Abstract: A system for performing an intraparenchymal drug infusion including a pump device, a delivery tube, a sensor, and a processor. The tube is fluidly coupled to the pump device, establishing an infusate pathway from the pump to an infusate exit port of the delivery tube. The sensor is positioned to sense a parameter indicative of pressure in the infusate pathway. Finally, the processor is programmed to generate information indicative of infusate delivery effectiveness of a drug infusion procedure based upon information from the sensor. In some embodiments, the processor generates a net infusion pressure profile, such as a pressure-time curve, and prompts display of the pressure profile to a neurosurgeon for subsequent evaluation of infusate delivery effectiveness.

Abstract: This is a method and an apparatus for the introduction of therapeutic compounds into tissue, particularly cardiac tissue. The apparatus includes a catheter having an elongated flexible body and a tissue infusion apparatus including a hollow infusion needle configured to secure the needle into the tissue when the needle is at least partially inserted into the tissue to help prevent inadvertent removal of the needle from the tissue. This permits the selected therapeutic compound to be delivered to a specific site. The catheter may also include a visualization assembly including a transducer at the distal end of the body.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for delivering fluid to a patient includes a fluid delivery tube, a needle in communication with the fluid delivery tube, a base connected adjacent a distal portion of the fluid delivery tube and a flexible shield connected at one end to the base. The shield includes an adhesive portion located on an outer surface, wherein in an insertion configuration the needle fits through a shield aperture and the adhesive portion contacts a target skin region, and when in a protection configuration a needle tip contacts a portion of an inner surface of the shield spaced apart from the shield aperture when the fluid delivery device is removed from the skin region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recording two-dimensional images on the interior of a perfused blood vessel by means of optical coherence tomography using a catheter with an integrated imaging device, via which light is radiated and light reflected from the vascular wall is recorded, whereby a fluid containing a medium having a higher refractive index than blood plasma and/or cytoplasm is injected, via the catheter, into the vascular area to be recorded, to enable imaging to be carried out, whereby said fluid is a mixture of autologous blood and the medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treatment of morbid obesity using minimally invasive techniques. The apparatus includes a system of components that may be used separately or in combination for effectively reducing stomach volume, bypassing a portion of the stomach and/or small intestines, reducing nutrient absorption in the stomach and/or small intestines and/or depositing minimally or undigested food farther than normal into the intestines, thereby stimulating intestinal responses. The components described include a gastric sleeve device, an intestinal sleeve device, and a combined gastrointestinal sleeve device.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter and method of making the same including an outer tubular member having a length, an outer surface, an inner surface and a lumen therethrough. The catheter also includes an inner tubular member having an outer surface, an inner surface and a lumen therethrough, at least a length of the inner lumen is disposed in the lumen of the outer tubular member. The catheter also includes a support member biasing a portion of the outer surface of the inner tubular member against a portion of the inner surface of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the transplantation of tissue from a donor site in a body to a recipient site. The device includes an outer chamber having an interior volume in which a perforated inner chamber can be placed. During the aspiration of tissue, a vacuum is formed in the interior volume of the outer chamber, to draw tissue from a cannula into the perforated inner chamber. The perforations are sized such that fat is collected within the inner chamber, while fluids and other materials are drawn through the perforations, away from the collected fat. For reinjection, the inner chamber can be removed from the outer chamber, and a sleeve positioned to cover the perforations and thereby form a syringe body that can be interconnected to a needle and plunger for reinjection of the collected fat.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and promoting tissue growth in wounds, in which irrigant fluid optionally containing cell nutrients and/or other physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing, a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The apparatus has means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.

Abstract: An assembly for subcutaneous injections comprising an implantable injection port comprising a body with a plenum, an elastomeric self-sealing diaphragm sealed to the body or with a plenum, an outlet connecting the plenum to a conduit, and one or more ferromagnetic compatible elements positioned about the elastomeric self-sealing diaphragm and near the top side; and a needle support platform comprising a body having a top side and bottom side, with a needle guide extending from the top side to the bottom side, a needle secure; and an attachment base with a top side and bottom side, a center hollow open to the top and bottom sides, and one or more ferromagnetic compatible elements positioned about the center hollow and near the bottom side of the attachment base, the bottom side of the body of the needle support platform resting on the top side of the attachment base and slidable thereon, the position of the body on the attachment base adapted to be detachably secured.

Abstract: A surgical device for positioning a member and attaching the member within the patient. A first element comprises a shaft having a driver at distal end. A second element includes an internal bore extending through the length, and a coupler at a second end to attach to the member. The shaft is sized to fit within the bore with the driver end positioned adjacent to the member to affix a fastener. In use, the second element is attached to the member. The first element is inserted into the second element and may be used as a striking instrument to affix the member within the patient. The second element is then used as a guide for positioning a fastener relative to the member, and the driver of the first element is used to mount the fastener to the bone and attach the member.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating age-related macular degeneration, the apparatus comprising a light source which, in operation, serves to emit a therapeutic light beam presenting an emission wavelength lying in the range 1.2 ?m to 1.3 ?m, and preferably equal to 1.26 ?m to 1.27 ?m. The laser source is preferably comprises an optical fiber Raman laser.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating heart and vascular tissue with cryotreatment. A medical instrument, such as a catheter is positioned to contact a target region of cardiac tissue such as the epicardial tissue. The instrument or catheter provided includes a cryotreatment element that has thermally-transmissive properties. The cryotreatment element may be a cryochamber for enclosing the flow of a fluid refrigerant therein. The cryotreatment element is disposed at the situs of heart or vascular tissue to be treated, usually by piercing the epicardium sac via an opening in the patient's body. A refrigerant flow within the cryochamber creates endothermic cooling with respect to the targeted heart or vascular tissue, inducing hypothermia and forming iceballs proximate the tissue. The cooling may be reversible and non-permanent, or may be permanent leading to cell death, necrosis, apoptosis and/or surgical excision or ablation of tissue.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body having a substantially fixed diameter, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen for permitting passage of a cooling fluid from the proximal end to the distal end; a second lumen permitting return of the cooling fluid from the distal end to the proximal end; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the catheter body to a second diameter that is at least twice the diameter of the catheter body, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more balloon and/or a flexible element that is deformed by moving the distal end of the catheter toward the proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. The present invention applies high frequency (RF) electrical energy to one or more electrode terminals in the presence of electrically conductive fluid or saline-rich tissue to contract collagen fibers within the tissue structures. In one aspect of the invention, a system and method is provided for contracting a portion of the nucleus pulposus of a vertebral disc by applying a high frequency voltage between an active electrode and a return electrode within the portion of the nucleus pulposus, where contraction of the portion of nucleus pulposus inhibits migration of the portion nucleus pulposus through the fissure.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is disclosed. The electrosurgical system includes a multiple-secondary transformer configured for sensing voltage. The multiple-secondary transformer includes a primary winding coupled to an active terminal and a return terminal of the electrosurgical system and a plurality of secondary windings. Each of the secondary windings is configured to transform the radio frequency voltage into a sensed voltage. Each of the secondary windings includes an output coupled to a sensor circuit and configured to transmit the sensed voltage to the sensor circuit.

Abstract: An ablation device, comprises a first tubular element and a first electrode which, when in an insertion configuration, is received within the first tubular element, the first electrode being deployable from the first tubular element to anchor in a target portion of tissue at a first electrode operative position in combination with a second electrode which, when in the insertion configuration, is received within the first tubular element, the second electrode being deployable from the first tubular element to anchor in the target portion of tissue at a second electrode operative position separated from the first electrode operative position, the second electrode being deployable independently of the first electrode and an insulating element movable relative to the first electrode to insulate selected portions of the first electrode. The device is employed to ablate first and second portions of tissue.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) treatment flexible endoscope, for the in depth destruction of tumors by endo luminal access, like in a lung, esophagus, colon, rectum, etc . . . The electrodes (2?,2?) working in bipolar mode, deploy laterally and in parallel from the endoscope main body (1), reaching a tumor deeply located in the organ parenchyma. The use of different disposable distal end portions (15) of the endoscope allows the deployment of the electrodes (2?,2?) at different distances one from each other, in order to fit the destruction are to the tumor's size and shape. The deployment of the parallel electrodes (2?,2?) from the endoscope's main body (1) is controlled by motor drives (4) or a mechanical handled system (3), in order to reach the tumor with near a millimeter precision.

Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electrode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical electrocautery method and apparatus that achieves sealing along the entire tissue length, and that also is able to deliver adequate force to produce an effective electrocautery seal. This problem is solved by using an incompressible fluid contained in a sac or sacs positioned to support the one or more electrodes used for electrocauterization. The profile of the electrodes thus conforms to the tissue surface and thickness variations, while exerting an optimized pressure along the entire length of the surface.

Abstract: A calibration device for a milling instrument is provided. The calibration device may be a burr guard which may be attached to the milling instrument. The calibration device may calibrate the milling instrument to provide a predetermined depth of alteration to an anatomical structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming one or more trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) axial bore through vertebral bodies in general alignment with a visualized, anterior or posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line (AAIFL or PAIFL) in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner and providing a therapy to the spine employing the axial bore. Anterior or posterior starting positions aligned with the AAIFL or PAIFL are accessed through respective anterior and posterior tracts. Curved or relatively straight anterior and curved posterior TASIF axial bores are formed from the anterior and posterior starting positions. The therapies performed through the TASIF axial bores include discoscopy, full and partial discectomy, vertebroplasty, balloon-assisted vertebroplasty, drug delivery, electrical stimulation and various forms of spinal disc cavity augmentation, spinal disc replacement, fusion of spinal motion segments and implantation of radioactive seeds.

Abstract: Derotation instrument assemblies and systems are provided to facilitate positioning one or more vertebrae of a spinal column into a desired alignment. The instrument assemblies and systems include implant holders engageable to respective implants engaged to vertebrae of the spinal column, transverse bridges to connect implant holders associated with a particular vertebra, and inter-level linking assemblies to connect instrument assemblies associated with different vertebrae. Derotation handles can be provided to facilitate application of the alignment forces, while the assemblies distribute the corrective forces to the connected implants and vertebrae.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc space preparation guide comprises a spacer portion having a first recess and a first machining guide comprising a first bore. The first bore and the first recess are aligned and adapted to receive a first bone removal mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a multidirectional tibial tubercle transfer, comprising: positioning a jig against the anterior portion of the tibia, the jig comprising first and second cutting guides which simultaneously converge towards one another as they extend distally down the tibia and posteriorly towards the tibia; cutting first and second saw cuts into the tibia; attaching an extender to the jig, wherein the extender comprises a third cutting guide which simultaneously converges towards the first cutting guide as the third cutting guide extends distally down the tibia and posteriorly towards the tibia; cutting a third saw cut into the tibia; freeing a first and second bone block from the tibia; freeing a second bone block from the tibia; and transferring the position of the first bone block relative to the tibia.

Abstract: Adjustable and modular systems, devices and methods for accurately cutting or resecting bones during surgery, particularly in preparation for installing joint implants during arthroplasties, including, but not limited to, preparation of femur or tibia during knee arthroplasties, such as total knee arthroplasty. The embodiments of the present invention provide solutions for adjusting a position of the cutting guides, or structures for guiding or directing the implements for resecting a patient's bone tissue, such as saws. The systems and devices comprise an adjustor for adjusting the cutting guide's position at the patient's bone in at least one degree of rotational freedom and in at least one degree of translational freedom.

Abstract: Erosion of elements of the ossicular chain in the middle ear, resulting in hearing loss, is corrected by creating a bridge between the eroded elements, employing a bone cement formed as a paste of a self-hardening material, which is molded into an elongated bridge, secured at its two ends to the elements to be bridged, and supported in its desired position until the material hardens to fuse the two elements, at which time the support may be removed. The material is preferably hydroxyapatite cement, bone source, or similar material, such as ionomeric bone cement. These materials strongly bond to the contacting bone and may stimulate bone in-growth, resulting in osseointegration. The apparatus for forming the bridge consists of a reservoir of the bridge material in liquid or paste form connected to a bridge supporting tube. The tube is preferably placed in contact with the two elements to be bridged and the bone source material is injected into the tube using a manually actuated plunger until the tube is full.

Abstract: A surgical platform usable for performing a surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the surgical platform comprises a base portion configured to receive at least one probe; a plurality of adjustable legs configured to support the base portion, each adjustable legs having a first end portion and an opposite, second end potion defining a length therebetween; and at least one movable portion configured to adjust the length of at least one adjustable leg.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises: a treatment unit provided at one end of the insertion unit, capable of turning about one axis, and comprising a clamping section capable of opening and closing action; an operation unit provided at the other end of the insertion unit; a turn force transmission mechanism and transmitting a turn force as a force to turn the treatment unit; an opening and closing force transmission mechanism and transmitting an opening and closing force as a force to open and close the clamping section; and a common operation mechanism, provided in the operation unit, which can generate the turn force transmitted by the turn force transmission mechanism and which can also generate the opening and closing force transmitted by the opening and closing transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An integrated anastomosis tool may include an effector that both makes an opening in the wall of a target vessel and connects a graft vessel to the target vessel. The connection between the graft vessel and the target vessel may be compliant, and may be achieved by deploying a plurality of connectors such as staples into tissue. The effector may include a cutter assembly and a connection module that are independently actuatable. The cutter assembly and/or the connection module may be cable-actuated.

Abstract: Single-wire intravascular filters for use in filtering blood clots within the body are disclosed. An intravascular filter in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include a single filter wire defining a first end section, a second end section, and one or more filter loops adapted to collect blood clots contained within a blood vessel. Each of the filter loops can be configured to slope outwardly at an angle away from a central longitudinal axis of the filter to form a conical-shaped structure having an apex section and a base section.

Abstract: A filter delivery device for implanting a vessel filter within a blood vessel of a patient's body. The filter delivery device includes a mechanism for preventing hooks and/or legs on a vessel filter from entangling with each other while the vessel filter is loaded within the delivery device. In one variation, the filter delivery device includes a delivery catheter with grooves at the distal end lumen opening. When a vessel filter with radially expanding legs is compressed and inserted into the distal end of the delivery catheter, the hooks on the distal end of the legs are received and separated by the corresponding grooves on the delivery catheter. In another variation, a pusher rod, with a receptacle for receiving the hooks, is positioned within a delivery catheter to prevent the entanglement of the hooks and/or legs of a filter loaded within the delivery catheter.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flexible stapling device (1). More particularly, this invention concerns a flexible endovascular stapling device (1) for an intravascular procedure such as patent foramen ovale closure, which is designed to avoid open heart surgery by permitting the closure of the defect utilizing a stapling means (26) which is positioned by using a flexible shaft/guidewire system.

Abstract: A staple having a crown, a deformable leg extending from the crown, and a spring extending from the crown configured to compress tissue between the spring and the deformable member. Owing to the flexibility of the spring, the staple can accommodate a wide range of tissue thicknesses while still compressing the tissue captured therein. As a result, a single staple design can be used in a wide variety of surgical procedures thereby reducing the amount of staple designs that must be provided to the surgeon. In at least one embodiment, the staple includes a crushable member. This crushable member can include a plastically deformable first portion and an elastically deformable second portion. The present invention can also include, in various embodiments, a crown, a first deformable member extending from the crown, and means for compressing the tissue against the first deformable member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a orthopedic implant that comprises a shape memory polymeric material. The orthopedic implant can be fabricated or molded in a desired configuration selected to provide support or tension to bony structures. Examples of implantable devices include spinal rods, bone plates, and bone fixation cords. The orthopedic implant can be deformed to a second configuration different from the first configuration either prior to implantation or after implantation. When desired, the shape memory polymeric material can be induced to revert to it original molded configuration. This can compress the attached bony structure and/or promote arthrodesis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that include a plate member engageable to the spinal column with an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a coupling member having a post extending through at least one opening of the plate member and an anchor member pivotally captured in a receiver member of the coupling member below a lower surface of the plate member. A locking member secures the plate member to the coupling member. The coupling member includes an extended post with a proximal removable portion. The extended post facilitates placement of the plate member in position relative to the anchor assembly when engaged to the patient and be employed to reduce the plate member toward the anchor assembly when engaged to a vertebra.

Abstract: A connector device for a spinal stabilization apparatus comprises a first elongated member having first and second ends, and is adapted to engage a first spinal stabilizer rod proximal to the first end of the elongated member and is further adapted to engage a spinal cross connector rod proximal to a second end of the first elongated member. The first end of the first elongated member comprises a hook shape and a ferrule and may engage the first spinal stabilizer rod within about 20 degrees of perpendicular to the spinal stabilizer rod in any direction. The ferrule is adapted to be seated within the hook shape and is further adapted to engage the first spinal stabilizer rod. A second elongated member substantially similar to the first may additionally be used in a spinal stabilization apparatus. The connector device may be used in a method of treating a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spinal support coupling device (10) comprised of first and second radial frames (44A and 44B), each pivotably coupled to a center pivot hinge (30). A traveling arm (20) is provided, coupled to the first and second radial frames (44A and 44B) at the center pivot hinge (30). The traveling arm (20) is configured to rotate with respect to the first and second radial frames (44A and 44B) around the center pivot hinge (30). A coupling rod (80) is attached to the traveling arm (20) and configured to connect a first and a second surgical screw (60A and 60B), placed into a patient. The first and second radial frames (44A and 4413) are configured to retain corresponding first and second extension rods (64A and 64B), extending away from the top of the first and second surgical screws (60A and 60B).

Abstract: A stabilization system for a human spine is provided comprising at least one dynamic interbody device and at least one dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments the stabilization system comprises a pair of dynamic interbody devices and a pair of dynamic posterior stabilization systems. In some embodiments, a bridge may couple a dynamic interbody device to a dynamic posterior stabilization system. In some embodiments, an elongated member of the dynamic posterior stabilization system may be curved.

Abstract: The forces exerted on a spinal implant by one or more coupling assemblies are controlled to facilitate the use of the implant in spinal stabilization and other procedures. The coupling assemblies are structured to limit the forces exerted on the implant to avoid undesirable alteration of a characteristic of the implant while engaging the implant to the coupling assembly and providing at least one of a rigid, semi-rigid or variable engagement of the coupling assembly with one or more anatomical structures of the spinal column.

Abstract: A device for osteosynthesis that includes a fixation element having at least one through hole designed to receive a pivotable bushing for a bone screw. The through hole has a central axis and a cross-section extending orthogonally to the central axis defined by two incomplete semicircles connected to each other by at least two non-circular cut outs forming grooves in the fixation element. The device also includes at least one bushing insertable in the through hole. The bushing has top and bottom surfaces, a longitudinal axis, a central bore designed to receive a bone screw, and a peripheral outside face having at least two outwardly extending protrusions defining an axis of rotation of the bushing extending through the protrusions. A cross section of the bushing orthogonal to the longitudinal axis is shaped such that the bushing is pivotable about the axis of rotation defined by the protrusions.

Abstract: A compression bone screw is described, with a shank having two opposite shank sections along its axial extent, a first thread being connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shank in the region of the first shank section. The shank has at least one latching element for rotatably coupling a threaded component bearing a second thread to the second shank section. The invention furthermore relates to a screwdriver blade for the compression bone screw.

Abstract: A method for attaching soft tissue to bone. The method includes forming a bore in a bone, placing the soft tissue adjacent to the bone and above the bore, at least partially inserting a fixation device into the bore, and delivering biologic material through the soft tissue at an interface area between the soft tissue and the bone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compress with a cooling effect, based on particles (6) of a polymer that has a high water absorption capacity, which comes enclosed with a reserve of water to activate it in an item (2) which comprises, inside a watertight outer sachet (3), on the one hand an inner pouch (4) filled with water and sealed in a watertight manner by a wall comprising a frangible region (10) and, on the other hand, the compress (1) produced in the form of a wrapper (5) at least partially permeable to water and containing the polymer particles (6) in the dry state. The sachet (3) is made of a material of a nature able to keep the pouch (4) and the compress (1) sterile.

Abstract: A therapeutic kit for providing heat to an area of the body is provided. The therapeutic kit may be used to treat a variety of injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc., including arm, leg, ankle, knee, shoulder, foot, neck, back, elbow, wrist, hand, chest, finger, toe injuries, and so forth. Regardless of its intended use, the therapeutic kit generally employs a pad that receives a thermal insert. The thermal insert includes a substrate containing an exothermic coating that is capable of generating heat in the presence of oxygen and moisture. One particular benefit of the thermal insert of the present invention is that it is disposable. Thus, when the thermal insert exhausts its heat-producing capacity, a new insert may simply be utilized. This allows for the continued use of the extensible material, resulting in substantial cost savings to the consumer.

Abstract: A reduced deployment force delivery apparatus having an outer sheath with two layers that move relative to one another so as to reduce the deployment force necessary for deploying a stent, stent graft or other intraluminal device.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system, having a rolling retractable sheath covering a medical device mounting region on the system is disclosed. The rolling retractable sheath comprises an inner wall and an outer wall and may be formed of one or more materials, optionally porous. Optionally, a lubricant may be applied selectively to the interior and exterior walls of the stent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a delivery system for delivering a medical device. The delivery system includes an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end. The inner member defines a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end. A tip is formed at the distal end of the inner member. A bumper is freely disposed on the inner member. The bumper has a proximal end and a distal end. A seat is defined between the tip and the distal end of the bumper. Additionally, a sheath is disposed about the inner member, the sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. The sheath is movable from a first sheath position substantially covering the seat, and a second sheath position axially offset to expose the seat. The invention also includes a handle in contact with the proximal end of the inner member.

Abstract: A composite vascular graft is provided, which incorporates bioactive agents that can be controllably delivered to the implantation site to deliver therapeutic materials and/or to reduce infection of the implant. The vascular graft of the present invention includes a luminal layer of ePTFE; and a biodegradable polymer layer including a bioactive agent, such as an antimicrobial agent. The biodegradable polymer layer is posited on the external surface of the luminal ePTFE layer. The graft also includes a fabric layer, which is posited on the external surface of the biodegradable layer. The graft is particularly useful as an arterial-venous graft for hemodialysis procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stent comprising a tubular flexible body having a wall with a web structure that is expandable from a contracted delivery configuration to deployed configuration. The web structure comprises a plurality of neighboring web patterns, where each web patterns is composed of adjoining webs, and the web patterns are interconnected by transition sections. Each adjoining web comprises a central section interposed between two lateral sections to form concave or convex configurations. A delivery system for the stent is also provided.

Abstract: A stent formed in a shape of a generally tubular body having a central axis. The stent has a spring function with which the tubular body is diameter-contractible toward the central axis, and the tubular body is expandable to an initial diameter after contraction. The stent maintains a configuration curved along a longitudinal direction of the stent when the stent is not inserted in a sheath. The stent is elongated in a form of a generally straight line along the longitudinal direction when the stent is inserted into the sheath. The stent, being housed in a sheath in the form of a generally straight line, is inserted into a diseased part together with the sheath, is released from the sheath, and radially expands, outwardly after release, to restore and maintain a configuration curved along the longitudinal direction of the stent.