Abstract: A method for implanting a prosthesis centrally within a curved lumen includes loading a prosthesis into a delivery sheath, advancing the sheath in a patient towards the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end of the prosthesis within the curved lumen, and centering the proximal end of the prosthesis and/or the distal end of the sheath within the curved lumen. In a first advancing step, the outer catheter containing the inner sheath is advanced together towards the curved lumen to a location proximal of the curved lumen and, in a second advancing step, the inner sheath containing the prosthesis is advanced into the curved lumen to place at least the proximal end within the curved lumen while the outer catheter substantially remains at the location. After centering, the proximal end of the prosthesis is deployed centered within the curved lumen.

Abstract: A heart valve includes a valve body made of a flexible material such as pericardium. The valve body is made of two layers of material, an outer layer, and an inner layer that defines a plurality of leaflets. The leaflets of the inner layer are attached to the outer layer. In some embodiments the valve body is made by cutting a single piece of flat source tissue, folding the cut tissue and forming it into a tubular pattern having the inner and outer layers. The multi-layer valve body can be mounted on a stent for delivery within a patient's heart.

Abstract: A surgical device for carrying out an anastomosis in the intestine, including a protective device having an anchor element consisting of a stent and a flexible outer sheath, and an introducer including a first deformable guide tube, where the downstream end of the outer sheath is connected to the first guide tube or to a first connecting piece, the outer sheath being folded inside the first deformable guide tube, and the stent being held in radial compression inside the first deformable guide tube.

Abstract: Methods for improving luminal gain when performing angioplasty at a zone of attention located at a blood vessel in a person's vascular system is provided. An intravascular device including an expandable portion secured to a distal portion of a catheter tube is provided. An incising element is provided on the expandable portion. The expandable portion is positioned at a first end of the zone of attention, placed in an expanded position, and moved along at least a portion of the zone of attention such that the incising element contacts at least a portion of atherosclerotic material located therein. An angioplasty device is positioned at the zone of attention and expanded.

Abstract: Endovascular systems for deployment at branched arteries include a main tubular graft body deployable within a main artery including a proximal end and an opposed distal end. The proximal and distal ends have a tubular graft wall therein between. A plurality of inflatable channels are disposed along the main tubular graft body, and at least one stent segment is disposed along the tubular graft wall of the main tubular graft body. The plurality of inflatable channels are configured to be inflatable with an inflation medium. The at least one stent segment is disposed between two or more adjacent inflatable channels of the plurality of inflatable channels.

Abstract: A stent with a selectively curved region. The stent includes a radially expandable tubular framework and a covering surrounding the tubular framework. A stent also includes a drawstring having a first end attached to the tubular framework at a first attachment location proximate the distal end of the tubular framework. The second end of the first drawstring is manipulatable proximate the proximal end of the tubular framework to deflect the tubular framework into a curved configuration.

Abstract: Described herein are radially self-expanding stents. The disclosed stents can be used to widen arteries and/or veins of a patient to counteract or combat narrowing of the arteries and/or veins associated with certain congenital diseases, such as aortic coarctation. As an example, the disclosed stents are configured to be placed at or near a narrowed portion of the aorta where the stent produces a radial outward force on the aorta. The radial force produced by the stent widens the aorta and causes the stent to expand with the aorta. The disclosed stents can be crimped to relatively small sizes for placement in small patients (e.g., less than about 10 kg in size) and can be configured to expand to widen the aorta and to accommodate growth in the patient.

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 delivery system includes a handle, a guidewire catheter, a nose cone at the distal end of the guidewire catheter that with the guidewire catheter defines an opening concentric with the guidewire catheter, a plurality of wires that extend distally from the handle and essentially parallel with and distributed radially about the guidewire catheter and a stent graft. The wires each extend between a portion of the stents and wall of the stent graft, whereby the stent graft is radially constrained until the wires are retracted. The delivery system can be employed in methods of treating arterial disease, such as aortic aneurysms.

Abstract: A branch stent for implantation from a main blood vessel in a plurality of branch blood vessels having respective branch blood vessel diameters, the branch stent comprising: a tubular element having: an axis of elongation; a first and a second tubular element end; the tubular element covered with a tubular element cover; and a parachute element having an unconstrained flat-toroid/disc configuration, the parachute element having a parachute element cover, the parachute element positioned perpendicularly at the second tubular element end, and positioned coaxially to the axis of elongation; wherein the branch stent is implanted from within a fenestrated stent-graft having oversized fenestrations, the fenestrated stent-graft first implanted in the main blood vessel at a bifurcation zone including the plurality of branch blood vessels, with each of the oversized fenestrations having respective diameters larger than respective branch blood vessel diameters; wherein the branch stent and the fenestrated stent-graft a

Abstract: A medical appliance or prosthesis may comprise one or more layers of electrospun nanofibers, including electrospun polymers. The electrospun material may comprise layers including layers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Electrospun nanofiber mats of certain porosities may permit tissue ingrowth into or attachment to the prosthesis.

Abstract: A stent graft having an internal bidirectional branch formed from a tubular segment of graft material. The internal bidirectional branch extends within the lumen of the stent graft and proximally and distally from a lateral opening in the sidewall of the stent graft. The tubular segment from which the stent graft is made is partitioned into first and second sections along a length of the tubular segment to form the internal bidirectional branch. The lateral opening has a length and a width that may be greater than the diameter of the internal bidirectional branch and may be in the shape of a quadrilateral. The internal bidirectional branch and the stent graft are formed from a single piece of graft material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing fluid communication between body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for establishing a controlled flow or access passage between body lumens.

Abstract: A branch vessel stent comprising a stent body and a first developing member, wherein the first developing member comprises a first developing portion and a second developing portion. A length of the first developing portion and a length of the second developing portion in an axial direction of the stent body are both not less than 0.5 mm. A distance between the intersections of the first developing portion and the second developing portion on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the stent body gradually increases from a position where the distance is the minimum distance to an end that is away from a first end of the first developing portion or the second developing portion. The minimum distance between the intersections of the first developing portion and the second developing portion on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the stent body is not more than 2 mm.

Abstract: Examples of prostheses are provided having an internal branch. A tubular graft body of the prosthesis defines a main lumen extending between an inflow end and an outflow end of the graft body. A stent structure is coupled along the graft body. A trough is at least partially defined by a trough wall extending into the main lumen from a sidewall of the graft body. A side branch defines a branch lumen and extends from the trough within the main lumen towards one of the inflow or outflow ends of the graft body. A branch lumen facing surface of the trough wall is a continuous surface with an outer surface of the sidewall of the graft body. A boundary of the trough may be configured to provide a smooth transition surface between the trough and the sidewall.

Abstract: The invention is an improved biocompatible surface for a variety of medical purposes. The biocompatible surface employs a unique tight microstructure that demonstrates enhanced cellular response in the body, particularly when placed in contact with blood. As a blood contact surface, the present invention can be beneficially employed in a wide variety of implantable devices and in many other devices and equipment that come in contact with blood.

Abstract: Disclosed is an atrial appendage clip, including a first clip arm and a second clip arm that are symmetrically arranged; a first cavity and a second cavity are correspondingly provided in the first clip arm and the second clip arm along an axial direction thereof; a first spring and a second spring are correspondingly provided in the first cavity and the second cavity; the first spring is connected with the second clip arm via a first pull wire, and the second spring is connected with the first clip arm via a second pull wire, so as to form a closed loop structure; and as the first spring and the second spring are stretched or compressed, the first clip arm and the second clip arm are opened or closed therebetween.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods for endovascular implants and placement thereof are disclosed. The implants include a proximal implant segment, a distal implant segment, connector struts connecting the proximal implant segment to the distal implant segment, and a side opening between the proximal implant segment and the distal implant segment. The implants can be used to create an arteriovenous fistula or connect one vessel of the body to another by placement of the proximal implant segment and the distal implant segment within the vessels to be connected. The implants can include one or more anchors for securing the implant in place with respect to the vessels of the body it is connecting. The implants can also include a continuous strut or ring at a distal edge of the proximal implant segment. Also disclosed are methods for percutaneous placement of the implants, and a device for percutaneous delivery.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for implanting a patient-specific prosthesis at a treatment site in a patient are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a patient-specific prosthesis includes a tubular graft and a coupling member. A fenestration can be disposed in the tubular graft, the fenestration corresponding to a predicted branch blood vessel location. The coupling member can be disposed about the fenestration. The coupling member can include a coil configured to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to the application of an expanding force. The coil can be configured to contract to a third configuration upon removal of the expanding force.

Abstract: Example aspects of a stent spring for a stent, a stent for repairing a pipe, and a method for repairing a pipe are disclosed. The stent spring for a stent can comprise a plurality of minor springs connected in a series around a circumference of the stent spring, each of the minor springs defining a first leg and a second leg; and a spring constrictor engaged with each of the minor springs, each of the spring constrictors movable between a first position, wherein the corresponding minor spring defines a first maximum width, and a second position, wherein the corresponding minor spring defines a second maximum width that is greater than the first maximum width.

Abstract: Examples of prostheses are provided having an internal branch. A tubular graft body of the prosthesis defines a main lumen extending between an inflow end and an outflow end of the graft body. A stent structure is coupled along the graft body. A trough is at least partially defined by a trough wall extending into the main lumen from a sidewall of the graft body. A side branch defines a branch lumen and extends from the trough within the main lumen towards one of the inflow or outflow ends of the graft body. A branch lumen facing surface of the trough wall is a continuous surface with an outer surface of the sidewall of the graft body. A boundary of the trough may be configured to provide a smooth transition surface between the trough and the sidewall.

Abstract: A hybrid endoprosthetic device comprises a stented tubular part and a branched tubular body connected such that a main lumen of the stented tubular part communicates with a main lumen of the branched tubular body. The branched tubular body has multiple branch lumens for connection with natural vessels of the vasculature, and includes at least one branch lumen for access to facilitate delivery and implantation of the hybrid endoprosthetic device by an endovascular step in a hybrid surgical procedure. The hybrid endoprosthetic device is configured to replace a part of the aorta and common iliac artery. A delivery system for use with the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices are provided with an internal dimension that can be reduced and increased in vivo. In one example, an interatrial shunt for placement at an atrial septum of a patient's heart includes a body. The body includes first and second regions coupled in fluid communication by a neck region. The body includes a shape-memory material. The body defines a passageway through the neck region for blood to flow between a first atrium and a second atrium. The first and second regions are superelastic at body temperature, and the neck region is malleable at body temperature. A flow area of the passageway through the neck region may be adjusted in vivo.

Abstract: Silk performance apparel and methods of preparing the same are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, silk performance apparel includes textiles, fabrics, consumer products, and other materials that are coated with aqueous solutions of pure silk fibroin-based protein fragments. In some embodiments, coated apparel products exhibit surprisingly improved moisture management properties and increased resistance to microbial growth.

Abstract: Provided are a tubular therapeutic implement, a tubular therapeutic implement set, and a tubular therapeutic implement indwelling device, all of which enable appropriate indwelling at a branching portion in a tubular tissue. This stent graft 30 is provided with: a frame portion (32) having a plurality of frame pieces (321-325); and a tubular graft portion (33) which is provided along the frame portion, wherein the tube wall of the graft portion is provided with a lateral opening (through-hole 36 of a branching section 35) that is connected with an inner cavity of the graft portion, and when the region between one end and the other end of the graft portion is compartmented into a first region (P) that includes the lateral opening and a second region (Q) that dose not include the lateral opening, the frame pieces are not situated in the first region, but are in the second region.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering and deploying stent grafts having a proximal stent includes a first lumen and a stent capture device including a capture portion fixedly connected adjacent a first lumen distal end. An outer catheter has a catheter distal end and a catheter inner diameter. A second lumen having a second distal end is slidably disposed about the first lumen and within the outer catheter. A stent graft sheath has a sheath proximal end connected to the second distal end and disposed about the first lumen. The sheath has a sheath distal end and a sheath inner diameter greater than the catheter inner diameter for holding a compressed stent graft. A distal nose cone has a cone proximal end connected to either the capture portion or the first distal end. The nose cone and the capture portion are movably adjustable to selectively capture the sheath distal end therebetween.

Abstract: A sealing device for use as a vascular implant including a frame, the frame having an inflow edge and an outflow edge relative to axial blood flow within a vessel, wherein at least a partial axial extent of the frame is configured to decrease in axial length when expanded from a radially compressed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The sealing device also includes a membrane layer coupled to a radially outward surface of the at least partial axial extent of the frame between the inflow edge and the outflow edge of the frame, wherein the membrane layer is coupled to the frame at one or more axially spaced connection points such that at least a portion of the membrane layer projects radially outward relative to the frame when the frame is in the radially-expanded configuration.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems and methods that include a self-expanding endoprosthesis having a reduced configuration and a deployed configuration. The self-expanding endoprosthesis may include a self-expanding stent element having an enlarged diameter and a graft component attached to at least a portion of the self-expanding stent element and having an enlarged diameter less than the enlarged diameter of the self-expanding stent element in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A stent graft for deployment in a curved lumen such as the aortic or thoracic arch comprises a constraining mechanism at its proximal end. A stent provided at the proximal end of the stent graft includes loops of material that co-operate with restraining wires that extend between a central guide wire carrier and a restraining wire cannula. The constraining mechanism acts to maintain the proximal stent constrained at both the proximal and distal ends of the proximal stent. The proximal stent is thus allowed to expand after expansion of the remainder of the stent graft during deployment. In an embodiment, the constraining mechanism acts to constrain two adjacent struts of the proximal stent at three points radially therearound, at the proximal end of the stent and at the distal end of the stent. The proximal stent may then overlap with the interior of an adjacent stent at an inner part of a curved vessel.

Abstract: An implantable intravascular anchor for supporting a device inside a vascular lumen, the anchor comprising a first part configured to expand when extending from a catheter, and to collapse upon retraction into said catheter; a second part for supporting the device in the lumen and a third part, proximal to the first part, and configured so that, upon release from the catheter, it expands in width to engage an interior wall of the lumen and is adapted for securing the anchor against axial movement along the lumen.

Abstract: Vascular prosthesis includes a luminal graft component defining a graft fenestration, at least one support disk fenestration, and a moveable disk defining a moveable disk opening, wherein the graft fenestration, the support disk fenestration and the moveable disk opening are all aligned, and the moveable disk is sandwiched between the support disk and the luminal graft component or between two of the support disks. The moveable disk is moveable between the support disk and the luminal graft component. The support disk is fixed to the luminal graft component. The vascular prosthesis is implanted by a method that includes directing the vascular prosthesis to an aneurysm site of a patient, and then implanting a branch prosthesis through the graft fenestration and into an arterial branch, whereby the moveable disk opening moves within the support disk fenestration to properly align the branch prosthesis with the arterial branch.

Abstract: The vascular prosthesis includes a luminal graft component having at least one fenestration. At least one fenestration ring borders the at least one fenestration and is fixed to the luminal graft component. The fenestration ring includes a main component with two opposing ends and a connecting component. The diameter of the fenestration ring can expand upon insertion of a branch prosthesis through the fenestration ring during implantation at a surgical site. The vascular prosthesis can be implanted in a patient to thereby treat, for example, an arterial aneurysm, spanning a region of an aneurysm that includes at least one arterial branch.

Abstract: The present application relates to an outlet graft for a blood pump as well as to a system comprising a blood pump and an outlet graft that is connected to an outlet of the blood pump. The outlet graft includes a first end opposite a second end such that a longitudinal axis is formed between the first and second ends. The second end is connectable to a blood vessel and a lumen with a closed cover. A first strip included in the cover extends parallel to the longitudinal axis and is made of a material that is of a higher contrast under x-rays than the cover.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to a stent-graft system including a bifurcated stent-graft, a first bifurcating branch device, and a first branch extension. The bifurcated stent-graft includes a body, a first branch limb, and a second branch limb. The first bifurcating branch device includes a body segment coupled to the first branch limb of the bifurcated stent-graft, a first branch limb, and a second branch limb. The first branch extension is within the first branch limb of the first bifurcating branch device and within an external iliac artery. The first bifurcating branch device has a wide patient applicability since the treatment can be extended proximal to the anatomical iliac bifurcation and is not limited by the common iliac artery length. The stent-graft system is suitable to treat a wide range of internal and external iliac artery diameters.

Abstract: Endovascular stent grafts in accordance with various embodiments include one or more channels on a main body graft, the one or more channels defining a passageway for receiving one or more branch portions for treating branch vessels. In various embodiments, the one or more channels on the main body graft may be abluminal, adluminal, or weaved, with respect to a stent structure of the main body graft.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to an assembly including a docking graft. The docking graft includes a main graft defining a main lumen, a first internal lumen within the main lumen, a second internal lumen within the main lumen, and a main docking lumen within the main lumen. The first and second internal lumens are configured to receive first and second bridging stent graft therein. The main docking lumen is configured to receive a tube graft therein. The first internal lumen, the second internal lumen, and the main docking lumen being parallel to one another and extending an entire length of the docking graft when the docking graft is in a relaxed configuration. The docking graft forms the foundation, or anchor device, for attachment of the first bridging stent graft, the second bridging stent graft, and the tube graft within the aorta.

Abstract: A multi-lumen stent-graft including a graft portion and a stent frame. The stent-graft includes multiple through-channels formed of the graft portion. The graft portion can comprise a PTFE material and the through-channels can be formed of fused portions of the graft portion. The stent-graft can be used in a prostheses that connects multiple vessel branches such as for the repair of aortic aneurysms or other vessels of the body.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to modular stent device and method of deploying the same. The method includes introducing a delivery system including the modular stent device via supra aortic access. The delivery system is advanced into the ascending aorta. Once positioned, the modular stent device is deployed from the delivery system such that an artery leg of the modular stent device engages the brachiocephalic artery and a bypass gate engages the aorta, wherein the artery leg partially collapses the bypass gate. The artery leg has a greater radial force than the bypass gate such that the artery leg remains un-collapsed and opened. Accordingly, blood flow through the artery leg and perfusion of the brachiocephalic artery and preservation of blood flow to cerebral territories including the brain is insured.

Abstract: Docking stations for transcatheter valves are described. The docking stations can include an expandable frame, at least one sealing portion, and a valve seat. The expandable frame can be configured to conform to an interior shape of a portion of the circulatory system when expanded inside the circulatory system. The sealing portion can be configured to contact an interior surface of the circulatory system to create a seal. The valve seat can be connected to the expandable frame and can be configured to support an expandable transcatheter valve. The docking stations are adaptable to different anatomies/locations to allow implantation of a transcatheter valve in a variety of anatomies/locations.

Abstract: A stent-graft prosthesis for implantation within a body vessel includes a graft material, a frame, and a channel. The graft material includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a graft lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The frame is coupled to the graft material. The channel is configured to relieve pressure associated with pulsatile blood flow during implantation of the stent-graft prosthesis within a body vessel. The channel permits blood to flow from an upstream side of the stent-graft prosthesis to a downstream side of the stent-graft prosthesis when the stent-graft prosthesis is in a partially expanded configuration in the body vessel. The channel may be a plurality of channels.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include an implantable medical device and a constraining line conduit arranged around a circumference of the implantable medical device. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may also include a constraining line arranged through the constraining line conduit.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis and a system for delivering a valve prosthesis are described herein. The system can include a support frame, a valve anchor comprising an anchoring leg and a plurality of U-shaped members, and a suture coupled to the support frame and slidably coupled to the anchoring leg.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a self expanding stent positioned about a distal support segment of a catheter, which includes a proximal segment. A constraint has a wrapped configuration, which has a hollow elongated shape, and an unwrapped configuration, which is a continuous length of a strip. The stent is in contact with, and held in a compressed state by, the constraint in the wrapped configuration, and the stent is in an expanded state out of contact with the constraint in the unwrapped configuration. The constraint may move from the wrapped configuration toward the unwrapped configuration responsive to tension in a control line connected to one end of the strip.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for a variety of medical treatments. The prosthesis may include an expandable tubular frame structure and a covering disposed along the frame structure. A proximal liner may be situated along a proximal end of the frame, a distal liner may be situated along a distal end of the frame, and an intermediate liner may be between the proximal liner and the distal liner along the frame. The intermediate liner comprises an extended layer that meets and bonds to the proximal liner and the distal liner at their respective ends. A method of manufacturing the prosthesis is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid scaffold is disclosed which is made of materials that define peripheral layers designed to interface with the tissues in the implant site and one or more intermediate layers. The materials are combined to give the scaffold mechanical properties suitable for withstanding the stresses of the implant site. The materials are fibroin for the peripheral layers and polyurethane combined with fibroin for each intermediate layer.

Abstract: A stent for placement in a blood vessel with a wall having an aneurysm including an endovascular graft having a first end, a second end, and a tubular body that is expandable and extends from the first end to the second end. The stent also includes a coagulation apparatus attached to the tubular body between the first and second ends. The coagulation apparatus has a frame and a coagulant attached to the frame. When the stent is deployed within the blood vessel, the tubular body extends across the aneurysm and expands at the first and second ends to seal against the wall of the blood vessel such that blood is channeled across the aneurysm through the tubular body such that a pocket of blood is defined external to the tubular body. The frame expands into the pocket to orient the coagulant therein and promote coagulation of blood within the pocket.

Abstract: An aortic stent graft includes a stent with a framework attached to a fabric tube by a plurality of suture ties. The fabric tube includes a plurality of discrete attachment areas that are at least partially surrounded by at least one permeable graft area. The fabric tube is one of a weave and a knit of thermoplastic yarn. Each of the suture ties associated with the discrete attachment areas at least one of penetrates through and encircles a respective one of the discrete attachment areas. The weave or knit of the discrete attachment areas is identical to that of the permeable graft area with an exception that a wall thickness of each of the discrete attachment areas is flattened relative to, and thinner than, a wall thickness of the permeable graft area.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to an assembly including a single branch stent device and a modular stent device configured to be coupled to the single branch stent device. The single branch stent device includes a main body and a branch coupling extending radially from the main body. The modular stent device includes a main body configured to be coupled inside of the main body of the single branch stent device, a bypass gate extending distally from a distal end of the main body of the modular stent device, and an artery leg extending distally from the distal end of the main body of the modular stent device.

Abstract: The endoluminal prosthesis assembly comprises a first stent graft having a first end and a second end and an interior lumen. The first stent graft has an expanded position and a compressed position and defines an access port disposed through a wall of the first stent graft between the first and second ends of the first stent graft. The endoluminal prosthesis assembly further comprises a second stent graft being disposed entirely within the interior lumen of the first stent graft. The second stent graft is disposed within the first stent graft and has an expanded position and a compressed position. In the compressed position, the second stent graft contacts only a portion of an interior wall of the first stent graft and the access port is in fluid communication with the interior lumen of the first stent graft.

Abstract: A process for fixing an implant to a balloon includes providing, in an interior of a sleeve, a heated balloon having a pressurizable balloon interior and an implant crimped to the balloon. The implant has a supporting structure with a multiplicity of through openings. A negative pressure is applied in the interior of the sleeve and a positive pressure is applied to the balloon interior, so that the balloon is deep-drawn into the openings of the implant, producing a form-locking connection between the balloon and the implant. A configuration for carrying out the process and an apparatus for fixing an implant to a balloon are also provided.