needs to be repeatedly pierced with a needle. The artificial blood vessel includes a main section having a vessel wall which includes a laminated assembly comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer positioned therebetween, and a pair of anastomotic sections disposed on the respective opposite ends of the main section. Each of the anastomotic sections has an intermediate layer thinner than the intermediate layer of the main section or is free of an intermediate layer, so that the anastomotic section as a vessel wall thinner than the main section.

Abstract: Methods of implanting an annuloplasty ring to correct maladies of the mitral annulus that not only reshapes the annulus but also reconfigures the adjacent left ventricular muscle wall. The ring may be continuous and is made of a relatively rigid material, such as Stellite. The ring has a generally oval shape that is three-dimensional at least on the posterior side. A posterior portion of the ring rises or bows upward from adjacent sides to pull the posterior aspect of the native annulus farther up than its original, healthy shape. In doing so, the ring also pulls the ventricular wall upward which helps mitigate some of the effects of congestive heart failure. Further, one or both of the posterior and anterior portions of the ring may also bow inward.

Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.

Abstract: An intraventricular apparatus includes an elongated body having a substantially tubular sidewall that extends substantially axially between spaced apart first and second ends, an opening located proximal the first end. A valve is located adjacent the first end to provide for substantially unidirectional flow of blood therethrough. At least one aperture extends through the tubular sidewall at an axial location between the valve and the second end to provide for substantially free flow of blood between an interior and an exterior of the sidewall.

Abstract: A method for implanting a corrective element into the sclera of an eye for the treatment of presbyopia includes the steps of (a) disposing a precursor of a corrective element at a predetermined position within the sclera; and (b) causing the precursor of a corrective element to form a corrective element in situ.

Abstract: A method of folding a multiple element IOL comprising folding the first lens element and second lens element such that the second lens element at least partially surrounds the first lens element and such that, after folding, both the first lens element and the second lens element are substantially aligned along the optical axis. A hinged apparatus such as a cartridge may be used to cause the second lens element to be folded. A method of loading a multielement IOL comprising folding the haptics such that a portion of the haptics contacts an exterior side of one of the first lens element and the second lens element.

Abstract: A method of folding a multiple element IOL comprising folding the first lens element and second lens element such that the second lens element at least partially surrounds the first lens element and such that, after folding, both the first lens element and the second lens element are substantially aligned along the optical axis. A hinged apparatus such as a cartridge may be used to cause the second lens element to be folded. A method of loading a multielement IOL comprising folding the haptics such that a portion of the haptics contacts an exterior side of one of the first lens element and the second lens element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens with improved fluid flow between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. The fluid flow is accomplished by means of an opening situated in the center of the optical portion of the intraocular lens.

Abstract: A movable ophthalmic lens assembly including a carrier placeable on a portion of an eye, and a movable ophthalmic lens with non-zero optic power arranged for movement over a surface of the carrier, wherein the movable ophthalmic lens is responsive to ocular muscular movement so as to move in translatory motion over the surface of the carrier.

Abstract: Mastopexy and breast reconstruction prostheses and implantation method that allow for radiographic imaging of the breast tissue. The prostheses are arcuate and elongate optionally meshed to conform with breast tissue when implanted. Prostheses are made from naturally occurring extracellular matrix, primarily collagen, that, allows for mammographic imaging without interference as is expected from synthetic materials.

Abstract: An ossicular prosthesis has a shaft and a superelastic engagement structure coupled to the shaft. The engagement structure at least partially defines an opening and is deformable to widen the opening to permit a portion of an ossicle to be received therein. When the engagement structure is deformed to receive the portion of the ossicle, the stress in the engagement structure remains substantially constant throughout a majority of the deformation. The load required to deform the engagement structure into an open position is relatively small, facilitating the procedure as well as reducing the potential for damage to the intact ossicle.

Abstract: An ossicular prosthesis has a shaft and an elastic engagement structure coupled to the shaft. The engagement structure at least partially defines an opening and is deformable to widen the opening to permit a portion of an ossicle to be received therein. In one embodiment, the engagement structure is formed to provide substantially three point contact against ossicular structure of various diameters. In accord with preferred materials, when the engagement structure is deformed to receive the portion of the ossicle, the stress in the engagement structure remains substantially constant throughout a majority of the deformation. The load required to deform the engagement structure into an open position is relatively small, facilitating the procedure as well as reducing the potential for damage to the intact ossicle.

Abstract: A device serves for blocking a tendon graft in a drilled hole. An element is connected to said tendon graft which can be expanded radially. The element has a cylindrical body which is divided by an oblique cut into two wedge-shaped bodies initially connected to one another via a predetermined break point.

Abstract: Herein described is a biocompatible material comprising a polymer matrix based on hyaluronic acid derivatives and poly-?Caprolactone, the process for preparing this material, a prosthetic device constituted by this biocompatible material and a reinforcing material, the process for preparing the prosthetic device, and its use for the partial or total replacement of meniscus, and regeneration of the meniscal fibrocartilage.

Abstract: A medical device and methods to relieve joint pain and adapted for knee joint repair, replacement and augmentation. The invention discloses joint lubricant, particularly hyaluronate compositions and methods for treatment of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: Epidermis equivalents capable of pigmentation include cells derived from the differentiation of matrix cells; reconstructed skins comprised thereof, optionally containing hair follicles, are useful for evaluating the effect of topical cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological products and may also be used for the preparation of grafts suited to be transplanted on mammals, more particularly on human patients such as victims of third-degree burns.

Abstract: A surgical procedure for implanting tissue from a cadaver/autograft bone into a recipient site at an anatomical area of a patient, and a computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program for use in the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kyphoscoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable intervertebral fusion device for use when surgical fusion of vertebral bodies is indicated. The implant is comprised of bone conforming in size and shape with the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae and has a wedge-shaped profile with a plurality of footings and grooves located on the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing the migration or expulsion of a nucleus disc replacement implant are provided. In one embodiment, an anti-expulsion device includes a body that is movable between a compressed configuration where it is adapted to fit through an opening in an annulus of a spinal disc, and an expanded configuration where it has a size that is larger than a size of the opening in the annulus of a spinal disc. The body can also include one or more mating features that allow the body to interact with a nucleus disc replacement implant and/or an annular wall of an annulus. As a result, since the body is larger than the opening of the annulus in the expanded configuration, the interlocking connection between the body and the nucleus disc replacement implant and/or annular wall will allow the body to prevent the nucleus disc replacement implant from being expulsed from the opening in the annulus.