Abstract: Stent graft comprising a stent (1) having a plurality of ring segments (3) arranged side by side and connected with each other by connecting webs (7) having a meandering pattern, and at least one membrane (2), characterized in that a plurality of connecting webs (7) between adjacent ring segments (3) are provided with flexible tongues (6), which are arranged in a form-closed manner in the connecting webs (7) and which are resiliently movable against the connecting webs (7), wherein the membrane (2) being clamped between flexible tongues (6) and connecting webs (7).

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 implantable permanent filter assembly (1) for deployment in a bifurcated vessel includes a main vessel and at least two branches. This assembly includes a filtering sleeve (2) formed of an expendable braided framework (20) able to expand from a radially compressed state in a delivery configuration to a radially expanded state. The filtering sleeve extends along an axis and defines a cylindrical lumen devoid of impermeable layer, having a distal end configured to extend toward the branches of the bifurcated vessel and a proximal end configured to extend toward away from the branches of the bifurcated vessel. The braided framework has a plurality of mesh layers (22,23,24) of wires (25) made of biocompatible material, forming a lattice with a plurality of wires of each layers. The lattice, when observed normal with respect to a wall of the implantable endoluminal prosthesis, defines polygonal openings.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a stent for use in vascular interventions, the stent comprising a first portion for placing in a first lumen and a second portion for placing in a region of a branch point at which the first lumen branches off a second lumen, the second portion comprising one or more rings linked by second links to the first portion and, if the second portion comprises two or more rings, together. The first and second portions are configured to be different to facilitate controlled longitudinal deformation of the second portion.

Abstract: A method of making a method of making a stent includes forming a precursor stent using micro-cladding. The precursor stent includes a plurality of bands made of a first material disposed adjacent to each other and a plurality of connectors connecting each band to an adjacent band. The precursor stent includes a plurality of first connectors configured to remain and a plurality of second connectors made by functionally grading the first material with a second material to create embrittlement. The plurality of second connectors are configured to be removed. The precursor stent is processed to remove the plurality of second connectors without adversely affecting the bands and the plurality of first connectors. The second material may be a radiopaque material.

Abstract: An anastomosis stent includes an elongated body of a tubular configuration having a length and diameter dimensions extending in axial and radial directions of the elongated body and in a transverse relationship to each other. The elongated body is formed by multiple rings stacked adjacent one another in a direction parallel to the length dimension. Each ring is a single strand of wire bent in a repetitive pattern of sine waves. Each sine wave defines an alternating peak and valley divided by a length dimension extending orthogonal to the length dimension of the elongated body. The rings are fused together at locations on selected pairs of adjacent peaks and valleys of the rings with the fused locations arranged in parallel rows. The elongated body includes main and end portion and a safety mark about the elongated body at the juncture therebetween.

Abstract: A stent (scaffold) or other luminal prosthesis comprising circumferential structural elements which provides high strength after deployment and allows for scaffold to uncage, and/or allow for scaffold or luminal expansion thereafter. The circumferential scaffold may be formed from degradable material, or may be formed from non-degradable material and will be modified to expand and/or uncage after deployment.

Abstract: Vascular stent, in particular made of an in vivo degradable plastic material, having individual ring segments (2), the webs (4) of which are of meandering configuration, and comprising connecting webs (3) arranged between adjacent ring segments (2), said webs converging in connection points (7) with the webs (4) of the ring segments (2), with recesses (9a, 9b) being arranged at angles of the connection points (7) that are compressed when the vascular stent (1) is expanded, said recesses being open towards the edge and extending through the ring segment webs (4) and connecting webs (3), with a view to reducing stresses arising during the expansion of the vascular stent (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-expanding vascular implant for implanting into a blood vessel, the implant comprising a hollow cylindrical body with a proximal and a distal end and with a longitudinal axis; comprising stent springs, which are successively arranged and spaced from one another over the longitudinal axis of the body, each stent spring meandering; and comprising an implant material, which is fixed to the stent springs and connects same. The stent springs have pointed arches which alternately point toward the proximal and distal direction and comprise alternating crests and troughs that are connected to one another via legs of different lengths, whereby a stent spring has pointed arches, which are circumferentially and successively arranged and which have different heights, said pointed arches consisting of higher and shorter pointed arches.

Abstract: A radially expandable, tubular stent, includes a first section having a first crush resistance force and a second section have a second crush resistance force, wherein the first crush resistance force is less than the second crush resistance force. The first section is connected to the second section to form a tube, connection of the first and second sections extending in an axial direction of the tube.

Abstract: A stent includes a first section and a second section. The second section is aligned with the first section along a longitudinal axis of the stent. Each section includes 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. Each bridging module includes bridging elements that connect an apex of a first module with an apex of a second module. The plurality of expandable modules or the plurality of bridging modules in the first section are more radially stiff than the plurality of expandable modules or the plurality of bridging modules in the second section such that at least a portion of the first section is configured to be placed in a region of a vein subjected to physiologic compression.

Abstract: A stent is provided having a plurality of intersecting elongated members arranged to form a plurality of cells, which define an elongated tube with a lumen. The elongated tube has first and second sections, the first section having a substantially constant first diameter, the second section having a substantially constant second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. The elongated tube also has a transition section between the first and second sections, the transition section having a concave curvature extending proximally from the first section and a convex curvature extending proximally from the concave curvature to the second portion. A proximal end of the second section has a plurality of rounded ends formed by the plurality of intersecting elongated members. Each of the plurality of cells within the first section have a pitch that is tighter than each of the plurality of cells within the second section.

Abstract: A stent system is provided for stenting a bifurcated vessel structure having a parent vessel and a daughter vessel. The stent system has a parent vessel stent and a daughter vessel stent. The parent vessel stent has a substantially tubular body that is configured to be deployed into the parent vessel. This body has an angular flap that is openable to extend into the daughter vessel. The daughter vessel stent has a substantially tubular body that is configured to be deployed through the flap in the parent vessel stent into the daughter vessel. The daughter vessel stent has an angled tail portion that is configured to overlap with the flap of the parent vessel stent when both stents are deployed in the vessel structure. A method of stenting using this system is also provided.

Abstract: Medical devices that include a tubular member with a plurality of braided filaments, each filament crossing another of the filaments at a respective crossing point forming sidewall and a plurality of pores in the sidewall that are sized to inhibit flow of blood through the sidewall into an aneurysm to a degree sufficient to lead to thrombosis and healing of the aneurysm when the tubular member is positioned in a blood vessel and adjacent to the aneurysm, the pores have an average pore size that is less than or equal to about 500 microns when the tubular member is in an expanded state, the filaments possessing antithrombogenic surfaces to increase antithrombogenicity of the medical device with pores substantially free of webs formed by antithrombogenic material, such that fewer than 5% of the crossing points have webs formed by antithrombogenic material thereby permitting the pores to be substantially free of webs.

Abstract: A medical device includes a balloon expanded scaffold crimped to a catheter having a balloon. The scaffold has a network of rings formed by struts connected at crowns and links connecting adjacent rings. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes using protective polymer sheaths or sheets during crimping, and adjusting the sheaths or sheets during the crimping to avoid or minimize interference between the polymer material and scaffold struts as the scaffold is reduced in size.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes endoluminal devices, such as stents and stent grafts capable of being bent smoothly, with various benefits resulting therefrom.

Abstract: An illustrative stent may comprise an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end and an intermediate region disposed therebetween. The elongated tubular member may include at least one barb attached thereto. The barb may be configured to be tucked under a filament of the stent during delivery of the stent and protrude radially from the stent, when the stent is deployed.

Abstract: An expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. In one aspect, the stent includes a butterfly pattern to which connecting links are attached. In another aspect, the stent embodies a non-directional structure.

Abstract: This invention provides for a radially expandable stent having superior strength and reduced foreshortening properties. The stents have a mixed configuration of straight and arcuate connector segments that serve to join annular segments that make up the body of the stent. Surprisingly the described mixed configuration provides superior resistance to flip deformation while maintaining desired flexibility.

Abstract: Absorbable iron-based alloy implanted medical device and manufacturing method thereof. The iron-based alloy implanted medical device comprises an iron-based alloy substrate (11), a degradable polymer layer (13) disposed on a surface of the iron-based alloy substrate (11), and a tannic acid chemical conversion film (12) disposed on a surface of the iron-based alloy substrate (11). After the medical device is implanted into a body, the tannic acid chemical conversion film (12) is configured to protect the iron-based alloy substrate (11) coated thereby from being in contact with a body fluid, thereby ensuring that the device meets a clinical mechanical property requirement in the early stage of implantation. Furthermore, the iron-based alloy implanted medical device has a decreased size, and produces a decreased amount of a corrosive product after being implanted, facilitating faster absorption or elimination of the corrosive product.

Abstract: Catheter including an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member, and an expandable member coupled to the distal end portion of the inner tubular member. The expandable member having an inner chamber and transitionable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. A pressure chamber is defined by the proximal seal, the distal seal, the exterior surface of the inner tubular member and interior surface of the outer tubular member, with the pressure chamber in fluid communication with a fluid flow port, wherein fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to urge the outer tubular member in a proximal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices and methods of using them. The devices are prostheses which can be percutaneously deliverable with (or on) an endovascular catheter or via other surgical or other techniques and then expanded. The prostheses are configured to have a lattice resistant to dilation and creep, which is defined by a plurality of openings. The prosthesis may also optionally have a stent disposed proximal to the lattice. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The composite materials exhibit high elongation while substantially retaining the strength properties of the fluoropolymer membrane. In at least one embodiment, the lattice is made of a composite material that includes a least one fluoropolymer membrane including serpentine fibrils and an elastomer. A lattice including a generally tubular member formed of a composite material including a least one fluoropolymer membrane containing serpentine fibrils and an elastomer is also provided.

Abstract: Tubular surgical constructs including adjunct material are provided. In general, a tubular construct can be configured to be applied to tissue of a patient. The tubular construct can be configured to be implantable and to be implanted within a tissue lumen. The tubular construct can be configured to radially expand and radially constrict. The tubular construct can have an adjunct material disposed thereon. The adjunct can have one or more medicants releasably retained therein. Each of the one or more medicants can be effective to provide a desired effect on tissue in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis has a radially expansible support and a bifurcation traversing portion. The radially expansible support is configured to be deployed in at least a portion of the branch body lumen. The bifurcation traversing portion has a biostable portion having a first end and a second end. The first end is located adjacent to the radially expansible support. The bifurcation traversing portion also has a biodegradable portion having a first end coupled with the second end of the biostable portion. The biodegradable portion has a second end disposed at an end of the prosthesis opposite the radially expansible support. When deployed, the bifurcation traversing portion extends from the radially expansible support across a bifurcation and into a main body lumen such that the carina is supported thereby.

Abstract: Implantable stents that include strips that are each comprised of main struts connected by first connectors, and adjacent strips are connected by second connectors. The strut 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 that are particularly advantageous for (although not limited to) venous applications.

Abstract: A device for placement in the aortic arch of a patient is provided. The device includes a distal portion for being engageably received in an aortic arch of a patient beyond the left subclavian artery and a stent portion fluidly engaged with the distal portion, the stent portion being permeable and configured to span a portion of the aortic arches to which the brachiocephalic trunk, left common carotid artery, and left subclavian artery attach to the aortic arch. A diameter of the stent portion may be modified by translation of the proximal portion to thereby alter a length of the stent portion thus causing modification of the diameter of the stent portion to fit anatomical features of differing dimensions.

Abstract: A deployment apparatus and method for deploying one or more stents to a bifurcated vessel is provided. The invention is particularly suited for T-type bifurcated vessels where a side branch extends from a main branch. The deployment apparatus has a primary inflatable portion for engagement within the main branch and a secondary inflatable portion for engagement within the side branch. A main stent is arranged on the primary inflatable portion and radially expanded within the main branch while the secondary inflatable portion maintains registration with the side branch. A side branch stent is then arranged on the secondary inflatable portion and expanded within the side branch while the primary inflatable portion maintains registration with the expanded main stent. A bifurcated stent system suitable for bifurcated lesions is also provided comprising a side branch stent with a shaped end designed to engage a similarly shaped side opening in a main stent.

Abstract: A stent may include a connector having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion positioned between the first and second portions. The connector may be configured to interconnect axially adjacent stent segments. The connector may be further configured such that the third portion severs in response to a threshold amount of axial force, axial foreshortening, and/or cyclic loading or fatigue, in order to predispose the severance of one or more pre-configured connectors in a controlled manner to minimize any potential harm to the surrounding vasculature of a patient.

Abstract: A method of introducing the stent and a system for intravascular implantation is disclosed. The stent for bifurcation includes two cylindrical parts: a distal part of smaller diameter and a proximal part of greater diameter, connected by two arranged as opposite longitudinal connectors having length of 0.5 to 8 mm and forming a cell of the stent having an enlarged surface area, the connectors having a curvilinear shape, in particular a sinusoidal shape.

Abstract: A stent including a plurality of curved sections and a connector. The curved sections surround a longitudinal axis to define a tube portion and are distributed along the longitudinal axis to form a helix. The connector includes a bioresorbable material and is positioned between two adjacent curved sections. The stent has a spring constant that changes to a different spring constant after exposure to biological material.

Abstract: The invention being disclosed describes a medical device for removal of a thrombus or clot in a vascular setting by using a rotational, expandable basket structure in combination with drug infusion, blood/particle aspiration and clot isolation by distal and proximal occlusion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modular stent assembly for deployment within a lumen. The assembly may include primary and secondary stent portions. Each stent portion includes a sheet having an incomplete annular profile. The sheet includes a graft material disposed on a wire matrix. Each stent portion further includes an aperture positioned in the sheet, and first and second side walls. The first side wall extends between the aperture and a first longitudinal edge of the sheet. The second side wall extends between the aperture and a second longitudinal edge of the sheet, which is spaced apart from the first edge. The stent portions mate to define an interior space in which is positioned an expandable securement stent. An outer wall of the securement stent is sized to compress the side walls of the stent portions between the body of the securement stent and a wall defining the lumen.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable polymeric stent patterns with linking struts between rings that are designed to fail upon deployment of the stent are disclosed.

Abstract: A stent including a plurality of curved sections and a connector. The curved sections surround a longitudinal axis to define a tube portion and are distributed along the longitudinal axis to form a helix. The connector includes a bioresorbable material and is positioned between two adjacent curved sections. The stent has a spring constant that changes to a different spring constant after exposure to biological material.

Abstract: A filter with translating hooks is described. The filter can include strut members having first and second struts connected by a connecting portion. A translating hook is disposed adjacent the connecting portion of the strut members, the hook including a first elongate member attached at one end to the first strut and a second elongate member attached at one end to a second strut, the opposite ends of the elongate members connected together to define a tip. The translating hooks are configured to bend toward a central axis of the filter when the filter is in a collapsed configuration for delivery to a blood vessel and recovery from a blood vessel, and away from the central axis of the filter when the filter is in an expanded configuration within a blood vessel such that the hooks engage a vessel wall.

Abstract: Devices that can be delivered into a vascular system to divert flow are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, devices are provided for treating aneurysms b diverting flow. An expandable device can comprise, for example, a plurality of strut regions and a plurality of bridge regions. Each of the strut regions may extend circumferentially about the expandable device and include a plurality of struts. Each of the plurality of bridge regions may be attached to and extend between two of the strut regions and comprise a plurality first bridges and second bridges that intersect one another and are movable relative to one another at their intersections.

Abstract: A support structure for a heart valve implant may include an expandable metallic scaffold configured to be actuated between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, and a seal member formed from a polymeric material, the seal member being disposed about the expandable scaffold, wherein a first portion of the seal member immediately adjacent the expandable scaffold is directly attached to the expandable scaffold and a second portion of the seal member immediately adjacent the expandable scaffold is unattached to the expandable scaffold.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly (100) includes a heart valve (116), a self-expandable and collapsible stent (112), and a sealing member (114). The stent (112) includes an inflow end (120) and an outflow end (122), and surrounds and supports the heart valve (116). The sealing member (114) is connected to the inflow end (120) of the stent (112) and extends around a periphery of the stent (112). The sealing member (114) is connected to the inflow end (120) of the stent (112), overlaps a portion of the heart valve (116), and extends around an outer periphery of the stent (112).

Abstract: The invention relates to a vascular prosthesis system for inserting into and for supporting a blood vessel of a patient. The vascular prosthesis system comprises (i) a stent graft element comprising a prosthesis material, and (ii) a stent element free of prosthesis material. Furthermore, a strip-like prosthesis material segment is provided, by means of which the stent graft element and the stent element are connected to each other, in such a way that the strip-like prosthesis material segment forms a prosthesis material bridge.

Abstract: A medical stent may include a tubular support structure including a plurality of struts defining a plurality of cells disposed between the plurality of struts. A polymeric coating may be disposed over the tubular support structure such that a first portion of the plurality of cells are closed by the polymeric coating in a first region of the tubular support structure and a second portion of the plurality of cells in a second region of the tubular support structure remain open to fluid flow and/or tissue ingrowth therethrough. The struts in the first region of the tubular support structure and the struts in the second region of the tubular support structure may be at least partially covered by the polymeric coating.

Abstract: An embolectomy device includes a tubular body having a plurality of interconnected primary struts that define a plurality of openings when the tubular body is in a radially expanded deployed configuration, and a plurality of secondary struts connected to the primary struts that move from being aligned with the primary struts to a non-aligned configuration in which the secondary struts extend at least partially into and/or across the openings, to thereby ensnare or encapsulate a vascular obstruction within the primary and secondary struts after the tubular body is deployed proximate the obstruction and allowed to expand into or through the obstruction.

Abstract: A stent device includes generally cylindrical rings aligned along a longitudinal axis, and interconnected by interconnecting members. Each interconnecting member includes a first coupling end, a second coupling end, and an elongate portion therebetween. The first coupling end, the elongate portion, and the second coupling end combine in either a first orientation or a second orientation, which are substantially mirror images. For each interconnecting member, the first coupling end can intersect with a midpoint of a transition region of a substantially repeating curved segment on one of the rings, and the second coupling end can intersect with a midpoint of a curved segment of a different and immediately adjacent ring. The interconnecting members can be arranged in rows extending longitudinally along the device. Along each row, consecutive interconnected members alternate between the first orientation and the second orientation. A cover may be provided over the stent device.

Abstract: A stent includes a stent body defining a longitudinal axis and proximal and distal ends and being expandable from a compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. The stent body includes a plurality of stent segments. The stent segments include a first end segment and a second end segment on opposite ends of the stent body and at least one intermediate segment disposed between the first end segment and the second end segment. Each stent segment defines a plurality of cells and a plurality of peaks and valleys. The at least one intermediate segment defines only x number of cells. The first end segment defines at least x+1 number of cells. Each of the cells of the first end segment is substantially equal in size. Each of the at least one intermediate segment and the first end segment defines only y number of peaks and valleys.

Abstract: A device for capturing and removing an obstruction in a bodily duct of a patient. The device includes a cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis. According to some implementations the cylindrical body is comprised of a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in diagonal rows around the longitudinal axis. At least some of closed cell structures have substantially the same shape and size. According to some implementations at least some of the closed cell structures of substantially the same shape and size occupy a same circumferential location in the cylindrical body and are longitudinally separated from one another by no less than two, three, four or more diagonal rows of closed cell structures. According to other implementations the closed cell structures include diagonally extending struts having at least a curve portion and a straight portion.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and sufficient radial strength to hold open an artery or other body lumen. The stent can be compressed or crimped onto a catheter to a very low profile since the inside radii of curvature of some of the peaks and valleys allow the stent to be crimped to a very low profile onto a catheter and increase radial strength over prior art stents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cement director for insertion within a vertebral body or other body structure, and related methods of use. An example method includes creating a cavity in a vertebral body, inserting a collapsible mesh structure into the cavity in a collapsed state, wherein the collapsible mesh structure comprises regions of different permeability to a bone cement, inflating a balloon within the collapsible mesh structure to expand the mesh structure, and injecting a bone cement into the mesh structure, wherein the bone cement flows preferentially out of the mesh structure through at least one region of greater permeability.

Abstract: Examples of a stent is provided with interlocking joints removably coupling adjacent axial stent segments. Mating elements forming the interlocking joints maintain circumferential and axial engagement when the stent is in the radially compressed configuration, for example, during tracking of the stent to a treatment site of a body vessel, and become disengaged during radial expansion of the stent. The length of mating elements may be sized as large as the strut width. When disengaged, the disconnected the axial stent segments remain discrete stent structures separated from one another along the point of treatment.

Abstract: A multilayer stent configured for implantation in a body lumen, including a tubular outer layer comprising a first plurality of struts defining an outer layer mesh pattern extending between first and second ends of the outer layer, and a tubular inner layer comprising a second plurality of struts defining an inner layer mesh pattern extending between first and second ends of the inner layer. The inner-layer is at least partially disposed within the outer layer, wherein at least a portion of the inner layer is attached to, or integrally formed with, at least a portion of the outer layer.

Abstract: Heart valve prostheses are provided for replacing a cardiac valve. The heart valve prosthesis includes a self-expanding frame including a first portion and a second portion. In the collapsed configuration, the first portion is positioned adjacent to the second portion. In the expanded configuration, the first portion moves to be positioned within an interior area of the second portion.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides medical devices that comprise a composite region comprising a binding polymer portion and an oriented fibrous polymer reinforcement portion, wherein the composite region is formed by a process that comprises heating and compressing one or more oriented polymer fibers. Other aspects of the present disclosure relative to methods of forming such medical devices.