Abstract: This relates to methods and devices for achieving contact between the wall of a cavity or passageway and a medical device when used in tortuous anatomy.

Abstract: A method used to mark a tubular organ of a subject. In a first step, at a position near a lesion on a wall surface of the tubular organ, a first electrode is supplied with high-frequency current, so that the first electrode punctures the wall surface from a surface of a mucosal layer on the wall surface to a predetermined depth. In a second step, the first electrode is supplied with the high-frequency current for a predetermined time such that a first marking is made by cauterization on a muscle layer. In a third step, a second electrode, which is disposed coaxially with the first electrode, is supplied with high-frequency current for a predetermined time such that a second marking is made by cauterization on the surface of the mucosal layer. During the third step, the first electrode is held as is after the second step.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical device coupled thereto which, in turn, delivers electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical device may include a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more tissue properties and output a detected tissue property signal relating thereto. One or more multiplexers having a plurality of channels are electrically connected to each of the corresponding plurality of sensors. The multiplexer(s) may be configured to receive the detected tissue property signal from each sensor of the plurality of sensors and output at least one output signal along a signal line. The signal line is configured to connect to the electrosurgical generator to control a power output of the electrosurgical generator. A channel select algorithm is configured to automatically select channels from the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A microwave ablation system and method is disclosed comprising a balloon catheter apparatus and a control system. The balloon catheter apparatus comprises a catheter configured to house a coaxial cable and one or more coolant channels, an inflatable balloon located at the distal end of the catheter, and an antenna positioned in the inflatable balloon and in communication with the coaxial cable. The control system comprises a fluid pump configured to introduce fluid into a proximal end of the catheter, a power amplifier capable of generating microwave energy for delivery to the target tissue zone for at least one energy application cycle ranging from 60 seconds to 600 seconds at a frequency ranging from 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz, and a computer system configured to monitor and/or regulate the delivery of microwave energy to the target tissue, the fluid pump, at least one sensor, and antenna reflected power.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting or predicting surgical tool-bone skiving are disclosed. In some embodiments, the surgical tool is movably and/or snugly disposed within a guide-sleeve. In some embodiments, a magnitude of a lateral force between the surgical tool and the guide-sleeve is measured (e.g. by a force sensor or strain sensor). The present or future skiving may be detected or predicted according to the magnitude of the lateral force. In some embodiments, an alert signal is generated in response to the detecting or predicting of the skiving.

Abstract: A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The wound closure system includes a plurality of skin anchors mechanically attached to external skin tissue around a periphery of a wound, a line extending between the skin anchors, the line slidably engaged with each skin anchor, and a biasing member that provides tension on the line to draw all of the skin anchors toward the wound. The method of closing a wound includes the steps of attaching a plurality of skin anchors to external skin around a periphery of a wound, extending a line between the skin anchors around substantially the entire periphery of the wound, and providing tension to the line to draw the skin anchors toward the wound.

Abstract: An implantation system for positioning and aligning an elongate medical device in three-dimensional space. The system may include: a frame member; and first, second, and third legs each having an adjustable length. Each of the first, second, and third legs includes: a first end having a socket segment, wherein the socket segments of each of the first, second, and third legs together define a socket; and a second end connected to the frame member. A spherical member is adapted to be received within the socket such that the spherical member may rotate about a center of rotation defined by the socket, the spherical member having an inner surface defining a bore passing through the spherical member.

Abstract: The method for the production of a dental prosthesis part comprises the provision (11) of a dataset (2) for a dental prosthesis part (6) for use in a CAD/CAM technique, the provision (12) of reference data (3) for optical properties of different dentin materials and translucent enamel materials for the dental prosthesis part (6) and a relationship (4) between said optical properties, the desired optical properties and the dimensions of the dental prosthesis part (6), the definition (13) of a first setpoint (S1) for the optical properties of a dentin region, the definition (14) of a second setpoint (S2) for the optical properties of an enamel region, the definition (15) of a third setpoint (S3) for a thickness of the enamel region of the dental prosthesis part (6), the selection and provision (16) of a dental prosthesis mold block (5) having a dentin region made from a material.

Abstract: A processing device receives a 3D model including a 3D crown component from a scan and a 3D root component from a template. The processing device receives a 2D x-ray image of the at least one tooth and generates a scan model representing an initial estimate of the one or more parameters of an x-ray imaging device that created the 2D x-ray image. The processing device further generates a 2D contour of the at least one tooth based on projecting the 3D model onto a plane using the scan model. The processing device overlays the 2D contour onto the 2D x-ray image. The processing device further adjusts the 2D contour to cause a first crown component of the 2D contour to approximately align to a second crown component of the 2D x-ray image. The processing then calibrates the scan model based on data obtained from adjusting the two-dimensional contour.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light mixing device for a medical or dental-medical lighting device, in particular for a light curing device for the polymerization of dental masses, which device comprises a housing with a light generation device, as well as a light conductor. The light mixing device (2) comprises a bar-shaped light mixing member (8) with preferably at least one transparent material, in particular glass, as well as a holder (7) by means of which the light mixing device (2) is mountable between the light generation device (1) and the light conductor (3) and is held in position by the light conductor (3) as to be separable therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and system for bite registration using multiple bite registrations. In this method or system, when both the 3D teeth model of the upper jaw and the 3D teeth model of the lower jaw are successfully aligned with the bite surface, the bite surface with the 3D teeth models of the upper jaw and the lower jaw is displayed for further evaluation; the bite surfaces selected by the user are combined to generate a final bite registration. Using multiple bite surfaces for registration improves the accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for mineralizing a biological material includes an ultrasonic source, operable to generate an ultrasonic signal, an ultrasonic probe and one or more mineralizing probes, operable to receive a mineralizing agent. The mineralizing agent is transferred from at least one mineralizing probe to the biological material using the ultrasonic signal. Also disclosed are a mineralization agent and a method of mineralizing a biological material that includes the steps of: providing an ultrasound source, providing a mineralizing agent, generating an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasound source, and applying the ultrasonic signal and the mineralizing agent to the biological material separately, sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: An oral appliance is provided for delivering a medicament to at least a portion of teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside a mouth. The oral appliance contains an interior surface having a medicament disposed in or on at least a portion of and/or the entire interior surface of the oral appliance. The interior surface of the oral cavity is formed to fit contours of at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity and is configured for holding the medicament in contact with at least the portion of the teeth and/or soft tissue areas inside the oral cavity to deliver the medicament to strategic areas in need of treatment. In some embodiments, computer, network and computer readable storage media are provided.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence is disclosed. The method includes guiding a tip of an introducer tool through a length of a soft tissue anchor and out of an end of the soft tissue anchor. The method includes pushing the tip of the introducer tool and the soft tissue anchor into tissue on a side of a urethra, penetrating the tissue with the tip of the introducer tool, and delivering the soft tissue anchor into the tissue. The method includes removing the tip of the introducer tool from the soft tissue anchor and allowing a plurality of projections connected to the soft tissue anchor to expand thus anchoring the soft tissue anchor in the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis (10) intended to be implanted at an implantation site, comprising i) at least one fabric called the base fabric (2) having at least one apertured surface (3), ii) and at least one patch (4) provided with at least one barb (5) projecting from one of its surfaces and grippingly fastening said patch to said apertured surface of said base fabric at a specific place on said surface, said patch comprising at least one radiopaque element. The invention also relates to a kit comprising a fabric and a patch.

Abstract: Described are devices, systems, and combinations useful for monitoring tension in an implant, which may be an implant useful to treat pelvic condition, the device, system, or combination including an implant and a tension indicator. Embodiment of tension indicators ca include one or more of a cursor, a reference, or both, to indicate a tension, the cursor or reference taking any useful form or structure, such as multiple color markings printed or otherwise included at a location of the tension indicator or implant. Colored markings can allow for quick and easy indication of a desired implant tension during deployment and positioning. The tension of the implant can be correlated to elongation of a segment of the implant (e.g., implant material) at which the tension indicator is located.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and method for selecting the size and shape of a prosthesis and/or for determining the location of marks to be made on the external face of the skin of a patient intended to receive such a prosthesis, for example for repairing a hernia, comprising a sheet (2) of transparent material, the said sheet comprising: —a plurality of graphical representations (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) concentrically embodying the respective outlines of various shapes and sizes of prosthesis, —a plurality of first holes (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e) arranged along the transverse line passing through the center of the said sheet, and—a plurality of second holes (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, 8g, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g) arranged along the longitudinal line passing through the center (C) of the said sheet.

Abstract: A filter device is provided having a biodegradable features. The filter device comprises an elongate stent portion and a conical filter portion attached thereto that is preferably balloon expandable. The conical filter portion includes a plurality of struts extending between a holding ring and the stent portion to define the conical shape of the filter portion. The struts can be biodegradable so that they degrade over time. The struts and/or holding ring can be configured so that at least one of the struts remains attached to the holding ring after a predetermined period of time. The struts are biased toward the wall of the body vessel in which the filter device is installed, so that after the predetermined period of time, the struts, and the strut attached to the holding ring, will expand toward the body vessel wall for bioabsorption.

Abstract: A medical device, configured to perform an endovascular therapy, e.g., thrombectomy, can comprise an elongate manipulation member and an intervention member. The intervention member can comprise a proximal end portion and a mesh. The proximal end portion can be coupled with the distal end portion of the elongate manipulation member. The mesh can have a plurality of cells and, be compressible to a collapsed configuration for delivery to an endovascular treatment site through a catheter, and be self-expandable from the collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. At least a portion of the mesh, from a first location to a second location along the mesh, can be configured such that an amount of cell deformation in response to longitudinally directed tensile forces decreases by less than 5% or increases in a distal direction along the portion of the mesh.

Abstract: A collapsible, transluminally deliverable embolic protection device (200) for temporarily positioning in the aortic arch is disclosed. The device is connectable to a transluminal delivery unit (130) extending proximally from a connection point (131). The device has a frame with a periphery, and a blood permeable unit within said periphery for preventing embolic particles from passing therethrough into side vessels of said aortic arch to the brain of a patient. Further, the device has at least one tissue apposition sustaining unit, not being a delivery shaft of said device, for application of a force offset to said connection point at said device, such as at said periphery, towards an inner wall of said aortic arch when said device is positioned in said aortic arch, such that tissue apposition of said periphery to an inner wall of said aortic arch is supported by said force. In addition related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A vessel filter movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel, and having a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center. The filter portion converges into a tubular portion. The second region is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing in a direction away from the filter portion and includes a vessel engaging portion. The first region has a spacer to keep the filter more toward a center of a vessel, wherein in the collapsed position the spacer extends axially in an elongated position cranially of the cranial end of the filter and in the expanded position the spacer forms a looped region extending radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the filter. The spacer has a first end attached to the internal surface of the tubular portion and extends within the tubular portion and emerges cranially from the tubular region to form the looped region.

Abstract: Systems and devices with an implantable, intravascular filter for preventing emboli from traveling into brain and causing a stroke or transient ischemic attack are disclosed. In particular, an implantable, intravascular device having a filter element, a pressure sensor, and a valve is disclosed. The valve is biased into a closed configuration and changes into an open configuration upon a predetermined pressure drop across the filter. Systems comprising an external device at least one implantable device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shunt for regulating blood pressure between a patient's left atrium and right atrium comprises an anchor comprising a neck region, first and second end regions, and a conduit affixed with the anchor that formed of a biocompatible material that is resistant to transmural and translation tissue ingrowth and that reduces a risk of paradoxical embolism.

Abstract: A catheter system includes an inflatable structural balloon and collapsible filter. The collapsible filter is deployable into an expanded configuration using the inflatable distal balloon. In the expanded configuration, one or more flow cells are formed between inflated portions of the balloon to provide continuous fluid flow between proximal and distal ends of the structural balloon. In the expanded configuration, the filter is configured to prevent particulates (e.g., dislodged thrombus, or other particulate material) from migrating beyond the filter. In the expanded configuration, the inflated structural balloon biases a perimeter of the filter toward or against a subject vessel wall.

Abstract: An implantable digestive organ is provided for the transport of materials through the digestive tract and in one particular application to an artificial large bowel for replacing all or part of a colon. The prosthetic organ of one embodiment includes an outer support structure, an expandable member or members located within the support structure, and a flexible inner member forming a conduit for passage of material. The inner member is located within the outer member and the expandable member(s) is located between the inner member and the support structure. The expandable members are expanded and contracted, or inflated and deflated to provide pumping action that pumps material through the organ. The prosthesis may also include valves or sphincters at its entrance and/or exit points where material moves into and out of the prosthesis. An implantable pump may be included for inflating and deflating the expandable members in a desired sequence.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis for placement within a body vessel may include a tubular support structure including a proximal end segment, a distal end segment, an intermediate segment positioned between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment, a lumen extending longitudinally within the support structure, a luminal surface, and an abluminal surface opposite the luminal surface. The prosthesis may include a first layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers positioned on the luminal surface of the support structure. The prosthesis may include a second layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers positioned on the abluminal surface of the support structure. At least one of the proximal end segment or the distal end segment of the support structure may be encapsulated within a covering including the first layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers and the second layer of nonwoven electrospun fibers. The intermediate segment of the support structure may be unencapsulated within the covering.

Abstract: An adjustable construct for fixation of a tendon or ligament graft in a tunnel. The construct comprises a flexible, adjustable loop connected to tissue (for example, graft, ligament or tendon). The adjustable loop may be integrated with an additional tissue supporting device (for example, a wedge or a plug). The tissue is secured within a bone socket/tunnel by adjusting the length of the flexible adjustable loop.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for the wireless transmission of power and sensor information between two components of an implantable ophthalmic device are disclosed herein. An example device includes an accommodating intraocular lens (aIOL) and separate auxiliary electronics, both enclosed in biocompatible materials. The aIOL includes a dynamic optic, control logic, a battery and an antenna. The auxiliary electronics include an antenna, an energy storage cell, and a sensor. The auxiliary electronics may be wirelessly coupled to the aIOL for the wireless transmission of power and sensor information.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a vision system and a method. A vision system includes a sensor circuit configured to detect a presence of a wearable ophthalmic element in an optical path incident on a vision correction device. The vision correction device includes an electronically controllable vision parameter and configured to be placed in an eye of a human subject. The vision system includes a controller circuit coupled to the vision correction device and configured to change the electronically controllable vision parameter of the vision correction device at least partially in response to the detected presence of the wearable ophthalmic element in the optical path. In an embodiment, the vision system includes the wearable ophthalmic element. In an embodiment, the vision system includes the vision correction device.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement mitral valve suitable for catheter-based deployment. The replacement mitral valve has structure and dimensions that are uniquely suited to engage the annulus surrounding the native mitral valve and to restore normal function to a diseased valve. The invention describes the structures and functions of a replacement mitral valve and methods that are adapted for minimally invasive, catheter-based deployment of the valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of catheter-based prosthetic heart valves, and in particular, prosthetic heart valves having sealing devices configured to seal the interface between the prosthetic valve and the surrounding tissue of the native annulus in which the prosthetic valve is implanted. In one embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve includes an annular sealing member that can be placed in a delivery orientation extending axially away from one end of the valve when the valve is in a radially compressed state. When the valve is expanded, the expansion of the frame causes the sealing member to be pulled to an operative orientation covering a portion of the frame. The present disclosure also discloses new mechanisms and techniques for mounting valve leaflets to a frame of a prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon.

Abstract: Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for beneficially displacing a papillary muscle, the method comprising: anchoring one end of an implant suture to a trigone or central fibrous body of the mitral valve; passing another end of the implant suture through a papillary muscle so that the implant suture extends between a trigone or central fibrous body of the mitral valve and the papillary muscle; tensioning the implant suture while displacing the papillary muscle toward the trigone or central fibrous body of the mitral valve; and securing the tensioned implant suture to the displaced papillary muscle so as to maintain the displaced papillary muscle in position relative to the trigone or central fibrous body of the mitral valve; wherein the foregoing steps of anchoring, passing, tensioning and securing are all effected while the heart is beating.

Abstract: A system for implanting a repair device onto a native valve of a natural heart to repair the native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure. The system includes a base assembly having a plurality of pivoting links, a pair of paddles attached to the base assembly, a pair of gripping members attached to the base assembly, and at least one coaptation or spacer element disposed between the pair of gripping members. Movement of the pivoting links of the base assembly causes the paddles to move between an open position and a closed position. The paddles and the gripping members are configured to attach to valve leaflets of the patient. The coaptation or spacer element is configured to fill at least a portion of a gap between the valve leaflets of the patient.

Abstract: A mosaic implant conformable to a curved surface, comprising first and second implant sections coupled along a beam portion extending across a length of the implant, each of the implant sections having—a plurality of biocompatible mosaic plates, and—a plurality of wires which interconnect the plates with one another. The mosaic implant is configured to be deformable such that at least a portion of the mosaic implant is conformable to a curved surface, with the beam portion providing structural support which resists inward deformation of the curved portion of the implant. A kit for forming a mosaic implant is also provided, along with a method for correcting a bone defect in a patient.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis assembly, includes a joint prosthesis body (1) made of a first biocompatible non-resorbable material and an anchoring element (2-5) made of a second biocompatible non-resorbable material. The anchoring element (2-5) is arranged to allow rotation of an end portion of the joint prosthesis body (1) with respect to the anchoring element (2-5) when in situ.

Abstract: A provisional prosthetic system that replicates the characteristics of a corresponding, nonprovisional femoral prosthesis. The provisional prosthetic system may include a frame component and a shell component. The frame component of the provisional prosthetic system may be configured to be attached directly to a resected femur. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is impacted onto the resected femur to firmly seat therewith. Once the frame component is secured to the resected femur, a shell component of the provisional prosthetic system may be positioned on and secured to the frame component. In one exemplary embodiment, the frame component is made from a metallic material. This allows for the frame component to maintain the rigidity necessary to facilitate proper trialing. In another exemplary embodiment, the shell component is a plastic.

Abstract: A method of implanting a lateral unicondylar knee prosthesis in a lateral articulating portion of a femur having a lateral condyle for engagement with a tibia, the method including the steps of: bending a patients knee such that the knee is not in full extension; making an incision through the skin, muscle, and other soft tissue until the damaged bone surfaces are exposed; resecting an end portion of the lateral tibia; resecting an end portion of the lateral femoral condyle; attaching a tibial prosthetic component to the resected end portion of the tibia; attaching a lateral femoral condyle prosthetic component to the resected end portion of the lateral femoral condyle; determining the thickness of a mobile bearing member with the knee in full extension; and inserting the mobile bearing member between the tibial prosthetic component and the femoral prosthetic component.

Abstract: In an orthopedic knee joint prosthesis, an intercondylar fossa of a femoral component cooperates with a spine formed in a tibial component to reproduce the screw home mechanism of a natural knee. When the femoral component and tibial component are positioned to correspond with slight flexion of the knee, the components are mutually rotationally locked against internal or external rotation. At higher degrees of flexion, such as greater than about 10-20 degrees of flexion, internal/external rotation of the tibia is permitted. The tibia is in an externally rotated position when locked, thereby reproducing the screw home mechanism and providing high stability.

Abstract: An expandable implant includes a body portion, a carriage portion, a deployment assembly, and an expandable portion. The deployment assembly and the expandable portion are attached to the carriage portion, and portions of the carriage portion are moveable out of and into the body portion. When the expandable implant is inserted into a disc space, the expandable portion is expandable to push the upper vertebral body and the lower vertebral body away from one another.

Abstract: An implantable device includes a barrel. The barrel has a first portion and a second portion. The implantable device includes a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate, where the first plate is configured to movably couple to the first portion of the barrel. The implantable device includes a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, where the second plate is configured to movably couple to the second portion of the barrel. The barrel is configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height, where the second height is greater than the first height.

Abstract: A pivoting wedge expandable spinal implant. An upper portion and a lower portion are pivotally connected together. The implant, in a collapsed position, is inserted into a disc space. A driving screw engages and applies a force to a pushing portion, driving the pushing portion toward the implant's distal end. The pushing portion engages and drives a wedge toward the implant's distal end. The wedge pivots upward against an inner surface of the lower portion. The wedge continues to pivot along an inner surface of the upper portion, translating the force to the upper portion, pivoting and expanding the upper portion to an expanded position.

Abstract: Methods of inserting and retaining interbody fusion material are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include inserting an anchored implant comprising a bone anchoring portion and an engagement portion. A method may also include inserting at least one bone fusion material within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies. In some embodiments, a method includes driving the bone anchoring portion into an outer surface of at least one of the adjacent vertebral bodies and recessing the bone anchoring portion within the outer surface of the at least one adjacent vertebral body.

Abstract: The invention refers to the area of control of a limb device in the form of an artificial limb for a human or a robot limb.

Abstract: A stent and a stent delivery system are configured to exhibit good slip strength, flexibility, and expandability. The stent includes a plurality of wave-shaped struts positioned at intervals in the circumferential direction of the stent, and a plurality of connecting struts positioned between the wave-shaped struts. Each of the wave-shaped struts extends from one end to the other end in the axial direction, and has proximate portions that form portions in the vicinity of an adjacent wave-shaped strut, distant portions that form portions away from the adjacent wave-shaped strut, and straight portions that connect the proximate portions and the distant portions. The straight portions extend in the circumferential direction of the stent in a state in which the stent is mounted on the balloon. The connecting struts connect to each other the distant portions of adjacent wave-shaped struts.

Abstract: In some aspects, graft devices for a mammalian patient can include a tubular member comprising a first end; and a fiber matrix surrounding the tubular member, wherein the fiber matrix is designed and constructed to be substantially continuously tapered at the first end to define a diameter that increases as it approaches the first end.

Abstract: A braided stent system includes an expansion ring attached to internal and external surfaces of a lumen. A frame of the ring may impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the lumen, the frame including a plurality of elongate members joined at a coupling and at first and second intersections opposite the coupling. A clip can extend from the intersections and can be operable to slidably secure the frame to the inner and outer surfaces of the lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane implant (1) for treatment of cerebral artery aneurysms (10), wherein the implant can be implanted endovascularly into vessel segments (2) at the craniocerebral base of pathological (aneurysmatic) dilation (10) and, in combination with a stent, bridges the diseased vessel segment (2) from inside and disconnects it from the blood stream, wherein the membrane implant (1) comprises a biocompatible plastic membrane in the shape of a cylinder or a segment of a cylinder.