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.

Abstract: An implant delivery system has one or more interlock assemblies which connect the implant delivery catheter to the implant, an improved inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. The interlock assemblies, improved inner tubular member and outer tubular member cooperate to place the implant in tension during deployment, thereby reducing implant deployment force.

Abstract: A stent is provided with braided filaments. First and second filaments are braided with each other and extend spirally around the stent wall in opposite directions. One or more third filaments are braided with the first filaments and extends spirally around the stent wall only in the direction of the second filaments. The third filament is stiffer than the first and second filaments, and there are fewer third filaments than the first and second filaments.

Abstract: A self expanding flexible or balloon expandable flexible device includes a helical strut member helically wound about an axis of the stent. The helical strut member comprises a plurality of helical strut elements. A plurality of individual helical elements are helically wound about the axis of the device in the same direction of the helical strut member with the helical elements extending between and interconnecting points on subsequent windings of the helical strut member. The device can be a flow diverter, anchor, revascularization device or filter. A self expanding flexible bifurcation device can include at least one leg. The at least one leg comprising the helical strut member and the plurality of individual helical elements helically wound about the axis of the device in the same direction of the helical strut member with the helical elements extending between and interconnecting points on subsequent windings of the helical strut member.

Abstract: A stent, having a central axis that extends in a longitudinal direction of the stent, includes a first strand group and a second strand group. The first strand group and the second strand group are woven together. The first strand group is wound in a right-handed spiral around the central axis and the second strand group is wound in a left-handed spiral around the central axis. A maximum diameter of first strands constituting the first strand group is different from a maximum diameter of second strands constituting the second strand group.

Abstract: An expandable helical stent with a securement is provided. The stent is formed from flat or tubular metal in a helical coiled structure which has an undulating pattern. The main stent component may be formed of a single helically coiled component. Alternatively, a plurality of helically coiled ribbons may be used to form a stent heterogeneous in design, material, or other characteristi. The helical tubular structure may be secured with a securement, such as a weld, interlock or a polymer, to maintain the helical coils in a tubular configuration. 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 coils contributes to maintaining the tubular shape of the helically coiled stent. In addition, the nestling of helical coils may prevent the polymer layer from sagging at any point between cycles of the helical coils.

Abstract: An arrangement for temporarily retaining a side arm (36) of a stent graft (30) in a selected position during loading thereof onto a deployment device, the side arm extending from an ostium (38) in the tubular body (32) and substantially helically around and along the tubular body to an open end (40). A first tie down wire (48) is stitched through the tubular body and through the side arm and then through the biocompatible graft material of the tubular body at the open end of the side arm. The stent graft can then be loaded into a sheath of a deployment device for the stent graft. There can be a second tie down wire (50) stitched through the biocompatible graft material of the tubular body and through the side arm and then through the biocompatible graft material of the tubular body at the ostium end of the side arm. The first and/or second tie down wires can be withdrawn after the stent graft is loaded into the sheath or left in place until delivery.

Abstract: The current invention comprises 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: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the airway, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. An implant is positioned within the body with respect to the airway. The spatial orientation of the airway is manipulated, directly or indirectly, to affect the configuration of the airway. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace the trachea in an inferior direction, resist superior displacement of the trachea and/or to alter the tracheal wall tension. The implant restrains the trachea in the manipulated configuration.

Abstract: An implantable vascular prosthesis is provided for use in a wide range of applications wherein at least first and second helical sections having alternating directions of rotation are coupled to one another. The prosthesis is configured to conform to a vessel wall without substantially remodeling the vessel, and permits accurate deployment in a vessel without shifting or foreshortening.

Abstract: Methods for making a magnesium biodegradable stent for medical implant applications, using magnesium foil or pure magnesium or magnesium alloys that are biodegradable and performing a lithographic technique to configure the features and dimensions of the magnesium foil, and rolling the magnesium foil to form a cylinder.

Abstract: A helical stent includes a central segment having a first tubular waveform and a first end segment having a second tubular waveform. The waveforms are defined by a plurality of struts and a plurality of crowns connecting adjacent struts together. The struts of the second tubular waveform have different lengths such that second tubular waveform includes a plurality of amplitudes. The second tubular waveform comprises a complete turn around a longitudinal axis of the stent. A first connector connects together the first tubular waveform first end, the second tubular waveform first end, and the second tubular waveform second end. Due to the configuration of the second tubular waveform of the first end segment, the stent end at the first end segment is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the stent. A second end segment similar to the first end segment can be connected to a second end of the first tubular waveform.

Abstract: A stent is formed from a wire having an outer member, a radiopaque member lining at least a portion of the outer member inner surface, and a lumen defined by the outer member inner surface or the radiopaque member inner surface. A substance is disposed in the lumen to be eluted through at least one opening disposed through the outer member to the lumen. The radiopaque member may be substantially continuous along the length of the wire or disposed only along portions of the wire such as crowns. In a method for making the stent, a composite wire including an outer member, a radiopaque intermediate member, and a core member is shaped into a stent pattern and processed to remove the core member and optionally portions of the radiopaque intermediate member, without damaging the outer member.

Abstract: A stent (1) comprising a hoselike body obtained by braiding a multiplicity of thin wires (2) of superelastic metal into plaited form. In the longitudinal intermediate portion of the hoselike body, mutually neighboring individual thins wires (2) of superelastic metal are in contact with each other or close to each other with a minute interspace and are formed into a thin wire densely braided hose portion (3) with a length needed to block any opening of blood vessel dilation. At both side portions thereof, mutually neighboring individual thin wires (2) of superelastic metal are formed into a thin wire coarsely braided hose portion (4) provided with an interstice allowing passage of blood flow. The hoselike body when pulled in the longitudinal direction causes the individual thin wires (2) of superelastic metal to stretch into fine gathering, and when released from pulling can make resilient restoration to the original hoselike body.

Abstract: A woven, self-expanding stent device has one or more strands and is configured for insertion into an anatomical structure. The device includes a coupling structure secured to two different strand end portions that are substantially aligned with each other. The two different strand end portions include nickel and titanium. The coupling structure is not a strand of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a woven stent and a method of manufacturing a woven stent that includes a plurality of first members and a plurality of second members forming a braided configuration; wherein each of the first members includes a first body portion, a first end unjoined portion, and a first end bent portion; wherein each of the second members includes a first end overlap portion extending alongside the first end unjoined portion. The woven stent may further includes a coating that encapsulates the first end unjoined portions and the first end overlap portions and/or the first end unjoined portions may be laser joined or ultrasonic joined to the first end overlap portions.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of a stent with a high degree of flexibility are shown and described. The stent can include a continuous helical winding having interconnected struts joined at vertices, and having bridges connecting sections of the helical winding to each other. An annular ring can be provided at one or both ends of the helical winding, and the annular ring can have extensions extending to connect to the helical winding. One of the extensions can connect to a bridge and another extension can connect to a vertex. The struts at the ends of the helical winding can have strut lengths that differ from the strut lengths of the struts in a central portion of the winding between the ends of the winding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material that comprises at least one magnesium component, whereby the magnesium component consists of pure magnesium or a magnesium-calcium alloy or a magnesium-calcium-X alloy, whereby X is another biodegradable element. The composite material also contains at least one organic anti-infective agent having a solubility in water at room temperature of less than 10 grams per liter.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis includes a prosthesis wall whose outer surface has at least one reinforcing means, the surface of the prosthesis wall and the surface of the at least one reinforcer being coated, at least in part, with an antimicrobial layer.

Abstract: A tubular structure and method for making a tubular structure are provided, where the tubular structure includes at least one layer of braided strands. In general, at least one portion of the braided strands exhibits a braid pattern of crests and troughs (e.g., a wave pattern, which may include sinusoidal, square, and/or sawtooth waves) along a length of the tubular structure. The wave pattern can be created by rotating the mandrel onto which the tubular structure is braided during the braiding process, such as by angularly oscillating the mandrel about its longitudinal axis or about its transverse axis. As a result, the tubular structures may have increased radial strength, collapse resistance, torque transmission, column strength, and kink resistance. The tubular structures may be used in medical devices, such as stent-grafts, as well as in other medical and non-medical devices, such as in hoses, tubing, filters, and other devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue-supporting medical devices and drug delivery systems, and more particularly to tubular flexible stents that are implanted within a body lumen of a living animal or human to support the organ, maintain patency and/or deliver drugs or agents. The tubular flexible stent has a cylindrical shape defining a longitudinal axis and includes a helical section having of a plurality of longitudinally oriented strut members and a plurality of circumferentially oriented hinge members connecting circumferentially adjacent strut members to form a band. The band is wrapped about the longitudinal axis in a substantially helical manner to form a plurality of helical windings. At least one connector member extends between adjacent windings.

Abstract: A flexible stent structure includes a plurality of axially spaced strut portions defining generally tubular axial segments of the stent and constructed to be radially expandable. A helical portion is interposed axially between two strut portions and has a plurality of helical elements connected between circumferentially spaced locations on the two strut portions. The helical elements extend helically between those locations and the length of a helical element is sufficient so that, when the stent is in a radially expanded state, it can simultaneously withstand repeated axial compression or expansion and bending.

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: Provided is a stent of a novel structure with which deflection of a line-shaped body during expansion is prevented and a substantially uniform expansion is achieved over an entire length thereof, and with which, after implantation, stent fracture and damage of body tissue can be prevented by the stent exhibiting a superior pliability and conformability to a shape of a somatic lumen. A stent having a cylindrical peripheral wall formed with a line-shaped body that extends in a helical form in a circumferential direction while reciprocating in an axial direction at a given amplitude. In the stent, connecting parts are formed to link portions of the line-shaped body that are adjacent in the axial direction, and a friable part is provided to rupture itself by being implanted in the somatic lumen and release a link made by the connecting parts.

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: A stent scaffolding including a polymer formulation comprising PLLA and polymandelide is disclosed. The polymandelide reduces the molecular weight drop during processing, particularly during sterilization. The stent scaffolding can further include one or more additional stabilizing agents that additionally reduce the molecular weight drop during processing.

Abstract: A stent suitable for the repair of lesions in bifurcated blood vessels is provided, having a deformable end portion such that a free end of the end portion can be aligned with the surface of an abutting stent or angioplasty balloon in a main branch of the bifurcated vessel. A method of blood vessel repair using this stent is also provided.

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: A medical implant for the expansion and support of a body vessel is formed as elongate struts in a shape of a tube. The struts are plastically deformable at least in sections so that the implant remains permanently expanded in the radial direction transversely to a longitudinal axis of the struts in the expanded state. A course of the expandable element has a plurality of direction changes with respect to the longitudinal axis. The expandable element has a constriction point in the contracted state designed as an intended breaking point for the expandable element. The constriction point breaks upon application of excessive force applied in the radial direction preventing further expansion of the expandable element.

Abstract: Vasculature closure devices, and systems and methods for their use, are provided. In one embodiment, the vasculature closure device includes an expandable support frame deployable within a vessel and a sealing membrane at least partially supported by the expandable support frame. Upon expanding the support frame, the vasculature closure device is configured to intraluminally position the sealing membrane against a puncture site existing in a vessel wall.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable radiopaque stent adapted to be disposed in a body lumen. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of elongate filaments including one or more radiopaque filaments are arranged to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall that defines an inner surface and an outer surface and opposing first open end and second open end. One of the open ends of the stent is formed by an intersection of adjacent filament ends. A radiopaque compound is applied to the intersection, the radiopaque compound comprising radiopaque material and polymeric material. The radiopaque compound and radiopaque filament provide improved external imaging of the tubular structure on imaging equipment.

Abstract: A generally tubular braided flow diverting stent is formed of alternating round and rectangular elongated members, for treatment of aneurysms. The generally tubular braided flow diverting stent maintains a significant wall thickness while increasing area coverage of a vessel wall. Sliding of the round elongated members over the rectangular elongated members allows the stent to be crimped to very low diameters for delivery in narrow portions of the vasculature.

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: A stent or other prosthesis may be formed by coating a single continuous wire scaffold with a polymer coating. The polymer coating may consist of layers of electrospun polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Electrospun PTFE of certain porosities may permit endothelial cell growth within the prosthesis.

Abstract: A stent for insertion in a fluid conduit of a human or animal body includes a hollow structure having generally circumferentially extending parts which have opposite end portions in the longitudinal direction. The circumferential parts are joined to a longitudinally adjacent circumferential parts along the length of the hollow structure wherein the end portions of adjacent circumferential parts are not in parallel planes and/or the end portions of the same part are not in parallel planes. Also, the non-parallel end portions are arranged along the length of the hollow structure such that a flow lumen defined by the hollow structure, and imposed on the flow lumen by the hollow structure when in the fluid conduit, follows a non-planar curve.

Abstract: An intra-vascular aneurysm-treatment stent and a method for lowering pressure within an aneurysm bubble in a blood vessel. A stent coil is insertable into a blood vessel, the coil made of a material sufficiently flexible to move around curves, loops, and corners in the blood vessel. Selected portions of the stent coil, in cross-section, have substantially convex outer surfaces, and either substantially flat, or substantially concave, inner surfaces, plus upstream leading edges and downstream trailing edges. The stent coil is positioned in the blood vessel with selected stent coil portions proximate an opening into either a saccular aneurysm or a fusiform aneurysm. Blood in the lumen of the blood vessel flows past the leading edges and both over the convex outer surfaces, and under the either flat or concave inner surfaces. A portion of the blood inside the aneurysm becomes entrained with the blood flowing over the outer surfaces.

Abstract: Waveforms for forming helical stents with opposing and/or alternating pitch angles along their lengths are disclosed. A wire is bent to form a waveform having a series of sinusoidal segments between a first end and a second end thereof. Each sinusoidal segment is longitudinally offset from its adjacent segment(s). Each waveform includes at least one sinusoidal segment having a first portion in which the amplitude between consecutive turns of the wire gradually increases and a longitudinally offset second portion in which the amplitude between consecutive turns of the wire gradually decreases. The waveform is wrapped from one end to the other about a mandrel to form the stent and depending on the arrangement of sinusoidal segments along the waveform may have opposing and/or alternating pitch angles along a section or an entire length of the stent.

Abstract: Technologies are generally provided for a vascular reinforcement device for preventing compression of a blood vessel in the presence of forces applied externally to the blood vessel which may occur due to pregnancy and obesity. The vascular reinforcement device may include a coil which may be wrapped around a left renal vein at a position where the left renal vein crosses the aorta for preventing compression of the left renal vein against the rigid aorta. The coil may be uncoiled into a long a flat position for percutaneous delivery to the abdominal area employing a laparoscopic procedure. The coil may be inserted into a delivery tube in the uncoiled position and delivered through the delivery tube employing a guiding tool. As the coil emerges from the delivery tube, the coil may be configured to form into the coiled position around the left renal vein.

Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.

Abstract: A self-expanding, pseudo-braided device embodying a high expansion ratio and flexibility as well as comformability and improved radial force. The pseudo-braided device is particularly suited for advancement through and deployment within highly tortuous and very distal vasculature. Various forms of the pseudo-braided device are adapted for the repair of aneurysms and stenoses as well as for use in thrombectomies and embolic protection therapy.

Abstract: A tubular graft comprising an internal helical formation which imparts helical flow on fluid passing through the tubular graft. One end of the tubular graft is tapered from an inner base to an outer tip.

Abstract: A stent is provided. The stent includes an elongate body comprising a tightly coiled wire disposed therealong, the coiled wire spanning between a first end portion and a second end portion, and defining a lumen therethrough. A safety wire is disposed through the lumen and fixed with respect to each of the first and second end portions. Proximal and distal end caps are fixed to the ends of the safety wire. At least one of the proximal and distal end caps comprises a window configured to receive the safety wire therethrough, and configured to allow access to the safety wire to weld the safety wire and the respective end cap.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient.

Abstract: A low profile support frame for use as or in an expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members. A stabilizing member has a proximal end contained within one of the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. When the support frame is in the radially expanded configuration, substantially no portion of the support frame is disposed on a first transverse axis of the frame opposite one end of the frame and substantially no portion of the frame is disposed on a second transverse axis of the frame opposite the other end of the frame. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: A woven, self-expanding stent device has one or more strands and is configured for insertion into an anatomical structure. The device includes a coupling structure secured to two different strand end portions that are substantially aligned with each other. The two different strand end portions include nickel and titanium. The coupling structure is not a strand of the device.

Abstract: A stent including a plurality of curved sections and a connector. The curved sections surround a longitudinal axis to define a tube portion and are distributed along the longitudinal axis to form a helix. The connector includes a bioresorbable material and is positioned between two adjacent curved sections. The stent has a spring constant that changes to a different spring constant after exposure to biological material.

Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments.