Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the treatment, and pharmaceuticals for use in the treatment, of mammalian subjects in, or at risk of chronic renal failure, or at risk of a need for renal replacement therapy. The methods involve the administration of certain proteins of, or based upon, the osteogenic protein/bone morphogenetic protein (OP/BMP) family within the TGF-? superfamily of proteins.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating on a medical device having a controlled morphology is described. A medical device having a controlled morphology is described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an implantable woven graft for bridging a defect in a main vessel near one or more branch vessels. The graft includes a region of reduced density. Reduced density regions are alignable with at least one of the one or more branch vessels, and are suitable for in situ fenestration, for example by perforation. The disclosed examples are particularly suited for bridging abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a crosslinking agent, such as a stabilized aldehyde crosslinking agent. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: We hypothesized that gene expression patterns in peripheral blood cells may correlate with TAA disease status, and carried out a comprehensive gene expression survey on peripheral blood cells obtained from TAA patients and normal individuals. A distinct gene expression profile in peripheral blood cells can classify TAA patients from normal individuals. The genes provided by the present teachings define a set of diagnostic markers, thus providing a blood-based gene expression test to facilitate early detection of TAA disease. Methods of distinguishing ascending from descending TAA are also provided, as are methods of distinguishing familial from sporadic TAA.

Abstract: A stent fixture for supporting a stent during formation of a coating is provided.

Abstract: An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. 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. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of endothelial cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture.

Abstract: A medical device, for example a stent, has a surface which in use contacts body tissue, wherein said surface has on it a biocompatible coating layer comprising a polymer having covalently bound allyl-terminated pendent groups, said pendent groups comprising a moiety selected from -0-CH2—CH?CH2—S—CH2—CH?CH2—S(=0)-CH2—CH?CH2—Se—CH2—CH?CH2 and —Se (=0 J-CH2—CH?CH2. This surface has good biocompatibility and can bind strongly to a metallic surface. The polymer may be made from an electropolymerisable monomer, e.g. a pyrrole.

Abstract: The invention relates to surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) having high degradation temperatures and their use in the manufacture of articles made from base polymers which require high temperature processing. The surface modifier is admixed with the base polymer to impart alcohol and water repellency properties.

Abstract: An implantable shunt that includes one or more catheters configured so that the implantable shunt has a resistance to flow greater than about 3 mm Hg/mL/minute. An implantable shunt system that includes one or more catheters and a fluid control device that utilizes the properties of the catheters to improve the expected function of the shunt by providing a higher or lower resistance to the flow through the shunt and reduces the effect of pulsations of cerebrospinal fluid on the shunt system.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. Confinement of the device within an aneurysm causes it to assume a three-dimensional configuration with a higher energy state than the minimum energy state. Because the minimum energy state configuration of the device is larger (in at least one dimension) than the aneurysm, the deployed device is constrained by its contact with the walls of the aneurysm from returning to its minimum energy state configuration. The engagement of the device with the aneurysm wall minimizes shifting or tumbling due to blood flow.

Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices such as stents and stent delivery systems including catheters, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism or to treat a particular condition. A dip coating process is utilized to minimize waste and to customize coating thickness and drug loading directly at the clinical site just prior to therapeutic use on a patient. An aqueous latex polymeric emulsion is utilized to coat any medical device to a desired thickness by allowing for successive dipping and drying cycles at the clinical site. In addition, aqueous latex polymeric emulsions pose less of a chance of the bridging phenomenon associated with organic solvent based polymers.

Abstract: A mat having a highly uniform porosity distribution is produced by consolidating 15 or more layers of melt blown webs (or the like) having different orientations. Control over the porosity is provided by using webs that exhibit a narrow, unimodal distribution of fiber diameters over the bulk of its distribution, such as in the top 80%. A compliance of the mats can be chosen by selecting a number and orientation of the webs. It is thus possible to produce mats that are good candidates for vascular grafts, for example. The uniformity of the porosity within the range of 6 ?m to 30 ?m permits seeding of the vascular graft with endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The mats have the demonstrated ability to retain, and support growth of, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells.

Abstract: Several unique intra-cardiac pressure devices, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intra-cardiac pressure devices presented allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to enable the relief of elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms. The intra-cardiac pressure devices are made of a non-braided material.

Abstract: A stent assembly includes a branch portion and a main body with a proximal main body, a contralateral main body, and a distal main body. The branch portion is in fluid communication with the main body. In the expanded state the branch portion extends at an oblique angle in relation to the longitudinal axis. The main body and the branch portion are at least partially constructed of interconnected struts. A plurality of the struts are connected one to another by a peak. The distal main body has a greater peak width to strut width ratio than does the proximal main body and contralateral main body.

Abstract: The invention has for its object the provision of an intravascular implant that has mechanical characteristics and physiological characteristics and is very low in cell cytotoxicity and provides an intravascular implant having an implant body made of a metal material that contains gadolinium and magnesium and is free of yttrium.

Abstract: Medical device delivery systems and related kits and methods for placing multiple expandable medical devices within a body vessel are provided. A delivery system includes first and second expandable medical devices having the same or different dimensions. Placement of the first and second expandable medical devices in a body vessel can be achieved without requiring withdrawal of one or more components of the delivery system and insertion of secondary components.

Abstract: Expandable intraluminal scaffold defining a longitudinal axis is provided, wherein the scaffold includes at least two filaments extending from a head portion disposed along the longitudinal axis at a first longitudinal end, each of the at least two filaments including a free end portion at a second longitudinal end opposite the head portion. The at least two filaments converge toward each other at a juncture disposed proximate the longitudinal axis between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end. A system including a delivery system and the intraluminal scaffold, as well as a method of delivering the scaffold, is also provided.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a coating for an implantable medical device is provided comprising applying a first polymer on at least a portion of the device to form a first layer of the coating and applying a second polymer on at least a portion of the first layer to form a second layer of the coating. The second polymer has a lower degree of hydration than the first polymer.

Abstract: Methods of making multi-furcated grafts and, more particularly, a bifurcated graft from at least one ePTFE member are provided. Also provided are grafts made according to such methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to coating a surface wherein the coated surface inhibits foulants such as cell and/or protein and/or prion adhesion or formation. In particular, the coated surface may be part of a medical device which inhibits bacterial adhesion and colonisation, thrombus formation and/or prion, blood protein and/or protein formation.

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: The present invention is a luminal filter having wall contacts. The filter is formed to include: a plurality of filter elements interconnected so as to form a filter body shaped in a free recovery form and having a plurality of apertures disposed between and defined by the interconnected filter elements. The apertures are dimensioned so as to inhibit a thrombus of a selected size from passing through the apertures and being dimensioned so as to allow blood components smaller than the selected size to pass through the apertures. The polymeric wall contact is coupled to the filter and disposed on an external surface thereof. Optionally, a fastener can be used to secure the wall contact to the filter.

Abstract: A coating for an implantable medical device is provided comprising a first layer including a first polymer and a second layer including a second polymer. The second layer is disposed over at least a portion of the first layer. The second polymer has a lower degree of hydration than the first polymer.

Abstract: A method for treatment of COPD, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy, and chronic hypoxia including creation of an artificial arterio-venous fistula and installation of a flow mediating device proximate the fistula. The flow mediating device is operated to limit flow as medically indicated to provide the optimum amount of bypass flow.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis system deployable in a region of a patient's vasculature having one or more branch vessels, having a first main graft body having at least a first and second opening therein and a second main graft body having at least a first and a second opening therein. The first openings can be smaller than the second openings. The second main graft body can be expandable substantially within the first main graft body such that the second openings of each graft body do not substantially cover the first openings of the other graft body. The resulting graft system can have two openings therein, each being defined by the first openings in each of the first and second main graft bodies. One or more branch grafts can be attached to cover the openings in the main graft bodies, and the main graft bodies can have one or more cutouts therein.

Abstract: A vascular occlusion device deployment system for placing an occlusion device at a preselected site within the vasculature of a patient. The deployment system employing a pusher having a lumen with an opening at the distal end of the pusher. A vascular occlusion device is connected to the distal end of the pusher by a portion that is removeably disposed within the opening. The portion of the occlusion device is forced out of the opening by an expandable reaction chamber, thereby deploying the occlusion device. The expandable reaction chamber, prior to deployment, has multiple chambers separated by a heat-dissolvable membrane. When the membrane is dissolved, components from the chambers react and expand, leading to deployment.

Abstract: The present invention provides remodelable materials for retracting the interior walls of a body vessel via remodeling processes. Also provided are methods, kits and devices for the same.

Abstract: A stent has adjacent circumferential rings of struts. Adjacent rings being connected by a plurality of connectors. The stent having a hybrid of peak to valley and peak to peak connectors.

Abstract: An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. 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. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of endothelial cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices with elastomeric block copolymer coatings are disclosed.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided. A method supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is also provided.

Abstract: A partial stent may include a backbone and arcuate ribs extending from that backbone; where the ribs have shapes and lengths, and are positioned relative to the backbone, such that when the partial stent is viewed from an end, the ribs collectively define an open arc. A partial stent may include at least one barb extending outward therefrom. The partial stent may be used for treating an aneurysm in a blood vessel, such as a cerebral aneurysm. The partial stent may be placed in the blood vessel adjacent the neck of the aneurysm such that the partial stent substantially covers the neck of the aneurysm.

Abstract: Implants and methods of making same are provided for treatment or prophylaxis of coronary or peripheral vascular constrictions or vascular occlusions, and particularly, stenoses or restenoses, that comprise FK506 in chemically covalently bound, non-covalently bound or physically immobilized form.

Abstract: A metallic or pseudometallic covered stent in which the stent component and the cover component are each fabricated of biocompatible metallic or pseudometallic materials, in which the cover and the stent are joined by at least one juncture at each of a proximal and distal end of the stent and the cover. A method of joining the stent and the cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to surface modifying macromolecules (SMMs) having high degradation temperatures and their use in the manufacture of articles made from base polymers which require high temperature processing. The surface modifier is admixed with the base polymer to impart alcohol and water repellency properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device for treating a blockage of a vessel, with the catheter device featuring a treatment catheter for treating the vessel blockage which is embodied as an integrated unit with front-mounted stent.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a complex, wherein micelles and/or liposomes dispersed in hyaluronic acids and/or hyaluronic acid derivatives, with a drug and/or functional material loaded in the micelles and/or the liposomes. The complex can release the drug and/or functional material in a controlled manner. Also, a multilayer using the complex, and a device coated with the multilayer are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the design and fabrication of biological constructs, such as organ simulants or organ replacements, which contain complex microfluidic architecture. Designs of the present invention provide increased space in the lateral dimension, enabling a large number of small channels for small vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel prosthesis, particularly for the replacement of aorta segments near the heart, in the form of a pleated flexible tube with folds (3), the tube being configured as an arc, and the arc shape being fixed in an extension-resistant manner, in the non-implanted state, by means of extension limiters.

Abstract: A medical device which defines a lumen for flowing a bodily fluid from an upstream end of the device to a downstream end thereof is disclosed. The device has a luminal wall (14) that extends between the upstream and downstream ends and defines the lumen within which the fluid flows. The wall exhibits a succession of protuberances spaced from each other along the length of the device. Each protuberance has a flank facing upstream (54) and a flank facing downstream (64), the flank facing upstream extending into the fluid flow so that a radially outermost part of the flow of fluid from the upstream to the downstream end of the device impinges on the upstream flank and is thereby caused to reverse its flow, and flow upstream from the upstream flank to the downstream flank of the next adjacent protuberance upstream, creating micro-vortices between two adjacent protuberances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a textile vascular prosthesis (1) with a circulatory pleating formed by folds (4), and with an arch-shaped longitudinal flexion (2) extending over at least a partial section and formed by asymmetric shortening gathering of the prosthesis wall by means of at least one longitudinal seam (7) extending along the partial section. The at least one longitudinal seam gathers the prosthesis wall while preserving the accordion-like structure (4) and the compacted state of the pleating (4) in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Intraluminal support frames for placement within a body vessel are provided. The support frames include a plurality of ring structures and first and second sets of connector segments. Connector segments of the first set join adjacent pairs of ring structures while connector segments of the second set join at least three ring structures. Medical devices are also provided that include a support frame and an additional component, such as a graft member or valve member.

Abstract: Blood flow turbulence or stationary blood can occur in vessels of the body, in particular following surgical interventions or minimally invasive interventional procedures, and this can lead to the formation of thrombi. A model of such vessels is obtained on the basis of a 3D image dataset, a simulation is then performed and a check carried out to determine whether turbulence or stationary blood can be demonstrated in the simulation. The model is then modified, successively where necessary, until the simulation reveals no more turbulence. Then, on the basis of the most recently modified model that results in no turbulence and no stationary blood, an aid is provided, in particular a specific aid such as e.g. a stent produced or a screen display presented.

Abstract: A device includes a support defining at least one opening for retaining an implant situated in the vicinity of the distal end thereof, and at least one threadlike link for retaining the implant. The link includes a control portion engaged in the support and a tightening loop of the implant which projects outside the support through the retention opening. A component is provided for placing each tightening loop around the implant. The placement component includes a rigid member and at least one flexible cord integral with the member and engaged releasably around the tightening loop.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method, which comprises implanting in a patient an implantable device comprising a coating that includes a PEGylated hyaluronic acid and a PEGylated non-hyaluronic acid biocompatible polymer and the methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Compliant coatings for insertable medical articles are provided. In some aspects, the coating includes a diene polymer-containing layer, and a second coated layer that includes another polymer. The coating can be formed by coupling the polymer of the second coated layer to the first coated layer via latent reactive groups, such as photoreactive groups. In other aspects, the insertable medical article has a coating that provides different functional features to different surfaces of the article. The medical article can have a cylindrical shape with an interior surface having a first coating, and an exterior surface with a second coating, wherein the article also includes a plurality of openings.

Abstract: Medical devices made at least in part of amorphous metals or alloys are provided. Certain embodiments include filters, stents, guidewires, snares, and coils comprised of amorphous metal. Methods of forming the medical devices, including methods of shape setting amorphous metals or alloys into components of medical devices are also provided. Methods of using amorphous metal medical devices are also provided.