Abstract: A method for mounting a dental restoration includes advancing an implant engaging portion of an abutment into an opening in a dental implant. The implant engaging portion is integrally formed with a component supporting portion terminating in a coronal end of the abutment. With the abutment in mating engagement with the implant, the method also includes advancing a temporary coping in a coronal direction over the component supporting portion of the abutment. During the advancing of the coping, the method further includes snap-fitting at least one first snap-fit retention feature on an outer peripheral surface of the component supporting portion with at least one second snap-fit retention feature integral with an interior surface of the temporary coping. The at least one first snap-fit retention feature is located at an axial location along the component supporting portion proximate to a location where the implant engaging portion meets the component supporting portion.

Abstract: A system and method for dental implant recognition. The method includes uploading a dental image to a computerized dental implant recognition system. Editing said uploaded dental image, said editing step comprising removing unnecessary image elements from said uploaded dental implant image. Extracting at least a dental implant feature from said edited dental image. Comparing said extracted dental implant feature to dental implant image samples stored in a feature database of said recognition system.

Abstract: The tooth type judgment program includes, extracting point groups indicating a surface of three-dimensional profile data from inputted three-dimensional profile data; moving and/or rotating the three-dimensional profile data of a tooth corresponding to a specific type of tooth; calculating an arrangement relationship in which an error between a point group included in any of a region of the extracted point groups and the three-dimensional profile data of the tooth becomes minimum, and estimating a direction of the tooth included in the region based on the calculated arrangement relationship.

Abstract: Pre-sintered blanks based on lithium metasilicate glass ceramic are described which are suitable in particular for the preparation of dental restorations.

Abstract: An interdental brush (1) comprises a body (4) with a handle (5) and a guide channel (7). Also provided is a connecting element (9), which connects a cleaning body (3) to an operating element (6). The connecting element (9) with the cleaning body (3) can be displaced in a reciprocating manner within the guide channel (7), by means of the operating element (6), between a retracted position, in which the cleaning body (3) is arranged within the guide channel (7), and an extended position, in which the cleaning body (3) projects out of the guide channel (7) at a distal end of the guide channel (7), as seen in relation to the handle (5). A flexible positioning element (2) is provided at the distal end of the guide channel (7). The positioning element (2) can be placed in an approximal space between two teeth such that the cleaning body (3), during displacement into the extended position, penetrates into the approximal space.

Abstract: The bite registration block is used for recording the relation between a patient's maxillary and mandibular arches for proper fabrication of a fixed dental prosthesis, or prostheses, such as fixed crowns or the like. The bite registration block is particularly adapted for use when a patient's prepared teeth are opposed by an edentulous arch (i.e., opposed by an area of missing teeth). The bite registration block is formed from a resilient material, such as a suitable type of plastic or the like, and is formed as a block having opposed upper and lower surfaces, a pair of laterally opposed side surfaces, and a pair of longitudinally opposed side surfaces. The upper surface defines a concave, longitudinally extending recess for positioning about an edentulous region of the patient's jaw.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic resin package (2) improved at least partially in the ease of use as compared with conventional packages, and containing at least one pouch (14) which accommodates a dental liquid (21) and which, when pressed, is unsealed at one end edge and allows the dental liquid to be flowed out through the unsealed one end edge. In the package (2), both side edges (4a, 4b) and a bottom edge (6) are closed throughout; an applicator insertion section (10) and a pouch housing section (12) situated adjacently in a lateral direction are defined; in a top edge (8), a site (8b) corresponding to the pouch housing section (12) is closed at least partially, while a site (8a) corresponding to the applicator insertion section (10) is open; and the pouch (14) is positioned within the pouch housing section (12), with the one end edge to be unsealed facing downward.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and methods are disclosed in relation to the configuration and compatibility of a removable delivery section of the apparatus, and delivering a substance via the apparatus to an animal. In an aspect, a hand held apparatus for delivering a substance to an animal includes a removable delivery section including a delivery arrangement adapted to deliver the substance to the animal; and a drive section including a drive arrangement adapted to actuate the delivery arrangement in a coupled condition in which the removable delivery section is coupled to the drive section. The delivery section includes an electronic device adapted to communicate with a control system associated with at least the drive section in the coupled condition, the electronic device being configurable so to be readable by the control system such that the control system is able to identify and operate the removable delivery section.

Abstract: A device for the reconstruction of the rotator cuff including a flat element having at least two opposite ends and adapted to be connected to at least one of the damaged tendons of the rotator cuff of a patient at the ends; the flat element being entirely made of biodegradable and resorbable material.

Abstract: A curved surgical fastener for anchoring medical devices to tissue includes a curved member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a tissue penetrating end at the distal end of the curved member. The curved member has a total curvature of less than 360 degrees between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the curved member lies in a first plane, the distal end of the curved member lies in a second plane that is offset from the first plane, and the curved member has an intermediate section that extends between the first and second planes. The curved member includes a compound curve having a proximal section with a first radius of curvature and a distal section with a second radius of curvature that is different than the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A nerve scaffold, including a membrane material and a degradable metal wire. The degradable metal wire is enclosed in the membrane material. The membrane material is biodegradable material, and includes three-dimensional pore structure. The degradable metal wire is horizontally and vertically distributed in the nerve scaffold.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to ensure a secure support and/or a secure transport of a graft (4) or an implant. This is achieved by a device for supporting and transporting a graft (4) or implant, comprising a container (2) which can be filled with a medium (1), preferably a nutrient medium, and a receiving device (3) which can be arranged in the container (2) for the graft (4) or implant. The receiving device (3) has a receiving chamber (5) for the graft (4) or implant and two passages (6, 7) which lead to the receiving chamber (5), at least one of said passages (6, 7) being dimensioned for introducing and/or removing the graft (4) or implant into or out of the receiving chamber (5). The device also comprises a respective closure device (8, 9) for each of the two passages (6, 7), at least one of the closure devices (8, 9) being permeable for the medium (1). The invention further relates to a corresponding receiving device (3) and to a set comprising a corresponding device.

Abstract: A vascular filter system comprises a vascular filter (1), a clamp device (50), and a delivery catheter (51). The filter (1) comprises filter elements (6). When used without the clamp device (50), the filter elements (6) move from a closed state to an open state upon elapse of a predetermined period of time. In the closed state the filter elements (6) capture thrombus passing through the inferior vena cava (2). The delivery catheter (51) is employed to deliver the clamp device (50) to the filter (1) after the filter (1) has been deployed in the inferior vena cava (2). The clamp device (50) engages with the filter elements (6) of the filter (1) to clamp the filter (1) in the closed state beyond elapse of the predetermined period of time. Because of the presence of the clamp device (50), the filter elements (6) are no longer free to move from the closed state to the open state upon elapse of the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An implantable lymph node replacement construct (10) comprising a body (12) having a plurality of inlets (24,26) and a lesser number of outlets (30). The body (12) further having an internal structure defining a fluid communication path through the body (12) from the inlets (24,26) to the outlet or outlets (30). The internal structure of the body (12) comprises an inlet portion (38), a convergent portion (40) and an outlet portion (42) such that lymph received by the construct (10) at the inlets (24,26) is conveyed through the inlet portion (38) of the internal structure to the convergent portion (40) whereupon the lymph is combined before passing to the outlet or outlets (30).

Abstract: A method for surgically placing an artificial stomach in a patient. The method comprises the steps of cutting an opening in the abdominal wall of the patient, dissecting an abdominal area and placing the artificial stomach in the dissected abdominal area. The artificial stomach comprises a food reservoir adapted to collect food, an inlet connected to a first opening of the food reservoir and further being adapted to directly or indirectly upstream connect to the patient's gastrointestinal tract, and an outlet connected to a second opening of the food reservoir and further being adapted to downstream connect to the patient's gastrointestinal tract. The artificial stomach further comprises an inlet valve placed between the patient's gastrointestinal tract and the first opening of the food reservoir.

Abstract: A tubular tissue graft device is provided comprising a tubular member and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the tubular tissue. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft comprising depositing a fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a perimeter of a tubular tissue to produce a tubular tissue graft device. A cardiac bypass method comprising bypassing a coronary artery with a tubular tissue graft device comprising a vein and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the vein also is provided.

Abstract: A stent graft includes a graft sleeve, a bare stent and at least one stent at the proximal end of the graft sleeve distal to the bare stent. The at least one stent includes proximal apices that are nested between adjacent distal apices of the bare stent, and an amplitude defined as a distance extending along the longitudinal length of the stent graft. The at least one stent has a relaxed diameter greater than that of a diameter of the graft sleeve and is secured along its entirety to the graft sleeve. The amplitude of the at least one stent is less than that of the bare stent amplitude. An outward radial force of the at least one stent against the graft sleeve at any given diameter of the stent graft is greater than that of the bare stent. Stent grafts may be used in methods to treat vascular disease.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided. In some aspects, devices useful for applying therapy locally within a body vessel are disclosed, the devices having a stent graft with flared end regions with a catheter providing fluid communication to the outer side of the narrower, intermediate region of the stent graft. Kits and systems including the same devices and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are provided for anchoring tissue to bone, and more particularly methods and devices are provided for preventing over-insertion of an expander into a sheath of a two-piece anchor. For example, a tendon anchoring system is provided with an anchor assembly and an inserter tool. The anchor assembly includes a sheath with a threaded lumen and a threaded expander screw configured to be threadably disposed within the sheath to cause the sheath to expand outward. The inserter tool includes an elongate outer shaft with a distal end configured to couple to a proximal end of the sheath, and an elongate inner shaft with a distal drive tip configured to engage a proximal end of the expander screw.

Abstract: An implant for assisting contraction and/or extension of a muscle comprises a stem (10) with an adhesion resistant segment (14) and an anchoring segment (20) wherein at least a portion of each of said adhesion resistant segment and said anchoring segment is configured to be implantable within a muscle and said anchoring segment is positioned on a distal portion of said stem and said adhesion resistant segment is positioned proximally on said stem relative to said anchoring segment.

Abstract: Graft materials and devices for surgical breast procedures, as well as methods of making graft devices, are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve, including: a replacement valve adapted to be delivered endovascularly to a vicinity of the heart valve; an expandable anchor adapted to be delivered endovascularly to the vicinity of the heart valve; and a lock mechanism configured to maintain a minimum amount of anchor expansion. The invention also includes a method for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of: endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve; expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration; and locking the anchor in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A device prepares leaflets for cardiovascular valve reconstruction from a pericardial tissue sheet harvested from a patient. A cutter is adapted to cut a predetermined pattern having a selected leaflet size. A tissue marker automatically aligned with the predetermined cutting pattern is configured to mark suture positions on the leaflet in response to placement of the cutter. Cutting of a leaflet from the tissue sheet and marking of suture positions on the leaflet are obtained concurrently. A set of such devices spanning a variety of leaflet sizes may be provided in a kit that results in an ability to quickly obtain a properly sized and marked leaflet for reconstruction.

Abstract: A prosthesis can comprise an expandable frame, a plurality of distal anchors and a plurality of proximal anchors. The anchors can extend outwardly from the frame. The frame can be configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within a body cavity. The frame and anchors can have one of many different shapes and configurations. For example, when the frame is in an expanded configuration, the proximal anchors can extend a significant distance away from the exterior of the frame, such as a length equal to or greater than about one half the diameter of the frame. As another example, the anchors can have looped ends.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve can include an expandable support stent, a valve assembly, and a connecting membrane. The support stent can have first and second end portions and can be configured to be radially expandable from a first configuration to a second configuration. The valve assembly can have an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a plurality of leaflets, and the valve assembly can be supported in the support stent. The connecting membrane can be disposed radially between the support stent and the valve assembly, wherein the support stent and the valve assembly can be connected to the connecting membrane.

Abstract: A prosthetic cardiac valve implantation arrangement is described. The prosthetic cardiac valve implantation arrangement includes a prosthesis catheter with a prosthetic cardiac valve to be implanted; and an ICE catheter for introduction into area surrounding a cardiac valve to detect a relative position and/or relative direction of orientation of the cardiac valve with respect to the ICE catheter with the aid of an ultrasound image of the cardiac valve recorded by the ICE catheter. In addition, a navigation system is for determining an absolute position and an absolute direction of orientation of the ICE catheter; and a control facility is for controlling the insertion of the prosthetic cardiac valve into the annulus of the cardiac valve on the basis of the ultrasound image recordings of the ICE catheter and positional and/or orientation-direction information from the navigation system. Also described is a method for monitoring a catheter-based prosthetic cardiac valve implantation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides embodiments of a method for improving coaptation of the anterior and posterior mitral valve leaflets by applying a remodeling force to the posterior leaflet. In particular embodiments, a tension member is secured at a location on or proximate to the posterior leaflet. Tension can be applied to the tension member in a direction superiorly and anteriorly toward the interatrial septum. The tension member can be secured at a location proximate the septum to maintain the tension. The tension provides the remodeling force, pulling the posterior leaflet superiorly and anteriorly to improve coaptation with the anterior leaflet.

Abstract: A device for containing bone graft material comprises a body including an inner sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve and extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end such that a bone graft collecting space is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A spacer comprised of individual components as joint replacement in the arthroplasty of shoulder, knee, and hip for the temporary surgical care of infections in the joint. The problems addressed by the invention are those of avoiding an adhesion of the bone to the spacer and a release of wear products, achieving that the patient does substantially not experience any mobility restriction, and keeping the wear and tear of the spacer as little as possible. These problems are solved in that at least one component of the spacer is made of a ceramic material, of a plurality of ceramic materials, or of a non-ceramic material having a ceramic coating.

Abstract: A collar arranged to couple to a prosthetic component for implantation at the end of a long bone, the prosthetic component having a distal portion arranged to couple to the bone and a proximal neck portion arranged to couple to an articulation component. The collar comprises a plate including a neck hole to receive a neck portion, such that the collar can rotate about the neck portion. The collar further comprises a plurality of attachment portions for coupling the plate to bone fragments or soft tissues. The collar is lockable to the neck portion to prevent further rotation. A prosthesis comprising a combination of a collar, a prosthetic component and an articulation component, and a surgical method of using the collar are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical navigation module comprising: (a) a microcomputer; (b) a tri-axial accelerometer; (c) a tri-axial gyroscope; (d) at least three tri-axial magnetometers; (e) a communication module; (f) an ultrawide band transceiver; and, (g) at least four ultrawide band antennas.

Abstract: A system and method for improving upon an ability of a surgeon to repair traumatic bone injury using new materials, components, and structures. A structure may be used as an implant or a component of an external fixator for a fractured long bone with that structure having anisotropic and viscoelastic properties, such as through additive manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: A modular shoulder prosthesis is provided. The modular prosthesis includes a stem, an anatomic insert, and a reverse insert. The stem is a unitary body that includes a distal shaft portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion includes a stem face configured to directly couple to both the anatomic insert and reverse insert. The stem face includes a first engagement feature configured to couple directly to the reverse insert and a second engagement feature configured to couple directly to the anatomic insert. The stem can also include a metaphyseal portion between the shaft portion and proximal portion designed for use in humeral fracture repair procedures. The metaphyseal portion can include a medial arm and two lateral arms extending between the shaft portion and proximal portion, A window can be defined between the medial arm and the lateral arms, and a gap can be formed between the lateral arms.

Abstract: The presented invention is a system for performing reverse ankle replacement in the setting of ankle joint osteoarthritis, and other degenerative conditions of the ankle joint including avascular necrosis. The presented tibial and talar components can be implanted in a cement-less or cemented fashion. The prosthesis of the presented invention consists of (1) a tibial component which includes a planar undersurface with porous texture applied to its upper, non-bearing surfaces, (2) a talar component which includes a bearing surface which is concave, (3) a polyethylene component which includes a bearing undersurface which is convex, and (4) multiple talar component embodiments with or without flanges and/or screw holes for accommodation of bone screws for additional fixation and for permitting sub-talar joint fusion.

Abstract: Systems for distracting a facet joint and positioning a permanent implant in the joint are disclosed. The implants serve to retain a distracted position of the facet joint which is achieved with positioning of the leading end of a distraction tool in the facet joint and then distracting or enlarging the joint a desired amount. The permanent implant could be part of the distraction mechanism which can be separated from the delivery tool once the joint has been distracted or an auxiliary implant may be positioned before the distraction mechanism is removed from the distracted joint. The permanent implants can be solid, mechanical devices that may have fixation means thereon to hold them in place or injected fluids such as hydrogels or fluids confined within balloons.

Abstract: An expandable assembly for insertion into an intervertebral space is presented. The assembly, in particular aspects, includes an elongate body comprising an upper portion and a lower portion. The assembly may include an expander that is sized and shaped for insertion between the upper portion and lower portion, thereby selectively expanding the upper portion away from the lower portion. The elongate body may also include one or more bone graft windows.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an orthopedic fusion system comprising: a cage; a curved first channel coupling a lateral wall of the cage to a superior surface of the cage; a curved second channel coupling the lateral wall of the cage to an inferior surface of the cage; a third channel coupling the superior surface of the cage to the inferior surface of the cage; a curved first anchor configured to slide within the first channel; a curved second anchor configured to slide within the second channel; and a resilient member comprising a resilient first arm that projects across a portion of the first channel and a resilient second arm that projects across a portion of the second channel. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A central inflatable distractor and a perimeter balloon are inserted into the disc space in uninflated configurations. The central inflatable distractor is then expanded, thereby distracting the vertebral endplates to the controlled height of the central inflatable distractor. The perimeter balloon is then inflated with a curable substance. The perimeter balloon expands as it is filled with the curable substance and conforms to the void remaining in the disc space around the central inflatable distractor, thereby creating a horseshoe shape. Once the flowable material in the perimeter balloon has cured, the central inflated distractor can be deflated and removed. The remaining void (or inner space) is then packed with graft for fusion.

Abstract: A discharge device (1) comprising a housing (200), a container insert (300) rotatably arranged therein and a piston. A lateral cutout (205) is formed in one housing wall (204), and a lateral container opening (303) is formed in one container wall (304). In order to prevent the compound from being compressed as the compound is discharged, the lateral container opening extends continuously as far as the distal container end (302) without a region of the container wall adjoining the lateral container opening in the distal direction along the longitudinal axis. In order to make it easier to put in the compound, the wall thickness of the housing wall decreases continuously toward the lateral cutout (205). In order to prevent clogging of the piston, the cross section of the container insert widens continuously in the distal direction.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for allowing any surgeon, including those surgeons who perform a fewer number of a replacement procedure as compared to a more experienced surgeon who performs a greater number of procedures, to provide an improved likelihood of a favorable outcome approaching, if not exceeding, a likelihood of a favorable outcome as performed by a very experienced surgeon with the replacement procedure, such as by understanding the prosthesis installation environment (e.g., cup/cavity interface) and to provide intelligent and interactive tools and methods to standardize the installation process and provide feedback regarding a quality of insertion/installation. Force sensing is included to aid in quantifying installation of an implant, particularly a cup into a pelvic bone.

Abstract: Apparatus for locating an attachment position for a reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament on an attachment surface of a bone comprises locating means 51, 61 arranged to locate at least one reference surface 4 of the bone and guide means 53, 54 arranged to define the attachment position in two dimensions on the attachment surface relative to the reference surface.

Abstract: A method for preparing a femur for receiving a prosthesis. The method includes the following: fixing a femoral trial component to the femur; coupling a reamer bushing relative to the femoral trial component; reaming a cavity into the femur using the reamer bushing as a guide; coupling at least one of a modular femoral box trial and a stem adapter relative to the femoral trial component; trialing the femoral trial component with the articulating surface of the femoral trial component; and performing the coupling of the reamer bushing, the reaming of the cavity, the coupling of the at least one of the modular femoral box trial and stem adapter, and the trialing of the femoral trial component all while the femoral trial component remains fixed to the distal femur.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for fine motor control of fingers on a prosthetic hand. In particular, the present disclosure describes a system and method for controlling the flexion or extension of one or more fingers of a prosthetic hand to reproduce a natural stroke such as for, e.g., writing, painting, brushing teeth, or eating. The systems and methods described herein use electromyographic (EMG) signals and, more particularly, combinations of electromyographic signals, from muscles in the forearm to activate one or more motors of the prosthetic hand that control the motion of the prosthetic fingers. The electromyographic signals may be used to cause fingers of a prosthetic hand to, for example, imitate a writing stroke while the fingers of the prosthetic hand hold a writing utensil. Additionally, the present invention describes electrode placement locations that maximize peak signal detected while maintaining a low base-line signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the manufacture of an hourglass shaped stent-graft assembly comprising an hourglass shaped stent, graft layers, and an assembly mandrel having an hourglass shaped mandrel portion. Hourglass shaped stent may have superelastic and self-expanding properties. Hourglass shaped stent may be encapsulated using hourglass shaped mandrel assembly coupled to a dilatation mandrel used for depositing graft layers upon hourglass shaped mandrel assembly. Hourglass shaped mandrel assembly may have removably coupled conical portions. The stent-graft assembly may be compressed and heated to form a monolithic layer of biocompatible material. Encapsulated hourglass shaped stents may be used to treat subjects suffering from heart failure by implanting the encapsulated stent securely in the atrial septum to allow blood flow from the left atrium to the right atrium when blood pressure in the left atrium exceeds that on the right atrium.

Abstract: The present application discloses a covered stent and a method for navigating the covered stent to a branch vessel, the covered stent comprising a main body and at least one lateral side branch connected to the main body, wherein the lateral side branch is flexible and expandable. A system of covered stents and a method for interconnecting the covered stents is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stent graft includes a tubular aortic component that defines a lumen and a fenestration with a pocket at the fenestration. At least one proximal tunnel graft extends proximally within the lumen from the proximal opening of the pocket and is secured at a proximal end to the tubular component, and at least one distal tunnel graft extends distally within the lumen from the distal opening of the pocket and is secured at a distal end to the tubular aortic component. The stent graft can further include at least one branch stent graft, each of which extends through the fenestration and within at least one of the proximal tunnel graft or the distal tunnel graft. The stent graft can be implanted in a patient to thereby treat an aneurysm, such as a suprarenal or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract: The invention relates to endovascular medical implant devices and materials of composition for forming these devices to provide improved mechanical properties and biodegradability. The devices include a combination or integration of superelastic material, biodegradable metal and, thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. A structural frame is formed of individual elongated pieces composed of biodegradable metal. These pieces are joined together by connector pieces composed of superelastic material. At least a portion of the structural frame has deposited thereon the thin film nitinol and/or biodegradable polymer. The structural frame of the device is collapsible for insertion in a delivery tube and, recoverable for deployment and placement in a vascular location of a patient body.

Abstract: A medical assembly includes a balloon expandable endoprosthesis comprising a plurality of ringed stent elements flexibly connected to each other via at least one flexible connector, the endoprosthesis being deployable from an undeployed state with an undeployed diameter to a deployed state with a deployed diameter. The medical assembly further includes a catheter assembly comprising a balloon, and a cover along the balloon. The endoprosthesis is coaxially located about the balloon and the cover. One or more portions of the balloon and the cover reach an intermediate diameter between the undeployed diameter and the deployed diameter in which the portions of the balloon and the cover are inflated by increasing an inflation pressure within the balloon and approximately maintained at about the intermediate diameter until the inflation pressure increases by at least 1 atmosphere to overcome a yield strength of the cover.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes implantable medical devices comprising covers, such as a balloon cover. Such devices can comprise a first layer of a porous polymeric material, such as ePTFE, surrounded by layers of a porous polymeric material having an imbibed elastomer, such as polyurethane. The cover can be used to assist in deployment of an expandable implant, such as a stent-graft, within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A stent delivery device includes a shaft with an internal lumen and a balloon connected to the shaft. The stent delivery device includes a cover configured to advance or retract in the axial direction of the shaft between a covering position where the cover covers the deflated balloon and a retracted position where the cover is spaced apart from the balloon. The stent delivery device includes a drive unit configured to apply a driving force for advancing or retracting the cover. The lumen of the shaft is configured to allow a working fluid to flow through the lumen to inflate the balloon. The balloon and drive unit are operated by the injecting and discharging of the working fluid. The inflation and deflation of the balloon and the advancing and retracting of the cover are performed in conjunction with each other.