Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a prosthetic device through the vasculature of a patient includes a radially expandable member coupled to the distal end of an elongate shaft. The expandable member has an open frame configuration and an outer mounting surface for mounting the prosthetic device in a collapsed state thereon. The expandable member expands radially outwards from a first configuration to a second configuration to expand a prosthetic device mounted thereon.

Abstract: An implantable frame comprises a plurality of corner structures configured to decrease pressure to the vessel wall and define pulsatility enhancing windows of the implantable frame. The corner structures may comprise plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts that extend in a longitudinal direction of the blood vessel when placed to form the vessel wall to a substantially polygonal cross-section and distribute pressure loading of the corner structure among the plurality of neighboring longitudinal struts to improve biocompatibility. The corner structures also allow increased forming of the vessel wall and can provide stretching of the vessel wall to enhance pulsatility of the vessel wall.

Abstract: An aneurysm bridging device can be placed in the neurovasculature of a patient by advancing the aneurysm bridging device in a small-diameter configuration a delivery catheter to a target region within the neurovasculature and securing the distal region of the aneurysm bridging device to the neurovasculature. While the distal region of the aneurysm bridging device is secured to the neurovasculature, the proximal region of the aneurysm bridging device can be advanced to permit the aneurysm bridging device to expand from the small-diameter configuration and to deform and twist in a central region of the aneurysm bridging device. The proximal region of the aneurysm bridging device can be secured within the neurovasculature to maintain the central region of the aneurysm bridging device in a deformed state.

Abstract: A method for implanting a stent includes contracting a self-expanding/forcibly-expanding stent of a shape-memory material set to a given shape to a reduced implantation size with a delivery system having drive wires. The stent has a selectively adjustable assembly with adjustable elements operatively connected to the drive wires such that, when the adjustable elements are adjusted by the drive wires, a configuration change in at least a portion of the self-expanding stent occurs. The contracted stent is inserted into a native annulus in which the stent is to be implanted. The drive wires are rotated with the delivery system to forcibly expand the stent into the native annulus. While rotating the drive wires, a torque applied to the drive wires is determined with the delivery system. Rotation of the drive wires is stopped based upon a value of the determined torque.

Abstract: Sealable and repositionable implant devices are provided with one or more improvements that increase the ability of implants such as endovascular grafts to be precisely deployed or re-deployed, with better in situ accommodation to the local anatomy of the targeted recipient anatomic site, and/or with the ability for post-deployment adjustment to accommodate anatomic changes that might compromise the efficacy of the implant. A surgical implant includes an implant body and a selectively adjustable assembly attached to the implant body, having adjustable elements, and operable to cause a configuration change in a portion of the implant body and, thereby, permit implantation of the implant body within an anatomic orifice to effect a seal therein under normal physiological conditions.

Abstract: The current invention employs tubes that can be constrained and expanded by either axial or torsional strain. By torsionally displacing the tube in a direction counter to the biased helices and angularly displacing the lower angle helix to an angle equal to, but opposite, the starting angle, the tube is expanded diametrically with no significant change in length after expansion of the tube. These tubes find utility in medical and non medical applications.

Abstract: An assembly and planar structure for use therein which is expandable into a 3-D structure such as a stent and device for making the planar structure are provided. The planar structure permits the use of planar batch manufacturing technologies to fabricate coronary artery stents. Stents with different wall patterns are fabricated from 50 ?m thick stainless steel foil using micro-electro-discharge machining, and expanded to tubular shapes by using angioplasty balloons. The stents are free-standing. The free-standing stents exhibit diameter variations of <±4%, almost zero radial recoil after deflation of the balloon, and longitudinal shrinkage of <3% upon expansion. A variation of the stents uses breakable links to provide additional customization of electrical and mechanical properties. Loading tests reveal that the radial strengths match commercially available stents, while longitudinal compliance, at 0.02 m/N for a 4 mm long section of the stent, is substantially higher.

Abstract: A stent design reduces the likelihood of contact among structural members when the stent diameter is reduced before insertion into the body. In one approach, an undulating link has a J-shaped profile or has an angled portion on one side at the peak of the link, in order to reduce contact during crimping. The stent may also include structural features that improve such aspects as flexibility, the coatability of a drug coating onto the stent, flare reduction, stent retention within the body and/or reduction of the minimum diameter of the stent during crimping.

Abstract: A bidirectional twistable stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a cylinder-shaped stent body having a plurality of axially arranged rows of struts encircling a central lumen and a plurality of flex connectors that connect at least two adjacent rows of struts in such a manner that allows the stent to be twisted clockwise or counter clockwise without causing deformation of any struts in the stent body. Also disclosed are the method of making the stent, method of using the stent, and a kit containing the stent.

Abstract: An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by swivel 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: An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by swivel 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: Apparatus (20) for use with pancreaticobiliary secretions that enter a gastrointestinal tract of a subject at an anatomical entry location, the apparatus (20) comprising: a pancreaticobiliary secretion-diversion guide (30) configured to collect the pancreaticobiliary secretions from the anatomical entry location and deliver the pancreaticobiliary secretions to a location in the gastrointestinal tract that is distal to the anatomical entry location; and an anchoring system (40) comprising one or more helical anchors (80) located within the gastrointestinal tract and configured to apply pressure to a wall of the gastrointestinal tract in order to maintain the pancreaticobiliary secretion-diversion guide in place.

Abstract: The inventions relate generally to expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen and, in particular, to an axially nested, diametrically expandable, slide and lock vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The axially nested vascular device desirably achieves both competitive crossing profiles while maintaining other key features, such as, for example, radial strength and luminal patency. The collapsed profile can also be made very thin without compromising radial strength. Thus, the vascular device can advantageously be deployed in small and difficult to reach areas or vessels. The axial nesting substantially eliminates radial overlap between mating structural elements thereby desirably allowing for a low, uniform profile.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis has a plurality of tubular rings that are radially expandable from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration. Each ring comprises a plurality of axially oriented struts that are interconnected so as to form a circumferential series of at least one high peak and at least one low peak. The high and low peaks have apices that are oriented in the same axial direction. The apices of the high and low peaks are also oriented in the same direction and the apices of the high peaks are axially offset from the apices of the low peaks. A bridge member couples a pair of adjacent tubular rings together. The bridge member has a first end connected to a first low peak in a first tubular ring and a second end connected to either a high or low peak in an adjacent tubular ring.

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

Abstract: A intraluminal stent comprises a reticulated tube having an un-deployed diameter and expandable to an enlarged diameter. The tube includes a structural beam extending between first and second ends. The structural beam changes from a first geometry to a second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter. The structural beam includes first and second longitudinal elements each extending at least partially between the first and second ends and with a spacing between the first and second elements. Each of said first and second elements changes from the first geometry to the second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter for the spacing to remain substantially unchanged as the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter.

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

Abstract: A drug delivery balloon is provided, the a balloon having an outer surface, and a tunable coating disposed on at least a length of the balloon surface. The tunable coating includes a first therapeutic agent and a first excipient, and can include a second therapeutic agent and a second excipient. The first and second therapeutic agents have different dissolution rates during balloon inflation and therefore provide a coating that is tunable.

Abstract: A stent graft extends in a flow lumen to span a defective portion of the flow lumen and seal the defective portion from further blood contact. The stent graft includes a pair of apertures, from which extensions project into the renal arteries to seal the passage of blood into the renal arteries from the abnormality. The apertures are larger than the opening of the renal arteries, such that the apertures need not be centered with the renal arteries to enable placement of the extensions. The aperture opening and side branch extensions contain hook and loop structures to provide a variably positionable seal of the aperture opening.

Abstract: A cardiovascular conduit system may comprise a connector. The connector may comprise a proximal end adapted to attach to a cardiovascular organ. The proximal end may comprise a first plurality of expandable members, and each member in the first plurality of expandable members may be deployable from a delivery position to a deployed position. The first plurality of expandable members may be dimensioned to deploy inside the cardiovascular organ to secure the connector to the cardiovascular organ. The connector may comprise a distal end adapted to attach to a conduit and an opening extending through the connector. Connectors for cardiovascular conduit systems may also include expandable stents. Connectors may be rotatably secured to a conduit, and the conduit may be reinforced. Methods for forming and using cardiovascular conduit systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A intraluminal stent comprises a reticulated tube having an un-deployed diameter and expandable to an enlarged diameter. The tube includes a structural beam extending between first and second ends. The structural beam changes from a first geometry to a second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter. The structural beam includes first and second longitudinal elements each extending at least partially between the first and second ends and with a spacing between the first and second elements. Each of said first and second elements changes from the first geometry to the second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter for the spacing to remain substantially unchanged as the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter.

Abstract: A method of removing slag formed during laser cutting a hypotube may include flowing cooling gas into a laser nozzle, directing flow of the cooling gas onto an external surface of the hypotube, and injecting cooling fluid into an inner lumen of the hypotube at a velocity. Flowing the cooling gas and injecting the cooling fluid may at least partially remove slag from the external surface of the hypotube.

Abstract: An expandable balloon for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body is movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The balloon has, when in the expanded condition, a center line which follows a substantially helical path. The balloon can be combined with a stent such that the stent is expandable by the balloon from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition.

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 a 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 radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen.

Abstract: Expandable biodegradable devices formed of bistable and multistable unit cells for use in devices, such as stents and graft systems, are provided, in which the device has two or more stable configurations, including a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the contracted stable configuration having a smaller diameter than the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A medical implant, having a proximal and a distal end, that is preformed to assume a superimposed structure at an implantation site but can be made to take on a volume-reduced form making it possible to introduce it by means of a micro-catheter and a guide wire arranged at the proximal end, with the implant in its superimposed structure assuming the form of a longitudinally open tube and having a mesh structure of interconnected strings or filaments. The implant has a tapering structure at its proximal end where the strings or filaments converge at a connection point.

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

Abstract: The invention relates generally to expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen and, in particular, to an axially nested, diametrically expandable, slide and lock vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The axially nested vascular device desirably achieves both competitive crossing profiles while maintaining other key features, such as, for example, radial strength and luminal patency. The collapsed profile can also be made very thin without compromising radial strength. Thus, the vascular device can advantageously be deployed in small and difficult to reach areas or vessels. The axial nesting substantially eliminates radial overlap between mating structural elements thereby desirably allowing for a low, uniform profile.

Abstract: A self-expanding aneurysm cover device which takes the form of an outwardly biased cylindrical skeletal frame in which the proximal end of the cylindrical skeletal frame forms a loop which extends at an oblique angle to the axis of the cylindrical skeletal frame. A positioning tab extends from the proximal end of the skeletal frame which when pulled causes the cylindrical skeletal frame to collapse to a reduced diameter for removal of the device from a vessel.

Abstract: An expandable stent radially adjustable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The stent generally includes a main body and a plurality of connector segments. The main body has first and second ends, a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, and a plurality of ring structures. Each of the plurality of connector segments joins adjacent ring structures. Some ring structures may be connected by a pair of diamond connector segments that define a diamond-shaped portion when the stent is in the expanded state. Some ring structures may be connected by flex connector segments oriented to permit rotation of the second ring structure about the longitudinal axis during radial expansion of the stent.

Abstract: An implant centering system includes a sensor connected to a hollow cylindrical anchor via at least two struts. The hollow cylindrical anchor is transformable between a radially compressed configuration for delivery and a radially expanded configuration for lodging against a vessel wall. The struts longitudinally relocate the sensor between a first position in which the sensor is longitudinally spaced apart from the radially compressed anchor, and a second position in which the sensor is at least partially within a lumen of the radially expanded anchor and radially centered within vessel. In one embodiment, the struts are heat-set into a curved configuration and an externally applied force longitudinally relocates the sensor until the struts lock over center into their heat-set configuration. In another embodiment, radial expansion of the anchor longitudinally relocates the sensor without an externally applied force.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymer stent with radiopacity and a method of making and using a stent with enhanced mechanical strength and/or controlled degradation for use in a bodily lumen is described.

Abstract: A stent has a plurality of expansion columns that extend in a radial direction to form a circumference of the stent and interconnected in the axial direction to form an overall axial length of the stent. Each expansion column has a plurality of first cells and a plurality of second cells that alternates along the expansion column with at least one first cell. Each first cell has at least two facing walls extending in the radial direction that have a first width. The second cells each have at least two facing walls that extend in the radial direction which have a second with greater than the first width. The first cell uses less force to open than the second cell, but upon opening provides increased radial strength by creating a substantially vertical cell wall.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable structural element for in vivo delivery of bioactive active agents to a situs in a body. The implantable structural element may be configured as an implantable prosthesis, such as an endoluminal stent, cardiac valve, osteal implant or the like, which serves a dual function of being prosthetic and a carrier for a bioactive agent. Alternatively, the implantable structural element may simply be an implantable article that serves the single function of acting as a time-release carrier for the bioactive agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoprosthesis having a plurality of web rings coupled by connectors, which include two or more essentially parallel struts and a foot extension protruding from one of the struts. An endoprosthesis constructed according to the principles of the present invention provides an elevated degree of scaffolding to a body lumen while retaining an acceptable degree of flexibility.

Abstract: A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body when the stent is in a collapsed condition and for expansion to an expanded condition, includes an outer wall for engagement with the conduit. The outer wall has a helical portion which in the expanded condition extends longitudinally and circumferentially, and which, upon expansion of the stent from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition, resists extension.

Abstract: A new multiple component stent arrangement which allows for initial self-expansion and subsequent deformation to a final enlarged size.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant, a method and a device for determining the position of the implant. To improve the accuracy of determining the position it is proposed to provide a transponder on the implant suitable for determining the position.

Abstract: A stent has a porous surface having a repeating pattern generally in the shape of a “butterfly” comprising alternative concave and convex segments which give the stent good flexibility when unexpanded, and good shape retention once expanded.

Abstract: An implantable intraluminal device includes a multilayer composite tubular device supporting one or more stents between the layer thereof. A first porous elongate tube includes an exterior surface and an interior luminal surface. A radially expandable member is disposed about the exterior surface of the first tube. A second porous elongate tube is disposed concentrically over the first tube and is secured thereto so that the radially expandable member is longitudinally immobilized therebetween.

Abstract: A system and method of aligning a stent with a stent support involves taking two images of the stent that has been placed on the stent support and determining from the two images whether the stent is aligned with the stent support. The stent can be rotated so that the two images are of different views of the stent. A computer can be configured to receive the images and to determine the whether the stent is aligned. A backlight can be used to take images of the stent in silhouette. A portion of the stent support can be re-positioned based on an image taken of the stent.

Abstract: A generally tubular, cylindrical stent prosthesis has an unexpanded delivery configuration and an expanded configuration for contacting the vessel wall. The stent prosthesis has a plurality of adjacent stent struts, each stent strut having a wavelike or sinusoidal pattern of straight segments and crowns. A Y-shaped member is attached to one or more crowns to cause the crowns to flare outwardly at an angle from the cylindrical stent body when the stent is expanded. Upon expansion of the stent, the crown(s) having Y-shaped members attached thereto are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and radially flare from the cylindrical stent body. The flared crowns anchor the stent within the vessel by protruding into the vessel wall and/or seating the stent within an ostium.

Abstract: A intraluminal stent comprises a reticulated tube having an un-deployed diameter and expandable to an enlarged diameter. The tube includes a structural beam extending between first and second ends. The structural beam changes from a first geometry to a second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter. The structural beam includes first and second longitudinal elements each extending at least partially between the first and second ends and with a spacing between the first and second elements. Each of said first and second elements changes from the first geometry to the second geometry when the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter for the spacing to remain substantially unchanged as the tube changes from the un-deployed diameter to the enlarged diameter.

Abstract: An intravascular stent especially suited for implanting in curved arterial portions or ostial regions. The stent can include an end region which is fabricated to have a greater radial strength than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in ostial regions, which require greater support near the end of the stent. The stent alternatively can include sections adjacent the end of the stent with greater bending flexibility than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in curved arteries. The stent can also be constructed with an end that has greater radial strength and sections adjacent the end with greater bending flexibility. Such a stent prevents flaring of the stent end during insertion.

Abstract: An intravascular stent especially suited for implanting in curved arterial portions or ostial regions. The stent can include an end region which is fabricated to have a greater radial strength than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in ostial regions, which require greater support near the end of the stent. The stent alternatively can include sections adjacent the end of the stent with greater bending flexibility than the remaining axial length of the stent. Such a stent is particularly suited for use in curved arteries. The stent can also be constructed with an end that has greater radial strength and sections adjacent the end with greater bending flexibility. Such a stent prevents flaring of the stent end during insertion.

Abstract: A endovascular prosthesis for implantation in a body passageway. The prosthesis comprises a tubular wall which is: (i) movable between a first longitudinal length and a second longitudinally length, and (ii) radially expandable for implantation of the prosthesis in the body passageway. In one embodiment, the tubular wall has a longitudinally length which is variable by an “accordion”-like action. In another embodiment, the tubular wall has a longitudinally length which is variable by an “telescoping”-like action. The longitudinal length of the tubular wall may be varied in vivo to optimize deployment of the endovascular prosthesis.

Abstract: A tubular endoprosthesis can be radially deployed between a retracted state and an expanded state. It includes an axially rigid support which has at least one retention opening. The device further includes at least one filamentary connection which has a region for clamping the endoprosthesis, at least partially surrounding the endoprosthesis, and a control region which is connected to the clamping region via the retention opening. The support is permanently fixed to the endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A stent with strut bands and connectors, wherein the strut bands have long and short struts with a junction positioned between the short struts. Each junction defines a reservoir, wherein the reservoirs of a strut band are substantially circumferentially aligned. The connectors each have arms, wherein each arm includes an opposing U-shaped link. The opposing links have a shared portion disposed between a peak on one strut band and a longitudinally adjacent trough of an adjacent strut band.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen and, in particular, to an axially nested, diametrically expandable, slide and lock vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The axially nested vascular device desirably achieves both competitive crossing profiles while maintaining other key features, such as, for example, radial strength and luminal patency. The collapsed profile can also be made very thin without compromising radial strength. Thus, the vascular device can advantageously be deployed in small and difficult to reach areas or vessels. The axial nesting substantially eliminates radial overlap between mating structural elements thereby desirably allowing for a low, uniform profile.

Abstract: A fatigue-resistant implantable medical device. The fatigue-resistant implantable medical device includes a tubular stent. The tubular stent can have a laser-cut length and a shape-set length that is either longer or shorter than the laser-cut length. Such stents will tend to return to their laser-cut length when they are compressed for delivery. A stent that is shape-set longer than its laser-cut/delivery length that is deployed in a vessel that is shortened for stent delivery will tend to return to its shape-set length when the vessel returns to its neutral (i.e., elongated) length. Likewise, a stent that is shape-set shorter than its laser-cut/delivery length that is deployed in a vessel that is elongated for stent delivery will tend to return to its shape-set length when the vessel returns to its neutral (i.e., shortened) length. Such stents will experience reduced axial loading and reduced mean strain, thereby improving fatigue life.