Abstract: A self-sealing tubular graft is provided for implantation within a patient's body that includes an elongate tubular body including first and second self-sealing cannulation regions and a loop region extending between the first and second cannulation regions. The loop region includes one or more reinforcement members attached to a first length of the loop region and extending at least partially around a circumference of the tubular body. For example, the reinforcement members may include one or more sinusoidal or zigzag members extending along the first length with alternating peaks and valleys extending at least partially around a circumference of the tubular body. Self-sealing patches are also provided that include one or more reinforcement members embedded within base material.

Abstract: Branched stent grafts and a stent graft delivery system for, and methods of, endovascular repair of abdominal and/or thoracic aortic aneurysms are disclosed. Embodiments of the branched stent grafts include, but are not limited to, branched aorto-uni-iliac (AUI) stent grafts, branched bifurcated stent grafts, and branched thoracic stent grafts. In some embodiments, the branched stent grafts comprise one or more retrograde internal branches. In other embodiments, the branched stent grafts comprise one or more external branches. The stent graft delivery system comprises a larger directional sheath for positioning the branched stent grafts and one or more smaller sheaths for the delivery of, for example, covered stents for the complete exclusion of juxtarenal/pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms. Methods of using the stent graft delivery system to deploy the branched stent grafts are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are hydrogel compositions comprising a triblock copolymer having a formula A-B-A, wherein A is a polycaprolactone (PCL) block or a polyvalerolactone (PVL) block and B is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) block. Also disclosed are methods of making a hydrogel comprising providing a photoinitiator and a triblock copolymer having a formula A-B-A, wherein the triblock copolymer comprises one or more ethylenically unsaturated moieties; and photocrosslinking the triblock copolymer, thereby forming a hydrogel.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for treating native heart valves are disclosed herein. A system for delivering a prosthetic device into a heart of a patient includes an elongated catheter body and a delivery capsule. The delivery capsule can be hydraulically driven to deploy at least a portion of a prosthetic heart valve device. The delivery capsule can release the prosthetic heart valve device at a desired treatment site in a patient.

Abstract: Implants described herein can be used as flow diverters and can generally include a plurality of twisting struts extending from a central node. The twisting struts can be twisted along a long axis of each strut. The implant can have a proximal portion affixed to the central node and extending radially from the central node. The twisting struts can have a distal portion. The long axis can be disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the twisting struts. The implant can have a collapsed configuration to be delivered through a catheter into an aneurysm. The implant can have an expanded configuration to anchor within the aneurysm.

Abstract: A method of constructing a patient-specific orthopedic implant comprising: (a) comparing a patient-specific abnormal bone model, derived from an actual anatomy of a patient's abnormal bone, with a reconstructed patient-specific bone model, also derived from the anatomy of the patient's bone, where the reconstructed patient-specific bone model reflects a normalized anatomy of the patient's bone, and where the patient-specific abnormal bone model reflects an actual anatomy of the patient's bone including at least one of a partial bone, a deformed bone, and a shattered bone, wherein the patient-specific abnormal bone model comprises at least one of a patient-specific abnormal point cloud and a patient-specific abnormal bone surface model, and wherein the reconstructed patient-specific bone model comprises at least one of a reconstructed patient-specific point cloud and a reconstructed patient-specific bone surface model; (b) optimizing one or more parameters for a patient-specific orthopedic implant to be mounte

Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial blood vessel comprising a shape-memory polymer, and a vascular anastomotic member formed of a shape-memory polymer. An artificial blood vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a shape-memory polymer including photo-crosslinkable functional groups, the artificial blood vessel thus provided having a fusion point suitable for in vivo transplantation. Also, provided is a vascular anastomotic member which comprises a shape-memory polymer including photo-crosslinkable functional groups, and thus has a fusion point suitable for in vivo transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular prosthetic valve device having two or more device modules for percutaneous delivery unassembled at or near the valve implantation site and assembly at least in part using a self-assembly member, and a system and method of folding, delivering and assembling the device. The device modules may include a support structure and a valve module. The valve module has an unassembled, folded delivery configuration, and an unfolded, assembled (via the self-assembly member) working configuration. The valve module may be a single-piece leaflets substructure or a plurality of valve sections. The self-assembly member has a delivery configuration and may be reverted to a preset configuration for valve module assembly. The unassembled valve module may be rolled along its circumferential axis towards its height to a folded diameter equivalent to one rolled leaflet, providing a percutaneous valve device having a smaller delivery diameter than pre-assembled valve devices.

Abstract: A device and method for performing anastomosis is described. In one embodiment according to the present invention, the device comprises a ring that has a plurality of pins extending from various locations on the ring. During a procedure, the pins are passed through portions of tissue and the ring is everted or radially flipped inside out to connect the tissues together.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a vascular port comprising: first and second portions that are not monolithic with each other; wherein: (a)(i) the first portion includes a first arcuate surface to contour to a first portion of a vessel and the second portion includes a second arcuate surface to contour to a second portion of the vessel; (a)(ii) the first and second portions couple to one another around the vessel when implanted to form a central chamber that houses the vessel; (a)(iii) the first portion includes a port that includes a funnel with a funnel surface that narrows as the funnel surface approaches the central chamber; (a)(iv) the central chamber includes a central longitudinal axis and the funnel includes a central vertical axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; (a)(v) the second portion includes a hardened, non-compliant surface that intersects the vertical axis.

Abstract: A direct intracardiac imaging catheter capable of entering chambers of the heart and providing an image through a vein or an artery percutaneously, or through direct access during open surgery. The intracardiac imaging catheter apparatus is a small optical fiber imaging system. The catheter is deflectable and capable of navigating within all heart chambers to acquire detailed images, and adjacent large vessels during percutaneous cardiac procedures. The catheter can access the arterial system to acquire blood vessel images. It can pass through the intra-atrial septum (foramen ovale) for cardiac procedures in the left chambers and large vessels adjacent the left heart, including pulmonary veins and the aorta. During open heart surgery, images can be provided from hard to access regions including the back of the heart during off pump cardiac surgery. The apparatus includes balloon tip that can be inflated and deflected based the movement of catheter.

Abstract: The present technology is a prosthetic heart valve device, and related systems and methods, for treating a native valve of a human heart having a native annulus and native leaflets. One embodiment comprises a valve support, a prosthetic valve assembly within the valve support, and an anchoring member having an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The device further includes an extension member coupled to the fixation frame and extending radially outward therefrom. The extension member includes a plurality of wires, at least a portion of which include an inner core surrounded by an outer material. The wires include a plurality of recesses extending through at least a portion of the thickness of the outer material, and a therapeutic agent in the recesses for delivery to the anatomy when the prosthetic heart valve device is positioned at a native annulus.

Abstract: A stent includes a first tubular unit that has a cylindrical tubular shape and a mesh circumferential surface; and a second tubular unit that has a cylindrical tubular shape and a mesh circumferential surface, and is connected to the first tubular unit in a longitudinal axis direction of the stent. The first tubular unit has a first-first direction bent portion which is bent to be convex toward the first direction side that is one side of the longitudinal axis direction, the second tubular unit has a second-second direction bent portion which is bent to be convex toward the second direction side that is the other side of the longitudinal axis direction, and the first-first direction bent portion and the second-second direction bent portion form a first connecting portion that is connected so as to be relatively movable.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus includes a sheath assembly, a tip, and a handle assembly. The sheath assembly includes an inner core tube, a push tube surrounding and receiving the inner core tube, and a sheath surrounding and receiving the push tube and capable of moving axially relative to the push tube. The tip is connected to the distal end of the inner core tube. The handle assembly is connected to the proximal end of the sheath. A tube cavity channel for the inner core tube to extend through is provided within the push tube. A guide wire channel also is provided in the push tube. A limiting mechanism is provided on the tip and is used for being detachably connected to a guide wire extending through the guide wire channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes intravascular oxygenation systems and methods with one or more of improved oxygen diffusion flux, improved resistance to bubble formation on the surface of non-porous hollow fibers, and reduced size. The systems and methods include a pneumatic inlet coupled to a pneumatic source that provides a gas containing oxygen at a high pressure. A plurality of hollow fiber membranes (HFM) are in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic inlet to receive the gas containing oxygen and with an outlet to exhaust a partially deoxygenated gas. An electronic controller drives the motor to oscillate the plurality of HFMs to cause a diffusive flux of the gas containing oxygen from the plurality of HFMs into a region of interest of a subject. The electronic controller may drive the motor according to an oscillation pattern, which may include a macro-oscillation with superimposed micro-oscillations.

Abstract: A medical stent having a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, may include a plurality of first filaments each extending in a first helical path around the central longitudinal axis in a first direction and a plurality of second filaments each extending in a second helical path around the central longitudinal axis in a second direction. The plurality of first filaments may be interwoven with the plurality of second filaments. The first helical path of at least one of the plurality of first filaments may include a circumferential offset disposed between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: The present invention provides for implant device delivery apparatuses and related methods of use. The delivery systems of the present invention incorporate a stretch resistant tube that advantageously makes the implant device, such as an embolic coil, stretch resistant while a delivery system is being used to position the implant device at a desired target site.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a distal portion. A force sensor is operatively mounted on the distal portion. The force sensor includes a wireless package, which wirelessly provides (1) identification information of the surgical instrument and (2) strain data related to the distal portion. A surgical end effector includes a jaw and the distal portion is on a non-contact portion of the jaw. The wireless package includes a surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The wireless package also includes a small folded antenna electrically coupled to the surface acoustic wave strain sensor with identification information. The identification information includes an identification of a type of surgical instrument and unique identification of the specific surgical instrument in the type of surgical instrument.

Abstract: An endoluminal device comprises a tubular member and a reinforcement member that is separable from, or together with, a wall of the tubular member, and removable in-situ.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing material within a body lumen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a core wire extending from a proximal end to a distal tip, an actuator member defining a lumen for receiving at least a portion of the core wire, and a distal basket having a distal enclosed end fixed relative to the core wire and one or more elements extending from a proximal open end to a collar slidable on the core wire. The collar is slidable on the core wire within an interior of the distal basket such that, when the collar contacts the actuator member, the collar applies an inward force to direct the proximal open end of the distal basket radially inwardly.

Abstract: A stent (scaffold) or other luminal prosthesis comprising circumferential structural elements which provide high strength after deployment and allows for scaffold to uncage, and/or allow for scaffold or luminal expansion thereafter. The circumferential scaffold is typically formed from non-degradable material and will be modified to expand and/or uncage after deployment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing device for repair of cardiac and vascular defects or tissue opening such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or shunt in the heart, the vascular system, etc. and particularly provides an occluder device and trans-catheter occluder delivery system. The sealing device would have improved conformity to heart anatomy and be easily deployed, repositioned, and retrieved at the opening site.

Abstract: A device includes a balloon and an interface. The balloon has an outer surface and a central lumen aligned on a longitudinal axis. The balloon is configured to receive a compressible fluid. The interface is coupled to the outer surface and has an external surface configured to bond with a tissue.

Abstract: A vascular stent (100) comprises a plurality of wave loops. In its natural state, in two of the wave loops which are adjacent in a group, a part of a wave crest of a lower layer wave loop are in a restrained connection with a part of a wave trough of an upper layer wave loop; the other part of the wave crest of the lower layer wave loop passes through the other part of the wave trough of the upper layer wave loop, and the other part of the wave crest and the other part of the wave trough are in a non-contact mutually-suspended connection. Some of the wave crests and wave troughs of the vascular stent (100) are in the non-contact mutually-suspended connection rather than the restrained connection, so that the maximum flexibility is provided to the stent, and meanwhile, the overall stability of the stent is guaranteed. The stent (100) can maintain a good shape during both implantation and the release process, so that safety during release is ensured.

Abstract: A stent graft system (1) with a first stent graft (2) expandable in respect of a diameter, and with at least a second stent graft (3). The first stent graft (2) at least in some areas has a tubular net structure (4) which, in an expanded mode, has a net structure (4) with substantially round annular meshes (5). The at least second stent graft (3) has, at a distal end (6), outwardly extending barbs (7) via which the at least second stent graft (3) can be coupled to the first stent graft (2) in the expanded mode. The distal end (6) of the at least second stent graft (3) passes through a round annular mesh (5) of corresponding diameter and, with its outwardly extending barbs (7), engages on the round annular mesh (5). Also, a method for coupling stent grafts as a stent graft system.

Abstract: Vascular filters and deflectors and methods for filtering bodily fluids. A blood filtering assembly can capture embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature. A blood deflecting assembly can deflect embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature.

Abstract: A stent that includes a stent body and one or more weld joints, wherein the weld joints include a radiopaque material, and a method of making a stent that includes using a radiopaque filler material in a welding process.

Abstract: A group of substantially nickel-free beta-titanium alloys have shape memory and super-elastic properties suitable for, e.g., medical device applications. In particular, the present disclosure provides a titanium-based group of alloys including 16-20 at. % of hafnium, zirconium or a mixture thereof, 8-17 at. % niobium, and 0.25-6 at. % tin. This alloy group exhibits recoverable strains of at least 3.5% after axial, bending or torsional deformation. In some instances, the alloys have a capability to recover of more than 5% deformation strain. Niobium and tin are provided in the alloy to control beta phase stability, which enhances the ability of the materials to exhibit shape memory or super-elastic properties at a desired application temperature (e.g., body temperature). Hafnium and/or zirconium may be interchangeably added to increase the radiopacity of the material, and also contribute to the superelasticity of the material.

Abstract: Provided herein are inks including decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) particles and scaffolds made from the inks. Also provided are methods of making the scaffolds and applications for the scaffolds. In an embodiment, a porous scaffold comprises dECM particles and an elastomer, wherein the scaffold is planar having a thickness of about 100 ?m or greater, the scaffold comprises irregularly shaped pores having a random orientation and distribution throughout the scaffold, and the scaffold is free of crosslinking between the molecular components of the scaffold.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter, cells, protocols and procedures useful for augmentation of one or more therapeutic activities of fibroblast cellular populations. In one embodiment fibroblasts are pretreated with growth factor-comprising composition(s), wherein the growth factor(s) may be cytokines, peptides, and/or proteins. In another embodiment fibroblasts are cultured with platelet rich plasma and/or derivatives from platelet rich plasma. In another embodiment, fibroblasts are cultured under hypoxic conditions prior to administration to an individual. The disclosure further provides means of assessment of fibroblast activity in vitro, including wound repair assay and cytokine production, for example.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for measuring capacitance as an indication of susceptibility to the formation of a diabetic foot ulcer.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

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: An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular main graft body including a sidewall and proximal and distal ends. A first stent may be positioned near the proximal end of the main graft body. A second stent may be positioned adjacent to and distal of the first stent. An opening in the sidewall may be positioned longitudinally between a peak of the first stent and a valley of the second stent. A tubular branch may be disposed in the opening. The branch may include first and second end openings. The branch may be flexibly orientable between a retrograde configuration in which the first end opening is oriented toward the distal end and the second end opening is oriented toward the proximal end and an antegrade configuration in which the first end opening is oriented toward the proximal end and the second end opening is oriented toward the distal end.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve and method of treating valve insufficiency includes an expandable frame configured to engage a native valve annulus. A valve body is coupled to the frame. The valve body can include a leaflet portion and possibly a skirt portion. A portion of the frame has a foreshortening portion configured to longitudinally expand when urged to a radially compacted state and longitudinally contract when urged to a radially expanded state. In one embodiment the valve skirt is attached to the frame so that it can adapt to changes in the length of the frame. A delivery device in some embodiments can use one or more coverings, such as sheaths, to controllably release the replacement heart valve at a native heart valve.

Abstract: A method for performing an imaging scan of a subject includes positioning a narrow field-of-view camera at a first imaging position to acquire a first set of imaging information of a first object of interest, positioning the narrow field-of-view camera at a second imaging position to acquire a second set of imaging information of a second object of interest, determining emission counts for the first and second sets of imaging information, and utilizing the determined emission counts to generate a value that indicates a probability of a successful medical procedure being performed on the subject.

Abstract: A prosthesis for monitoring a characteristic of flow includes a first tubular prosthesis having a lumen and a sensor for detecting the characteristic of flow through the lumen. The sensor may be covered with another tubular prosthesis or by a layer of material in order to insulate the sensor from the fluid flow. A pocket may be formed between the tubular prosthesis and the adjacent layer of material or prosthesis and the sensor may be disposed in the pocket.

Abstract: A prosthesis for monitoring a characteristic of flow includes a first tubular prosthesis having a lumen and a sensor for detecting the characteristic of flow through the lumen. The sensor may be covered with another tubular prosthesis or by a layer of material in order to insulate the sensor from the fluid flow. A pocket may be formed between the tubular prosthesis and the adjacent layer of material or prosthesis and the sensor may be disposed in the pocket.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tubular medical implant is provided. The method includes forming a hollow first tube with a first diameter and a first plurality of pores formed thereon and a hollow second tube with a second unstretched diameter and a second plurality of pores formed thereon. The second unstretched diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least a portion of the first tube slides within the second tube to create an overlapped area of the first tube and the second tube. The first tube and second tube are then bonded together in the overlapped area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for assisting with submucosal dissections include a retraction strip body. The retraction strip body is formed at least partially from a deformable material. The retraction strip body is capable of being selectively moved between a first condition and a second condition. In the first condition, the retraction strip body is capable of engaging a target patient tissue. In the second condition, the retraction strip body is capable of retracting the target patient tissue. At least one tissue engagement member is located on the retraction strip body.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve provided herein can include a porcine small intestine submucosa (P-SIS) tissue leaflet. The P-SIS tissue can include multiple stacked layers that are tensioned and cross-linked to form a material having a thickness of between 50 microns and 0.33 mm. In some cases, a prosthetic heart valve can include a plurality of leaflets secured together and retained within the expandable tubular member.

Abstract: A bifurcated stem graft (10) comprises a body (100) and a side branch (200) that forms an acute angle with the body (100). The side branch (200) comprises a covering film (220) and a first bare stent (240) only disposed on the covering film (220). Part of the first bare stent (240) is positioned adjacent a boundary line (230) of the body (100) and the covering film (220) and is located in a vertex angle area (250) of the acute angle. Due to the fact that part of the first bare stem (240) is attached to the vertex angle area (250), after the stem (10) is released, the self-expanded part of the first bare stent (240) enables the vertex angle area (250) of the side branch (200) to be effectively supported, the covering film is not prone to shrinkage, and a leading wire can enter easily.

Abstract: A vascular graft with trim lines is described, the trim lines providing a guide for precision shaping of the cuff. The trim lines may be printed or otherwise disposed on a surface of the cuff or included on a template designed for disposition over the cuff. The trim lines may also be disposed on a side of a pocket into which the cuff is positioned for trimming. Also described is an apparatus and method for precise trimming of a vascular graft.

Abstract: The stent-graft described herein generally includes a substrate, a helix disposed about the substrate, a covering disposed over at least a portion of the helix, and a support member coupled to the covering.

Abstract: The invention provides transient devices, including active and passive devices that physically, chemically and/or electrically transform upon application of at least one internal and/or external stimulus. Incorporation of degradable device components, degradable substrates and/or degradable encapsulating materials each having a programmable, controllable and/or selectable degradation rate provides a means of transforming the device. In some embodiments, for example, transient devices of the invention combine degradable high performance single crystalline inorganic materials with selectively removable substrates and/or encapsulants.

Abstract: This disclosure describes decellularized, biologically-engineered tubular grafts and methods of making and using such decellularized, biologically-engineered tubular grafts.

Abstract: A nonmodular endograft system for treating aortic aneurysms involving bilateral renal arteries can include a main fabric cover that is sealedly coupled, or integral, with first and second branch fabric covers. The system can be configured so that after the main cover is expanded in the aorta, and after the two branch covers are respectively expanded in the renal arteries such that (i) the first cover ostium is substantially aligned with the first renal ostium, and (ii) the second cover ostium is not substantially aligned with the second renal ostium, then aortic blood flows from the main cover into each of the branch covers.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an endoluminal prosthesis having modular branches, and systems and methods for facilitating deployment of the endoluminal prosthesis. In one example, the endoluminal prosthesis comprises a graft including a bifurcated body of a biocompatible material. The bifurcated body includes distally extending limbs. Limb extensions can be longitudinally and circumferentially adjusted prior to mating with the limbs to enable an “off-the-shelf” prosthesis that can conform to various complex anatomy. When adjusted and mated, fenestrations in the limb extensions can align with branch vessels.

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: A medical device can include an elongate manipulation member, and a thrombectomy device connected to the elongate manipulation member. The thrombectomy device can have a first configuration and a second configuration, the thrombectomy device being expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration. The thrombectomy device can include an arcuate marker-mounting projection attached to a portion of the thrombectomy device configured to contact a thrombus. A marker can be coupled to, and extending around, the arcuate marker-mounting projection with the marker and the arcuate marker-mounting projection contacting each other at three discrete locations. A method for engaging a thrombus can include advancing a thrombectomy device to a location radially adjacent to a thrombus in a blood vessel.