Abstract: A vascular connector includes a main tube having a channel for fluid flow therethrough and opposed ends adapted to be connected to a vascular structure; and at least one inlet tube having a channel for fluid flow therethrough, a proximal end intersecting the main tube, and a distal end adapted to be connected to a vascular structure.

Abstract: Described are medical devices which are or can be used to form tubular medical devices, and related methods. Preferred devices include tubular grafts of biomaterial having lumen walls which present no seam edge that traverses the entire length of the lumen, illustratively including devices having lumen walls which have a discontinuous seam presenting multiple seam edges. Such a device may include a tubular structure formed by inserting a plurality of extensions of a biomaterial sheet through a plurality of corresponding apertures of the sheet.

Abstract: A delivery system for self-expanding stents is provided. The delivery system includes a wire releasably attached to a portion of the self-expanding stent. The wire restrains movement of the stent when the stent is released from the delivery system. Thus, more accurate placement of the stent may be possible.

Abstract: Non-glutaraldehyde fixation of an organ or a prosthesis for implantation in a mammal is based upon carbodiimide treatment. An aqueous solution containing a coupling agent, such as EDC, in combination with a coupling enhancer, such as sulfo-NHS, and a high concentration of a diamine cross-linking agent is used. As a result, only minimal surface reduction occurs during fixation, and the resultant products show a dramatic increase in resistance to calcification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device or implant made at least in part of a high strength, low modulus metal alloy comprising Niobium, Tantalum, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zirconium, Tungsten and Molybdenum. The medical devices according to the present invention provide superior characteristics with regard to biocompatibility, radio-opacity and MRI compatibility.

Abstract: A method for repairing or modifying an area of a patient's anatomy that comprises directing at least a portion of a scanning beam assembly to an area of a patient's anatomy, applying a radiation-responsive agent to portion of the anatomy, and exposing the radiation-responsive agent to radiation directed onto the agent by the reflector to cause the agent to therapeutically interact with the site. The scanning beam assembly including a radiation source capable of emitting radiation, a reflector that receives the radiation from the radiation source to direct the radiation onto the anatomy, wherein the reflector oscillates in at least two directions to create a scan of the anatomy, a detector to detect radiation returned from the anatomy, and a controller to convert the detected radiation into a displayable anatomy image.

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: 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: Disclosed herein are implantable medical devices comprising controlled release terpolymers and at least one drug releasable from said terpolymers coating. The terpolymers of the present invention are comprised of acrylate and/or vinyl monomers.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) is provided, including a bifurcation stent (50) comprising one or more electrodes (32), the stent (50) configured to be placed in a primary passage (52) and a secondary passage (54) of a blood vessel (30), and a control unit (34), configured to drive the electrodes (32) to apply a signal to a wall (36) of the blood vessel (30), and to configure the signal to increase nitric oxide (NO) secretion by the wall (36). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the drug release rate from a composite material. The composite material includes a synthetic, bioabsorbable polymer matrix and a drug particle phase dispersed therein. The release rate of the drug from the polymer matrix is enhanced by orienting the composite material. The drug release rate of the oriented composite material is greater than the drug release rate from an otherwise comparable non-oriented composite material.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a stent having a supporting structure of a non-particulate inorganic carbon material.

Abstract: Treatment of aneurysmal blood vessels with local delivery of therapeutic agents thereby reduces or lessens the severity of an aneurysm, and, where used in conjunction with the placement of an excluding device, provides for more rapid recovery of the blood vessel from any disturbance occurring during placement of the excluding device. Therapeutic agents are placed in the aneurysmal site in a time-release carrier medium, such that the therapeutic agent is released into the aneurysmal site over a period of time without the need to provide systemic introduction of the therapeutic agent. The carrier may be introduced through the patient's dermis, such as with the use of a laparoscope, or intravacularly, through the use of a catheter. The carrier may be in a solid matrix, viscous liquid or liquid form.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus, tissue-engineered vessel and a method of using the tissue-engineered vessel are provided for the connection of two adjacent blood vessels. In some embodiments, the tissue engineered vessel may be affixed to a stent, or a stent may be inserted into an area to be treated first, and then the tissue-engineered vessel may be affixed to the stent. The tissue-engineered vessel may include a living adventitia, a decellularized internal membrane, and/or an endothelium.

Abstract: An intravascular implantable medical device includes a detachable tether arrangement. In one embodiment, the detachable tether arrangement comprises a tip assembly that includes a break-away joint and a tether portion, and may also include a connector and an extension portion connected to an end of an elongated intravascular implantable medical device. In this embodiment, the break-away joint is disposed between the extension portion and the tether portion. In some embodiments, the extension portion may comprise a housing or other arrangement that includes an antenna for transmitting and receiving data. In other embodiments, the extension portion may also include a lead for defibrillation, pacing, and/or sensing cardiac electrical activity. In certain embodiments, the tether arrangement is designed to be secured within a patient's vasculature with a vascular anchor either in the form of a separate anchor, such as a conventional stent, or by various integrated retention arrangements.

Abstract: The curved section of a hemodialysis graft comprises an inner interior surface defined by a relatively large radius and an outer interior surface defined by a relatively small radius for maintaining laminar flow of blood passing through the curved section of the graft and thereby substantially reducing cellular proliferation and blood clotting.

Abstract: A device for preventing stroke due to embolic material in the bloodstream of a patient, the patient having an aorta with an ascending portion and a descending portion, and one or more arch vessels communicating with the aorta for directing blood flow to the brain of the patient. The device includes a physical deflector element configured for at least partial placement in the aorta of the patient and a mounting structure coupled to the physical deflector element. The mounting structure is configured to engage at least one of the aorta or an arch vessel communicating with the aorta. The physical deflector element is constructed and arranged to direct blood flow in the aorta in a manner that directs embolic material in the blood flow past the one or more arch vessels and into the descending portion of the aorta.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of forming a medical device is provided, which includes: (a) contacting a substrate with a solution that contains (i) one or more types of polymers, (ii) a solvent that contains one or more types of solvent species, and (iii) one or more optional agents, for example, one or more therapeutic agents, among others; and (b) removing the solvent from the solution, thereby forming a polymeric layer on the substrate. The composition of the solution is changed over the course of forming the polymeric layer. In another aspect of the invention, a medical device is provided, which includes a substrate and a polymeric layer over the substrate. The polymeric layer contains a copolymer that contains differing first and second monomers. The lower surface of the polymeric layer contacting the substrate has a surface concentration of the first monomer relative to the second monomer that is higher than that of the upper surface of the polymeric layer opposite the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating an aortic dissection having an entry point downstream of the takeoff of the left subclavian artery. The devices include a catheter that carries an endoluminal implant at a distal region of the catheter. The implant is a self-expanding tubular mesh or strutted stent. A capture sheath holds the stent in a compressed state for percutaneous delivery. The catheter is advanced to position the stent adjacent the entry point of the dissection. The stent is released by withdrawing the capture sheath. The stent expands to engage the intimal lining and press the intima into contact with the outer layers of the aorta and thereby promote healing of the dissection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrophilic dicationic siloxane prepolymers with at least one polymerizable vinyl moiety, resulting in contact lenses and/or biomedical devices with reduced cross-link density and modulus without detracting from other properties.

Abstract: A stent for use at an implant site in a vessel having recesses containing one or more active agents. The stent is a tubular body having a plurality of sinusoidal shaped annular elements and connection elements. The recesses are formed so as to leave substantially unaltered the bending moments of these elements. The recesses may be continuous or discontinuous and may be distributed uniformly or nonuniformly.

Abstract: A tubular tissue scaffold is described which comprises a tube having a wall, wherein the wall includes biopolymer fibrils that are aligned in a helical pattern around the longitudinal axis of the tube where the pitch of the helical pattern changes with the radial position in the tube wall. The scaffold is capable of directing the morphological pattern of attached and growing cells to form a helical pattern around the tube walls. Additionally, an apparatus for producing such a tubular tissue scaffold is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a biopolymer gel dispersion feed pump that is operably connected to a tube-forming device having an exit port, where the tube-forming device is capable of producing a tube from the gel dispersion while providing an angular shear force across the wall of the tube, and a liquid bath located to receive the tubular tissue scaffold from the tube-forming device. A method for producing the tubular tissue scaffolds is also disclosed.

Abstract: A distal protection device comprising a catheter having a first strut movable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a first dimension and a second strut movable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a second dimension larger than the first dimension. Movement of the first strut deploys filter material to a first position having a first deployed dimension and movement of the second strut to a first position deploys filter material to a second deployed dimension larger than the first expanded dimension.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert (2) for a conduit (4) adapted to effect helical flow in the conduit (4) comprising a longitudinally extending member having a helical formation.

Abstract: A method for preparing a scaffold material for use in the prosthesis therapy is disclosed. The method comprises (a) lyophilizing a segment of native soft tissue of mammalian origin, heating the lyophilized tissue at a temperature of 100-200° C., and incubating the tissue with elastase to selectively remove elastin leaving the extracellular components mainly comprised of collagen.

Abstract: A device includes a somewhat cylindrical working portion having an initial equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 170 mm, an insertion equivalent diameter ranging from about 5 to about 25 mm, a use equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 40 mm and a length ranging from about 20 to about 60 mm; and an anchoring portion extending beyond the working portion and having an initial equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 60 mm, an insertion equivalent diameter ranging from about 10 to about 25 mm, a use equivalent diameter ranging from about 20 to about 60 mm and a length ranging from about 10 to about 50 mm.

Abstract: A stent expansion device includes an expanding mandrel having a side, a threaded internal channel, two open ends and a plurality of longitudinal slots along the side. An expansion pin is included, and has a cylindrical body with a threaded tapered portion. The device is configured to expand a stent by rotating or screwing the tapered portion of the expansion pin within the internally treaded mandrel. A method of expanding a stent in a controlled fashion using the stent expansion device is also described.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertable proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertable compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a cross-linker. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and an adhesion modifier, and may also include one or more of: a pasticizer, a carbohydrate, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the cross-linker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. 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: Embolism protection devices can be formed with a biocompatible expandable polymer that can expand upon release within a patient's vessel. Upon release, the structure can be configured to filter flow through the vessel. The material of the embolism protection devices can release one or more biologically active agents, such as a thrombolitic agent, including, for example, tPA. Alternatively or additionally, the embolism protection device can be connected to a tether that elutes one or more biologically active agents.

Abstract: An improved method of implanting cells in the body of a patient includes positioning viable cells on a support structure. One or more blood vessels may be connected with the support structure to provide a flow of blood through the support structure. A support structure may be positioned at any desired location in a patient's body. The support structure may be configured to replace an entire organ or a portion of an organ. An organ or portion of an organ may be removed from a body cells and/or other tissue is removed to leave a collagen matrix support structure having a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the organ or portion of an organ. Alternatively, a synthetic support structure may be formed. The synthetic support structure may have a configuration corresponding to a configuration of an entire organ or only a portion of an organ.

Abstract: A preserved vessel isolated from a human umbilical cord or placenta and lyophilized for use as an allograft which improves blood supply to human tissue without antigenicity.

Abstract: A resonator device including an induction coil, a conductive member positioned adjacent the induction coil, and a dielectric layer between at least a portion of the induction coil and the conductive member to form a capacitor structure. In one embodiment, the conductive member can be a stent. In an alterative embodiment, the conductive member can be a conductive film. In an additional embodiment, the dielectric layer can have a dielectric constant that changes in a predetermined fashion between at least a portion of the induction coil and the conductive member to allow for a uniform current distribution in the resonator device. The dielectric layer can also include a flexible elongate body.

Abstract: A block copolymer comprising a fluorinated block and a non-fluorinated block and method of making the block copolymer are provided. Also provided herein are a coating on an implantable device comprising the block copolymer and method of using the implantable device.

Abstract: An implantable microporous ePTFE tubular vascular graft exhibits long term patency, superior radial tensile strength and suture hole elongation resistance. The graft includes a first ePTFE tube and a second ePTFE tube circumferentially disposed over the first tube. The first ePTFE tube exhibits a porosity sufficient to promote cell endothelization, tissue ingrowth and healing. The second ePTFE tube exhibits enhanced radial strength in excess of the radial tensile strength of the first tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally and/or mechanically treating tissue, such as valvular structures, to reconfigure or shrink the tissue in a controlled manner. The apparatus comprises a catheter in communication with an end effector which induces a temperature rise in an annulus of tissue surrounding the leaflets of a valve or in the chordae tendineae sufficient to cause shrinkage, thereby causing the valves to close more tightly. Mechanical clips can also be implanted over the valve either alone or after the thermal treatment. The clips are delivered by a catheter and may be configured to traverse directly over the valve itself or to lie partially over the periphery of the valve to prevent obstruction of the valve channel. The clips can be coated with drugs or a radiopaque coating. The catheter can also incorporate sensors or energy delivery devices, e.g., transducers, on its distal end.

Abstract: Disclosed are medical prosthetic devices or medical implants which exhibit improved biocompatitibly. The devices or implants include a metal material, e.g. titanium, in which the metal surface parts are coated with a corresponding hydride material that contains one or more biomolecule substance. This biomolecule substance may contain one or more biologically active molecules, e.g. bio-adhesives, biopolymers, blood proteins, enzymes, extra cellular matrix proteins, extra cellular matrix biomolecules, growth factors and hormones, peptide hormones, deoxyribonucleic acids, ribonucleic acids, receptors, enzyme inhibitors, drugs, biologically active anions and cations, vitamins, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), marker biomuolecules, amino acids, fatty acids, nucleotides (RNA and DNA bases), or sugars.

Abstract: Processes for producing a tissue graft comprising acellularizing or devitalizing a tubular tissue to produce a tissue matrix. The tissue matrix is then populated with at least some viable cells. The processing and the populating steps are performed in a closed system, such as a bioreactor. Tissue grafts produced using the inventive processes may be capable of withstanding physiological stress and strain conditions present at a site into which the tissue graft is implanted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preserved, deantigenated tissue matrix of an animal or human hollow organ, e.g. of a blood vessel, of the ureter or urinary bladder, which matrix is autologous, allogenic or xenogenic with respect to a recipient and whose biomechanical properties are not or only slightly impaired by such preservation, which does not include any infectious particles from the donor and is excellently suited for coating with recipient endothelial, epithelial, fibroblast, or muscle cells in order to produce autologous grafts for said recipient. The invention is also directed to a method of producing said tissue matrix and to the use thereof, as well as to the autologous graft produced therefrom, and to the production and use thereof.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic graft for the bypass, replacement or repair of vessels and organs that are in contact with blood flow is disclosed. The prosthetic graft includes a porous prosthetic implant and adherent cells adhered to the outer surface of the implant. The adherent cells are transfected with at least one recombinant nucleic acid molecule encoding at least one protein that enhances patency of the graft. The prosthetic graft has a long-term patency and success rate that is superior to other previously described prosthetic grafts designed for such use. Also disclosed are methods of making and using such a graft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for forming in vivo a junction between a first and a second element of a modular endovascular prosthesis used for repairing defects in vessels and other lumens within the body of a patient. The first element is adapted to have a receiving element, and the second element is adapted to have a protruding element. In the final deployed configuration of the endovascular prosthesis, the protruding element of the second element is adapted to be engaged with the receiving element of the first element, substantially preventing axial separation of the elements relative to each other. The receiving element of the invention may have various forms, and may include a fold in the wall of the first element, an expandable framework having protruding struts, or a flexible thread.

Abstract: A stent arranged in a stenosis portion of the intracavital has a deformable frame urged so as to expand in a radially outward direction thereof and a generally cylindrical film-like member which is removably mounted around an outer periphery of the frame and which is expandable and reducible in a radial direction thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a tissue engineered blood vessel (TEBV) made from a cultured fibroblast sheet rolled into a multilayer vessel which has sufficient burst strength to withstand physiological blood pressure without the inclusion of smooth muscle cells or synthetic scaffolding. The TEBV is made in a bioreactor having an enclosed chamber, a sheet growth module, a rollable mandrel, and a clamp for holding the sheet to the mandrel for rolling.

Abstract: An endovascular apparatus is provided for treating the effects of vascular disease including aneurysms and arterial blockages using a percutaneous, minimally invasive technique. In one embodiment the endovascular apparatus includes a tubular sleeve having a cranial end, a first caudal branch, and a second caudal branch such that the tubular sleeve is shaped like an upside down “Y.” The apparatus further includes at least one expandable attachment device attached to the tubular sleeve for securing the endovascular apparatus to an interior wall of a vessel. The at least one expandable attachment device includes a plurality of telescoping segments similar to the telescoping segments of a presentation pointer. Accordingly, during percutaneous insertion of the endovascular apparatus into a patient the attachment device can be collapsed into a small profile.

Abstract: An intravascular dilator includes a central body acting as deflector o the blood flow to increase the value of shear stress to the artery wall. Flexible spires soldered to the deflector are radially extensible from a first diameter substantially equal to the deflector diameter to a second diameter greater than the artery diameter, the spires rest against the artery internal wall in operative position.

Abstract: A stent-delivery catheter includes a balloon having an intermediate body, tapered end portions and at least one circumferential groove adjacent a transition between the intermediate body and a tapered end portion. While the balloon is deflated, the groove allows the tapered end portion of the balloon to function as a dam to retain a stent on the balloon. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A stent comprising a coating layer is disclosed. The coating layer has a hydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component, wherein a region of the coating layer on or about the outermost surface of the coating layer has a higher content or concentration of the hydrophilic component than the hydrophobic component.

Abstract: A method for implanting an end portion of a graft within the body of a patient during a bypass grafting procedure is disclosed. The body has a circulatory system which includes a femoral artery and an aorta. The method includes the steps of (i) making an incision in the body of the patient so as to expose the femoral artery and an inguinal ligament, (ii) advancing an endoscope between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament until a distal end of the endoscope is positioned at a working site within the body, (iii) advancing the end portion of the graft between the femoral artery and the inguinal ligament to the working site, wherein said end portion advancing step includes the step of advancing the end portion of the graft through the endoscope, and (iv) forming an anastomosis between the end portion of the graft and the aorta at the working site.

Abstract: A microcoil vaso-occlusive device has a minimum energy state secondary configuration having a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis. The secondary configuration may be a plurality of interconnected closed loops; an array of laterally-alternating open loops; a series of tangential closed loops; or a logarithmic spiral. The device, in its secondary cofiguration, has a dimension that is substantially larger than the largest dimension of the vascular site in which it is to be deployed. Thus, confinement of the device within the site causes it to assume a configuration with a higher energy state than the minimum energy state. Because the secondary configuration is larger (in at least one dimension) than the site, the device is constrained, by contact with the walls of the site, from returning to its secondary configuration, and shifting of the device due to blood flow is minimized.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method for remodeling a mitral valve annulus adjacent to the coronary sinus includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate body is movable from a first, flexible configuration for transluminal delivery to at least a portion of the coronary sinus to a second configuration for remodeling the mitral valve annulus.

Abstract: A percutaneous system for bypassing a restriction in a native vessel of a mammal having an aorta includes providing a graft having a body portion with a first end, a second end and a lumen therebetween. An aperture is formed in the aorta. The graft is inserted into the aorta and the first end of the graft is connected to the aorta about the aperture in the aorta. An aperture is then formed in the native vessel distal of the restriction. The second end of the graft is connected to the native vessel about the aperture therein such that the lumen in the graft communicates with the aorta and the native vessel.