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: The present invention relates to implantable endoluminal prosthesis for preventing stroke. The endoluminal prosthesis (1) consists of a braided framework (20) defining a cylindrical lumen (21) devoid of impermeable membrane. Said braided framework (20) is self-expandable comprising a plurality of layers (22, 23, 24) of wires (25) made of biocompatible material. Each layer forms a mesh. The meshes form a lattice with a plurality of wires (2) of given layers (22, 23, 24). The lattice defines polygonal opening units (26) when observed normal to a wall of the implantable endoluminal prosthesis (1). The diameter (Ø25) of wire (25) being at least 30 ?m and at most 150 ?m, the mean diameter (Ø27) of the inscribed circle (27) of the polygonal opening units (26) being at least 75 ?m and at most 200 ?m in fully expanded state. The braided framework (20) consists of at least 128 and at most 512 wires (25).

Abstract: Implantable therapeutic devices and methods for endovascular placement of devices at a target site, such an opening at a neck of an aneurysm, are disclosed. Selected embodiments of the present technology have closures that at least partially occlude the neck of an aneurysm to stabilize embolic or coagulative treatment of the aneurysm. In one embodiment, for example, an aneurysm closure device comprises a closure structure and a supplemental stabilizer. The closure structure can have a curved portion configured to extend along a first vessel, such as a side branch of a bifurcated vessel that extends along a lateral axis. The supplemental stabilizer extends from the closure structure along a longitudinal axis transverse to the lateral axis of the first vessel. The supplemental stabilizer is configured to exert an outward force against a second vessel, such as a parent vessel, that extends transversely to the first vessel.

Abstract: A medical implant such as a self-expanding shape memory alloy stent with a strut matrix formed by cut patterns in a wall of a tubular workpiece can be enhanced by arranging for the line of the laser beam when cutting the struts to be one that does not pass through the longitudinal rotational axis of the tubular workpiece. Such “off-axis” cutting can modify the cross-sectional shape and area of each strut, along its length. Such modulation can enhance the fatigue resistance of the stent matrix, or increase the radial force that the stent matrix is capable of exerting on bodily tissue within which it is implanted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon shaped to have one or more enlarged regions to selectively increase expansion forces on an implant. For example, the balloon may have a central portion that is enlarged to exert more force on the center of a stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve. This overcomes the stent-mounted prosthetic heart valve's tendency to expand with flared ends. This forms a more cylindrical or barrel shaped stent frame during expansion of the balloon—reducing or eliminating the instance wherein the cylindrical stent frame has flared ends. Alternatively, the balloon may have conical flares placed to cause or enhance flared ends of the cylindrical implant to enhance its anchoring capabilities.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.

Abstract: Devices and methods can be used for the endoscopic treatment of conditions such as obesity and metabolic diseases. For example, this document provides devices and methods for bypassing portions of the gastrointestinal tract to reduce nutritional uptake. The devices provided herein can be endoscopically implanted such that direct visualization of the entire implant location within the gastrointestinal tract is attained. In some embodiments, the device is distally deployed utilizing a technique that is like that of single or double-balloon enteroscopy.

Abstract: An implant system may include a delivery sheath having an actuator mechanism, an anchoring assistance device including an expandable scaffold including a mid-body section, a cusp interface section, and a crown end arrangement, and a replacement heart valve implant. The cusp interface section includes a plurality of loop portions arranged at radial intervals about the expandable scaffold. Each loop portion is circumferentially spaced apart from another loop portion by a region having a deployment ring, the region being configured to span a commissure of the aortic valve and extending distally a shorter distance from the distal end than the loop portions. An elongate deployment member is configured to releasably engage with the deployment rings to actuate the expandable scaffold from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. The replacement heart valve implant is configured to be at least partially disposed within the expandable scaffold in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: In-vivo biodegradable medical implants, containing at least in part at least partially fine-grained metallic materials provide a strong, tough, stiff and lightweight implant. The in-vivo biodegradable implants are used in a number of stent applications, for fracture fixation, sutures and the like. The in-vivo biodegradable medical implants enable the reduction of implant size and weight and consequently result in reducing the release of implant degradation products into the body.

Abstract: A system for treating a bifurcation includes first and second delivery catheters. The first catheter has a first shaft, a first expandable member adjacent the distal end of the first shaft, an auxiliary expandable member disposed under the first expandable member, and a first radially expandable stent disposed over both the first expandable member and the auxiliary expandable member. The second delivery catheter has a second shaft, and a second expandable member adjacent the distal end of the second shaft. A portion of the second catheter is disposed under a portion of the first stent, and a portion of the second delivery catheter passes through a side hole in the first stent. The first stent is crimped over the first and second catheters such that the first stent remains attached to the first and the second catheters during advancement of the catheters through a blood vessel.

Abstract: Provided is a thin, narrow tube for use in a biodegradable medical device formed from a round tube made of a magnesium material as the base material, in which a desired outer diameter and an inner diameter are provided with good precision over the entire region in a longitudinal direction and a circumferential direction, and the length of biodegradation time can be controlled without changing a material composition. The thin, narrow tube is a thin, narrow tube of a biodegradable medical device, in which the thin, narrow tube is a round tube made of crystals containing magnesium (Mg) having a hexagonal crystal structure, and when the crystals forming the round tube are viewed in a round tube axis direction of the round tube, a hexagonal basal plane (0001) is oriented at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to a circumferential direction perpendicular to a radial direction (a direction from an inner surface to an outer surface) of the round tube.

Abstract: A helical stent is provided that is wound in a zig-zag pattern along a pitch angle with respect to a plane transverse to the axis of the stent. A bisecting line extending through a bend and between two adjacent angular struts is also angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprothesis, comprising a body containing a metallic material, and comprising at least one functional element that is fastened to the body and has a material composition in at least a portion of its volume that differs from the material of the body, the material composition preferably including radio-opaque and/or x-ray opaque material. To effectively prevent accelerated degradation due to the formation of a local cell of the material of the body and the functional element, the at least one functional element includes a first layer at least in the region of its surface where it is bonded to the body, the first layer primarily containing at least one metal oxide. Furthermore, the manufacture of an implant of this type is described.

Abstract: A wound dressing and a method for production thereof. The wound dressing includes a collagen-containing sheet-like structure, which is made of magnesium or a magnesium alloy. The sheet-like structure has openings and is embedded in a collagen-containing sheet-like structure. The wound dressing is embodied as a geometrically stable bioresorbable membrane and includes a support made of a collagen membrane, on which the collagen-containing sheet-like structure is arranged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tubular stents that are implanted within a body lumen. The stent has a cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal axis and includes a helical section and a closed endless ring section within the helical section. The helical section has of a plurality of longitudinally oriented strut members and a plurality of circumferentially oriented hinge members connecting circumferentially adjacent strut members to form a band, the band being wrapped about the longitudinal axis in a substantially helical manner to form a plurality of helical windings. The closed ring section interrupts the repeating helical pattern and separates the helical section into a proximal helical section and a distal helical section. The intermediate ring section includes a plurality of longitudinally oriented strut members and a plurality of circumferentially oriented hinge members connecting circumferentially adjacent strut members to form an endless ring.

Abstract: Provided are a stent in which a surface of a stent strut is treated by femtosecond laser radiation and is modified by a natural polymer and a method of preparing the stent. The stent and the preparing method may inhibit restenosis and stimulate reendothelialization.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices comprising a stent; and a coating on said stent comprising a polymer and an active agent, wherein the active agent comprises at least one of: extracellular matrix and an extracellular matrix component. Provided herein are methods of preparing a device comprising a stent and a coating on said stent; said method comprising: providing a stent; and forming a plurality of layers on said stent; wherein the coating comprises a polymer and at least one of said layers comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least a portion of the active agent comprises at least one of extracellular matrix and an extracellular matrix component.

Abstract: The development and construction of implantable artificial organs, and a process for manufacturing three-dimensional polymer microscale and nanoscale structures for use as scaffolds in the growth of biological structures such as hollow organs, luminal structures, or other structures within the body are disclosed.

Abstract: A mitral valve implant includes a force-expanding mitral valve lattice having an interior orifice and a self-expanding valve trampoline attached at the interior orifice of the force-expanding mitral valve lattice. The mitral valve lattice is self-expandable to a first configuration and force expandable from the first configuration to a second configuration. The configurations can be circular or D-shaped. The mitral valve lattice comprises jack screws adjusting configurations of the mitral valve lattice. The valve trampoline has a cylindrical central region comprising valve leaflets. An outwardly flaring implant skirt is attached to the mitral valve lattice exterior. Wall-retaining wires are attached to the mitral valve lattice, are petal-shaped, and have a pre-set, radially outward, memory shape. The wires and skirt impart a force on a respective side of the native mitral valve when the mitral valve lattice is expanded within an annulus of the native mitral valve.

Abstract: A method of making an implantable medical device includes extruding a first ePTFE tube and a second ePTFE tube, cutting a plurality of slits in the first ePTFE tube, positioning a radially expandable support layer between the first and second ePTFE tubes so that the slits span portions of the support layer, and laminating the first ePTFE tube to the second ePTFE tube through openings in the support layer.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis and method of constructing a prosthesis device for implantation into the lumen of a body vessel. The endovascular prosthesis includes a fenestration in the device surrounded by an inner edge, and the inner edge further surrounded by an outer edge of larger diameter. A shaped protrusion of semi-rigid graft material spans the distance between the inner edge and the outer edge connecting the two edges. The shape protrusion has a surface area larger than the plane of the tubular body between the edges and therefore will have excess material. This excess material allows the inner edge and the fenestration to move within the circumference of the outer edge. The shaped protrusion may also form a semi-rigid dome.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical implants for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implants comprise a polymer and drug-coated metal structure having a tubular configuration and designed to deliver the drug to target tissue at tailored linear drug elution rate.

Abstract: A heart valve system, the system including a radially self-expandable tubular body and a valve. The tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end such that the outflow end includes a proximal section and a plurality of beams. The plurality of beams being disposed distally of the proximal section in an outflow direction. Additionally, the tubular body including struts with peaks and valleys at the inflow end of the tubular body such that the proximal section of the outflow end is disposed distally of the peaks and valleys in the outflow direction. Furthermore, the tubular body being configured such that movement of the proximal section of the outflow end radially inward causes the inflow end to flare radially outward, and an arrangement of the struts being configured such that movement of the peaks radially inward causes the valleys to flare radially outward.

Abstract: Several unique intra-cardiac pressure vents, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intra-cardiac pressure vents presented remain partially open under normal intra-cardiac pressures to allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to enable the relief of elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms, and also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium by closing when the pressure in the right atrium exceeds the pressure in the left atrium by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A knitted component may include a knit element that has an auxetic portion configured to move between a first position and a second position as the knitted component stretches. The knitted component may also include a tensile strand inlaid within at least one of a course and a wale of the knit element, where the tensile strand extends through the auxetic portion, and where the tensile strand is selectively securable to the knit element via a securement device. The securement device may be spaced from the auxetic portion.

Abstract: A device for treating obesity by limiting absorption of food through a wall of a duodenum of a patient including a sleeve inserted into the duodenum of a patient. The sleeve includes a plurality of first blocking areas and a plurality of first food absorption areas, the first blocking areas providing duodenum wall covers to prevent food absorption through the duodenum wall and the first blocking areas together defining a first total blocking area. The first food absorption areas providing access to the duodenum wall to enable food absorption through the duodenum wall and the first food absorption areas together defining a first total absorption area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human tissue radiation protector with auxiliary method of radiotherapy, wherein said human tissue radiation protector comprises an interconnected expander, a syringe and a marker set onto the expander; said marker is made of radiopaque materials, which could assist the expander in positioning; as well as multiple radiation dosage detector capable of measurement the radiation dosage at different positions of the expander; said method allows to place the expander of the human tissue radiation protector between the tumor and nearby human tissues or organs so as to separate them, and assist the expander in positioning via the marker and measurement the radiation dosage via the radiation dosage detector.

Abstract: A support structure includes strut members interconnected by rotatable joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.

Abstract: A material engagement element sheet formed from a sheet material (10) incorporates a pattern of material engagement element slots (14), each slot containing an array of material engagement elements (20) which have a tapered distal section (30), a flange section (34) and a proximal section (32) which is attached to an edge of the slots in the sheet material.. The material engagement element sheet material may be a single layer of shape memory material, or the sheet material may be a composite of different layers some of which may include pre-strained shape memory materials with distinguishable activation parameters. The material engagement element slot configuration allows for the simultaneous processing of the material engagement elements. The material engagement elements may be processed such that they are in a state that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the material engagement element sheet.

Abstract: An endoluminal device can be configured for precise positioning during deployment within a vessel. The endoluminal device can be a tack, stent, vascular implant or other type of implant. The endoluminal device can have circumferential member with an undulating configuration having multiple inward and outward apexes and struts extending therebetween. Two of the struts can be used to establish a foot for the precise positioning of the device during deployment. A method of placing the endoluminal device can include withdrawing an outer sheath such that a portion of the endoluminal device is expanded prior to the rest of the endoluminal device.

Abstract: The pupil expander 1 of the present invention is used to maintain a pupil in an expanded state during ophthalmologic surgery such as, e.g., cataract surgery. The pupil expander 1 is equipped with four arm sections 10 arranged serially in a manner as to form a circular shape as a whole and joint sections 20 which connect end sections of adjacent arm sections in a movable manner. With this, since the end sections of adjacent arm sections 10 are connected in a movable manner and therefore the entire shape of the pupil expander 1 can be deformed in an eye via the joint section 20, the pupil expander can be arranged safely without damaging an iris I, which enables easy and assured maintenance of a sufficiently expanded state of a pupil.

Abstract: A stent of the present disclosure has a variable radial force along the longitudinal length of the stent. In particular, the radial force of the center is greater than the radial force of the ends of the stent. Without being bound by theory, the radial force is affected by the strut angle ?, the wall thickness t, the number of strut pairs, and combinations thereof. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the stent has a variable strut angle ?, a variable wall thickness t, and a variable number of strut pairs. By adjusting the strut angle ?, the wall thickness t, and the number of strut pairs of the serpentine bands, the stent will have a variable radial force without the need for additional processing steps.

Abstract: An endoluminal device can be configured for precise positioning during deployment within a vessel. The endoluminal device can be a tack, stent, vascular implant or other type of implant. The endoluminal device can have circumferential member with an undulating configuration having multiple inward and outward apexes and struts extending therebetween. Two of the struts can be used to establish a foot for the precise positioning of the device during deployment. A method of placing the endoluminal device can include withdrawing an outer sheath such that a portion of the endoluminal device is expanded prior to the rest of the endoluminal device.

Abstract: An implantable sent comprises a radiopaque marker that provides a structural connection between two parts made of a polymer substrate material. The two parts can be one bending element of one radially expandable ring and another bending element of an adjacent expandable ring. The two parts can be two bending elements of the same radially expandable ring. The radiopaque marker can be in the form of an entire radially expandable ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removal of thrombus from a blood vessel in a body of a patient are disclosed herein. The method can include: providing a thrombus extraction device including a proximal self-expanding member formed of a fenestrated structure, a substantially cylindrical portion formed of a net-like filament mesh structure having a proximal end coupled to a distal end of the fenestrated structure; advancing a catheter constraining the thrombus extraction device through a vascular thrombus, deploying the thrombus extraction device by stacking a portion of the net-like filament mesh structure outside of the catheter by distally advancing the self-expanding member until the self-expanding member is beyond a distal end of the catheter; retracting the self-expanding member to unstack the portion of the net-like filament mesh structure and to capture the portion of the thrombus; and withdrawing the thrombus extraction device from the body.

Abstract: Stent, as well as a method and device for fabricating the stent, wherein the stent has a tubular lattice structure comprising individual struts and at least one strut of which at least one longitudinal section runs with at least one directional component in the radial circumferential direction of the stent, wherein the surface of the longitudinal section facing the outside of the stent is curved only about the longitudinal axis of the stent. According to the invention, the surface of longitudinal section of the strut, which surface faces the inside of the stent, has such a curvature that the strut cross section is fluidically optimized.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a polymer scaffold with increased radial strength including steps of elongation or strain of a biaxially oriented tube and annealing or thermal processing of the strained tube at a constant strain are disclosed. The steps of elongation and thermal processing increase axial direction chain orientation and lamellar crystal growth, increase radial strength, and decrease the thickness of the tube. The method allows fabrication of a scaffold with thinner struts which provide sufficient radial strength.

Abstract: A stent includes a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section each include a plurality of expandable modules and a plurality of bridging modules. Each expandable module includes a plurality of strut elements that join together at a plurality of apices, and each bridging module includes bridging elements that connect an apex of a first module with an apex of a second module. In some aspects, the first section is more flexible along the longitudinal axis of the stent than the second section and is configured to be placed in a specific region of a vessel that requires flexibility to accommodate surrounding anatomy. In some aspects, the first section is more radially stiff than the second section and is configured to be placed in a specific region of the vessel that requires radial stiffness to counteract crushing force caused by surrounding anatomy.

Abstract: A stent and a stent delivery system are configured to exhibit good slip strength, flexibility, and expandability. The stent includes a plurality of wave-shaped struts positioned at intervals in the circumferential direction of the stent, and a plurality of connecting struts positioned between the wave-shaped struts. Each of the wave-shaped struts extends from one end to the other end in the axial direction, and has proximate portions that form portions in the vicinity of an adjacent wave-shaped strut, distant portions that form portions away from the adjacent wave-shaped strut, and straight portions that connect the proximate portions and the distant portions. The straight portions extend in the circumferential direction of the stent in a state in which the stent is mounted on the balloon. The connecting struts connect to each other the distant portions of adjacent wave-shaped struts.

Abstract: The present invention is a replacement mitral valve suitable for catheter-based deployment. The replacement mitral valve has structure and dimensions that are uniquely suited to engage the annulus surrounding the native mitral valve and to restore normal function to a diseased valve. The invention describes the structures and functions of a replacement mitral valve and methods that are adapted for minimally invasive, catheter-based deployment of the valve.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes inflating the delivery balloon during a diameter reduction to improve scaffold retention and maintaining an inflated balloon during the diameter reduction and prior and subsequent dwell periods.

Abstract: The invention relates to medicine, in particular, to vascular and endovascular surgery, and can be used for assessment of the condition of an isolated space of an aneurysmal sac after implantation of a stent-graft by measuring pressure inside the sac, and for administration of drugs to an aneurysm in a blood vessel as far as necessary. The device for measurement pressure in an isolated space of an aneurysmal sac and for administration of drugs to an aneurysm in a blood vessel is made in the form of a hollow tube. The tube has side apertures and is adapted to change a shape when introduced into an aneurysm, and to fill the entire interior space of the aneurysm at its circumference. The tube is also adapted to be connected to a pressure-measuring sensor through a detachable hollow tube to measure pressure between the vessel wall and the wall of a stent-graft implanted to the blood vessel, and to administer drugs through said detachable hollow rube.

Abstract: A medical device including a valve member with an elongate tubular portion with at least one aperture disposed in a sidewall at a location between the proximal and distal ends, and a plurality of leaflets; a first endovascular graft coupled to the valve member; and a second endovascular graft coupled to the first endovascular graft; and an expandable anchor member coupled to the second endovascular graft.

Abstract: A vascular implant made in total or in parts of a biodegradable magnesium alloy consisting of Y: 2.0-6.0% by weight, Nd: 1.5-4.5% by weight, Gd: 0-4.0% by weight, Dy: 0-4.0% by weight, Er: 0-4.0% by weight, Zr: 0.1-1.0% by weight, Li: 0-0.2% by weight, Al: 0-0.3% by weight, under the condition that a) a total content of Er, Gd and Dy is in the range of 0.82-4.0% by weight and b) a total content of Nd, Er, Gd and Dy is in the range of 2.98-8.5% by weight, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities up to a total of 0.3% by weight.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for reducing the likelihood of stent thrombosis following implantation in a subject is provided. A stent is provided including a body having a plurality of struts and one or more coatings applied to the body including at least one polymer, a therapeutic agent for inhibiting restenosis, a loading dose of a first antiplatelet agent and a maintenance dose of the first antiplatelet agent, and a loading dose of a second antiplatelet agent and a maintenance dose of the second antiplatelet agent.

Abstract: A method of forming a sintered nickel-titanium-rare earth (Ni—Ti-RE) alloy includes adding one or more powders comprising Ni, Ti, and a rare earth constituent to a powder consolidation unit comprising an electrically conductive die and punch connectable to a power supply. The one or more powders are heated at a ramp rate of about 35° C./min or less to a sintering temperature, and pressure is applied to the powders at the sintering temperature, thereby forming a sintered Ni—Ti-RE alloy.

Abstract: A device includes a balloon and an interface. The balloon has an outer surface and a central lumen aligned on a longitudinal axis. The balloon is configured to receive a compressible fluid. The interface is coupled to the outer surface and has an external surface configured to bond with a tissue.

Abstract: A tubular prosthetic device for implantation into a body lumen includes a first part including a tubular lumen and a second part including an attachment member. The second part is secured to the first part via various configurations, where the device is capable of being reduced to a diameter less than the diameter of traditional devices, for ease of use during implantation. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis fabricated from multi-phase ferrous steel. Endoprostheses can include a variety of devices such as staples, orthodontic wires, heart valves, filter devices, and stents, many of which devices are diametrically expandable devices. Multi-phase ferrous steels include dual phase steels and transformation induced plasticity steels (TRIP steels).

Abstract: Expandable scaffolds or stents include circumferential elements having a corrugated pattern, which can include a plurality of linear or nonlinear segments. The corrugated pattern distributes stress more uniformly along the circumferential elements, improves radial strength of the scaffolds, reduces acute recoil after deployment, and reduces creep. The scaffolds can be made from a bioabsorbable material.