Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a bypass device for protecting an intestinal anastomosis are provided. The system includes a pump, one or more fluid inlet lines fluidicly coupled to the pump and to a negative pressure chamber of the bypass device, and one or more sensors configured to measure data indicative of pressure within the negative pressure chamber. A controller operatively coupled to the pump and the one or more sensors may be programmed to actuate the pump to generate a vacuum within the negative pressure chamber to thereby pull intestinal tissue towards the bypass device to anchor the bypass device at a target location upstream of the intestinal anastomosis. The controller further may compare the pressure within the negative pressure chamber with a predetermined pressure range and, if the pressure falls outside the predetermined pressure range, adjust the pump to maintain the vacuum within the predetermined pressure range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device and a method of using it. The device is a stent which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The stent is configured to have a central portion defined by “open” cells and at least two end portions, defined by “closed” cells, spaced apart and directly connected to the distal and proximal ends of the central portion of the stent. The stent may also optionally have a covering or a lattice with openings.

Abstract: A method for plasma ion processing is described, including flowing a gas into porous material; and exposing the gas to a pulsed electric field whilst the gas is in the pores. The pulsed electric field ionises the gas to generate a plasma. The method may additionally include exposing the porous material to a gas so as to generate functionality. The method may additionally include exposing the functionalised porous material to a functional species so as to covalently attach said functional species to the surfaces of the pores.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure pertains to elutable coating compositions that comprise an excipient comprising a bio-degradable or bio-stable polymer selected from a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) or methyl cellulose (MCC), a binding agent; a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the elutable coating compositions further comprise a solvent, in which case such compositions may be, for example, applied to a substrate in the form of a layer and subsequently dried, thereby forming an elutable coating on the substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of assembling a prosthetic valve can comprise forming a radially expandable and compressible frame by pivotally joining together a plurality of struts without requiring individual rivets. In some embodiments, the frame is formed by interweaving the struts, which can be joined using integral hinges formed in the struts, such as by performing alternate cuts on the struts, bending the struts to form stopper tabs adjacent to joints and/or drilling holes in the struts to facilitate interconnecting struts at joints, or otherwise forming integral hinges and corresponding holes at junction points between the struts. In other embodiments, separate hinges are provided to interconnect the struts. In still other embodiments, separate flanged rivets are provided to connect the struts.

Abstract: The implant includes an aortic portion and a branch, which is intended to be placed in a first of the three arteries that lead into the aortic arch. The aortic portion and branch are formed by two separate sub-assemblies which are capable of being mounted together; the aortic portion has a first opening capable of receiving the branch and a second opening arranged such that it is located substantially opposite the outlets of the other two arteries when the first opening is located opposite the outlet of the left subclavian artery. The second opening has a specific shape such that the edges of the membrane that define it follow the segments of the underlying annuli, which are in a broken line.

Abstract: Self-expending stents that include circumferential rings of alternating interconnected struts connected by flexible connectors. The struts of the rings and flexible connectors have a structure, including areas of expanded or reduced width or thickness, to account for venous applications. When used for venous applications, the stents convey benefit from configurations that improve flexibility (due to the greater elasticity of venous applications) while maintaining enough stiffness to resist pressure on the venous structure in selected areas (such as for the May-Thurner syndrome). The stents include particular structural characteristics—often expressed as ratios between different measurements—that are particularly advantageous for (although not limited to) venous applications.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent includes pluralities of first and second wire segments made from a soft malleable alloy formed into a cylindrical structure. Each of the wire segments is defined by a series of sinusoidal bends formed over the length of each segment, with the initial unformed length of each second wire segment being larger than that of each first wire segment. Each of the first and second wire segments include the same number of sinusoidal bends with the amplitude of the of the sinusoidal bends of the second wire segments being larger than that of the sinusoidal bends of the first wire segments. Adjacent wire segments are conjoined by welds at apices of each sinusoidal bend to form the cylindrical or tubular structure.

Abstract: A multi-spiral, self-expanding stent is constructed from superposed individual spiral strands. Each spiral strand comprises a terminal bend that separates the strand into a first portion and a second portion. Particularly, the first portion of each strand bends in a first spiral direction to the terminal bend, and the second portion bends in the opposite direction after the terminal bend. Advantageously, the disclosed stent is able to change its shape, diameter, and length to accommodate the corresponding shape, diameter, and length of patient's diseased vessel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to assemblies of thin-walled tubes and mandrels for use in thin wall catheter liners. For example, an assembly is provided that includes a thin-walled PTFE tube comprising walls with a thickness of less than 0.004 inches, positioned over a filled mandrel comprising PTFE with one or more fillers incorporated therein. The disclosure further provides, independently, thin-walled tubes and filled mandrels, as well as methods of making and using such components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for integrating an electronic circuit in or on a medical stent. The method comprises obtaining (101) a deformable medical stent (21) in a substantially planar shape, in which the deformable medical stent is adapted for being deployed in a substantially cylindrical shape in the body. The method also comprises attaching (104) a deformable electronic circuit (22) onto the deformable medical stent in the planar shape thereby forming a deformable hybrid structure. The method also comprises shaping (107) said hybrid structure into the cylindrical shape.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are reinforced expandable introducer sheaths and methods of using the same. The sheaths minimize trauma to the patient's vasculature by including a reinforcing member to improve the push force of the sheath while reducing the chances of kinking during delivery of a prosthetic device. The sheath can include a plurality of expandable rings aligned along the longitudinal axis of the sheath and coupled together to form an elongated tubular structure. The sheath can also include a plurality of radial members circumferentially arranged to form a tubular support structure. The radial members slidingly interconnected around the circumference of the tubular structure to facilitate radial expansion of the sheath.

Abstract: A laser processing method includes: marking multiple concaves on a surface of a preform before blow molding.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes an inner tubular member, a stent disposed over a distal section of the inner tubular member, a locking member positioned over the inner tubular member proximal of the stent, and an outer tubular member covering the stent and the locking member in a delivery configuration. A portion of the stent can be positioned in the locking member in the delivery configuration. The locking member can include a tubular proximal section, and a plurality of fingers extending distally from the tubular proximal section. The plurality of fingers can include a first finger and a second finger. The plurality of fingers can have a locked configuration with each of the first finger and the second finger parallel to a longitudinal axis, and an unlocked configuration with one of the first finger and/or the second finger forming an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. Embodiments may include a permeable implant having a radially constrained state configured for delivery within a catheter lumen, an expanded state, and a plurality of elongate filaments that are woven together. The permeable implant may include a stiffer proximal portion that is configured to sit at the neck of an aneurysm. The stiffer proximal portion may include coils, stiffening elements, or reinforcement elements disposed about or associated with the filaments or woven together with the filaments.

Abstract: A growth stent and valve and methods for making and using the same. The growth stent and valve may be delivered to treat early stage congenital lesions, while expanding to adult vessel diameters. In selected embodiments, the growth stent and valve can comprise a frame and may have a covering on some portion to prevent blood flow through a wall of the frame. The growth stent and valve advantageously can maintain radial strength across an entire range of diameters necessary to treat a narrowed lesion from birth and childhood through adulthood as the vessels grow over the lifetime of a patient.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for optical imaging medical devices, such as, but not limited to, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), single mode OCT, and/or multi-modal OCT apparatuses and systems, and methods and storage mediums for use with same, for viewing, controlling, updating, and emphasizing multiple imaging modalities are provided herein. One or more embodiments provide at least one intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), method, device, apparatus, system, or storage medium to comprehend information, including, but not limited to, molecular structure of a vessel, and to provide an ability to manipulate the vessel information. In addition to controlling multiple imaging modalities, the GUI may operate for one or more applications, including, but not limited to, expansion/underexpansion (e.g., for a stent) and/or apposition/malapposition (e.g., for a stent), co-registration and imaging.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for occluding an aperture in a body, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), including a first side adapted to be disposed on one side of the septum and a second side adapted to be disposed on the opposite side of the septum. The device has an elongated, low-profile delivery configuration and a shortened, radially expanded deployment configuration. The first and second sides are adapted to occlude the aperture upon deployment of the device at its intended delivery location. The device also includes a radially expandable center portion. In some embodiments, the center portion includes a plurality of ribs provided by slits in device. The ribs expand radially when the device is deployed. The expandable center portion facilitates the positioning of the device in the aperture. The device can be secured in the deployed configuration using a catch system.

Abstract: A stent configured for implantation in a body lumen, includes: a tubular structure having a first end, a second end opposite from the first end, and a tubular body extending between the first and second ends, the tubular body comprising a plurality of elongate portions defining a porosity for the stent, at least one of the elongate portions having a zig-zag configuration, the first end of the tubular structure having a plurality of crown elements disposed circumferentially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular structure, the crown elements forming a crown configuration for the first end of the tubular body; and a plurality of tabs coupled to the first end of the tubular structure; wherein a number of the crown elements is higher than a number of the tabs; wherein the tabs are coupled to only a subset, and not all, of the crown elements.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame having an inflow end, an outflow end, and a central portion. The frame is radially expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The inflow end includes a plurality of first strut members having a first strut width and forming a first angle between adjacent first strut members, and the central portion includes a plurality of second strut members having a second strut width and forming a second angle between adjacent second strut members. A plurality of leaflets are positioned within the frame. At least one of the first angle and the second angle, or the first strut width and the second strut width, are different such that when the prosthetic heart valve is crimped onto a cylindrical balloon and expanded using the cylindrical balloon, a diameter of the outflow end is different from a diameter of the central portion.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices for connecting tissue layers, such as for connecting a gallbladder and a portion of a gastrointestinal tract to create an anastomosis, include a tubular structure having a plurality of apposition portions, a central region, and a covering material. The devices are endoscopically deployable and may include flange members having hinge members or variable properties such as length, angle, shape, material stiffness, and wire diameter.

Abstract: An implantable device including a metal substrate; that contains particles having a size of 1 ?m or more; if the wall thickness of the metal substrate is greater than or equal to 0.04 mm and less than or equal to 0.12 mm, the largest particle size is less than or equal to 15 ?m and the average content of the particles is less than or equal to 40 ppm; if the wall thickness of the metal substrate is greater than 0.12 mm and less than or equal to 0.2 mm, the largest particle size is less than or equal to 20 ?m and the average content of the particles is less than or equal to 100 ppm; The size of the particles and the average content of the particles are reasonably controlled according to the wall thickness of the metal substrate, improving the plastic deformation capability of the implantable device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a porous emboli deflector for preventing cerebral emboli while maintaining cerebral blood flow during an endovascular or open surgical procedure. The device prevents the entrance of emboli of a size able to cause stroke (such as greater than 100 microns) from entering either the right or left common carotid arteries, and/or the right or left vertebral arteries by deflecting emboli downstream of these vessels. The device can be placed prior to any manipulation of the heart or aorta allowing maximal protection of the brain during the index procedure. The deflector has a low profile within the aorta which allows sheaths, catheters, or wires used in the index procedure to pass. Also disclosed are methods for insertion and removal of the deflector.

Abstract: A continuous wire stent includes a wire bent into a waveform and spirally wrapped into a helix having a plurality of bands that form a hollow cylindrical shape. The waveform includes a plurality of waves, each wave including a first outer crown including a first intrados, a second outer crown including a second intrados facing the first intrados, a first mid-crown disposed between the first outer crown and the second outer crown, a second mid-crown disposed between the second outer crown and an outer crown of a next wave of the waveform, a first strut connecting the first outer crown to the first mid-crown, a second strut connecting the first mid-crown to the second outer crown, a third strut connecting the second outer crown to the second mid-crown, and a fourth strut connecting the second mid-crown to the outer crown in the next wave of the waveform.

Abstract: A stent comprises a wire that is woven into a tubular fence forming a stent body, a plurality of tubular units connected around a longitudinal center axis of the stent body, and a plurality of connecting locations configured to connect adjacent ones of the plurality of tubular units and arranged along a plurality of circumferences with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the stent body. The plurality of circumferences include a first circumference having a first radius and a second circumference having a second radius, and the first radius is different from the second radius in length.

Abstract: A delivery system (100) for a bifurcated stent (200) is described having a stem (226) and a pair of arms (220, 222), comprising a delivery catheter (110) comprising an elongated first tube (102) having a proximal end (20) and a distal end (30) and a bifurcated part (114) at the distal end (30) configured to accommodate the arms (220, 222), wherein a longitudinal slit (140) disposed on the bifurcated part (114) is configured for releasable passage of the bifurcated stent (200) therethrough. A method for delivery of the bifurcated stent to a site of treatment using the delivery system (100) is also described.

Abstract: Drug eluting stents, methods of making, using, and verifying long-term stability of the drug eluting stents, and methods for predicting long term stent efficacy and patient safety after implantation of a drug eluting stent are disclosured. In one embodiment, a drug eluting stent may include a stent framework; a drug-containing layer; a drug embedded in the drug-containing layer; and a biocompatible base layer disposed over the stent framework and supporting the drug-containing layer. The drug-containing layer may have an uneven coating thickness. In addition or in alternative, the drug-containing layer may be configured to significantly dissolve/dissipate/disappear between 45 days and 60 days after stent implantation. Stents may reduce, minimize, or eliminate patient risks associated with the implantation of a stent, including, for example, restenosis, thrombosis, and/or MACE.

Abstract: An implantable graft may include a main section having walls formed with a woven fabric, the main section having a main lumen extending therethrough. The implantable graft may also include a bifurcated section having walls formed with the woven fabric, where the bifurcated section extends from main section, where the bifurcated section includes a first branch and a second branch, and where the first branch and the second branch each include a branch lumen in fluid communication with the main lumen. At least one branch of the bifurcated section may include a branch taper formed by a seam connecting a first woven layer and a second woven layer. A seam extension may extend outwardly along the seam of the branch taper, the seam extension being a single-layer woven structure.

Abstract: A sheath for loading and retrieving a prosthetic implant is disclosed, which includes a tube. The tube has opposing distal and proximal ends in its axial direction, and the distal end has a plurality of support rods arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the tube and having relative converged and flared configurations. A plurality of connecting strips are provided in the axial direction between two adjacent support rods, and each connecting strip is folded back and forth in the converged configuration and tends to be straightened in the flared configuration relative to the converged configuration. The straightened lengths of the connecting strips increase sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end, and two ends of each connecting strip are connected to the support rods on the corresponding sides and the connecting portions have the same axial level.

Abstract: Computerized system and method of manufacturing an articulated surgical device. Surgical device pathway data (often from medical scans), target and entry point location data, and design parameters in computer memory are used to automatically design, and subsequently manufacture the customized device. The device typically comprises a plurality of units, which may have varying lengths and widths, connected to other units by at least one moveable joint. The device is configured to accommodate multiple pull cables, often running from the distal to the proximal end. These cables enable an operator, often using a proximal control device, to precisely control the orientation of the distal end as the device traverses a patient's body pathways. The distal end of the device may have an effector unit configured to perform a medical task. Design and manufacture are facilitated by use of AI computerized design methods and computer controlled (CNC, laser cutting, 3D printing) methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a degradable vascular stent capable of avoiding late restenosis, comprising a base region formed by a polylactic acid based polymer; at least one storage region in which an active agent is stored; and an outer layer of a drug sustained release coating covered on the base region and/or the storage region. Before the mass of the polylactic acid based polymer is decreased by 10-20%, the active agent is retained in structural units of the polylactic acid based polymer. After the mass of the polylactic acid based polymer is decreased by 10-20%, the active agent is released from the storage region. The base region provides a supporting capacity for ensuring patency of blood vessels; the drug sustained release coating is used for drug release in an early stage; and the active agent only works in late degradation of the stent to avoid late restenosis.

Abstract: A prosthetic insertion apparatus and related methods of use in delivering filled prosthetic bladders through a skin incision and into a surgical cavity or pocket. The prosthetic insertion apparatus imparts control and retention properties to a surgical professional such the prosthetic bladder can be oriented and manipulated into the surgical cavity without risk of inadvertent dropping of the prosthetic bladder and without imparting damaging stress or torque to the bladder. Suitable materials can be utilized that are selected as having advantageous properties including lubricity, rigidity, easily sterilizable, and high strength.

Abstract: A covered stent (100) includes a first wave ring (20) provided on at least one end of the covered stent (100), wherein the first wave ring (20) is formed of braided wires by means of braiding; each of the braided wires has wire heads (21) and a wire rod (22), with the wire heads (21) being located at two ends of the wire rod (22); and the wire heads (21) of the braided wire are wound around the adjacent wire rod (22); and the covered stent (100) further includes a limiting unit (40), with the limiting unit (40) being arranged on the wire head (21) and the wire rod (22) adjacent to the wire head (21), and the limiting unit (40) limiting the range of axial and/or radial movement of the wire head (21) relative to the wire rod (22).

Abstract: A stent apparatus, system, and method that senses wall shear stress by measuring fluid flow at localized areas within the stent, that processes measured information through an integrated circuit, and selectively sends power to mechanically controllable stent surfaces which results in localized geometric changes. In various embodiments the stent apparatus, system, and method sends data to outside the body in real time.

Abstract: An embolic device for treating aneurysms or other vascular disorders may be more compliant than conventional devices, while still achieving desired porosity. In particular, the device may achieve the desired porosity only at discrete sections along the length of the device where such a porosity is required (e.g., sections that will block the neck of the aneurysm upon deployment). The remaining sections of the device can be configured to increase the device's compliance. For example, the remaining sections can be formed from less material than the sections with the desired porosity. In some instances, the sections with the desired porosity are formed from mesh-screen segments and the remaining sections are formed from coil segments. In some instances, the mesh-screen segments are configured to further enhance the device's compliance. For example, the mesh-screen segment can be formed from a layered structure that achieves greater compliance than conventional braided structures.

Abstract: A device for protecting neurons and reducing inflammation and adhesion formation following surgery is provided. Also provided is a method for protecting neurons and reducing inflammation and adhesion formation following surgery. The device includes a bioabsorbable substrate and a layer of an oxidation inhibitor mimicking the effects of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes located on a surface of the substrate. Oxidation inhibitors that may be used include EUK-8, EUK-134, EUK-189, and EUK-207 (a mimetic of superoxide dismutase/catalase), monosodium luminol or phenyl N-t-butylnitrone or an analog with similar anti-oxidant properties. The oxidation inhibitors reduce oxidative stress and trigger the subject's natural anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory defenses, thereby reducing neuron death, loss of neuron connectivity, inflammation and scarring and restoring excitatory function of neurons.

Abstract: A flexible, passive pressure sensor includes three LC tank circuits. The first LC tank circuit is a pressure sensing LC tank circuit, having a capacitance that varies in response to changes in environmental pressure. The second and third LC tank circuits are reference LC tank circuits, having capacitances that are relatively constant over changes in environmental pressure. A measurement tool measures the resonant frequencies of the three LC tank circuits and then computes a pressure measurement that accounts for changes in resonant frequencies in the LC tank circuits due to environmental effects and deforming.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double stent comprising two coaxially arranged stents (2, 3), wherein a first membrane (4) being arranged between a first inner stent (2) and the second outer stents (3), and a second membrane (5) being arranged on the second stent (3), with the membrane ends of the first and second membrane (4, 5) being brought together at the ends of the stents (2, 3) and folded over onto the inside of the first stent (2) and secured/fixed there.

Abstract: 2D and 3D cell culture containers formed from blends of poly-L-lactide and poly-D-lactide provide growth surfaces for adherent cells and do not require surface treatment or coating to support mammalian cell growth. The cell culture containers are transparent, heat tolerant, and are environmentally degradable and suitable for composting in landfills.

Abstract: A stent spring for repairing a pipe includes a substantially tubular mesh structure comprising one or more strands, the one or more strands comprising a spring material, wherein the stent spring is expandable and compressible between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration; and an elastic wire connected to the one or more strands, the elastic wire configured to increase a flexibility of the stent spring.

Abstract: A medical device for sealing a defect in a body includes a wire frame that includes a plurality of wires that form a first occluding member and a second occluding member, the wire frame including a defect-occupying portion disposed between the first occluding member and the second occluding member. The defect-occupying portion is adapted to fill a wide range of potential defect sizes, such that no more than five devices of a range of sizes are required to effectively seal a range of nominal defect sizes of approximately 8 to 35 mm.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis has an expanded state and an unexpanded state, the endoprosthesis includes a stent, wherein the stent has a first end, a second end, an inner surface defining a lumen, an outer surface, and a thickness defined between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a stent end covering disposed at one of the first and second ends, the stent end covering including a polymeric coating that includes a base and a plurality of protrusions, the base including a first major surface facing the outer surface of the stent, the base further including a second major surface from which each of the plurality of protrusions extends outwardly, the first major surface opposing the second major surface, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a micropattern. Methods of making and using an endoprosthesis are provided.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusion system for occluding an aneurysm includes a delivery catheter having a delivery lumen extending therethrough, a pusher member at least partially extending through the delivery lumen, and a vaso-occlusive device loaded within the delivery lumen, the vaso-occlusive device comprising an expandable braid formed out of a plurality of elongate braid filaments, the elongate braid elements having respective proximal end portions that are formed into a flexible transition section having a proximal end portion attached to a distal end of the pusher member and/or to an elongate central member coupled to, and extending distally of, the pusher member.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system includes a handle, a guidewire catheter extending distally from the handle, at least one tube, and at least one wire extending through the at least one tube, wherein each wire of the stent graft delivery system is configured as a loop at the distal end of the tube. The stent graft delivery system can be employed to implant stent grafts in a patient to thereby treat, for example, an aortic aneurysm spanning a region of an aorta that includes at least one arterial branch.

Abstract: An integrated valve prosthesis includes an anchor stent, a tether component, and a valve component. The anchor stent includes a self-expanding tubular frame member configured to be deployed in the annulus of an aortic valve or the aorta. The valve component includes a valve frame and a prosthetic valve coupled to the valve frame, and is configured to be deployed within the anchor stent. The tether component includes a first end coupled to the anchor stent and a second end coupled to the valve frame. In the delivery configuration, the tether component extends in a first direction from the anchor stent to the valve component, and in the deployed configuration, the tether component extends in a second direction from the anchor stent to the valve component. The second direction is generally opposite the first direction. The tether component may set the location of the valve component relative to the anchor stent.

Abstract: Devices that can be delivered into a vascular system to divert flow are disclose herein. According to some embodiments, devices are provided for treating aneurysms by diverting flow. An expandable device can comprise, for example, first a plurality of strut regions and a plurality of bridge regions. Each of the bridge regions may connect a first strut of a first strut region to a second strut of a second strut region. The first strut region may comprise a first plurality of apices defining a first circumferential plane, and the second strut region may comprise a second plurality of apices defining a second circumferential plane. A first curved segment of the bridge may extend across the first circumferential plane towards the first strut region, and a second curved segment of the bridge may extend across the second circumferential plane towards the second strut region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an injection molding method for a degradable intravascular stent with a flexible mold core structure. The injection molding method includes the following steps: Step 1, winding a metal rod with a flexible metal film, and applying an inward bending stress to the flexible metal film; Step 2, fixing the flexible metal film to the metal rod, and processing a complementary structure of the degradable intravascular stent on the surface of the flexible metal film; Step 3, performing injection molding processing; Step 4, ending the injection molding, removing the mating body of the flexible metal film and the metal rod and the degradable intravascular stent formed on the surface of the flexible metal film by injection molding, performing cooling, separating the metal rod from the flexible metal film, withdrawing the metal rod, and then removing the flexible metal film to obtain a formed degradable intravascular stent.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame, a valve, and an expansion element. The frame is movable between contracted and expanded configurations and includes first struts and second struts non-hingedly coupled together. The second struts are configured to pivot relative to the first struts as the frame moves between the contracted and expanded configurations. The valve is coupled to the frame and includes leaflets. The expansion element extends through a lumen of the first struts. The expansion element is slidable relative to the lumen of the first struts and is configured to move the frame incrementally from the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration and from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.

Abstract: A method of treating an eye of a patient may include positioning an expandable strut structure within at least one of an internal carotid artery, an ophthalmic artery, or an ostium at a junction between the internal carotid artery and the ophthalmic artery. Additionally, the method may include directing blood flow towards the ophthalmic artery via a diverter element associated with the expandable strut structure.

Abstract: A bifunctional expandable stent delivery assembly having a bifunctional expandable stent, a breakable cover, and a balloon. The bifunctional expandable stent has a balloon-expandable body portion and a self-expandable trumpet portion. The breakable cover fits over only the self-expandable trumpet portion and prevents self-expansion. The balloon is used to expand the balloon-expandable portion, which breaks the breakable cover and allows the self-expandable trumpet portion to self-expand. A method of stenting a patient using the bifunctional expandable stent delivery assembly is also provided.