Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing a coating on a self-expandable medical device, such as a stent, while avoiding the issues relating to coating damage from the delivery sheath during loading and deployment. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a constrictive coating that acts as a constrictive sheath for the stent. A cutting mechanism is mounted on the end of the delivery tube such that when the stent with the constrictive coating exits the delivery tube, the constrictive coating is cut. This releases the constriction retaining the sheath, and the stent self-expands, pressing the cut portions of the coating against the lumen wall.

Abstract: A medical having a proximal and a distal end, that is preformed to assume a superimposed structure at an implantation site but can be made to take on a volume-reduced form making it possible to introduce it by means of a micro-catheter and a guide wire arranged at the proximal end, with the implant in its superimposed structure assuming the form of a longltudlnally open tube and having a mesh structure of intercormected strings or filaments. The implant has a tapering structure at its proximal end where the strings or filaments converge at a connection point.

Abstract: A stent graft extends in a flow lumen to span a defective portion of the flow lumen and seal the defective portion from further blood contact. The stent graft includes a pair of apertures, from which extensions project into the renal arteries to seal the passage of blood into the renal arteries from the abnormality. The apertures are larger than the opening of the renal arteries, such that the apertures need not be centered with the renal arteries to enable placement of the extensions. The aperture opening and side branch extensions contain hook and loop structures to provide a variably positionable seal of the aperture opening.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery device (30) has a pull wire arrangement with a pull wire (46) fastened to the distal end of a nose cone dilator (45) and extending to a wire pull mechanism (60) for the pull wire associated with a handle (52) of the stent graft delivery device. The pull wire can be pulled by the wire pull mechanism to induce a curve in a guide wire catheter (44) distally of the nose cone dilator such that the proximal end of the delivery device more closely fits the shape of a portion of the vasculature of a patient into which the device is deployed.

Abstract: A scaffold is formed by several segments joined or connected to each other by only at least one coupling. The coupling decouples the segments in the axial direction over a finite distance of axial displacement. The scaffold when implanted in a peripheral vessel reduces loading on rings of a segment due to the decoupling of the segments in the axial direction over the finite distance.

Abstract: A cardiovascular conduit system may comprise a connector. The connector may comprise a proximal end adapted to attach to a cardiovascular organ. The proximal end may comprise a first plurality of expandable members, and each member in the first plurality of expandable members may be deployable from a delivery position to a deployed position. The first plurality of expandable members may be dimensioned to deploy inside the cardiovascular organ to secure the connector to the cardiovascular organ. The connector may comprise a distal end adapted to attach to a conduit and an opening extending through the connector. Connectors for cardiovascular conduit systems may also include expandable stents. Connectors may be rotatably secured to a conduit, and the conduit may be reinforced. Methods for forming and using cardiovascular conduit systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are therapeutic compositions for treating and preventing diseases such as neointimal hyperplasia (NIH), where the compositions comprise a therapeutic particle that has a localized association with a blood vessel and a therapeutic agent, such as an anti-NIH agent. Methods of use of the therapeutic compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying a tubular medical (200) device in vivo comprises an elongate element (10) for passing into the bore of the medical device, a deployment device having at least one arm for engaging with the medical device, the arm being moveable in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate element from a first position to a second position, the second position being spaced radially further from the elongate element than the first position, and a thread (60) for the arm, said thread being associated with the arm such that pulling on the thread moves said arm from the second position towards the first position, whereby in use movement of the arm from the first position to the second position enables radial deployment of the medical device.

Abstract: An abdominal aortic stent includes a first sub-stent and a second sub-stent each having a front end. The circumference of the front end of each sub-stent is half of the circumference of the abdominal aorta. When the circumference is gradually reduced to a rear end of each sub-stent, it has entered one side of the bilateral femoral arteries. The rear ends of the sub-stents with full circumference of the cross-sectional area of the femoral artery are included therein. The first and second sub-stents are coated with external removable membrane to compress the sub-stents to generate smaller circumferences. When the removable membrane has been removed, the sub-stents are fully extended to reconstruct the vascular flow path.

Abstract: An implantable flow restrictor device is disclosed for initially restricting, then gradually restoring blood flow through a body vessel after an interventional procedure. A self-expanding annular member having a constricted diameter gives the device a frustoconical configuration that reduces blood flow therethrough upon initial deployment at a treatment site. The annular member is constricted by a plurality of linkages that operate to allow the annular member to gradually expand, thereby transforming the flow restrictor device to a cylindrical configuration that allows unimpeded blood flow therethrough. In one embodiment, expansion of the annular member is achieved via biodegradation of the linkages. In another embodiment, expansion of the annular member is achieved via creep deformation of the linkages. The flow restrictor device may be attached to an endoluminal prosthesis, or may be a separate complementary component that is delivered during an interventional procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent graft and to an insertion system for the stent graft according to the invention. The stent graft comprises a stent graft portion with a self-expanding stent having successive rings of meandering supports and a first prosthesis material secured on the rings. On at least one of its rings, the stent graft portion has two loop-shaped fixing elements which are attached via a common fixing area and which are attached to the supports of the rings in such a way that, due to the fact that they are guided in opposite directions around the hollow cylindrical body, the latter is compressible. Furthermore, the insertion system according to the invention also has a pin element with which the loop-shaped fixing elements can be threaded on.

Abstract: The stent graft delivery device includes a shaft on which the stent graft is placed on the distal side; a sheath which is slidable outside of the shaft; a handle which is provided on the proximal side of the shaft and the sheath; and an operation unit which is provided with a switch mechanism. When a rotating member is rotated, while in a state of pressing a switch member of the switch mechanism inward, the sheath moves backward and the shaft moves forward using the handle as a reference.

Abstract: A delivery cartridge, delivery system and a method for delivering a medical device are provided. The delivery cartridge includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a cavity defined therein. The delivery cartridge further includes a proximal end covering member connected to the proximal end, a distal end covering member connected to the distal end, and a medical device positioned within the cavity. The housing is adapted to fit within a lumen of a delivery system.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for coupling a stent to a delivery system is disclosed. The attachment mechanism is configured to pivot relative to an inner shaft assembly of the delivery system in order to release the stent from the delivery system.

Abstract: Described are hemostasis devices useful for implantation in biopsy tracts, which device comprise highly compact, dried hemostatic sponge elements. Preferred devices also include compacted sponge matrices exhibiting high density and rigidity in combination with high volumetric expandability when wetted. Also described are methods for making and using such devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for stent advancement, including methods for instructing another or others how to advance a stent into an anatomical structure or into a testing/demonstration synthetic structure, such as a polymer tube. The advancement may be achieved by at least two periods of stent engagement that drive a stent distally from a sheath separated by a period of non-engagement.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis.

Abstract: A bi-directional stent delivery system includes an inner elongate shaft, a radially expandable prosthesis disposed over the inner elongate shaft, an outer elongate shaft, and a shuttle sheath disposed over the radially expandable prosthesis. The distal portion of the inner shaft is releasably coupled to the distal portion of the shuttle sheath, and the distal portion of the outer shaft is releasably coupled the proximal portion of the shuttle sheath. Distal advancement of the inner shaft advances the shuttle sheath distally when the outer shaft is uncoupled from the shuttle sheath, thereby allowing the prosthesis to radially expand from a proximal end to a distal end. Proximal retraction of the outer shaft retracts the shuttle sheath proximally when the inner shaft is uncoupled from the shuttle sheath, thereby allowing the prosthesis to radially expand from a distal end to a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: An object is to surely hold a stent formed of a biodegradable polymer and shape memorized to an expanded size having a diameter larger than an inner diameter of a vessel on a balloon in contracted state. A stent apparatus comprises a stent formed of a biodegradable polymer material using polylactic acid having a shape memory property as a tubular shape and shape memorized to a size capable of scaffolding a vessel from the inside when implanted in the vessel; and a stent holding member formed of a biodegradable polymer material for covering the outer surface of the stent to hold the stent in a contracted state that is smaller in diameter than the shape memorized size, wherein a stent detecting member is attached to the stent and a part of the stent holding member is fixed to the stent detecting member.

Abstract: A stent loading and deployment device includes an outer elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and an inner elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. When the distal ends of the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member are axially aligned, a stent deployment region is defined there in between. The device further includes a stent loading member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed between the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The distal end of the stent loading member is slidable to a distal position past the distal end of the outer tubular member for receiving a stent and is further slidable toward the proximal end of the outer tubular member to a location past the stent deployment region for disengagement of a stent from the stent loading member.

Abstract: Stent graft delivery systems are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, a stent graft delivery system can include a stent graft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a proximal sheath and a distal sheath. The proximal sheath can be configured to cover the proximal portion of the stent graft, and the distal sheath can be configured to cover the distal portion of the stent graft. The proximal sheath and the distal sheath can be independently removable from respective ends of the stent graft such that the proximal and distal portions of the stent graft are independently deployable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a deployment system for an endoluminal device. The deployment system includes a confining sheath placed around a compacted endoluminal device. A deployment line is provided in the system that is an integral extension of the sheath. As the deployment line is actuated, the sheath retracts from around the compacted endoluminal device. As the sheath retracts from around the endoluminal device, material from the sheath may be converted into deployment line. Once the sheath is retracted from around the compacted endoluminal device, the endoluminal device expands in configuration and repairs vascular or cardiac structures of an implant recipient. Any remaining sheath material is removed from the implantation site along with the deployment line.

Abstract: A delivery system for a medical implant and a method of delivering the medical implant. The delivery system includes an inner catheter and an outer catheter. The inner catheter includes a wire coil disposed between an inner tube and an outer tube, the wire coil having gaps between turns of the coil at a proximal and a distal region thereof. The outer catheter is disposed about the inner catheter. The system includes a flow path for liquid from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, the flow path including a radially extending portion through the gaps. The method includes inserting the delivery system into a body lumen, injecting visualizing fluid into the proximal end of the system, the visualizing fluid moving through the flow path and exiting the distal end of the system, and retracting the outer catheter to release the medical implant.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath pair is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath pair is removed by a health professional before placing the scaffold within the body.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, including an inner member and a sheath, extending from a handle. The handle includes a housing, a braking assembly, a carriage and a carriage driver. The braking assembly comprises a braking element within the housing interior and a braking element rotator. The carriage comprises at least one carriage braking surface engaging the braking element. The carriage driver, such as a spring, biases the carriage towards the proximal end of the handle. The inner member has a proximal end secured to the housing. The sheath has a proximal end secured to the carriage. Rotating the braking element causes the carriage to move proximally as the carriage braking surface slides along the braking element. This causes the sheath to move proximally relative to the inner member.

Abstract: A method for implanting a stent includes contracting a self-expanding/forcibly-expanding stent of a shape-memory material set to a given shape to a reduced implantation size with a delivery system having drive wires. The stent has a selectively adjustable assembly with adjustable elements operatively connected to the drive wires such that, when the adjustable elements are adjusted by the drive wires, a configuration change in at least a portion of the self-expanding stent occurs. The contracted stent is inserted into a native annulus in which the stent is to be implanted. The drive wires are rotated with the delivery system to forcibly expand the stent into the native annulus. While rotating the drive wires, a torque applied to the drive wires is determined with the delivery system. Rotation of the drive wires is stopped based upon a value of the determined torque.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system includes a catheter defining an inner space, and an outer retractable portion positioned over the catheter and defining an annular space between the catheter and the outer retractable portion. At least one bypass opening through a sidewall of the catheter fluidly connects the inner space and the annular space. A tubular sealing member is positioned in the annular space proximal to the bypass opening. The tubular sealing member is movable between a compressed state in which proximal fluid flow through the annular space is inhibited by the tubular sealing member, and a non-compressed state in which proximal fluid flow through the annular space at the tubular sealing member is permitted.

Abstract: A medical implant has a compressed and expanded state with an open-worked, preferably hollow-cylindrical main structure composed of a plurality of crosspieces, of which at least two are interconnected in each case at node elements. In the compressed state, even with complicated movements of the implant, for example when inserted into a vessel, at least one first barrier element is provided at each of a plurality of first node elements and at least one second barrier element is provided at each of a plurality of second node elements in each case adjacent to a respective first node element, such that a first barrier element and a respective adjacent second barrier element in each case lock together as the implant transitions from the expanded state into the compressed state, preferably during crimping, and thus inhibit the transition back in to the expanded state, so the barrier opposes a force in the circumferential direction and opposes a force in the radial direction.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer stent scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A process for forming the medical device includes placing the scaffold on a support supported by an alignment carriage, and deionizing the scaffold to remove any static charge buildup on the scaffold before placing the scaffold within a crimper to reduce the scaffold's diameter. The polymer scaffold is heated to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve scaffold retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the scaffold when deployed to support a body lumen.

Abstract: A deployment sheath for medical devices is provided that includes one or more pleats in its pre-deployment state that are allowed to open during deployment so as to facilitate easier device deployment and sheath removal. Preferably, the sheath is removed by everting it over itself during the delivery process. By orienting the pleats along the length of the sheath, preferably helically around the sheath, the sheath undergoes a predictable enlargement during deployment so as to relieve friction of the everted sheath sliding along itself during deployment. This allows the sheath to be removed with less tension than previous everting sheath constructions and assures more accurate device placement in a patient.

Abstract: Medical systems and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the medical systems include an inner tubular member defining an aperture and an outer tubular member at least partially surrounding the inner tubular member. The inner and outer tubular members can be arranged such that an implantable medical endoprosthesis can be disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods of use are provided. The systems can include a catheter, a core member, and engagement member, and a stent. The catheter can have a inner wall. The core member can extend within the catheter and having a distal segment. The engagement member can be attached to the distal segment. Further, the stent can be positioned within the catheter and extend over the engagement member. The stent can have an axial length that is greater than an axial length of the engagement member. The engagement member can have an expanded state in which the engagement member presses the stent against the catheter inner wall for engaging the stent to move the stent along with the core member relative to the catheter.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an endoprosthesis delivery system comprising an elongate member, such as a catheter, an endoprosthesis, a covering member disposed about the endoprosthesis, and at least one flexible element situated between the endoprosthesis and the covering member. The covering member can extend beyond an end of the endoprosthesis. In operation, as the covering member is removed, the flexible element can guide the covering member over the end of the endoprosthesis to prevent entanglement between the end of the endoprosthesis and the covering member.

Abstract: Modular endograft devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, an endograft system can include constrained first and second endograft devices that extend across a vascular defect and expanded to press mating septal walls against each other. At least one of the endograft devices can include a fenestration that is aligned with a renal artery to provide bloodflow to the artery. A delivery device configured in accordance with the present technology can include a guidewire that passes through the fenestration to guide the endograft to an implant site and self align the fenestration with the renal artery to facilitate connection of the endograft to the renal artery. An additional stent can be connected to the fenestration to secure the renal artery to the endograft device.

Abstract: A system for delivering and releasing a self-expanding stent includes a catheter, a tubular self-expanding stent configured to be constrained from expanding when the tubular self-expanding stent is contained within the catheter, and a core advancement wire disposed within and extending through a lumen of the tubular self-expanding stent. One or more stop members on the core advancement wire engage one or more anchor members on the stent when the core advancement wire is translated longitudinally toward the one or more anchor members.

Abstract: A first endoluminal prosthesis coupled to an inner catheter and a dilator tip is delivered to the body vessel via a guidewire and a delivery sheath in a conventional manner. After deployment of the first endoluminal prosthesis at the target site, the dilator and catheter are retracted from the body, leaving the delivery sheath in place. A second endoluminal prosthesis is housed within a peel-away sheath without a catheter or dilator tip, and is mated to the delivery sheath outside the patient. The second prosthesis is advanced from the peel-away sheath into the delivery sheath without the use of a dilator tip or catheter. As the second prosthesis is advanced into the delivery sheath from the peel-away sheath, the peel-away sheath is peeled away. The second prosthesis is advanced through the delivery sheath and delivered into an overlapping engagement with the first prosthesis.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can facilitate positioning of a stent within a first vessel. The system can include an elongate member, an expandable stent coupled to the elongate member, and an imaging mechanism, such as an ultrasonic probe. The imaging mechanism can be positioned distal or proximal relative to the stent or adjacent to an aperture in the stent, such that the imaging mechanism can facilitate positioning of the stent within the first vessel such that flow into an orifice of a second vessel is not blocked by the stent.

Abstract: A capture tube mechanism for delivering and releasing a self-expanding stent includes a core wire on which a proximal portion of the stent is removably retained by a distal portion of a tubular capture sleeve. In one embodiment, one or more elongated members extending through corresponding apertures through the capture sleeve and out the distal end of the capture sleeve can be pulled to split the tubular capture sleeve to release the stent. In another embodiment, the capture sleeve can be pulled proximally over one or more stop members provided on the core wire to release the stent.

Abstract: A stent compression and crimping system includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end comprising a removable funnel, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The system further includes a guidewire extending through the sheath's lumen. The system also includes a plurality of elongate wires. Each wire has a proximal end attached to a collar, a distal free end, and a wire body extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The plurality of elongate wires is collectively disposed about the guidewire in an operative configuration.

Abstract: Catheter including a pressure chamber defined by proximal and distal seals and inner and outer tubular members. An actuator member, moveable between first and second positions, is disposed within the pressure chamber. Fluid introduced into the pressure chamber applies a force on the actuator member to move the actuator member toward the second position. A lock mechanism, disposed between inner and outer tubular members, includes a latch having an engaged condition preventing movement of the outer tubular member relative the inner member and a disengaged condition allowing movement the outer member. The latch is shifted to the disengaged condition when the actuator member is moved to the second position. With the actuator member in the second position and the latch in the disengaged condition, fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to urge the outer tubular member proximally.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided for self-expanding medical devices, such as stents. The delivery system has a restraining sheath that maintains the stent in a compressed state prior to deployment. The restraining sheath terminates distally from the deployment handle, and a wire connects the restraining sheath to the deployment handle. The restraining sheath is withdrawn from the stent to deploy the stent by pulling the wires proximally at the deployment handle.

Abstract: A delivery system including a distal capture device that has a sleeve with a passageway defined axially therethrough and one or more elastically deformable sections. Each of the one or more elastically deformable sections has a free terminating end and an opposite end mounted to the distal end of the sleeve. The elastically deformable sections transition between: (i) a fully expanded state in which the elastically deformable section is distally biased in a direction away from the sleeve; and (ii) a retracted state in which the free terminating end of each of the elastically deformable sections is proximally deflected backwards over itself in a direction toward the proximal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods for accessing the common and internal iliac arteries and delivering and deploying an endovascular graft therein are disclosed. A system including a pre-loaded delivery and deployment device with an extension sheath is described which enables such a method to be practiced is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular introducer sheath is made of predominantly clear material, with a colored stripe that extends along the length of the tubular introducer sheath, and that preferably spirals along the length of the tubular introducer sheath around the longitudinal axis of the tubular introducer sheath. The colored stripe has a width that is sufficiently wide to be visible externally, and is sufficiently narrow that the clear area allows visual inspection through the tubular introducer sheath. The distal end portion of the tubular introducer sheath may also be tapered.

Abstract: A delivery system for a self-expanding medical device is provided. The delivery system includes an outer sheath that radially restrains the medical device. An inner catheter is disposed within the outer sheath. The inner catheter is a composite structure with an inner layer adhered to the inner diameter of a closed coil wire. The inner catheter has a wave-like pattern along the outer surface that is exposed to the inner surface of the outer sheath.

Abstract: A stent-graft delivery system includes a balloon, a sleeve disposed over the balloon, and a stent graft mounted over the sleeve. The sleeve includes a weakened area between a first end and a second end of the sleeve such that when the balloon is expanded, the balloon expands from a center portion of the balloon towards the ends of the balloon. The weakened area of the sleeve may be a slit, a thinner wall section, grooves, notches, or other weakening features. The sleeve may be adhesively attached to an outer shaft of the catheter or to an outer surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent graft for animal or human implantation and method of delivery thereof. The device stent graft employs a first component having an axial passage communicating with the axial cavities of a second leg and longer first leg. A separate leg extension is engageable to the second leg. A first catheter engages the first component for translation to the implantation site and a second catheter engaged with the first is provided with a prepositioned guide wire inside the second leg which may be employed to easily position a guide wire for engagement of the second leg with the leg extension.

Abstract: An assembly for open surgical repair of a damaged wall portion of a body vessel includes a stent/graft device comprising an elongated stent body and a graft material covering the stent body. The device is expandable from a compressed condition having a diameter less than a diameter of the vessel to an expanded condition at least as great as the diameter of the vessel. A sheath enclosing the device when in the compressed condition includes a sheath body and a pull string for selectively splitting the sheath body to allow expansion of the device. The device and enclosing sheath are sized for insertion through the damaged wall portion into the vessel, wherein the pull string is extendable through the damaged wall portion for splitting the sheath body.

Abstract: A stent for repairing post-anastomosis surgery leaks is described. The stent includes an elongated tube having a flared proximal end and a flared distal end, and an intermediate region disposed between those two ends. An inflatable balloon is disposed about the intermediate region. In addition, the elongated tube is coated with a coating.

Abstract: A delivery system for implanting a medical device into the body of a patient or subject and a method of use thereof. The delivery system includes a delivery catheter having a catheter lumen and an inner member extending therethrough. The inner member includes a distal tip portion, a proximal portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being disposed adjacent to the distal end of the delivery catheter. A first sealing member, positioned near a distal end of the proximal portion, forms a fluid seal between the inner member and an inside surface of the delivery catheter. A second sealing member, positioned near a proximal end of the distal tip portion, forms a fluid seal between the inner member and an inside surface of the delivery catheter. The intermediate portion extends between the first seal and the second seal. In one embodiment, a medical device and a hydrating fluid are present in a device-containing region between the intermediate portion and the delivery catheter.