Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthetic heart valve, wherein the prosthetic heart valve comprises: a ring-shaped stent, comprising: a mesh structure which allows the stent to be contracted or expanded in a radial direction; and a leaflet structure, comprising a plurality of leaflets, each leaflet is attached to the stent and has a first portion disposed within the stent and a second portion being wrapped to an outer circumferential side of the proximal end of the stent. With a growth of the heart, the stent can be expanded after the prosthetic heart valve is anchored, to allow the prosthetic heart valve to operate in different states, and under at least one of the different states, each leaflet has an excessive portion freely sagging to a position away from the stent along a direction from the distal end to the proximal end, to allow the stent to form a more functional valve.

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and related methods for delivering a prosthesis to a target location. Various embodiments of useful valve prostheses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to a modular stent device including a main body configured to be deployed in the ascending aorta, a bypass gate configured to be deployed in the aorta, and a bifurcated contra limb. The bifurcated contra limb includes a single proximal limb that is bifurcated (split) into a first distal limb and a second distal limb. By forming the bifurcated contra limb to include a single proximal limb that is bifurcated into the distal limbs, guiding a guide wire into the relatively larger opening of bifurcated contra limb at a proximal end is simpler than guiding a guidewire into two smaller limbs extending distally from main body. Accordingly, cannulation of the bifurcated contra limb is relatively simple thus simplifying the procedure. In addition, the parallel design mimics anatomical blood vessel bifurcations to limit flow disruptions.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a highly flexible stent which includes a plurality of annular supports arranged in an axial direction. The annular support is formed by a plurality of wave-shaped support units which are connected end to end. The support unit comprises a peak, a valley and a bar connected between the peak and the valley. In two adjacent annular supports, the peaks and the valleys of the support units of different annular supports are connected by first flexible connecting members. The first flexible connecting member further extends to and is wound onto at least one support unit to form a second flexible connecting member. The present disclosure provides a highly flexible stent having good compressibility, delivery compliance, and uniformity of expansion.

Abstract: A multi-lumen stent graft including a tubular main body stent graft and a tubular connection stent graft; the main body stent graft includes a tubular main body stent; the main body stent includes a tubular main body covering and a main body support frame fixed on a wall of the main body covering; a main lumen and at least one sub lumen are separated axially by a separation covering within the main body stent; in a released state, a proximal end of the connection stent graft and the main lumen at a distal end of the tubular main body stent graft are fitted and connected together. The multi-lumen stent graft is not prone to endoleaks and displacement, which can simplify surgical operations, reduce the difficulty and risk of surgery, and has a wide range of applications.

Abstract: This invention is a system for the treatment of body passageways; in particular, vessels with vascular disease. The system includes an endovascular graft with a low-profile delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which it conforms to the morphology of the vessel or body passageway to be treated as well as various connector members and stents. The graft is made from an inflatable graft body section and may be bifurcated. One or more inflatable cuffs may be disposed at either end of the graft body section. At least one inflatable channel is disposed between and in fluid communication with the inflatable cuffs.

Abstract: A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: An endovascular self-expanding stent system that can include a braid with a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen formed therebetween. The braid can be formed from one or more wires woven to comprise interstices. A first expansion ring can be connected to the proximal end of the braid. A second expansion ring can be connected to the distal end of the braid. Each expansion ring can include a frame that imparts an outwardly expanding radial force to the braid. The frame can include a plurality of elongate members interconnected by one or more intersections.

Abstract: An expandable stent comprises a cylindrical wall made up of lattice members connected to each other, at least one first arm and at least one second arm. The first arm comprises: a first non-linear member that is connected at each of its axial ends to a lattice member at respective first junctions; a second non-linear member connected at each axial end to a lattice member; and at least one bridge member extending between the first member and the second member. The second arm comprises: a first non-linear member that is connected at each of its axial ends to a lattice member; a second non-linear member connected at each axial end to a lattice member; and at least one bridge member extending between the first member and the second member. The second member of the first arm is generally U-shaped, extending from its axial ends towards: (i) a first axial end of the stent; and (ii) towards the bridge of the first arm.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide stent-grafts. In one embodiment, a stent has proximal and distal ends, a plurality of strut segments disposed between the proximal and distal ends that enable expansion of the stent from a compressed state to a deployed state, and a series of distal apices disposed at the distal end of the stent. At least a portion of a first distal apex overlaps with graft material. First and second sutures are each coupled between a portion of the first distal apex and the graft material. The first and second sutures are positioned at different longitudinal zones that lack an axial overlap with one another.

Abstract: The disclosure provides systems and related methods for delivering a prosthesis to a target location. Various embodiments of useful valve prostheses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stent graft assembly having a tubular body and a constraining patch attached to the interior surface of the tubular body. The constraining patch delineates a small passageway close to the inner surface of the tubular body. A cannula may extend through the passageway.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a branched endoprosthesis comprising a graft component and at least one support component. In various embodiments, the branched endoprosthesis comprises a body portion and a plurality of leg portions, wherein the legs are in an aligned configuration for ease of cannulation. In various embodiments, at least one leg is in an open configuration for ease of cannulation. Cannulation methods are also taught.

Abstract: An endovascular delivery system includes a bifurcated and inflatable prosthesis including a main tubular body having an open end and opposed ipsilateral and contralateral legs defining a graft wall therein between. A tether is disposed securably disposed to the contralateral leg, and the contralateral leg is releasably restrained towards the ipsilateral leg tether to prevent undesirable movement of the contralateral leg. A release wire within the endovascular delivery system releasably retains the tether near the ipsilateral leg.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide differential dilation stents for use in percutaneous interventions, such as transluminal bypass procedures. In some embodiments, the stents may be used in the process of creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula during a percutaneous bypass procedure, and such stents may have two or more specialized regions that are configured to adopt a predetermined diameter, shape, and/or tensile strength upon insertion in order to suit the needs of the vessel or procedure. The disclosed stents may be used for creating and/or maintaining an arterial/venous fistula for bypass of an occlusion in a cardiac artery using a cardiac vein, or the femoral artery, for example using the tibial or popliteal vein.

Abstract: A thin-walled scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a link. In a first example, the marker is retained on the strut by a head at one or both ends by swaging. In a second example of a thin-walled scaffold the link is modified to avoid interference during crimping. In a third example a distal end of the thin-walled scaffold is modified to improve deliverability of the thin-walled scaffold. These features are combined in a fourth example.

Abstract: A radially-expandable stent (20) is shaped so as to define one or more tether interfaces (50), a lower-securement portion (56), and a higher-securement portion (64). The lower-securement portion (56) extends (a) along at least a contiguous lower-securement axial segment (58) of the stent (20) and (b) circumferentially around a contiguous lower-securement circumferential portion (60) of the stent (20), which lower-securement axial segment (58) and lower-securement circumferential portion (60) include the one or more tether interfaces (50). The higher-securement portion (64) extends (a) along at least a contiguous higher-securement axial segment (65) of the stent (20) and (b) circumferentially around between 215 and 330 degrees of a circumference (C), at all circumferential locations other than those of the lower-securement circumferential portion (60).

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: An aortic graft assembly includes a tubular component that defines a wall aperture having a proximal end that extends perpendicular to a major longitudinal axis of the tubular aortic component, and a tunnel graft connected to the wall of the tubular aortic component and extending from the wall aperture toward a proximal end of the tubular aortic component. The method for delivery of the aortic graft assembly includes delivering the aortic graft assembly through the wall aperture and into interferring relation with the tunnel graft.

Abstract: A system for delivering and placement of a medical prosthesis into an ostium of a tract system of an organism is described. The system comprises a stent delivery device that includes a delivery catheter having one or more lumens extending between proximal and distal ends. The stent delivery device also includes an inflatable balloon mounted on the distal end of the delivery catheter for expanding and deploying the medical prosthesis placed on the balloon, and a stent deployment site locator configured for locating an exact place for positioning the medical prosthesis. The deployment site locator comprises an expandable flexible structure including a plurality of filament elements interconnected between a locator proximal end and a locator distal end; thereby forming a unitary structure. The filaments can extend from a locator proximal end towards a locator distal end and then return after winding to the proximal end to form a plurality of filament loops.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic heart valve, the prosthetic heart valve comprising a generally tubular stent support and a valve structure. The stent support comprises multiple rows of diamond-shaped cell structures and crowns at its distal and proximal end, as well as three V-shaped openings which open towards the distal end of stent support.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an assembly comprising an expandable device, a restraining member wrapped circumferentially around the device, a coupling member releasably securing the restraining member, and at least one tactile indicator located on the assembly at a desired point of partial deployment, along with a method for partially deploying the expandable device in a patient. During partial deployment of the expandable device, the coupling member is tensioned and displaced from outside the patient by a clinician, and upon reaching the tactile indicator, a change in tension on the coupling member is felt my the clinician performing the procedure.

Abstract: A system for endoluminally delivering and deploying a prosthesis includes a prosthesis comprising a self-expanding stent and a cover for retaining at least a portion of the self-expanding stent. The stent is biased into contact with an inner surface of the cover. The inner surface has a hardness that is equal to or greater than the hardness of the stent. Additional aspects of the invention are disclosed and include a method of manufacturing an endoluminal prosthesis delivery and deployment system.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide differential dilation stents for use in percutaneous interventions, such as transluminal bypass procedures. In some embodiments, the stents may be used in the process of creating an arteriovenous (AV) fistula during a percutaneous bypass procedure, and such stents may have two or more specialized regions that are configured to adopt a predetermined diameter, shape, and/or tensile strength upon insertion in order to suit the needs of the vessel or procedure. The disclosed stents may be used for creating and/or maintaining an arterial/venous fistula for bypass of an occlusion in a cardiac artery using a cardiac vein, or the femoral artery, for example using the tibial or popliteal vein.

Abstract: Apparatus for facilitating deployment of a an implantable medical device includes a control member (20) having at least one tine member (35-37). A proximal region (35b-37b) of at least one of the tine members (35-37) is configured to engage an associated portion of a stent (60). In use, the control member (20) comprises a contracted delivery configuration in which the proximal region of the at least one of the tine member (35-37) is radially contracted, to radially constrain the associated portion of the stent (60). The control member (20) also comprises an expanded configuration in which the proximal region of the at least one of the tine member (35-37) expands radially outward relative to the central longitudinal axis to allow the stent to engage a body passage.

Abstract: A method of implanting an aortic stent comprising steps of: putting a main tube on a metal guide wire; moving the main tube along the metal guide wire to the descending aorta, the main tube is constrained by a first cover, and first and second tube bifurcations are branched from the main section; removing the first cover; inserting a second and third metal guide wire through the first tube bifurcation into the ascending aorta and branchiocephalic artery respectively; a first and a second tube branch moving into the ascending aorta and the branchiocephalic artery respectively; inserting a fourth and fifth metal guide wire through the first tube bifurcation into the ascending aorta and branchiocephalic artery respectively; a third and a fourth tube branch moving into left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery respectively; removing a second cover constraining said tube branches.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate in part to endovascular prostheses and methods of deploying same. Embodiments may be directed more specifically to stent grafts and methods of making and deploying same within the body of a patient. Stent embodiments may include tapered struts for an even distribution of strain. Stent embodiments may also include portions which are enlarged in a circumferential direction which may be configured to stabilize the stent in a constrained state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to covered endoprosthetic devices. Covered endoprosthetic devices comprise an endoprosthesis and a sheath. The sheath comprises a central portion and outer portions, wherein the central portion preferentially restricts or causes a restriction of blood flow. Blood flow can be reduced by the central portion of the sheath by varying the permeability of the sheath or by having projections on the sheath that slow blood flow. Permeability may be provided by perforations or holes in the material of the sheath or by varying the polymer structure that makes up the sheath itself. The outer portions of the sheath do not substantially reduce blood flow. Methods of using sheath-covered endoprosthetic devices of the invention to treat aneurysms, especially aneurysms in proximity to small perforator vessels or arteries, are also encompassed.

Abstract: A composite stent and a method for making the same are provided.

Abstract: A stent graft (1) including a tubular wall (3) with at least one fenestration (40) including a peripheral (37) reinforcement around at least part of the fenestration. There can also be a tubular extension (15). The side arm includes a stent (19) and a cover (17) and extends from and is in fluid communication with the fenestration and the stent graft. The stent may be a self expanding stent. The ring and/or tubular extension provides better support and sealing for an extension arm. The fenestration (40) can be circular or if towards the ends of the stent graft may be in the form of a U-shape (50) with an open end.

Abstract: An aortic stent-graft capable of avoiding migration of location, which includes a covered stent body and a bare stent connected to a proximal end of the covered stent body, with barbs for looseness-proof fixation which are provided at each wave crest and each wave trough of the bare stent and extend towards a distal end of the covered stent body. After the aortic stent-graft is fastened by the looseness-proof fixation structures, because the barbs arranged at each wave crest of the bare stent are not on the same plane with the barbs arranged at each wave trough of the bare stent, simultaneous relative motions of the two sets of barbs which may lead to detachment or loosening of the looseness-proof fixation structures will not happen, so that the aortic stent-graft is able to be fastened onto a blood vessel wall more firmly.

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: This invention is a stent that has cutting bars or blades in the direction of the balloon and longitudinally at five equidistant points along the direction of the stent's body. There are two patterns in this invention. The first pattern has five blades equidistant from the other and run longitudinally along the direction of the stent body and the other pattern has five shorter blades equidistant from the other to constitute one set. Each set is arranged in a staggered pattern from the next set. Furthermore, the edges of stent's blades or bars are angular or beveled and integrated into a stent strut pattern in order to facilitate the entry of blades into a blockage caused by calcium, plaque and/or debris.

Abstract: A stent graft includes a stent graft material of tubular shape and annular shaped stent elements coupled to the stent graft material. The stent graft further includes hooked fixation elements, having hook-end portions and coupling-end, circumferentially spaced about an annular shaped spring attachment element, and coupled to the stent graft at apexes of the spring attachment element. Before deployment the hook-end portions of the apexes of the attachment element and the hooked fixation elements attached thereto are compressed within the space bounded by the interior and exterior sides of the spring attachment element and angled laser cut strut inner surfaces under each apex of the spring attachment element are cut at an angle to cause apex and hook rotation at expansion and deployment.

Abstract: A flexible low profile delivery system for delivery of an expandable intracorporeal device, specifically, an endovascular graft, which has at least one belt circumferentially disposed about the device in a constraining configuration. The belt is released by a release member, such as a release wire, by retracting the wire from looped ends of the belt. Multiple belts can be used and can be released sequentially so as to control the order of release and placement of the endovascular graft. An outer protective sheath may be disposed about the endovascular graft while in a constrained state which must first be refracted or otherwise removed prior to release of the graft from a constrained state. The delivery system can be configured for delivery over a guiding device such as a guidewire. The delivery system can also be configured for delivery of bifurcated intracorporeal devices.

Abstract: An implant includes a collapsible anchor to be deployed within a lumen and a protrusion coupled to the anchor. The protrusion, in a constrained state, extends a distance from an exterior surface of the anchor and, in an unconstrained state, extends further from the exterior surface of the anchor. Also included is a biodegradable constraint, such as a biodegradable tube or suture, configured to maintain the protrusion in the constrained state until the constraint releases. The implant may include additional biodegradable constraints, each constraint configured to maintain the protrusion in a different constrained state and to degrade over a different predetermined period after the implant has been deployed within the lumen. The protrusion may include a bi-directional barb or an open loop. The protrusion may be configured to penetrate a wall of the lumen and to allow tissue to grow about the protrusion.

Abstract: A stent system 1 has a stent 2 having a hole and at least an anchor 3 having an arm 33. The stent 2 has a cylindrical shape, in which a sheet is rolled, and a plurality of holes 13 are provided thereon. A grasping portion 33A at the distal end of the arm 33 of the anchor 3 can be inserted into the holes 13. A grasping force X of the grip 3 is greater than a drag R that the holes of the stent 2 yield. The grip 3 deforms the stent 2, easily grasps the stent 2 and a biological tissue, whereby it is possible to fix the stent 2. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to reliably fix the stent in a hollow organ.

Abstract: Provided are methods, devices, and systems that can be used to deploy prosthetic devices within a bodily lumen of a patient. These methods and devices can include the securement of a prosthetic valve within a vascular lumen by driving one or more fasteners from a position on an expandable device through the valve and into or through a vascular wall.

Abstract: A medical device for canalization of a tissue comprises a radially expandable and crimpable or collapsible substantially tubular member that has a rear end, a front end, and a pattern of struts or a mesh of wires arranged in-between the rear end and the front end, arranged around an interior of the device. The tubular member has extensions, which are arranged towards the interior of the device in a first state of the device, and towards an exterior of the medical device in a second state of the device, wherein the second state of the medical device is the tubular member turned inside out. During storage, the device is restrained in a delivery catheter in the second state. During delivery the device turns outside in and digs into the tissue to create a channel therein, thus preventing or fixating debris or other matter to spread from the channel.

Abstract: A stent (10) has wrapped therearound a barb element (12) formed of a length of wire provided with first and second ends (14, 16) forming barb prongs. In intermediate zone (22), the barb element (12) is wrapped or coiled. The two pronged ends (14, 16) extend out of the graft element (26) to provide an anchoring function to the medical device. As well as being wrapped onto a strut of the stent (10), the barb element (12) is sutured to the stent (10) and to the graft material (26) by suture stitching (28). The turns of the coiling or wrapping in section (22) assist in fixing the barb element (12) relative to the suture (28) and thus to the stent graft (24). The barb elements (12) could be made of any suitable material, including Nitinol. This structure of barb elements provides an effective arrangement which is easy to manufacture, which provides strong barbs able to withstand the high processing temperatures required for setting shape memory elements of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides docking heads to be mounted on a graft so as to establish a vascular device that is coupled to a blood vessel with aneurysm, and dedicated delivery devices as well as methods of coupling. The vascular device comprises a graft having docking head at the proximal portion and another docking head at its distal portion, or two docking heads if the graft is bifurcated. The docking heads comprises a hollow truncated cone having a passage adapted to correspond the outer diameter of the graft and is provided with a plurality of outwardly pointing and inclined barbs. The vascular device is coupled to the blood vessel on both sides of the aneurysm while the docking heads act as guiding, anchoring and sealing means in a suture-less and rapid manner. The vascular device is modular and can be prepared according to the condition of the aneurysm and the dimensions of the blood vessels during operation.

Abstract: A stent that includes a plurality of quill filaments. Each quill filament includes filament material, a surface, and a plurality of quills. Each quill has a tip, a body, and a base where the body extends from the base to the tip. The quill filaments can be interwoven to form the stent or the quill filaments can be engaged to the framework of a stent.

Abstract: An endovascular graft includes a tubular graft body section; a radially expandable stent extending from and affixed to the graft body section. The stent includes a proximal end, a distal end and a serpentine ring configuration having a plurality of struts and apices. The stent further includes at least one barb integrally formed as an extension of each strut extending distally from a position on the strut that is distal of an adjacent proximal apex, where the at least one integrally formed barb is formed as the extension of each strut with no joint or other connection thereat.

Abstract: A vascular device comprising a plurality of vessel engaging members and a valve. The device is movable from a collapsed insertion position having a first diameter to a second expanded position having a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The plurality of vessel engaging members extend outwardly from the device for securely engaging the internal wall of a vessel upon expansion of the device to the second expanded position, wherein the vessel engaging members pull the internal wall of the vessel radially inwardly upon movement of the device from the second expanded position toward a first expanded position having a third diameter greater than the first diameter and less than the second diameter. In the first expanded position the valve is movable between an open position to allow blood flow therethrough to a closed position to prevent blood flow.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, an anchoring system for a medical device comprises one or more biased hooks. The one or more biased hooks may be formed by any suitable process. Moreover, the one or more biased hooks may be formed from a shape memory material. The anchoring system may be processed in any suitable way to provide a designed or predefined failure mode. This failure mode may be designed to protect or prevent damage to the medical device. The anchoring system may be configured with a plurality of hooks biased in various directions. Moreover, the anchoring system may be configured with a plurality of substantially small hooks configured to engage the anatomy at multiple points. As such, the anchoring systems may be customizable and provide for an implantable medical device with a reduced delivery geometry and/or deployment geometry.

Abstract: A stent-graft system comprising a graft member and a stent having a connection end interconnected with the graft member and a free end opposed thereto. The stent includes a plurality of struts extending between the connection end and the free end and at least two of the struts having different lengths such that the free end has a nonuniform profile. A method of securing at least one end of a stent-graft within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a securing device comprising one or more barbs. A barb may comprise a depth stop, which may itself comprise an apex portion coupled to a trough portion. A barb may be constructed, in various embodiments, from a length of shape memory wire. Thus, during deployment, a barb may spring away from a medical device to which the barb is coupled such that the barb makes contact with and punctures, to a limited depth, a body lumen wall. A barb may not, however, fully puncture a body lumen wall. Rather, a depth stop may limit a puncture depth to a depth that does not endanger and/or subject tissue surrounding or external to the lumen wall to damage and/or bleeding or leakage from within the lumen. In various embodiments, a pair of barbs may be coupled to from an integral two pronged barb.

Abstract: An implant for treating medical disorders includes a first chamber having a flexible outer layer that surrounds a flexible inner layer, a second chamber in communication with the first chamber, and a fluid transfer assembly adapted for transferring fluid between the second chamber and the first chamber for selectively modifying the rigidity of the first chamber. The implant includes at least one restraining element in contact with the flexible outer and inner layers for at least partially restricting volume expansion of the first chamber as the fluid is transferred into the first chamber. The first chamber is adapted to become more rigid as the fluid is transferred into the first chamber and more flexible as the fluid is removed from the first chamber. The first chamber is implantable within the soft tissue of a patient such as a tongue, soft palate, pharyngeal wall, urinary tract, rectum, trachea, or stomach.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stent for prostatic urethra expansion which does not generate bladder stones, is removable without causing injury on a urethra, and does not generate atrophy of a prostatic urethra even after removal. The stent for prostatic urethra expansion include a stent unit including a cylindrical body with space parts formed by knotting or crossing shape memory alloy wires and bending terminals formed at both ends of the cylindrical body, a pair of hook wires passing through the space parts and knotted to the shape memory alloy wires, both ends thereof being wound on the bending terminals and then being bent upwardly to produce hooks, and a pair of hanging strings arranged in opposite directions to form a hanging knot. The stent for prostatic urethra expansion does not move into the bladder, and expands and maintains a lumen of the stenosed prostatic urethra, thereby reducing post-operative recovery time.