Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for deploying implantable devices within the body. The delivery and deployment systems include at least one catheter or an assembly of catheters for selectively positioning the lumens of the implant to within target vessels. Various deployment and attachment mechanisms are provided for selectively deploying the implants.

Abstract: A stent prosthesis for vascular surgery for inserting into an artery, particularly for bridging a vascular enlargement in the area of the aortic arch, comprising a tubular flexible and radially expandable stent body, on which at least one tear-proof long thread is attached in a fixed manner at a point of attachment on the outer peripheral surface of the stent body in the front portion thereof The thread can be recognized under x-ray radiation and has a free thread length of a number of decimeters and, starting from the point of attachment, is exposed outside the stent body so that the stent body, while following the thread, can be passed into the artery and can be placed, by means of the thread, in position inside the artery and can be subsequently fixed to the vascular wall.

Abstract: A surgical tool useful for connecting an abdominal aortic stent or the like to tissue may include a head holding at least one fastener, a shaft, and a joint connecting the head to the shaft, the joint allowing the head to rotate in at least one direction relative to the shaft. That surgical tool may be used to connect a graft assembly to tissue, where the graft assembly may include a graft connected to a stent. The graft, stent and surgical tool may be inserted into a body lumen; and the head of the surgical tool may be pivoted relative to the shaft such that the distal end of the head contacts the interior of the stent. At least one fastener is then deployed to connect the stent to the body lumen.

Abstract: An endovascular delivery device (2) for a stent graft which has a pusher catheter (4), a flexible sheath (10) over the pusher catheter and at least one auxiliary catheter (32) extending between the pusher catheter and the flexible sheath. The pusher catheter has one or more longitudinal grooves (30) on its outside surface and the auxiliary catheter or catheters extend along the longitudinal grooves. A guide wire in the auxiliary catheter can be used to pre-catheterize a fenestration in the stent graft and a branch stent or stent graft delivered through the auxiliary catheter.

Abstract: A stent graft for animal or human implantation and method of delivery thereof. The device stent graft employs a first component having an axial passage communicating with the axial cavities of a cuff and longer first leg. A separate leg extension is engageable to an aperture in the distal end of the cuff. A first catheter engages the first component for translation to the implantation site along a first guide wire. A guide member communicating through the first component and extending from the distal end of a second catheter and adapted for slidable contact along the first guide wire when pushed by a translatable core shaft extending from the first catheter, or by the second catheter, is provided as a pre-positioned guide for subsequent engagement of the leg extension to the aperture in the distal end of the cuff.

Abstract: An occlusion device for implantation within a body vessel is provided with a screen member and an associated support member. The occlusion device is radially expandable from a compressed condition, suitable for inserting the device in an introducer, to a deployed or expanded condition within a vessel. The screen member includes a plurality of substantially parallelogram-shaped openings in the compressed condition arranged in longitudinal rows, the openings being axially offset from each other. The porosity of the screen member is less than the porosity of the support member in the expanded condition.

Abstract: A curve forming stent graft for curved vessels such as the thoracic arch. The stent graft has a tubular body zig zag self expanding stents fastened to and supporting the tubular body. The zig zag self expanding stents comprising struts and points between adjacent struts thereby defining proximal end points and distal end points. A temporary diameter constriction arrangement associated with the least some of the plurality of zig zag self expanding stents comprises a pair of adjacent distal end points being releasably retained adjacent each other whereby at rest the tubular body of the stent graft is in a substantially sawtooth form and when released in a curved configuration a distal end point of a stent overlaps a proximal end point of a distally adjacent stent to facilitate curvature of the stent graft in a curved vessel.

Abstract: Devices for loading a collapsible implant onto a delivery catheter. In one aspect, a loading device comprises an outer tubular structure and an inner tubular structure. The outer tubular structure comprises a narrowing passage configured to receive a catheter at one end and a collapsible implant at another end. The inner tubular structure is configured to move slidably and co-axially within the outer tubular structure. The inner tubular structure comprises a carrier pin configured to move within the narrowing passage as the inner tubular structure slides into the outer tubular structure. The sliding of the inner tubular structure into the outer tubular structure causes an implant mounted on the carrier pin to collapse as the implant moves through the narrowing passage and into the distal end of a catheter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to create a more favorable flow regime in a lumen. An artificial shape in the lumen is created to at least one of eliminate flow disturbances and enchance aspects of fluid flow through a treatment site.

Abstract: A delivery system for a medical device may include a sheath, a catheter slideably disposed within the sheath, and a hemostatic device comprising a housing disposed around and sealingly engaged with the sheath by a first seal. A sleeve is slideably coupled to the catheter and comprises a second seal sealingly engaging the catheter. The sleeve is movable between a first position, in which the sleeve is disposed outside of the housing and the first seal is sealingly engaged with an outer surface of the catheter, and a second position in which at least a portion of the sleeve is disposed within the housing between an inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the catheter, wherein, in the second position, the first seal is sealingly engaged with an outer surface of the sleeve and the second seal is sealingly engaged with the outer surface of the catheter.

Abstract: Systems and method implant prostheses in the body. The systems and methods provide permanent attachment of the prosthesis in the body. The prosthesis can comprise, e.g., an endovascular graft, which can be deployed without damaging the native blood vessel in either an arterial or a venous system. The endovascular graft can comprise, e.g., a radially expanding vascular stent and/or a stent-graft. The graft can be placed in the vasculature, e.g., to exclude or bridge an aneurysm, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysms. The graft desirably adapts to changes in aneurysm morphology and repairs the endovascular aneurysm. The fastening systems and methods can be deployed through the vasculature and manipulated from outside the body, to deliver a fastener to attach the graft to the vessel wall.

Abstract: The invention provides a stent-graft system comprising a graft member and a stent having a connection end interconnected with the graft member and a free end opposed thereto. A belt retaining structure is provided at the stent free end. A belt is releasably retained in the belt retaining structure and is configured to constrain the stent free end independent of the stent connection end. A method of securing at least one end of a stent-graft within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: A deployment device for deploying stents, stent-grafts and other implants into a patient includes a catheter (112) with a containment sheath (116). Held onto the catheter (112) is a stent-graft structure (120). The containment sheath (116) extends over the entirety of the stent graft section (122) so as to constrain it in its entirety on the catheter (112), until the sheath (116) is removed. The containment sheath (116) extends from the distal position (126) of the stent graft section (122) to the tip (114) and then into the central lumen (128) of the catheter (112). It may extend throughout the lumen (128) to the proximal end of the deployment device (10), in other words to the external manipulation section of the delivery device (10). The sheath (116) is withdrawn by pulling towards the external manipulation section of the delivery device. As this is effected, the containment sheath (116) is pulled over the end (114) of the catheter and into the central lumen (128) of the catheter (112).

Abstract: An apparatus includes an expandable member and an elongate assembly. The expandable member is configured to displace a first portion of a bone structure relative to a second portion of the bone structure when moved from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The elongate assembly includes a shaft and an elongated member disposed with a lumen defined by the shaft. A proximal end portion of the expandable member is coupled to a distal end portion of the shaft such that the proximal end portion of the expandable member does not rotate relative to the distal end portion of the shaft when at least a portion of the expandable member is twisted about the elongated member through at least four revolutions.

Abstract: A delivery device for percutaneously deploying a stented prosthetic heart valve, including a delivery sheath, an inner shaft, and a spindle. The inner shaft is slidably disposed within a lumen of the delivery sheath. The spindle is attached to the shaft and includes a hub defining at least one longitudinal slot sized to slidably receive a post of the stented valve. An outer surface of the hub forms a curved proximal segment. The device provides a loaded state in which the delivery sheath retains the stented valve over the inner shaft and coupled to the spindle via the slot. In a deployed state, the distal end of the delivery sheath is withdrawn from the prosthesis to permit the stented valve to release from the slot, sliding along the curved outer surface of the hub.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling deployment of a self-expanding support structure of a prosthetic valve that flares in a proximal direction upon implantation in vivo. A tubular delivery sheath having a side opening that proximally extends within a side wall thereof is used to deploy the prosthetic valve with the self-expanding support structure in a controlled manner. The prosthetic valve is distally advanced within a lumen of the delivery sheath with the self-expanding support structure held in a compressed delivery configuration within the delivery sheath lumen. The self-expanding support structure of the prosthetic valve is aligned with the side opening of the delivery sheath and the prosthetic valve is rotated relative to the delivery sheath whereby the self-expanding support structure is laterally released from the delivery sheath lumen through the side opening to gradually transition from the compressed delivery configuration to a flared deployed configuration.

Abstract: A graft deployment system, comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body, having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising an outer sheath and an inner core that is axially moveable with respect to the outer sheath. A main vessel graft restraint comprising a first peelable cover for restrains a main vessel portion of a graft. In a bifurcated graft, a first branch vessel graft restraint restrains a first branch vessel portion of the graft. A second branch vessel graft restraint restrains a second branch vessel portion of the graft. The first peelable cover is coupled to a main branch release element and wherein each of the main vessel graft restraint, first branch vessel graft restraint, and the second branch vessel graft restraint are positioned within the catheter body in a graft loaded condition.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis cover may be attached to the distal end of a delivery device. The cover may be generally cylindrical in shape and may have a lumen through it. An endoprosthesis may then be covered as it is delivered to a treatment site.

Abstract: An artificial blood stent insertion device which includes a blood stent having a front end portion, a middle portion and a rear end portion compressed by a fixing wire having ring-shaped loops disposed at the sides thereof, and a core passing through the loops and extending through the moving tube so that one end thereof is accessible, whereby the artificial blood stent can be easily inserted and fixed to a desired position in a blood vessel without affecting blood pressure, and then the artificial blood stent is expanded by disengaging the core from the loops of the fixing wire.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a catheter having a catheter shaft with a first rotatable sheath rotatably disposed thereabout. A first guidewire housing which defines a first guidewire lumen for passage of a first guidewire therethrough is engaged to the first rotatable sheath. A first stent, which when in the reduced stent state, is disposed about at least a portion of the first rotatable sheath. A second stent, which when in the reduced stent state, is positioned adjacent to the first stent.

Abstract: A method and devices for facilitating fixating and joining of bone fractures utilizing expandable devices that are positioned within the bone and across the fracture site. The stress from the expanded may enhance and expedite bone healing.

Abstract: A sheath assembly is provided for protecting a stent mounted on a catheter. An inner tubular member is positioned over the stent without longitudinal movement of the inner tubular member along the stent surface thereby eliminating the possibility of scraping or scratching a drug coating or polymer coating on the stent surface. An outer tubular member slides over the inner tubular member to firmly compress it onto the stent for further protection. In use, the outer tubular member is removed from over the inner tubular member so that the inner tubular member can open similar to a clamshell opening radially outwardly away from the stent without longitudinal movement along the stent surface.

Abstract: Over-the-scope stent introducers for detachably engaging at least a portion of the outside of an endoscope insert and for delivering a stent are provided. Embodiments include an inner member having a distal first end portion and a proximal second end portion and openings defining a channel. The inner member includes an outer surface, inner endoscope engaging surface, and stent abutting restraint disposed at the first end portion. Embodiments also include an outer member having a distal section and proximal section having openings defining a passageway sized to slideably receive at least a portion of the inner member, and a stent carrying inner chamber disposed at the distal section passageway and being configured to releasably contain a stent. In alternative embodiments, the inner and outer members are elongated to dispose substantially concentrically over a majority of an endoscope insert.

Abstract: A device for joining a first body vessel to a second body vessel including a cartridge having a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, a radially expandable anchor disposed at the distal end of the cartridge for engaging the first body vessel, the expandable anchor having an initial condition and an expanded condition wherein the expandable anchor is radially larger than the expandable anchor in the initial condition, and a plurality of sutures disposed within the cartridge and being deployable therefrom so as to engage the second body vessel, the sutures being threaded through the expandable anchor.

Abstract: A stent-graft (100) is provided with a tightenable loop element (122) having a first end terminated in a self-tightening knot (142) and a second end (138) which is received in and can slide in the knot (142). The loop (122) is fitted to the stent-graft (100) in a manner as to cause curvature of the stent-graft (100) upon tightening of the loop. An introducer assembly is also disclosed which includes a cannula (132, 150) within which a pull cord (136) and release wire (134) are located.

Abstract: A stent assembly (42) adapted for endoluminal placement by endovascular deployment for the treatment of a false lumen (10) associated with a vascular dissection. The stent assembly has a number of self expanding stents (35) connected together to define an elongate substantially cylindrical lumen wall engaging surface. The stents are adapted to provided pressure on the wall of the lumen adjacent to and extending away from a rupture. A deployment device (40) for the stent assembly includes a sheath (48) and a retention and release arrangement (50) to retain the proximal end (37) of the stent graft to the deployment device. Release of the stent assembly is by withdrawal of the sheath before release of its proximal end by the use of a trigger wire (54) of the retention and release arrangement.

Abstract: A sheath assembly is provided for protecting a stent mounted on a catheter. An inner tubular member is positioned over the stent without longitudinal movement of the inner tubular member along the stent surface thereby eliminating the possibility of scraping or scratching a drug coating or polymer coating on the stent surface or balloon surface. An outer tubular member slides over the inner tubular member to firmly compress it onto the stent for further protection. In use, the outer tubular member is removed from over the inner tubular member so that the two half-cylindrical portions of the inner tubular member can fall away from the stent without longitudinal movement along the stent surface.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a tubular expandable body with a frame that has a plurality of interconnected members configured to expand within a body vessel and to collapse for delivery or retrieval of the device. The occlusion device further includes a hydrophilic polyurethane hydrogel layer attached to the interconnected members of the tubular expandable body. The polyurethane hydrogel layer expands upon exposure to an aqueous environment.

Abstract: A method of securing a prosthesis placed at a desired site in a passageway of a human body comprises delivering a fastener having a proximal piercing end portion and a distal piercing end portion to a site where a prosthesis having a tubular wall has been placed in the passageway, which has a wall, advancing the proximal piercing end portion beyond the prosthesis, penetrating the proximal piercing end portion into the wall of the passageway without passing the proximal piercing end portion through the tubular wall of the prosthesis, and passing the distal piercing end portion through the tubular wall of the prosthesis and into the wall of the passageway. One surgical fastener delivery apparatus for delivering a surgical fastener to a target site comprises a support having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis and being adapted for placement in a passageway in a human body.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated surgical method for repairing abdominal aortic aneurysms is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second stent grafts made from a metal form structure in combination with a flexible fabric, and a flexible guidewire detachably attached to the first stent graft. The first stent graft has an upper tubular body which defines an inlet, and a lower bifurcation which includes a first tubular leg defining a first outlet, and a second tubular leg defining a second outlet.

Abstract: A stent graft can be held in place on the outside of the thoracic arch by a hypodermic needle tube which passes through the bore of the stent graft and back to the user. A centre tube tethered to the stent graft at the end distal to the user is employed to hold the stent graft within the pulsatile blood flow, preventing the stent graft from collapsing during deployment. The position of both the hypodermic needle tube and the centre tube can be controlled by the user by means of a control handle.

Abstract: The present invention embodies delivery systems and methods of packing an initial endovascular graft components for delivery that achieve a smaller delivery profile and reduce redundancy. Delivery systems and methods for packing the initial endovascular graft components for delivery facilitate a reduced delivery profile while allowing reliable positioning of the components before deployment.

Abstract: A delivery device for positioning and deploying an implantable device within a lumen is provided. The device includes an inner tube positioned within an outer tube and capable of sliding therein, wherein the inner and outer tubes have proximal and distal ends. A mechanism is coupled to at least one of the inner and outer tubes and is operable to deploy the implantable device within the lumen. At least one anchor is positioned on the inner tube to stabilize the implantable device by engaging at least a portion of the implantable device while the mechanism deploys the device. The anchor is positioned on the inner tube such that the anchor is freely rotatable about the inner tube.

Abstract: A vascular system including a catheter having a first end portion, a second end portion and a plurality of lumens wherein the first end portion is dimensioned for insertion into a vascular graft and the second end portion is dimensioned for insertion into a vein of a patient to create a conduit from an artery to the vein.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent assembly having a main branch balloon incorporating a sheath associated with the outer wall of the balloon, the sheath having a frangible or separable portion which allows for a guide wire to be passed through the sheath and to be separated from the sheath and the balloon when desired. When the balloon is expanded, the top and bottom edges of the sheath which are associated with the balloon are forced away from each other and cause the frangible or separable portion to separate, allowing the guide wire to be separated from the sheath and the balloon.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device may include an elongate tubular member, an endosurgery stent disposed on the outer surface of the tubular member, a push tube slidably disposed along the outer surface of the tubular member, and a push member slidably disposed in a lumen formed in the tubular member. The push member may be coupled to the push tube.

Abstract: A stent graft (10) is retained on an introducer (38) by retention of an exposed stent (16) of the stent graft to the introducer with trigger wires (44). The introducer has a trigger wire catheter (40) and four trigger wires and each trigger wire extending in a loop from the trigger wire catheter. The stent graft has a tubular body (12) of a graft material and an exposed stent joined to and extending from one end of the tubular body. The exposed stent is a self expanding Z stent with struts (20) and bends (22, 28, 30) between them. A pair of struts and a bend between define an apex a selected distance to the bend away from the tubular body. Adjacent apices of the exposed stent are different distances to the bends from the tubular body so that they stack under the trigger wires in an neat fashion. Distally extending barbs (26) on alternate struts of the exposed stent are spaced selected distances from their respective apices to prevent tangling during deployment.

Abstract: An endovascular anastomotic connector and method of using the same. The endovascular anastomotic connector includes a vascular conduit and a supply conduit. The vascular conduit has proximal and distal ends that reside within a vascular structure. The supply conduit extends at an angle from the vascular conduit. The proximal end of the supply conduit is configured to be attached to an auxiliary device.

Abstract: An intravascular distal protection device, comprising a guidewire having a proximal end and a distal end, a filtering material disposed about the guidewire, the filtering material having a proximal edge defining a proximally facing opening when in an expanded position, a hoop wire having a proximal end and a distal end and slidably attached to the proximal edge, the hoop wire wrapped in a helical coil about the guidewire in a first contracted position and defining a hoop at the proximal end of the filtering material in the expanded position, and an actuation member attached to the hoop wire and extending at least substantially to the proximal end of the guidewire and configured to move the hoop wire between the first contracted position and the expanded position.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for delivery of a stent or scaffold at a blood vessel or body lumen bifurcation. A method can include positioning a scaffold at a bifurcation of a main lumen into first and second branch lumens using a first expansion catheter, inflating a main balloon of the catheter to expand the proximal portion of the scaffold, positioning a second expansion system, and expanding the distal portion of the scaffold on a generally distal side of the bifurcation.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices. Particularly it relates to stent devices and balloon catheter devices. In the most particular aspect of the invention it relates to the strengthening of the structure of such a medical device, especially of a balloon on a balloon catheter device and its use in a variety of medical procedures to treat medical conditions in animal and human patients.

Abstract: The reconstrainment band includes a hollow generally tubular shaped band having proximal and distal ends and having an exterior surface for engaging a stent and an interior surface for engaging a delivery tube. The exterior surface has at least one fin projecting therefrom along the longitudinal axis of the band. The fin has at least one obtusely shaped surface relative to the longitudinal axis and facing one of the ends. The reconstrainment band is included in a delivery device for intraluminally positioning and deploying a radially distensible stent. Reconstrainment of a partially deployed stent is provided by the delivery device.

Abstract: An improved tubular structure adapted to increase in diameter upon application of axial force is provided. Increase in diameter is achieved by constructing the tube from multiple layers of material that move relative to each other during axial elongation of the tube. The tube of the present invention can be used both to avoid problems in “necking” found in many prior tube devices, and to provide additional benefits that increases in diameter of the tube during axial elongation can provide. As such, the tube of the present invention may be useful as a manufacturing aid, as a deployment sheath (for example, to deliver medical devices), and in other applications that may benefit from easier tubular sheath removal.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system has a tubular member defining a passageway and an inner member slideably disposed within the passageway. An expandable intraluminal medical device is disposed on a chamber of the inner member, and an evertable sleeve is attached to the inner member proximal to the chamber and to an inner surface of the tubular member. Relative movement between the tubular and outer members moves the evertable sleeve from a first position substantially overlying the expandable intraluminal medical device to a second position substantially proximal to the chamber.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for an intravascular implantable device having an integrated anchor mechanism that can be deployed by compressing the anchor in an axial direction. Various embodiments address the various issues presented by the prior art and/or improve upon the prior art devices, methods and systems for anchoring an intravascular implantable device within a vessel.

Abstract: A fatigue-resistant implantable medical device. The fatigue-resistant implantable medical device includes a tubular stent. The tubular stent can have a laser-cut length and a shape-set length that is either longer or shorter than the laser-cut length. Such stents will tend to return to their laser-cut length when they are compressed for delivery. A stent that is shape-set longer than its laser-cut/delivery length that is deployed in a vessel that is shortened for stent delivery will tend to return to its shape-set length when the vessel returns to its neutral (i.e., elongated) length. Likewise, a stent that is shape-set shorter than its laser-cut/delivery length that is deployed in a vessel that is elongated for stent delivery will tend to return to its shape-set length when the vessel returns to its neutral (i.e., shortened) length. Such stents will experience reduced axial loading and reduced mean strain, thereby improving fatigue life.

Abstract: An endoprothesis deployment system includes an axial catheter, an outer sheath extending parallel to the axial catheter, and an inner sheath positioned transversely between the axial catheter and outer sheath, the inner sheath including first and second inner sheath sections extending along the axial catheter, each of said first and said second inner sheath sections mounted for axial movement relative to the other inner sheath section.

Abstract: A stent device for treating an aneurysm is disclosed. The stent device comprises an expandable balloon with a channel extending through said balloon from one side to another, and a supporting stent connected to said balloon. In an operative disposition, when the expandable balloon is expanded, the supporting stent is arranged at least partly within said channel of said expandable balloon. Further, the supporting stent has walls which are permeable to blood. The stent device may be introduced and removed by endoscopic procedures, with a relatively simple procedure. Thus, the stent device is highly useable for fast and temporary treatment of ruptured aneurysms.

Abstract: The device includes at least a tubular endoprosthesis (6), deployable between a retracted state and a dilated state, and a hollow support (10) which extends longitudinally between a proximal end (18) and a distal end (16). The support (10) is provided, in the vicinity of the distal end (16), with at least a transverse retention opening. The device includes at least a releasable threadlike tie (12, 14) for holding the endoprosthesis (6) on the support (10). The tie is engaged in the retention opening (28) and actuated from the proximal end (18) of the support (10) to release the endoprosthesis (6). The support (10) includes, over at least a portion of its length, a spring (24) forming the support. The spring (24) has contiguous turns over at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: A system and method for exclusion of an aneurysm of an aortic arch region using a graft delivery system capable of maneuvering around an aortic arch, an aortic arch graft, and an occluder system for isolating an aneurysm while occluding one or more corresponding arteries, and with bypass of those arteries being performed using one or more selected bypass grafts. The graft may be branched or branchless. The graft delivery system has a flexible sheath that is manipulated manually with the aid of a guidance system. A hoist delivery system may also be provided. The occluder system may comprise independent occluders with one or more anchor members adjacent to one end. Alternatively, the occluders can be provided as part of the aortic arch graft, either as a built-in singular self-deploying occluder or as built-in multiple occluders. A kit is also provided containing a graft, stents, occluders, and optional delivery system.