Abstract: Angioplasty and other dilatation devices are provided with scoring elements which incorporate a drug to be delivered to a body lumen, typically a blood vessel. The scoring elements have drugs and other active substances coated over a portion thereof or incorporated within internal structure of the element so that the drug is released into the luminal wall closely associated diseased regions of the body lumen as the scoring structure is radially expanded into the wall.

Abstract: A pancreatic stent includes a main body convertible between a compressed configuration for delivery and an expanded configuration once deployed, the main body including an inner surface defining a stent lumen and an outer surface. A plurality of drainage features are formed within the outer surface of the main body, the plurality of drainage features permitting placement of the pancreatic stent within a patient's pancreas without blocking side branches of the pancreas.

Abstract: A mitral valve prosthesis is percutaneously and/or transapically deployed in at least two stages. In a first stage, a mitral annular ring platform adapted for percutaneous delivery is delivered to and anchored in the mitral valve annulus. In the second stage, a valved-stent mitral valve prosthetic device adapted for percutaneously delivery is delivered to the mitral valve annulus for mounting in the mitral annular ring platform. This approach provides a consistent platform for accepting valved-stent mitral valve prosthetic devices from different vendors to be used.

Abstract: An endovascular delivery device is disclosed. The device comprises a handle assembly at a distal end thereof and a top-cap assembly at a proximal end thereof. The top-cap assembly has an open configuration and a closed configuration and comprises: a capsule comprising an inner portion and an outer tubular portion and defining a cavity within the outer tubular portion, the cavity receiving the proximal portion of the endograft in the open configuration; and a retriever assembly having a body portion arranged and constructed to fit within the cavity of the capsule in the closed configuration. The device further comprises: a guide wire catheter extending through the handle assembly, the guide wire catheter being affixed at a proximal end thereof to the top-cap assembly; and an endograft receiving portion extending distally with respect to the top-cap assembly. In the closed configuration, the cavity is closed by the body portion of the retriever assembly.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a core member and a coupling assembly rotatably coupled to the core member distal segment. The coupling assembly includes first and second plates and first and second spacers. The first plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The first spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and a proximal restraint. The second plate is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes an outer surface having three or more projections separated by recesses. The second spacer is coupled to the core member and disposed between the first plate and the second plate. A stent extends along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by one or more projections of the first plate or the second plate.

Abstract: An improved three-dimensional structure and method and system of making same is provided, wherein the method for forming the three-dimensional structure comprises: coating a filament with a curable resin; directing a first portion of the coated filament around a plurality of pins fixed to and extending outwardly from a frame, the coated filament directed to intersect according to a pre-set pattern, the coated filament forming a first filament layer; directing a second portion of the coated filament about said pins forming one or more subsequent filament layers aligned and in contact with the first filament layer, the filament layers collectively forming a filament stack, the filament stack having a predetermined height and defining the intersecting panel elements; and curing the curable resin such that it hardens and retains the individual filament layers forming the filament stack in a three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: A stent apparatus, system, and method that senses wall shear stress by measuring fluid flow at localized areas within the stent, that processes measured information through an integrated circuit, and selectively sends power to mechanically controllable stent surfaces which results in localized geometric changes. In various embodiments the stent apparatus, system, and method sends data to outside the body in real time.

Abstract: Stent-grafts for treating thoracic aortic aneurysms and abdominal aortic aneurysms include graft portions having inflatable channels and graft extensions. The graft extensions include an undulating wire stent and porous, but substantially fluid impermeable, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft materials.

Abstract: A braided stent having an integral retrieval and/or repositioning loop includes a plurality of wires having first and second ends interbraided in a braided pattern to form a tubular stent having opposed atraumatic first and second open ends with each open end having a circumference; wherein said first and second wires ends are disposed at said second stent open end and said wires are looped at said second stent open end so that none of the first or second wires ends are exposed at the circumference of second stent open end; wherein at least of two of said wires are formed into a repositioning and/or retrieval loop having an elongated portion circumferentially disposed at said first opposed open end; and wherein said reposition and/or retrieval loop comprises two sections which run adjacent to each other prior to crossing to permit grabbing of both sections simultaneously by a practitioner.

Abstract: Flared stents are disclosed, and apparatus and methods for delivering such stents into a bifurcation between a main vessel and a branch vessel. The stent includes a first tubular portion a second flaring portion that may be flared radially outwardly to contact the ostium. The stent may include variable mechanical properties along its length. The stent may be delivered using a catheter including proximal and distal ends, the stent overlying first and second balloons on the distal end. During use, the catheter is advanced through an ostium into the branch to place the stent within the branch. The first balloon is expanded to flare the stent to contact a wall of the ostium, thereby causing the stent to migrate partially into the ostium. The second balloon is expanded to fully expand the stent within the ostium and branch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to treat a stenosis. A delivery device is provided that has an elongate tubular member coupled therewith. The elongate tubular member has an outside surface that is configured to prevent adherence of in vivo matter. The tubular member has a proximal end and a distal end and is reinforced along its length to maintain open lumen under a transverse load. The tubular member is placed in the vasculature such that the distal end of the elongate tubular member is disposed distal of a stenosis. The proximal end of the elongate tubular member is disposed inside the vessel, preferably at a location proximal of the stenosis. Thereafter, after a therapeutic period, the elongate tubular member is removed intact.

Abstract: A tip end portion of a strand forming a stent is rounded off. In a stent 10 formed by helicoidally braiding a plurality of strands 20, the tip end portion of each of the strands 20 is rounded off.

Abstract: Tubular casting processes, such as dip-coating, may be used to form substrates from polymeric solutions which may be used to fabricate implantable devices such as stents. The polymeric substrates may have multiple layers which retain the inherent properties of their starting materials and which are sufficiently ductile to prevent brittle fracture. Parameters such as the number of times the mandrel is immersed, the duration of time of each immersion within the solution, as well as the delay time between each immersion or the drying or curing time between dips and withdrawal rates of the mandrel from the solution may each be controlled to result in the desired mechanical characteristics. Additional post-processing may also be utilized to further increase strength of the substrate or to alter its shape.

Abstract: Implantable device embodiments, such as stents, and particularly esophageal stents, formed of a scaffolding structure are disclosed. The scaffolding structure is formed of one or more strand elements arranged in a braided pattern. A covering may coat the scaffolding structure. A valve can be secured to the scaffolding structure and/or the covering. Anti-migration features may be formed by bends in the one or more strand elements. The bends forming the anti-migration features protrude outwardly away from an outer surface of the implantable device.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed that has an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least one open spiral channel formed on the exterior surface of the body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. The stent also has a central lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the stent for the passage of a guide wire. A method for using the stent and a kit containing the stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stent including a hollow wire formed into a stent pattern. The hollow wire includes an outer member having an outer surface and an inner surface, a lumen extending longitudinally within the hollow wire, at least one opening extending from the outer surface of the outer member to the lumen, and a plurality of filaments extending longitudinally within the lumen. The plurality of filaments increases the amount of surface area available for tissue in-growth within the lumen. Each filament of the plurality of filaments is spaced from adjacent filaments of the plurality of filaments, and the spacing between adjacent filaments of the plurality of filaments is configured to permit tissue in-growth between the adjacent filaments.

Abstract: A self-expandable mechanical clot retrieval device is designed variously to dislodge, engage and retract blood clot from extremely small and tortuous vasculature. The retrieval device comprises an elongate member and a plurality of ring elements. The ring elements may comprise a plurality of struts and crowns interconnected by a tether formed at a distal end of the elongate member or may be a separate component attached thereto. At least one tether may connect each ring element to the elongate member to restrain the ring element in a collapsed configuration during delivery of the retrieval device through an intravascular microcatheter. The tether connecting the ring element to the elongate member disengages when the retrieval device is positioned at the occluded site and the microcatheter is retracted to allow the self-expandable ring elements to reach an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A medical filler delivery assembly includes a micro catheter for delivering filler material such as filamentary material into an aneurysm in a vessel, the assembly also including a positioning mechanism which includes a support element made of knitted wires, as well as an expansion mechanism for expanding the support element within the vessel. The wires form an array of polygonal, preferably rhomboidal cells, the wires being intertwined at their junctions by at least one turn around one another, the intertwined regions extending in the longitudinal direction of the support element. The support element is able to trap the micro catheter in position and in practice such that its distal end is disposed within the aneurysm sac.

Abstract: A braided stent having an integral retrieval and/or repositioning loop includes a plurality of wires having first and second ends interbraided in a braided pattern to form a tubular stent having opposed atraumatic first and second open ends with each open end having a circumference; wherein said first and second wires ends are disposed at said second stent open end and said wires are looped at said second stent open end so that none of the first or second wires ends are exposed at the circumference of second stent open end; wherein at least of two of said wires are formed into a repositioning and/or retrieval loop having an elongated portion circumferentially disposed at said first opposed open end; and wherein said reposition and/or retrieval loop comprises two sections which run adjacent to each other prior to crossing to permit grabbing of both sections simultaneously by a practitioner.

Abstract: A braided stent having an integral retrieval and/or repositioning loop includes a plurality of wires having first and second ends interbraided in a braided pattern to form a tubular stent having opposed atraumatic first and second open ends with each open end having a circumference; wherein said first and second wires ends are disposed at said second stent open end and said wires are looped at said second stent open end so that none of the first or second wires ends are exposed at the circumference of second stent open end; wherein at least of two of said wires are formed into a repositioning and/or retrieval loop having an elongated portion circumferentially disposed at said first opposed open end; and wherein said reposition and/or retrieval loop comprises two sections which run adjacent to each other prior to crossing to permit grabbing of both sections simultaneously by a practitioner.

Abstract: A stent graft is disclosed and can include a stent and a graft engaged with the stent. The graft can include an inner surface and an outer surface. Further, at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface can include a plurality of protrusions as viewed in cross section extending through a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane implant (1) for treatment of cerebral artery aneurysms (10), wherein the implant can be implanted endovascularly into vessel segments (2) at the craniocerebral base of pathological (aneurysmatic) dilation (10) and, in combination with a stent, bridges the diseased vessel segment (2) from inside and disconnects it from the blood stream, wherein the membrane implant (1) comprises a biocompatible plastic membrane in the shape of a cylinder or a segment of a cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to a stent graft and a method of making the stent wherein the stent comprises interconnected struts and is connected to the graft material by applying at least one band of polymer so as to cover at least a portion of at least some of the struts. A stent supported area is created by the stent's attachment to the graft material and the at least one band of polymer is applied so as to leave the majority of the stent supported area uncovered by the at least one band of polymer.

Abstract: A stent that includes a plurality of quill filaments. Each quill filament includes filament material, a surface, and a plurality of quills. Each quill has a tip, a body, and a base where the body extends from the base to the tip. The quill filaments can be interwoven to form the stent or the quill filaments can be engaged to the framework of a stent.

Abstract: A personalized prosthesis for implantation at a treatment site of a patient includes a self-expanding mesh or membrane having collapsed and expanded configurations. The collapsed configuration is adapted to be delivered to the treatment site, and the expanded configuration engages the personalized prosthesis with the treatment site. The mesh or membrane is personalized to match the treatment site in the expanded configuration, and has an outer surface that substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh or membrane forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to flow therethrough. Methods of manufacturing and delivery of the personalized prosthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A personalized prosthesis for implantation at a treatment site of a patient includes a self-expanding mesh or membrane having collapsed and expanded configurations. The collapsed configuration is adapted to be delivered to the treatment site, and the expanded configuration engages the personalized prosthesis with the treatment site. The mesh or membrane is personalized to match the treatment site in the expanded configuration, and has an outer surface that substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh or membrane forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to flow therethrough. Methods of manufacturing and delivery of the personalized prosthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: The application provides molds for the manufacture of intraluminal endoprostheses and methods for their manufacture. In particular embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of providing a 3D model of the mold, meshing the model, manufacturing a mold based on said meshed 3D model. Also provided herein are methods for manufacturing an endoprosthesis using said mold.

Abstract: A personalized prosthesis for implantation at a treatment site of a patient includes a self-expanding mesh or membrane having collapsed and expanded configurations. The collapsed configuration is adapted to be delivered to the treatment site, and the expanded configuration engages the personalized prosthesis with the treatment site. The mesh or membrane is personalized to match the treatment site in the expanded configuration, and has an outer surface that substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh or membrane forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to flow therethrough. Methods of manufacturing and delivery of the personalized prosthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: Stent embodiments formed of a scaffolding structure are disclosed. Some embodiments may include a valve. A portion of the scaffolding structure may include a lattice structure formed by a plurality of interconnected arms arranged to form quadrilateral-shaped cells, such as diamond-shaped cells. The scaffolding structure may be formed by rows of strut arms arranged as annular segments and adjacent annular segments interconnected by connectors that extend in the longitudinal direction. The scaffolding structure may also be formed by rows of strut arms arranged in a helical pattern. The scaffolding structure has components configured to allow at least a portion of the stent to decrease in diameter in response to an axial force applied to the stent. Further, the components and elements of the stent may be configured to balance transverse forces applied to the stent, thus reducing the incidence of infolding.

Abstract: An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the tricuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. Stranded cable provides a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as being able to pass through an 18 Fr or smaller catheter, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle. The particular shape of the annuloplasty ring is fixed using a heat setting process.

Abstract: A stent-graft comprises a substantially tubular graft material, and a stent coupled to the graft material. The stent has proximal and distal ends and further has compressed and deployed states. The proximal end is disposed proximally beyond a proximal edge of the graft material, and the distal end has at least one portion overlapping with the proximal edge of the graft material. In one example, the stent comprises at least one distal apex having a bifurcation extending into first and second leg regions. A distal end of the first leg region is positioned to overlap the graft material at a location circumferentially spaced apart from a location at which a distal end of the second leg region overlaps the graft material in the deployed state.

Abstract: A fixator assembly comprising a fixator for fixing inside a blood vessel, the fixator being able to slide proximally along a guide wire. The assembly comprising means for preventing the fixator from moving distally of the preventing means. A tubular element for introduction into a blood vessel of a person, the tubular element comprising an end opening and a plurality of side openings as well as a transport wire extending from inside the tubular element and to the surroundings thereof through an individual side opening.

Abstract: A stent for medical use includes: a main body which includes a first rigid portion formed in a tubular shape along a longitudinal axis and having a predetermined rigidity with respect to a compression force exerted in a radial direction and a second rigid portion having a rigidity less than that of the first rigid portion, the second rigid portion which is substantially coaxial with and continues to a proximal end of the first rigid portion, and the second rigid portion which formed in a tubular shape along the longitudinal axis; and a gripping target region which is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the second rigid portion and is gripped by a gripping tool when the main body is led into a channel of an endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis including a radially expandable support member having interior and exterior surfaces and a wall with openings, a first covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the interior surface, and a second covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the exterior surface. The first covering member attaches to the second covering member at predetermined bonding locations within less than all of the openings thereby leaving unbonded regions.

Abstract: The invention concerns an endovascular implant comprising a biodegradable material and having a tubular main body which is open at the ends and which is dilatable from an unexpanded condition into an expanded condition. The implant is so designed that when the implant in the expanded condition is subjected to a radially acting compression pressure in the range of between 5 and 30 kPa (0.05-0.3 bar) a cross-sectional area of the implant is reduced to 70% or less of the original cross-sectional area, or an internal volume of the implant is reduced to 70% or less of the original internal volume.

Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.

Abstract: A method of a forming a hollow, drug-eluting medical device includes providing composite member having an outer member and a core member disposed within a lumen of the outer member. The composite member is shaped into a pattern. Openings are formed through the outer member of the composite member. The composite member is processed to remove the core member from the lumen of the outer member without harming the outer member, leaving a hollow tubular member already formed into the desired pattern. The lumen of the outer member is filled with a therapeutic substance.

Abstract: A biodegradable stent prosthesis formed from a degradable polymeric material, having a plurality of luminal, abluminal, and side surfaces, where at least some of the abluminal surfaces are concave and optionally the side surfaces are convex.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching support frames to substrates to form articles such as implantable stent grafts can include providing a first laminate material; positioning a support frame onto the first laminate material, the support frame having a pre-formed shape; positioning a second laminate material onto the support frame and first laminate material; bonding the first laminate material to the second laminate material; cutting the first and second laminate materials along opposite sides of the support frame thereby forming a laminated support frame having generally the same pre-formed shape of the support frame; and attaching the laminated support frame to a substrate.

Abstract: Systems for treatment of ischemic stroke can include tethered baskets. A basket can be tethered to a pusher or elongate member. A temporary reperfusion device or temporary capture device also can be tethered to the pusher or elongate member.

Abstract: A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method and technique for manufacturing a stent is disclosed. The stent is a non-metallic stent having a furled small-diameter state and an expanded large-diameter state where the stent, in the furled small-diameter state, includes a plurality of central lobes arranged at spaced apart intervals and extending longitudinally defining a stent axis, the plurality of central lobes defining a cylindrical plane of the stent. The stent also includes at least one peripheral lobe formed on at least one of the plurality of central lobes, the peripheral lobe oriented along the cylindrical plane.

Abstract: An expandable helical stent is provided, wherein the stent may be formed of a main stent component and a securement. The main stent component is formed from a flat strip having one or more undulating side bands that may be connected to form geometrically shaped cells and are helically wound to form a stent. The helical coils of the main stent component may be spaced apart or nestled to each other. The nestling of the undulation of adjacent helical windings contributes to maintaining the tubular shape and uniformity of the helically coiled stent. Alternatively, the flat strip may comprise a single undulating pattern. At the ends of the main stent component are end bands, which when wound, form a cylindrical ring. In one embodiment, one or more struts of the main stent component may have a width sufficient to include one or more fenestrations. The fenestrated struts may be connected by loops or turns wherein the material is narrower than that of the fenestrated struts to provide enhanced flexibility.

Abstract: Endovascular prostheses are disclosed that are configured to repair a native venous valve having improper or non-existent valve leaflet coaptation caused by vessel weakness and/or distention. The prostheses are configured to be implanted in the venous system immediately downstream of the malfunctioning valve and act as repair devices to restore proper function to the venous valve by reconfiguring and supporting the valve leaflets and thereby improving their coaptation.

Abstract: A stent includes a continuous wave form having a plurality of struts and a plurality of crowns throughout the wave form. Each crown connects two adjacent struts. The wave form is wrapped around a longitudinal axis to define a central portion and two end portions located on opposite sides the central portion. The central portion includes a plurality of turns wrapped around the longitudinal axis and oriented at a first pitch angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The end portions each include a plurality of turns wrapped around the longitudinal axis and oriented at different pitch angles, and an end turn oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The different pitch angles of the end portions are between the first pitch angle and the angle of the end turn relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent, an intraluminal stent delivery system, and a method of treating a vascular condition. The stent includes a framework composed of a biodegradable material. At least one strut is composed of a non-biodegradable material. The framework is operably attached to the at least one strut. The delivery system includes a catheter and a stent disposed on a portion of the catheter. The stent includes a framework composed of a biodegradable material. The stent further includes at least one strut composed of a non-biodegradable material. The framework is operably attached to the at least one strut. The method includes positioning an intraluminal stent via a catheter within a vessel. The stent includes at least one strut that is composed of a non-biodegradable material and is operably attached to a framework. The framework expands during deployment of the intraluminal stent. The framework is allowed to biodegrade within the vessel.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis is disclosed that includes a tubular graft and a radiopaque marker attached to envelop or enfold an edge of the tubular graft. A first segment of the radiopaque marker extends against an interior surface of the tubular graft and a second segment of the radiopaque marker extends against an exterior surface of the tubular graft such that the first and second segments sandwich or straddle the edge of the tubular graft. The radiopaque marker may include a living hinge that demarcates the first and second segments and aligns with the tubular graft edge when the radiopaque marker is attached thereto. The radiopaque marker may have a substantially U shape with the first and second segments biased toward each other by an end segment such that the end segment aligns with the tubular graft edge when the radiopaque marker is attached thereto.