Abstract: Fibrointimal proliferation, neointimal hyperplasia and other vascular lesions or injuries are reduced by ex vivo irradiation of the autologous coronary bypass conduit, especially the saphenous vein, as an adjunct in cardiovascular surgery or other treatment, in anyone of a variety of suitable devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is delivered to and installed at the operative site primarily by working through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. This avoids the need for any significant surgery on the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to various products and processes comprising segments of vasculature from long-necked birds for use as vascular grafts. Also contemplated is a process for preparing this vasculature for use as a small-bore vascular graft. The isolated vasculature of the present invention is of sufficient length to be used in a variety of applications, and may be stored for extended lengths of time after isolation or processing before implantation.

Abstract: The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic ligament or tendon xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides a method for preparing a ligament xenograft by removing at least a portion of an ligament from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to at least one treatment selected from the group consisting of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, immersion in alcohol, ozonation, freeze/thaw cycling, and optionally chemical crosslinking. In addition to or in lieu of the above treatments, the methods include a cellular disruption treatment and glycosidase digestion of carbohydrate moieties of the xenograft followed by treatment of carbohydrate moieties of the xenograft with capping molecules. The invention also provides articles of manufacture produced by one or more of the above-identified methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to implantable bioprostheses (e.g. implantable biological tissues) and to compositions and methods for stabilizing them. Implantable bioprostheses stabilized as described herein exhibit improved mechanical properties and reduced post-implantation calcification. The implantable bioprosthesis is made by contacting a bioprosthesis (e.g. a tissue obtained from an animal or an article comprising a tissue and a synthetic material) with a polyepoxy amine compound.

Abstract: Vascular grafts, and methods for making the same, are provided. The vascular grafts comprise a graft tissue derived from a biological source that is enclosed within an external synthetic sleeve. The synthetic sleeve has an extended length that is greater than the length of the graft tissue. However, the sleeve is longitudinally compressed such that it has a resting length substantially similar to the length of the graft tissue.

Abstract: An endovascular support device adapted for local delivery of a therapeutic agent and for minimizing the rate of restinosis having a cylindrical support body with an inside surface and an opposite outside surface, and at least one layer of pericardial tissue covering at least a portion of at least a selected one of the inside surface or the outside surface of the cylindrical support body. At least one therapeutic agent is disposed on a portion of the support device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for implanting cells onto a prosthesis, including the steps of: (a) providing a prosthesis including a porous tube, where at least 25% of the pores on the inner surface of the tube have diameters of more than about 40 &mgr;m, at least 25% of the pores on the outer surface of the tube have diameters of less than about 30 &mgr;m, and the tube includes a substantially continuous layer of a biocompatible material; (b) contacting the prosthesis with a suspension of cells; and (c) providing a pressure differential between the inner surface and the outer surface, whereby the cells are retained in the pores of the inner surface. Also disclosed herein are methods for culturing cells for implantation.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing objects as well as the sterilized objects obtained from the method are disclosed. The method involves contacting an object such as a medical device to be reused with polycationic dendrimer under conditions which result in rendering a conformationally altered protein (e.g. a prion) non-infectious. A disinfecting agent or surgical scrub composition which comprises the dendrimers is also disclosed as are gelatin capsules treated with polycationic dendrimers.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an autologous graft by distending a donor blood vessel and harvesting the distended portion of the vessel. Also provided is a device for in vivo or in vitro vessel distension. Typically the device is implanted, for example using endoscopic techniques, in a patient sometime prior to another surgery on that patient which includes implanting a vascular graft. The device includes a stretching mechanism which is attached to a donor blood vessel, means for operating the stretching mechanism to cause the vessel to distend, and a controller, preferably externally located, for controlling the operating means. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a pair of opposed straps, attached to a healthy, small-diameter donor blood vessel such as a femoral artery in the leg. The straps are displaced from each other over a period of time to continuously distend or elongate the donor vessel. The distended portion of the donor vessel is excised at the time of the bypass surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decellularized vascular prostheses that are resistant to thrombus occlusion and have a low level of immunogenicity. The vascular prostheses are denuded of cells, and coated with an anti-thrombogenic agent and a growth factor that promotes recellularization and further reduces the immunogenicity. The prostheses have high mechanical strength, resist aneurysm rupture, and allow for secure surgical sutures while maintaining structural integrity. The present invention provides vascular prostheses that are blood vessels, valves or portions of vessels containing valves. The present invention is also useful for coating synthetic vascular stents.

Abstract: An implantable intraluminal device includes a multilayer composite tubular device supporting one or more stents between the layer thereof and a method of making such a device is disclosed. A first porous elongate tube includes an exterior surface and an interior luminal surface. A radially expandable member is disposed about the exterior surface of the first tube. A second porous elongate tube is disposed concentrically over the first tube and is secured thereto so that the radially expandable member is longitudinally immobilized therebetween.

Abstract: A stent having a polymeric coating for controllably releasing an included active agent. The polymeric coating includes a blend of a first polymeric material, which if alone, would release the agent at a first, higher rate, and a second polymeric material, which if alone would release the agent at a second, lower rate over a longer time period. One stent coating utilizes a faster releasing hydrophilic polymeric material and a slower releasing hydrophobic material. One stent coating includes a blend of a faster releasing PLA-PEO copolymer and a slower releasing PLA-PCL copolymer. One active agent is Taxol. One use of the Taxol delivering stent is to inhibit restenosis following angioplasty.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stent including a stent body having a stent axis. The stent body includes structural members defining openings through the stent body. The structural members are provided with regions having different widths. The relative sizes of the widths are selected to control the length of the stent body as the stent body is radially expanded from an un-deployed orientation to a deployed orientation. In one embodiment, the regions having different widths are provided by tapering the widths of selected segments of the structural member.

Abstract: A radially self-expanding implantable intraluminal device formed from a hollow tubular braid. The intraluminal device may be used in a variety of medical procedures which require a passageway to be maintained in an open position or which require reinforcement, support or a bypass conduit such as in blood vessels weakened by disease. The intraluminal device is longitudinally expanded or radially collapsed for ease of insertion into a lumen and upon alignment within the lumen, the intraluminal device radially self-expands to come into intimate contact with the inner surface of the lumen.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stent for implantation into a vessel of a patient. The stent has at least two plastically deformable and expandable tubular graft members for expansion within a vessel. Each of the graft member has a first end, a second end, a wall section disposed therebetween and a lumen extending therethrough. The stent further includes at least one articulation connecting the first end of one of the graft members with the second end of the other graft member. Wherein the articulation is made from a superelastic material.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy and elastically self-expanding endoluminal support structures which are at least partially encapsulated in a substantially monolithic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (“ePTFE”) covering. An endoluminal stent, which has a reduced diametric dimension for endoluminal delivery and a larger in vivo final diametric diameter, is encapsulated in an ePTFE covering which circumferentially covers both the luminal and abluminal walls along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the endoluminal stent. The shape memory endoluminal stent is fabricated from a shape memory alloy which exhibits either shape memory or pseudoelastic properties or from an elastic material having an inherent spring tension such as spring steel, braided stainless steel wire, or composite materials, such as woven or braided carbon fibers.

Abstract: A method for improving the radial enlargeability and other properties of tape-reinforced tubular vascular graft formed of sintered fluoropolymer(s), such as expanded, sintered PTFE. Broadly, the method comprises the step of radially shrinking the reinforcement tape layer of the graft, or the entire tape-reinforced graft, after sintering thereof. Such radial shrinkage of the reinforcement tape layer, or of the entire graft, renders the graft subsequently radially enlargeable by more than 5%, without tearing or breaking of the reinforcement tape layer of the graft. Radially enlargeable grafts of the present invention may be combined with various types of stents or anchoring systems, to form endovascular graft devices which are transluminally insertable and implantable within the lumen of a host blood vessel.

Abstract: A mouse model for vein graft stenosis useful for identifying compounds which reduce or prevent such stenosis, consisting of a mouse engrafted with an autogenous vein which exhibits detectable stenosis within 30 days of transplantation. Also disclosed are therapeutic methods for inhibiting the development of vein graft stenosis.

Abstract: A biomedical device assembly, such as a stent, for the targeted treatment of a tissue, such as the inhibition of restentosis. The stent is coated with an antigen, which is an example of a lock. The antigen can be bound by a labelled antibody, which is an example of a key and an effector. The antibody is preferably labelled with a radioactive source. According to one method of preparing the biomedical device assembly, after the stent has been placed in the blood vessel of the subject, the antibody is injected. The antibody then binds to the antigen on the stent, thereby localizing the radioactive source to the area to be treated, for example for restenosis. Other biomedical devices, such as a coil, an artificial valve or a vascular graft, could also be used in the place of the stent. The biomedical device could be placed in another biological passageway, such as the gastrointestinal tract, an airway or the genitourinary tract.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to tissue decellularization and, in particular to a method of treating tissues, for example, heart valves, tendons and ligaments, so as to render them acellular and thereby limit mineralization and/or immunoreactivity upon implementation in vivo.

Abstract: A method for fixation of biological tissues, and bioprosthetic devices prepared by such method. The method generally comprises the steps of A) fixing the tissue, B) treating the tissue with a mixture of i) a denaturant, ii) a surfactant and iii) a crosslinking agent, C) fabricating or forming the bioprosthesis (e.g., forming the tissue and attaching any non-biological components thereto) and D) subjecting the bioprosthesis to terminal sterilization.

Abstract: A stent is made generally tubular and is initially formed in a collapsed configuration. A fabric cover is provided for the inner stent and is attached outside the stent at one or more desired locations. The fabric cover is larger in diameter than the diameter of the collapsed stent, however, when the stent is expanded through activation of the balloon catheter therewithin, the stent expands to closely conform to the interior walls of the fabric cover. The securement of the fabric cover or intermediate stent layer about the inner stent is accomplished through the use of a wire spiraling externally about the outer surface of the fabric cover to secure the fabric cover or intermediate stent layer about the inner stent. When the stent sandwich is expanded, the configuration of this spiraling wire permits it to expand as well and lie against the inner walls of the blood vessel at the desired location. The stent has spaced ends, each of which may be coated or otherwise provided with a radio-opaque material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoluminal prosthesis for deployment in a body lumen of a patient body, the prosthesis comprising a tubular fabric liner and a radially expandable frame supporting the liner. A plurality of imagable bodies are attached to the liner, the imagable bodies providing a sharp contrast so as to define a pattern which indicates the prosthesis position when the prosthesis is imaged within the patient body. Preferably, each imagable body comprises a plate having first and second opposed major surfaces and a passage therebetween to facilitate stitching the imagable body to the liner. Advantageously, the imagable bodies can be aligned with the openings of a perforate frame structure so that at least some of the imagable bodies are visible through associated openings, but need not actually be attached to the frame directly.

Abstract: A method of making a bioprosthetic conduit, comprises the steps of: (a) taking a cylindrical mould, having circumferentially spaced protuberances which extend radially from the axis; (b) curving a layer of a biocompatible sheet material around the cylindrical mould, and joining the opposed edges of the layer together along a longitudinal axis, parallel to the axis of the mould to form a tubular layer; and (c) removing the tubular layer from the mould and turning it inside out to form a cylindrical conduit with sinuses, the conduit being fully fixed by a chemical means; after removal or while still on the mould.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is delivered to and installed at the operative site primarily by working through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. This avoids the need for any significant surgery on the patient.

Abstract: A method for cross-linking biological tissue is provided which uses as a cross-linking agent a low molecular weight, substantially monomeric polyfunctional aldehyde formed in situ or just prior to cross-linking. The polyfunctional aldehyde is essentially free of the undesirable heterogeneous polymeric species that result from polyfunctional aldehyde self-reactivity. Also provided is biological tissue that is cross-linked with a substantially monomeric glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: Solid free-form fabrication (SFF) methods are used to manufacture devices for allowing tissue regeneration and for seeding and implanting cells to form organ and structural components, which can additionally provide controlled release of bioactive agents, wherein the matrix is characterized by a network of lumens functionally equivalent to the naturally occurring vasculature of the tissue formed by the implanted cells, and which can be lined with endothelial cells and coupled to blood vessels at the time of implantation to form a vascular network throughout the matrix. The SFF methods can be adapted for use with a variety of polymeric, inorganic and composite materials to create structures with defined compositions, strengths, and densities, using computer aided design (CAD). Examples of SFF methods include stereo-lithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), ballistic particle manufacturing (BPM), fusion deposition modeling (FDM), and three dimensional printing (3DP).

Abstract: The invention involves a method and apparatus for processing biological material, such as heart valves and vascular grafts.

Abstract: The preparation and use of medical devices are described. A thiol group agent is loaded onto a medical device such as a stent or a catheter. Preferably, the loading is accomplished onto a polymeric surface that had been activated by water vapor RF plasma treatment. The thiol group agent is structured to exhibit sulfhydryl groups. These sulfhydryl groups are available for interaction with NO carriers such as nitrovasodilators. This interaction can take place in situ at an in vivo location within a vascular system, for example, in which event the sulfhydryl groups would be delivered by the medical device while the NO carrier will be delivered by suitable pharmaceutical administration means. Alternatively, the NO carrier can be loaded onto the treated medical device surface at a suitable time prior to insertion of the medical device into the body, such as immediately before the initiation of a medical procedure such as stent delivery and implantation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in vitro production of bone tissue, comprising the steps of:(a) applying undifferentiated mammalian cells, in particular autologous marrow cells, on a substrate;(b) directly contacting said cells with a culture medium for a sufficient time to produce a continuous matrix;(c) removing the substrate with the matrix from the culture medium.The produced matrix can be used for joint prostheses, maxillofacial implants, special surgery devices, or bone fillers. The contacted culture medium can also be used for the production of active factors such as growth factors.

Abstract: Solid free-form fabrication (SFF) methods are used to manufacture devices for allowing tissue regeneration and for seeding and implanting cells to form organ and structural components, which can additionally provide controlled release of bioactive agents, wherein the matrix is characterized by a network of lumens functionally equivalent to the naturally occurring vasculature of the tissue formed by the implanted cells, and which can be lined with endothelial cells and coupled to blood vessels at the time of implantation to form a vascular network throughout the matrix. The SFF methods can be adapted for use with a variety of polymeric, inorganic and composite materials to create structures with defined compositions, strengths, and densities, using computer aided design (CAD).Examples of SFF methods include stereo-lithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), ballistic particle manufacturing (BPM), fusion deposition modeling (FDM), and three dimensional printing (3DP).

Abstract: A tissue press and method for shaping or compressing a piece of tissue comprises first and second members movable relative to each other. A first forming element of a predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the first member. A second forming element of predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the second member. The first and second forming elements are positionable on opposite sides of the piece of tissue. The first and second members are relatively movable between a first spaced apart condition and a second condition in which the piece of tissue is held between the first and second forming elements. Means are preferably provided for monitoring and controlling the amount of pressure applied to the piece of tissue, in order to maintain the tissue in a viable living condition. Means may also be provided for draining off fluid from compressed tissue, so that the tissue can be implanted in a compressed state and imbibe fluid from the host site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is delivered to and installed at the operative site primarily by working through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. This avoids the need for any significant surgery on the patient.

Abstract: An endoluminal stent is formed in a modular construction to include an elongate spine and a plurality of generally tube-defining modules attached to the spine in a longitudinally sequenced array. Each module defines, in cooperation with the spine, a closed ring-like structure, with the modules being aligned in an array to define a generally tubular structure. Each of the modules is radially expandable from a reduced diameter, low profile configuration, in which it is readily navigated through the body passages, to an expanded diameter engageable with the inner luminal surface of the body lumen. The stent, being of modular construction, can be built to individual specifications for specific procedure in a specific patient. Modules are formed from a wire shaped in a flat serpentine configuration that is then wrapped in a cylindrical configuration with its free ends connected to the spine. The modules are expandable, as by a balloon, from a low profile to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: Angiotensin II angiotensin II fragments, angiotensin II analogs, Angiotensin II Type 2 receptor agonists, angiotensin I or analogs thereof, and angiotensin or analogs thereof are useful in promoting the incorporation of skin grafts into the underlying tissue of the animal.

Abstract: The invention provides a substantially non-immunogenic ligament or tendon xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides a method for preparing a ligament xenograft by removing at least a portion of a ligament from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft cellular disruption treatment, such as exposure to ultraviolet radiation, immersion in alcohol, ozonation, freeze/thaw cycling, and optionally chemical crosslinking. In addition to or in lieu of the above treatments, the methods include digestion of the carbohydrate moieties of the xenograft with a glycosidase, preferably a galactosidase, and more preferably .alpha.-galactosidase. The invention also provides articles of manufacture produced by one or more of the above-identified methods of the invention.

Abstract: It is a general object of the invention to provide a method of effecting repair or replacement or supporting a section of a body tissue. Specifically to provide an elastin or elastin-based biomaterial suitable for use as a stent, for example, a vascular stent, or as conduit replacement, as an artery, vein or a ureter replacement. The biomaterial can also be used as a stent or conduit covering or coating or lining. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method of securing an elastin or elastin-based biomaterial to an existing tissue without the use of sutures or staples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of engrafting donor mammalian hematopoietic pluripotent cells in a mammalian recipient using a decreased amount of radiation, comprising: (a) administering to the recipient at least one dosage of a hematopoietic growth factor; (b) subjecting the recipient to a low dosage of radiation; and (c) transplanting the donor hematopoietic pluripotent cells into the recipient, thereby engrafting the donor mammalian hematopoietic pluripotent cells in the mammalian recipient using a decreased amount of radiation.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method of making and implanting the article made of a polyolefin star or linear copolymer are disclosed in which the polyolefin copolymer is biostable and crack-resistant when implanted in vivo. The polyolefin copolymer is the reaction product of a rubbery component which when homopolymerized produces a polymer having a low level of hardness, and a hardening component which when homopolymerized produces a polymer having a high level of hardness. The polyolefin copolymer is elastomeric, has a hardness intermediate the low and high levels of hardness, and has a backbone in which the majority of polymer linkages along the copolymer chain are alternating quaternary and secondary carbon atoms.

Abstract: It is a general object of the invention to provide a method of effecting tissue repair or replacement using a biomaterial. It is a specific object of the invention to provide a biomaterial suitable for use as a stent, for example, a vascular stent, or as a conduit replacement, as an artery, vein or a ureter replacement. The biomaterial can also be used as a stent or conduit covering or lining. The present invention relates to a method of repairing, replacing or supporting a section of a body tissue. The method comprises positioning a biomaterial at the site of the section and bonding the biomaterial to the site or to the tissue surrounding the site. The bonding is effected by contacting the biomaterial and the site, or tissue surrounding the site, at the point at which said bonding is to be effected, with an energy absorbing agent. The agent is then exposed to an amount of energy absorbable by the agent sufficient to bond the biomaterial to the site or to the tissue surrounding the site.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent comprising fibrin is capable of reducing the incidence of restenosis at the site of vascular injury such as that produced by an angioplasty procedure.

Abstract: An implantable microporous ePTFE tubular vascular graft exhibits long-term patency, superior radial tensile strength, reduction in tear propagation, and increases in suture retention strength and crush resistance. The graft includes an ePTFE tubular structure having a preselected microporous structure. The tubular structure is wrapped externally with a PTFE yarn in a helical fashion. The helical wrap of yarn is bonded to the exterior surface of the tubular structure by application of heat or heat in combination with force to form a composite structure which substantially maintains the porosity of the underlying tubular structure while increasing the suture retention strength, radial tensile strength, crush resistance, and tear propagation resistance.

Abstract: A system and apparatus are disclosed for preparing tubular prostheses from a sheet of tissue and inner and outer helical frame components. The tissue is wrapped around the inner frame component over an assembly mandrel. The outer helical frame component is then transferred from an elongate support over a lead screw, onto the assembly mandrel by rotating the assembly mandrel and lead screw in a manner which positions the outer helical frame component in an appropriate manner. Optionally, the mandrel is collapsed to facilitate removal of the completed tubular prosthesis.

Abstract: A system for tissue harvesting comprising a tool to cut a vessel, apply a ligation clip, or remove patient's body fluids and a device for removing a generally cylindrical tissue structure such as a blood vessel from the body of a human or animal. The device includes a body portion having distal and proximal ends with at least one lumen extending longitudinally through the body portion. The lumen is sized to accommodate the vessel and at least one tool used in removing the vessel. Means is provided for isolating the vessel from the tools used in the removal procedure.

Abstract: A structurally supported graft (10) having a support structure (26) with strain relief sections (30) contained with an internal surface, an external surface, or a wall thickness of a tubular graft member (12). The structurally supported graft (10) may include a beading element (24) which is co-extruded with the support structure (26) having strain relief sections (30) and spiraled about the tubular graft (10). The support structure (26) includes differing types of strain relief sections (30) which are capable of allowing for the longitudinal and radial expansion of the structurally supported graft (10), respectively. The strain relief sections (30) may also include unconnected ends which form outwardly protruding barbs (62) upon expansion of the structurally supported graft within a blood vessel or body lumen.

Abstract: An artificial blood vessel formed into a tube from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), wherein the tube is composed of nodes connected by fibrils creating pores within the wall of the tube. The inner surface of the tube and surfaces of pores comprise a layer extending radially from the inner surface, toward the outer surface of the tube to a depth of 5% to 96%, are chemically treated to make the tube inner surface and pores hydrophilic. Tissue-inducing substances and anti-thrombotic substances are then covalently bonded to the hydrophilic inner surface of the tube and pores. An artificial blood vessel of the invention exhibits a good patency ratio for a long period of time.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for treating aneurysms, occlusive disease of vessels and body organs, and arterio-venous fistulas, occurring in single and bifurcated lumens. The prosthesis comprises an expandable coiled sheet portion having a biocompatible graft, either a sheet or tube, affixed thereto along part or all of the circumference of the coiled sheet portion. The prosthesis has a small delivery profile, making it suitable for use in a variety of body vessels. Methods of making and deploying the prosthesis in single and bifurcated lumens are also provided.

Abstract: Tubular ePTFE materials which are capable of being radially expanded under the influence of a radially outward force applied from the lumen of the ePTFE tubular material to substantially uniformly radially deform the ePTFE material. The ePTFE material is radially expandable to a diameter 700% its unexpanded diameter under the influence of pressures less than 6 atm while retaining the structural integrity of the ePTFE microstructure. Conservation of the structural integrity of the ePTFE material is determined by conservation of the ePTFE microstructure structural integrity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an expandable stent useful for implantation into an artery or the like. The stents are made using electroforming techniques in which an electrically-conductive mandrel is coated with a suitable resist material, after which the resist is exposed to an appropriate light pattern and frequency so as to form a stent pattern in the resist. The mandrel is then electroplated with a suitable stent material. The mandrel is etched away once a sufficient layer of stent material is deposited, leaving a completed stent.