Abstract: A stent radially expandable from a radially contracted introduction state into a radially expanded position state, in which the final shape of the stent can be controlled by varying the amount and places photo-thermal energy is projected onto the interior surfaces of the tubes from which the stent is fabricated.

Abstract: An arterial graft device and a process for positioning the same, wherein said device comprises a first part positioned by conventional techniques within the artery, and a second part positioned on the first part by guiding means which are provided on the first part so as to prevent a catheter guidewire—whereby said second part is positioned in place—from deviating and damaging arterial walls.

Abstract: A body implantable stent is formed of a plurality of strands arranged in two sets of coaxial helices, wound in opposite directions to form multiple crossings. At selected crossings, the adjacent strands are welded to one another, while at the remaining crossings the strands are free for limited movement relative to one another. The welds are formed in patterns that preferably enhance radial strength and rigidity, while having a minimal impact on axial bending flexibility. Preferred weld patterns in this regard include rings or circumferential rows, and helices, particularly with a steeper pitch than that of the strands. Stent fabrication preferably involves resistance welding at the crossings, and use of a tool to reuniformly compress the stent around and against the distal end region of a balloon catheter used later to deliver the stent to a treatment site.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy and elastically self-expanding endoluminal support structures which are at least partially encapsulated in a substantially monolithic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (“ePTFE”) covering. An endoluminal stent, which has a reduced diametric dimension for endoluminal delivery and a larger in vivo final diametric diameter, is encapsulated in an ePTFE covering which circumferentially covers both the luminal and abluminal walls along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the endoluminal stent. The shape memory endoluminal stent is fabricated from a shape memory alloy which exhibits either shape memory or pseudoelastic properties or from an elastic material having an inherent spring tension such as spring steel, braided stainless steel wire, or composite materials, such as woven or braided carbon fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for maintaining the patency of a vessel via a stent while minimizing both the risk of permanent vessel collapse and the risk of dislodgment of the stent from the implant site if the stent is temporarily deformed due to external forces. The method utilizes a crush-resistant stent having either shape memory or superelastic properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms at the aortic and iliac bifurcation. In particular, a deployment system and graft are disclosed for deploying the bifurcated graft within both iliac branches, as well as the aortic trunk, from a single vascular access.

Abstract: A stent for use in a lumen in a human or animal body, has a generally tubular body formed from a shape memory alloy which has been treated so that it exhibits enhanced elastic properties with a point of inflection in the stress-strain curve on loading, enabling the body to be deformed inwardly to a transversely compressed configuration for insertion into the lumen and then revert towards its initial configuration, into contact with and to support the lumen. The shape memory alloy comprises nickel, titanium and from about 3 at. % to about 20 at. %, based on the weight of the total weight of the alloy composition, of a ternary element selected from the group consisting of niobium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten and gold. The ratio of the stress on loading to the stress on unloading at the respective inflection points on the loading and unloading curves is at least about 2.5:1, and the difference between the stresses on loading and unloading at the inflection points at least about 250 MPa.

Abstract: System for opening and temporarily supporting a section of a generally tubular organ, the system comprising a dilation catheter, and an inflatable balloon, the dilation catheter includes an integrally connected shape memory catheter tip, the shape memory catheter tip, is made of a shape memory alloy, the balloon being inserted within said shape memory catheter tip, wherein the balloon is operative to inflate, thereby moving the shape memory catheter tip from a first shape into a second shape, and wherein the shape memory catheter tip changes from the second shape to the first shape when heated from a first temperature to a second temperature.

Abstract: A stent of high longitudinal flexibility includes multiple ring elements coupled together to be articulating without fixed physical attachment therebetween when the stent is in an unexpanded state, and to uncouple automatically while maintaining their positional relationship when the stent is deployed to an expanded state. The stent is fabricated to offer radial strength suitable for supporting a wall of a vessel, duct or tract of a patient in which the stent is to be implanted, against recoil of the wall in response to deployment of the stent. The fabrication process includes forming a plurality of common ring elements aligned along a longitudinal axis; and fashioning coupling elements on each of the ring elements to mate with and pivot longitudinally relative to coupling elements fashioned on neighboring ring elements without fixed physical attachment between the coupling elements.