Abstract: An endograft comprising a proximal end and a distal end is disclosed. The endograft includes a tube of biocompatible material. The tube includes a main lumen extending longitudinally from the proximal end to the distal end, the main lumen including a proximal portion, an intermediate portion and a distal portion; a branch lumen within the intermediate portion of the main lumen; and a seam, the seam extending longitudinally beside both the branch lumen and the distal portion of the main lumen, wherein the tube includes a lateral cross-section defining a tubular wall pinched together by the seam to form a branch portion. The branch portion includes an entrance within the intermediate portion of the main lumen and an exit through the tubular wall of the main lumen.

Abstract: A transcatheter prosthesis with radially compressed and expanded configurations. An elongate member encircling at least a portion of the prosthesis, and configured to provide a seal between the prosthesis and a native anatomy when the prosthesis is deployed in the radially expanded configuration. The elongate member may be a resilient elongate member having a radially contracted state, when in tension, to hold at least the portion of the prosthesis in the radially compressed configuration, and having a radially expanded state, when relaxed, to provide the seal between at least the portion of the prosthesis and a native anatomy when the prosthesis is deployed. A system for delivering the transcatheter prosthesis may include a delivery catheter having an elongate cinching member encircling at least a second portion of the prosthesis, wherein the elongate cinching member is configured to hold the second portion of the prosthesis in the radially compressed configuration.

Abstract: An intravascular stent, preparation method and use thereof. The intravascular stent includes a positioning segment and a supporting segment. The positioning segment includes a plurality of first repeating elements. The supporting segment includes at least two supporting units and at least one connecting unit. The supporting unit includes a plurality of second repeating elements. The number of the first repeating elements differing from the number of the second repeating elements. A plane formed by front ends of the plurality of first repeating elements being vertical to or intersecting with the axis of the intravascular stent. The intravascular stent is usable for iliac vein, with good supporting effect for iliac vein and less damage to venous wall, and can effectively avoid forming in-stent secondary thrombosis after intravascular stent implantation. Moreover, the intravascular stent is positionable in the iliac vein to improve the accuracy of the release.

Abstract: A hybrid modular endovascular graft wherein a main graft is sized to span at least a portion of a target vessel lesion in a large percentage of patients. Graft extensions may be secured to the main graft to extend the main graft and provide a sealing function for some applications.

Abstract: An endoluminal graft system comprising an endoluminal graft including a framework and a flexible fabric surrounding the framework, a deflection means configured for placement through an opening to a branching vessel, and a delivery catheter configured to position the endoluminal graft within a primary vessel. A method of implanting the endoluminal graft includes positioning the endoluminal graft within a primary vessel with a leading edge of the endoluminal graft adjacent to an opening to a branching vessel. A deflecting means is positioned through the opening to the branching vessel adjacent to the leading edge of the endoluminal graft. The endoluminal graft is then advanced along the length of the primary vessel with the deflection means engaging the leading edge of the endoluminal graft to form a scallop along the leading edge of the endoluminal graft.

Abstract: A method of making an internal bidirectional branch and an endoluminal prosthesis from a tubular segment of graft material. The tubular segment is partitioned into first and second sections along a length of the tubular segment. The first section has a width less than a width of the tubular segment, and the second section has a width less than the first section. The second section is partitioned into at least three sub-sections. The tubular segment is connected along a lateral edge of the first and third sub-sections of the second section. The tubular segment is turned inside out such that the bidirectional branch is positioned within a lumen of the first section and an opening of the second sub-section is exposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heart valve prosthesis for percutaneous replacement of a tricuspid valve including a stent-type support structure and a biological heart valve; the stent-type support structure can autonomously expand from a radially compressed state into a radially expanded state and includes a fluid-tight cover which extends like a tube over at least some portions of the support structure; the heart valve is arranged in a lateral opening in the support structure. Embodiments further relate to a system including a heart valve prosthesis of said type.

Abstract: A stent or other prosthesis may be formed by coating a single continuous wire scaffold with a polymer coating. The polymer coating may consist of layers of electrospun polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Electrospun PTFE of certain porosities may permit endothelial cell growth within the prosthesis.

Abstract: Embodiments of a crimping device for crimping a radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve are disclosed. A crimping device can comprise a housing configured to receive a prosthetic valve in a radially expanded state. The housing member can include a funnel segment and an outlet in communication with the funnel segment. The crimping device can further comprise an actuator rotatably coupled to the housing, wherein rotation of the actuator relative to the housing causes the prosthetic valve to move axially through the funnel segment such that at least a portion of the prosthetic valve compresses radially by engagement with the funnel segment and exits the crimping device via the outlet.

Abstract: An assembly including a deployment device for deploying a stent device into an aorta of a patient is provided. The deployment device includes a rod translatable within an aorta of a patient and a first release wire configured for releasing one or more radially constraining members, wherein the radially constraining members are configured to constrain a diameter of the stent device. The stent device is at least partially permeable and engaged with the deployment device in an initial configuration, wherein a diameter and a length of the stent device in a deployed configuration can be altered by axial translation of the rod and releasing one or more of the radially constraining members by translation of the first release wire.

Abstract: Methods for making implantable medical devices with nanofibrous covering materials are described. For example, this document describes methods for making stent-like implantable medical devices with a skirt composed of nanofibrous material that is applied by an electrospinning process either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraluminal vascular prosthesis, preferably for implanting in the aortic arch. The prosthesis has a hollow cylindrical body with a first end and a second end; a first vascular prosthesis portion; a second vascular prosthesis portion; and a stent portion which is provided between the first and the second vascular prosthesis portion and which is rigidly connected to said vascular prosthesis portions, said stent portion being free of prosthesis material.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for the prevention of stroke. Devices and systems hereof comprise stents configured to fit within at least part of an artery extending from an aortic arch, and at least one component comprising struts for diverting emboli from entering an artery when the component is positioned at or near its ostium. The stents and the deflection component(s) are coupled in a linked configuration. Additionally, a retrieval system and methods of using the same are provided, the retrieval system comprising a sleeve catheter and a retrieval device slidably disposed therein. The distal end of the retrieval device comprises an attachment portion configured to engage a device positioned within an artery extending from the aortic arch.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a method, a computer program product, and a computer system for detecting and characterizing aortic pathologies are provided. The method may include receiving, by a computer, one or more tomograph scan images corresponding to a patient's aorta. The one or more received tomograph scan images may be analyzed by the computer for one or more image features associated with one or more aortic pathologies, such as aortic dissection or an aortic aneurysm. One or more image features associated with the one or more aortic pathologies may be identified in the one or more analyzed tomograph scan images, which may allow the determination of an aortic pathology associated with the patient's aorta based on the identification of the image features. A portion of the aorta and one or more branch arteries corresponding to the determined aortic pathology may then be identified.

Abstract: A stent-graft includes a graft material having a main body, a first leg, a second leg, and a transition region where the first leg and the second leg meet the main body. A main body transition stent is coupled to the main body. A transition stent support including a gusset is coupled to the graft material such that a transition apex of the main body transition stent is interposed between the gusset and the graft material, the transition apex being aligned with the transition region. The transition apex, which is susceptible to failure, is stabilized by the gusset in combination with a supporting ligament. The gusset and supporting ligament prevent flexing of the transition apex and the associated failure thereof.

Abstract: Urologic stents that are adapted for temporary use to provide relief following treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia and other disorders of the prostate, urethra and ureters.

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 present invention relates to a secondary battery. The secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly, which comprises: a first electrode in which a first notching part is provided; a second electrode in which a second notching part is provided; a first separator interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a second separator disposed on a lower portion of the second electrode, wherein the electrode assembly is folded in a width direction in a state in which the first electrode, the first separator, the second electrode, and the second separator are sequentially stacked and folded and bent through the first and second notching parts.

Abstract: A vascular repair device assembly includes a main prostheses, first internal prostheses, an optional second internal prostheses, and at least two sub-prostheses. Methods for delivering vascular repair devices include delivering a vascular repair device through a blood vessel to the aneurysm site, aligning a proximal open end of a main prosthesis cranially to the site of the aneurysm patient and directing a distal end of at least one additional one vascular repair device through a proximal end of at least a first internal lumen, and aligning the proximal end of the additional vascular repair device into a distal end of the at least one sub-prosthesis.

Abstract: Medical devices for positioning a valve in a subject's body, such as a prosthetic heart valve in a subject's heart, are disclosed. The prosthetic heart valve may include a valve assembly, a frame, and a control arm. The prosthetic heart valve may include a commissural post or multiple commissural posts. The prosthetic heart valve may include a positional marker on a control arm. The prosthetic heart valve may include multiple positional markers on one or more control arms. The positional markers can be shapes, characters, or other symbols. The positional markers may themselves be asymmetric. The positional markers may be placed in an asymmetric location on a control arm. The control arm may be asymmetrically shaped.

Abstract: Delivery devices and vascular devices are described for addressing a target site within a body lumen. The delivery device includes one or more ultrasound transducers positioned to transmit and receive ultrasound signals so as to provide an image of an interior of the patient's blood vessel within which the vascular device is disposed in real time, as the procedure is taking place. Using the images provided by the ultrasound transducers, the longitudinal and rotational position of the delivery device (and the vascular device constrained therein) may be adjusted to align the vascular device with the patient's vasculature. In some examples, the vascular device being delivered includes fenestrations, whereas in others the vascular device integral branch grafts.

Abstract: Assemblies are provided for positioning within a lumen comprising a stent graft; and a sensor positioned on the stent graft. Within certain aspects the sensors are wireless sensors, and include for example one or more fluid pressure sensors, contact sensors, position sensors, pulse pressure sensors, blood volume sensors, blood flow sensors, chemistry sensors (e.g., for blood and/or other fluids), metabolic sensors (e.g., for blood and/or other fluids), mechanical stress sensors and/or temperature sensors.

Abstract: A balloon expanded stent delivery system includes an inflation constraint, such as a wire, spirally wound about the longitudinal axis in contact with a balloon and attached to an underlying catheter. A balloon expanded stent is mounted about the balloon and the inflation constraint. The delivery system has a predeployment configuration with the balloon deflated and the stent unexpanded. The system has a deployment configuration in which the inflation constraint constrains the inflated balloon to a spiral shape, the stent is expanded and in contact with the balloon, and the stent has a flow directing surface with a spiral contour that matches the spiral shape of the balloon. In a postdeployment configuration, the stent retains the flow directing surface with the spiral contour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-expanding vascular implant for implanting into a blood vessel of a patient. The vascular implant has a main body and at least one side body, and has integrally formed, one-piece stent springs, which are successively arranged in the longitudinal axis of the main body, with each stent spring meandering perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and an implant material which is fixed to and connects the stent springs. The stent springs have pointed arches that alternately point toward the proximal end and the distal end of the main body and parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. The at least one side body that branches off from the main body is, in the self-expanded state, set out at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first stent graft that is at least partially insertable into a first blood vessel. The first stent graft has a first end, a second end, an inside surface, and an outside surface. The apparatus also includes an inflatable fill structure fixed to a portion of the outside surface of the first stent graft. The inflatable fill structure includes an outer membrane that is configured to extend beyond the first end of the first stent graft when the inflatable fill structure is in a filled state.

Abstract: Methods for securing strand ends of devices configured for insertion into an anatomical structure, and the resulting devices.

Abstract: An open stent (a stent having open space through its thickness at locations between the ends of the stent), incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect adjacent, spaced-apart stent elements. Preferably the spaced-apart adjacent stent elements are the result of forming the stent from a helically wound serpentine wire having space provided between adjacent windings. Other stent forms such as multiple, individual spaced-apart ring-shaped or interconnected stent elements may also be used. The connecting elements are preferably longitudinally oriented.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis has an expanded state and a contracted state, the endoprosthesis includes a stent having an inner surface defining a lumen and an outer surface; and a polymeric coating adhered to the outer surface of the stent. The polymeric coating includes a base and a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the base. When the endoprosthesis is expanded to the expanded state in a lumen defined by a vessel wall, the protrusions apply a force that creates an interlock between the vessel wall and the endoprosthesis.

Abstract: In some implementations, a radially self-expanding endograft prosthesis is provided that includes (i) distal flange that is self-expanding and configured to flip generally perpendicularly with respect to a body of the prosthesis to help seat the prosthesis against a tissue wall, (ii) a distal segment extending proximally from the distal flange that has sufficient stiffness to maintain a puncture open that is formed through a vessel wall (iii) a compliant middle segment extending proximally from the distal segment, the middle segment being more compliant than the distal segment, and having independently movable undulating strut rings attached to a tubular fabric, the combined structure providing flexibility and compliance to allow for full patency while flexed, the segment being configured to accommodate up to a 90 degree bend, (iv) a proximal segment having a plurality of adjacent undulating strut rings that are connected to each other.

Abstract: A pre-loaded stent graft delivery device and stent graft, the stent graft delivery device. The stent graft has at least one fenestration or side arm and the fenestration is preloaded with an indwelling guide wire. The indwelling guide wire are configured to receive the access sheaths. A handle assembly at a distal end of the guide wire catheter. The handle includes a multiport manifold with access ports to the auxiliary lumens in the pusher catheter. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient, the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate catheterization of a side branch or target vessel through the fenestration or be used to stabilize the access sheath during catheterization, advancement of the access sheath into the target vessel and deployment of a covered or uncovered stent therein through the access sheath.

Abstract: Medical devices and method for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include implantable medical device for use along the biliary and/or pancreatic tract. The implantable medical device may include a tubular member having a first end configured to be disposed within the duodenum of a patient and a second end configured to be disposed adjacent to a pancreatic duct and/or bile duct. The tubular member may have a body including one or more wire filaments that are woven together. The tubular member may also have an outer surface with a longitudinal channel formed therein.

Abstract: This document provides implantable intraluminal stent graft medical devices. In some embodiments, the stent graft devices provided herein are implantable in bodily conduits that have side branches, and the stent graft devices are operable to allow the flow of fluids between the conduit and the side branches. In some embodiments, the walls of the stent graft devices provided herein include compliant channels which allow for fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the stent graft devices. In some embodiments, the compliant channels are configured to inhibit or reduce tissue ingrowth, tissue bridging, and/or endothelialization.

Abstract: A method for automatic endovascular alignment of a prosthesis includes loading the prosthesis in a distal delivery assembly, positioning a guidewire into a curved implantation site, and threading a guidewire lumen over the guidewire with the delivery assembly and into an implantation site to at least approximately align the curved distal portion to a curve of a curved implantation site and, thereby aligning the prosthesis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mitral valve repair having a docking station and a valve implant. The docking station is an anchoring device having a helix structure. The valve implant is made of an expandable frame and a valve, and is radially expandable to a diameter that is at least the same as an expanded diameter of the anchoring device. The method of delivering the docking station and valve implant is performed by inserting the components through device delivery catheters.

Abstract: The present embodiments describe an endograft having at least two branches extending from two fenestrations on the endograft body, and methods for deploying the same. In one example, the system comprises one internal branch that is relatively straight, and one external branch that is helically curved. The fenestrations may be circumferentially located on substantially the same side of the endograft main body, and distal regions of the branches may be circumferentially located on substantially opposite sides of the main body. The branches may be longitudinally non-overlapping. Connection stents may be configured to extend from the branches to provide fluid communication with peripheral vessels. Peripheral vessels may include the coronary or renal arteries. In another example, the branches are both external to the main endograft body.

Abstract: A combination double-barreled and debranching stent graft and methods for its use, where the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft defining a single lumen with distal and proximal ends, a first bifurcation in the main body defining first and second lumens, the main body stent graft defines a tubular wall that is contiguous with the first and second lumens such that any fluid entering the main body stent graft must exit by entering one of the first or second lumens, (c) a second bifurcation within the first lumen defining a first leg and a second leg, (d) a third bifurcation within the first leg defining a third leg and a fourth leg, and (e) a fourth bifurcation within the second leg between about 10 mm and about 20 mm distal from the second bifurcation defining a fifth leg and a sixth leg.

Abstract: Medical devices and method for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include implantable medical device for use along the biliary and/or pancreatic tract. The implantable medical device may include a tubular member having a first end configured to be disposed within the duodenum of a patient and a second end configured to be disposed adjacent to a pancreatic duct and/or bile duct. The tubular member may have a body including one or more wire filaments that are woven together. The tubular member may also have an outer surface with a longitudinal channel formed therein.

Abstract: A visceral double-barreled main body stent graft and methods for its use, the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft having distal and proximal ends, the main body stent graft's length ranges from about 100-120 mm and diameter at the proximal end ranges from about 30-45 mm, first and second lumens defined at the main body stent graft's distal end, the first lumen's diameter ranges from about 18-20 mm, the second lumen's diameter ranges from about 16-18 mm, the first and second lumens have about the same length from about 50-70 mm, the first lumen is secured to the second lumen along a shared length, and the main body stent graft defines a tubular wall that is contiguous with the first and second lumens such that any fluid entering the main body must exit through one of the first or second lumens.

Abstract: Provided herein are an apparatus and method for inserting a branch stent. A plurality of insertion guide rods for being delivered to a vascular or non-vascular bifurcation to which a stent expansion wire is connected are configured in an insert tube. In this way, a branch stent can be immediately delivered to the vascular or non-vascular bifurcation and expanded through just one operation so that an operation related to the branch stent is conveniently and promptly performed.

Abstract: A stent device includes a first graft member, a second graft member and a stent frame defining a central axis. The frame has an abluminal surface engaged with the first graft member and a luminal surface engaged with the second graft member such that the first graft member and the second graft member encapsulates the stent frame along the length of the central axis. The stent frame includes a configuration where the stent frame is disposed on a curvature such that the abluminal surface has a radius of curvature of approximately 20 millimeters about a center of the curvature and the luminal surface defines a substantially constant effective cross-sectional area at any portion generally transverse to the central axis of the stent frame disposed about the curvature.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion, flow restriction, shunt or filter device is disclosed comprising the assembly of at least two, of a number of selectable discrete interconnectable, interchangeable components, at least one component being of the type fabricated from metal strands braided into a tubular metal fabric having an expanded preset configuration and an elongated, collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a catheter to a treatment site and the device shaped to create an occlusion, flow restriction or shunt when placed in an opening in a body organ or vessel, the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to the expanded preset configuration when unconstrained.

Abstract: A stent-graft suitable for chimney grafting comprising a sheath and a tubular framework defining a lumen. The stent-graft comprises, at one end of the sheath, at least one bucket formed at the end so as to form a depression in the sheath able to mate with a collateral stent. The stent-graft is applicable to the treatment of vascular pathologies, in particular to treat aneurysms. More particularly, the stent-graft is an endoprosthesis designed to be placed in parallel with at least one other endoprosthesis.

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: The invention relates to a thrombectomy device with a substantially cylindrical stent structure (1), which has a multiplicity of meshes (3, 4) and two connectors (5, 5?) that are arranged on different meshes (3) at the proximal end of the stent structure (1), and with a guide wire (12), which has a coupling element (11) to which the connectors (5, 5?) are coupled, with a slit (7), which extends in a helical formation across the jacket surface (8) of the stent structure (1), and with a tensioning bow (9), which spans the slit (7) at the proximal end.

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: The present disclosure relates to an endoluminal prosthesis, such as a stent graft that includes one or more fenestrations to accommodate endovascular disease, such as an aneurysm in cases where one or more side branches is involved. In one aspect, the prosthesis includes fenestrations that are pivotable to accommodate the dynamic geometry of the aortic branches. In another aspect, the pivotable fenestrations include a first perimeter, a band of flexible material attached and surrounding the first perimeter, a second perimeter attached to and surrounding the band of flexible material and a support frame disposed about a surface of the band of flexible material. The first perimeter, band of flexible material, and second perimeter have a geometric shape. The support frame includes a plurality of support units having curved segments. The curved segments of the support units may be concave with respect to an exterior surface of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A pre-loaded stent graft delivery device and stent graft, the stent graft delivery device. The stent graft has at least one fenestration or side arm and the fenestration is preloaded with an indwelling guide wire. Indwelling access sheaths are provided within auxiliary lumens of a pusher catheter and dilators are preloaded into the access sheaths along with the indwelling guide wire. A handle assembly at a distal end of the guide wire catheter. The handle includes a multiport manifold with access ports to the auxiliary lumens in the pusher catheter. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient, the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate cathertisation of a side branch or target vessel through the fenestration or be used to stabilise the access sheath during catheterisation, advancement of the access sheath into the target vessel and deployment of a covered or uncovered stent therein through the access sheath.

Abstract: A composite hollow lumen and a method for producing the lumen are provided. The lumen includes a tubular textile formed of yarns having a first tensile strength and a matrix material in which the tubular textile is embedded to form a conduit having a bore and a sidewall substantially impermeable to liquid. The matrix material has a second tensile strength that is lower than the first tensile strength. The method for producing a composite lumen includes selecting yarns having a first tensile strength, selecting an elastomeric matrix material having a second tensile strength that is lower that the first tensile strength, forming a tubular textile of the yarns, and embedding the tubular textile in the matrix material to form a conduit having a bore and conduit walls that are substantially impermeable to liquid. The elastomeric matrix material is a biodegradable or bioresorbable polyester.

Abstract: A stent graft for placement in the thoracic arch of a patient has a tubular body defining a main lumen therethrough, a plurality of zig zag stents along the tubular body, each of the stents comprising a plurality of struts and bends, the bends being between adjacent struts. At least a first stent and an adjacent second stent having at least a pair of adjacent bends on the first stent aligned with an adjacent pair of bends on the second stent, whereby a first pair of adjacent struts of the first stent and a second pair of adjacent struts of the second adjacent stent together define a diamond shape region. A recess is within the diamond shaped region with the recess extending into the lumen of the tubular body. A fenestration extending into the tubular body within the recess in the diamond shaped region and a graft tube leading from the fenestration into the main lumen. There can be one, two or three diamond shaped regions, recesses, fenestrations and graft tubes.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve post and leaflet assembly may include at least a first post member including a body portion, a cantilevered leg portion, and a hinge portion configured to connect the body portion and the cantilevered leg portion and one or more leaflets. The cantilevered leg portion may comprise a longitudinally extending slot defined therein. At least a portion of a leaflet may extend through the slot. A backing element may be positioned over a portion of a leaflet such that the leaflet is secured between the cantilevered leg portion and the backing element.