Abstract: The sheath (1) for introducing devices such as a stent or other devices, said sheath comprising several reference markers (3) along a predetermined part of said sheath (1) for in situ measuring purposes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit device including an attaching device configured for defining a helical pathway through a tissue wall and complementary ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in the tissue wall. Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, some embodiments provide a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue by removing and retaining a tissue core and securely implanting a conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the conduit device.

Abstract: A folding device used to fold a cardiac valve is disclosed. Also shown are methods and system for holding and delivering a cardiac valve during implantation. The folding device facilitates folding either a stented or unstented prosthetic valve prior to insertion into a valve annulus. A delivery system is provided to allow a user to measure the patient annulus to select the prosthetic valve size and insert a folded prosthetic valve into a target site. Methods for using the folding device and delivery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering a stent to an intraluminal location comprising a catheter having an inner member and an outer member, a stent positioned between the inner member and the outer member at the catheter distal end, and a cutter/slider/deployment mechanism slidable secured to the catheter proximal end. A user may vary the length of the catheter by slidably advancing the cutter/slider/deployment mechanism along the catheter, whereby excess portions of the catheter are cut away. When the desired length is achieved, the user can secure the cutter/slider/deployment mechanism to the catheter to prevent further slidable advancement. The user may also vary the configuration of the catheter handle by adding or removing a removable platform from the handle. Upon stent deployment, the stent is released from the outer member, and the stent will expand as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for compressing a stent (100) with a prosthetic heart valve affixed as needed thereto. In order to achieve a compressing of the stent (100) with a prosthetic heart valve affixed as needed thereto to a diameter enabling it to be received in a catheter tip of a medical delivery system without running the risk of damaging the stent (100) or the prosthetic heart valve affixed as needed thereto during the compressing of the stent (100), the device (1) comprises a compressing mechanism (10) within which a stent (100) to be compressed can be at least partly accommodated, wherein the compressing mechanism (10) is designed so as to exert a defined compressive force in radial direction on at least parts of a stent (100) at least partly accommodated in the compressing mechanism (10) such that the cross-section of the stent (100) is reduced to a predefinable value at least at certain areas.

Abstract: Materials and methods for placement of catheters, stents, and other therapeutic or diagnostic devices in blood vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1a-1d) for compressing a stent (100) or a stent (100) with a prosthetic heart valve affixed thereto. The invention further relates to a system as well as a method for loading a stent (100) into a medical delivery system. The device (1a-1d) according to the invention comprises a compressing mechanism (10a-10d), within which a stent (100) to be compressed can be at least partly accommodated, wherein the compressing mechanism (10a-10d) comprises externally-manipulatable clamping means (50; 70.1-70.n; 90.1-90.n; 110.1-110.n) and is designed so as to exert a compressive force in radial direction on at least parts of a stent (100) accommodated within the compressing mechanism (10a-10d) such that the cross-section of the stent (100) is reduced to a predefinable value at least at certain areas. The inventive device (1a-1d) further comprises a manipulating mechanism (40a-40d) for manipulating the at least one clamping means (50; 70.1-70.n; 90.1-90.n; 110.1-110.

Abstract: A transparent outer covering used in a co-axial metallic ureteric stent for deployment of the lower tip of the metallic ureteric stent in relation to the ureteric orifice. Exact positioning of the stent is critical to avoid complications and ensure proper functioning of the stent. Stent is deployed from within outer sheath in a coaxial system. The function of the coaxial outer sheath is to provide a straight channel for deployment and positioning of the curl-tipped metal stent (double-J stent). Without the outer sheath it would simply not be possible to advance the flexible, curl-tipped metal stent into the kidney. Surgeon controls a ureteric catheter ‘pusher’ whose tip is advanced against the lower tip of the metal stent within the OPAQUE sheath, Deployment is achieved by withdrawing the OPAQUE outer sheath, while holding stent/ureteric catheter in static position.

Abstract: A system for treating atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and cardiac valve dysfunction comprises delivering one or more calcium chelating agents locally to a treatment site. One aspect of the invention provides a method including delivering a nano-particulate calcium chelating agent into a vascular wall. Another aspect of the invention provides a method and device for forming a sealed chamber around a cardiac valve, releasing one or more calcium chelating agents into the sealed chamber and decalcifying a cardiac valve in need thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for delivering self-expanding stents to stenting sites within the body, which minimizes trauma to the affected tissue of the patient yet, at the same time, offers the medical practitioner a robust and simple system for stent placement. These technical effects are achieved by providing a catheter which receives the stent at its proximal end and guides it to the stenting site. The catheter serves as a guide catheter and has a tapered distal tip from which the stent emerges at the site of stenting. A stent pusher can be used which abuts the proximal end of the stent inside the guide catheter. The tapered tip can be molded and can be integral with the catheter shaft or bonded to it. The guide catheter can include a figurated portion towards its distal tip. The system has particular application to stenting the carotid artery.

Abstract: A stent-graft delivery system is disclosed having an outer tubular shaft or sheath with a relatively stiff proximal segment and a distal segment formed from a tubular textile component. The proximal segment being formed from a polymeric tubing and having a distal end attached to a proximal end of the tubular textile component. During tracking of the delivery system through the vasculature, a self-expanding stent-graft is constrained by and within the tubular textile component in a compressed delivery configuration. Upon positioning at a treatment site, such as an aneurysm, retraction of the outer tubular shaft proximally slides the tubular textile component over the stent-graft to expose and deploy the stent-graft. The tubular textile component may be made from strands of one or more biocompatible materials that have been formed into a textile by weaving, braiding, knitting, crocheting, felting or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A prosthesis sleeve that is deployed within a patient's vessel at a damaged tissue area. The sleeve includes an inflammatory inducing section that releases materials near the damaged tissue to accelerate or enhance the immune response for a period of time sufficient to result in a smooth layer of repaired tissue.

Abstract: A controlled stent-graft deployment delivery system (10 50 or 900) includes a stent-graft (30 or 63), a retractable primary sheath (40) containing the stent-graft in a first constrained diameter configuration, an outer tube (18) within the retractable primary sheath and within the stent-graft, and an inner tube (20) within the outer tube, where the inner tube and the outer tube both axially move relative to the retractable primary sheath and to each other. The system further includes a cap (15) coupled to a distal end of the inner tube and configured to retain at least a portion of a proximal area of the stent-graft in a radially compressed configuration. A distal assembly (100) provides controlled relative axial movement between the outer tube and the inner tube enabling the release of the proximal end (65, 67, 68, and 69) of the stent-graft from the cap and from the radially compressed configuration.

Abstract: An elongated generally cylindrical stent, fabricated of a resilient material, has a pair of side ends with a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end has a central spine along the entire extent of the stent. The central spine has a plurality of interleafing ribs. Each rib has a lower end coupled to the central spine and an upper free end. A holding sleeve shaped in an elongated, generally cylindrical configuration is fabricated of a resilient material. The sleeve is hollow with an inside cylindrical surface and an outside cylindrical surface and has an open application end.

Abstract: A stent loading and delivery system includes a delivery catheter having a catheter lumen, a stent loading assembly adjacent a distal end of the delivery catheter, and a braided stent disposed on the stent loading assembly. The stent loading assembly is configured to retain the stent in an expanded state until just prior to insertion into a patient at which time the stent loading assembly elongates and compresses the stent into a delivery configuration.

Abstract: A graft, for example, an arterio-venous shunt graft, is provided, which in a first aspect of the subject invention, is formed with longitudinal ribs. With fibrotic tissue ingrowth between the ribs, a composite rib/tissue layer is formed about the graft. The ribs provide counteracting lateral force against the embedded tissue to seal punctures formed therethrough during hemodialysis procedures. To provide additional surface area for puncturing, the graft may be formed with a truncated cross-section. With a second aspect of the invention, the graft is mounted onto a strip to prevent kinking, twisting or bending during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: A delivery system (114) for a self-expanding device (110) for placement in a bodily lumen, the system comprising a sheath (112) that confines the device to a radially compact delivery disposition until the device is to be released into the lumen, the system having an elongate pull element (118) to be pulled proximally from its proximal end, which pull element is arranged radially inside the sheath for pulling preferentially on a pull zone on the circumference of the distal end of the sheath, thereby to tear the sheath progressively along a tear line running the length of the sheath, starting at the distal end of the sheath, to release the device from the confining effect of the sheath, progressively, beginning at the distal end of the device and wherein the sheath is of polyethylene-terephthalate, cold drawn along its long axis, and in that the distal end of the sheath tapers inwardly to provide an inwardly tapered distal end of the system.

Abstract: A vascular graft includes a main portion and a branch portion that is coupled to the main portion by an articulating joint. The vascular graft may be inserted into the thoracic aorta with the branch portion positioned within a branch vessel and the main portion positioned within the thoracic aorta. The graft may be deployed within a deployment apparatus comprising an outer member and an inner member and a pusher. The main graft portion may be housed within the inner member while the branch graft portion is housed within the space between the inner and outer members. The inner member may have a longitudinal groove for allowing the articulating joint to pass by when the branch graft portion is deployed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stent delivery system having a holder and at least one stent configured to expand from a first diameter to a second diameter is provided. The manufacturing method includes compressing the stent to the first diameter, inserting the stent into a first tube, placing a second tube inside the first tube and inside an inner diameter of the stent. The second tube is airtight. The manufacturing method also includes applying pressure and heat suitable to the second tube, thereby blowmolding the second tube against the stent.

Abstract: An apparatus for use within a vasculature includes a primary guider having a proximal end, a distal end and a medial portion extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end includes a proximal opening. The distal end includes a distal opening. The medial portion includes a lumen interconnecting the proximal opening and the distal opening. A grasper is provided at the distal end. A grasper controller is provided for controlling the grasper. The apparatus has various uses, including as a device to deploy a second intraluminal device for attachment to a first intraluminal device within a vasculature. The grasper may be used to grasp the first intraluminal device in order to facilitate attachment of the second intraluminal device. The apparatus may also be used for filtering, with the grasper being constructed to trap blood-borne material while permitting bloodflow.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a stent includes a molybdenum/rhenium alloy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable endoluminal graft comprised of a microporous thin-film covering having a plurality of openings and a structural support element underlying and physically attached to the microporous thin-film covering, the microporous thin-film covering having shape memory properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical devices, in particular condoms/drains, that find use in anastomosis. Thus the present invention relates to these medical devices per se, to a medical kit comprising these medical devices, to the use of these medical devices, to a method for medical treatment involving application of these medical devices to an organism who is in need thereof as well as to the use of certain biocompatible, biodegradable synthetic polymers in the preparation of a medical device for the treatment of a disease or a condition which requires anastomosis. The medical devices of the present invention are typically condom shaped and are used for the protection of anastomosis. The devices comprise a tubular shaped part which is made of a biocompatible, biodegradable polymer. The devices may be applied by stapling.

Abstract: A catheter system comprises a catheter having a catheter body with a distal end, a proximal end, a main vessel guidewire lumen for receiving a main vessel guidewire and a balloon disposing at the distal end of the catheter body. The catheter further includes a side member that is disposed adjacent to the catheter body. The side member has a distal end, a proximal end, and a branch vessel guidewire lumen for receiving a branch vessel guidewire. A stent having a side hole is disposed over the balloon, and a distal portion of the side member is disposed beneath at least a portion of the stent while being adjacent to and movable with respect to the balloon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient includes the steps of providing a deployable tubular graft of length to extend across the aneurysm. The graft is inserted endovascularly through an artery communicating with the aorta to a site within the aorta whereby an insertion end of the graft is positioned adjacent a non-dilated region of the aorta. The graft is deployed such that the insertion end of the graft is placed against an interior wall of the non-dilated region of the aorta. The graft is held from within the graft against the interior walls of the aorta and while being held, sutures are introduced laparoscopically through a wall of the aorta to the exterior of the graft whereby the graft is sutured to the inner walls of the aorta and the graft.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis having an unsupported or flexible region and a delivery system for delivering the endoluminal prosthesis is provided. The delivery system includes a prosthesis delivery catheter with stiffening elements that provide longitudinally rigid support to a flexible or unsupported portion of an endoluminal prosthesis as the prosthesis is being deployed. A prosthesis is removably coupled to the stiffening elements. The endoluminal prosthesis can be a stent or a stent graft or graft.

Abstract: Catheters, assemblies, and methods for delivering and recovering embolic protection devices. Catheters are provided that can be advanced over single length guide wires and which can be retracted over single length wire shafts of distal embolic protection devices. One catheter is a two-port catheter having two sidewall ports, a distal end port, and a proximal end port. The two-port catheter can be advanced over a guide wire threaded between the distal end port and the distal sidewall port. An embolic protection device wire shaft can be back loaded into the distal end port and out the proximal sidewall port. A three-port catheter includes a distal end port, and distal, intermediate, and proximal sidewall ports. The distal sidewall port can be dimensioned to accept passage of a filter body through the port. The distal end port can be dimensioned to accept only a guide wire to provide a smooth transition from the guide wire to the small profile distal end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for loading drug onto a stent. The method comprises positioning at least one polymer coated stent on a mandrel, positioning a drug infused sheath onto the stent and diffusing drug from the sheath into the polymer coating of the stent. The system includes a drug coated mandrel and sheath positioned adjacent to and in contact with a polymer coated stent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are endoluminal implants for bioactive material delivery. The disclosed endoluminal implants come in the general forms of patches and sleeves and can deliver bioactive materials independently of other implantable medical devices such as stents.

Abstract: Delivery systems, methods of making delivery systems, and methods of treatment are provided. A delivery system according to the invention facilitates a visual inspection of an intraluminal medical device included in the delivery system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of providing a stent with a radiopaque marker comprising the steps of: i) providing in the stent a radiopaque marker carrier portion; ii) sleeving the carrier portion with radiopaque material, with an insulating surface between the carrier and the marker material, and iii) plastically deforming material within the sleeve of radiopaque material, to secure the sleeve on the carrier portion. The invention further concerns a stent with a radiopaque marker, the stent exhibiting a generally annular form with luminal and abluminal major surfaces, the marker also exhibiting opposed major luminal and abluminal surfaces characterised in that i) the marker envelops a carrier portion of the stent and is electrically insulated from it; ii) portions of the material of the marker which exhibit evidence of plastic deformation secure the marker on the carrier portion.

Abstract: A medical treatment system and method of treatment is described having an implant that can be positioned and deployed, then undeployed to allow repositioning of the implant. The system includes a self-expanding medical implant that longitudinally foreshortens upon radially expanding from a radially compacted state, a distal interface configured to attach the implant to a distal mount of a delivery device, and a proximal interface configured to attach the implant to a proximal mount of the delivery device. Moving the distal mount longitudinally away from the proximal mount applies a longitudinal tension to the implant causing the implant to expand longitudinally and contract radially, and moving the distal mount toward the proximal mount reduces a longitudinal tension in the implant allowing the implant to expand radially toward a fully expanded state.

Abstract: A device for repairing an aneurysm by deployment within the aneurysm comprises a graft tube, at least part thereof having an inflatable wall whereby the tube can be deployed in an artery and inflated to grip at least part of the arterial wall.

Abstract: An intraluminal system for retrieving an implantable medical device from a body vessel includes, according to one embodiment, a grasping component including at least one deployable arm, where a proximal end of the arm is configured to extend away from a longitudinal axis of the system when deployed, and a first sheath disposed adjacent to the grasping component, where the first sheath includes a radially expandable portion at a distal end thereof. A second sheath overlies the first sheath and the grasping component. Relative motion between the second sheath and the grasping component allows the proximal end of the deployable arm to be deployed for grasping a distal portion of an implantable medical device, and relative motion between the second sheath and the first sheath allows the expandable portion of the first sheath to radially expand to receive a proximal portion of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A delivery system for a medical device or other devices to be deployed within a biological body including a sheath having a longitudinal joint. The joint can be either resealable or non-resealable. The joint remains intact during delivery of the medical device, thereby facilitating accurate delivery of the medical device. During removal of the sheath, the joint is separated, thereby permitting the sheath to be peeled from the medical device while maintaining the position of the device. The delivery system allows a single operator to deploy the medical device and remove the sheath.

Abstract: An expandable prosthetic device and method of delivery that allows the initial placement of multiple guidewires into selected target sites. The prosthesis includes a main body device. This main body device has a separate side branch guidewire lumen that passes through the main body device and through a side opening in the main body device. As the main body device is advanced, the side opening is self guided (by the side branch guidewire) and self-aligns to the side branch vessel ostium. The main body device is then deployed, leaving the side branch guidewire in place. A side branch device is then advanced along the side branch guidewire through the main body device, through the side wall opening and into the native side branch vessel. The side branch device can then be deployed to engage the main body device and the native side branch vessel.

Abstract: A modular mating stent is adapted to resist migration within a receiving stent. The modular mating stent has a substantially self-expandable first section of predetermined compressibility that is adapted to permit the first section to conform to the shape of a body lumen surrounding the first section. The modular mating stent also has a balloon-expandable second section that is less compressible than the first section, which is adapted to firmly engage a surface of the receiving stent surrounding the second section.

Abstract: To provide a method of cardiac surgery which is capable of facilitating the manipulation of devices in a thoracic cavity so as to thereby simplify the surgery, as well as alleviating physical burdens on a patient, and a defibrillation electrode, a defibrillator, and an endoscope apparatus for the same. There is provided a method of cardiac surgery, comprising: using a device which comprises a treatment unit to be inserted into a thoracic cavity for performing treatment of a heart; inserting a distal end of this device between the heart and a pericardium; thereafter piercing through the pericardium with the distal end of the device; and performing treatment of the heart from the outside of the pericardium by using the treatment unit.

Abstract: A reversible applicator for an intraluminal endoprosthesis comprising a pusher an outer sheath sliding longitudinally relative to this pusher (13), and an endoprosthesis arranged at its distal part. A retention element formed by an expandable braid that widens in a bulb shape in the expanded state, integrally joined to the pusher, is arranged longitudinally inside the endoprosthesis that is to be fitted in place. This bulb compresses the proximal part of the endoprosthesis (2) against an inner wall of the sheath in such a way as to allow the endoprosthesis to be retracted inside the sheath.

Abstract: An introducer for an expandable endovascular prosthesis having a self expanding stent has a distal prosthesis positioning mechanism and a proximal prosthesis retention mechanism. The proximal prosthesis retention mechanism includes a cylindrical sleeve adapted to retain the self expanding stent. A release mechanism extends proximally from the distal prosthesis positioning mechanism and exerts a force in the proximal direction on an interior surface of the self expanding stent to retain the self expanding stent in the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for anastomosis of first and second blood vessels includes a housing having distal and proximal ends, a handle and a disposable loading unit removably mounted to the distal end of the housing. The loading unit includes upper and lower fastener support members having a passage defined therethrough for receiving an end of the second blood vessel and configured to releasably support a plurality of surgical fasteners. The loading unit also includes a retractable anvil located at a distal end of the loading unit, the anvil being movable relative to the fastener support member in response to actuation of the handle to simultaneously deform the of surgical fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to covered endoprosthetic devices. Covered endoprosthetic devices comprise an endoprosthesis and a sheath. The sheath comprises a central portion and outer portions, wherein the central portion preferentially restricts or causes a restriction of blood flow. Blood flow can be reduced by the central portion of the sheath by varying the permeability of the sheath or by having projections on the sheath that slow blood flow. Permeability may be provided by perforations or holes in the material of the sheath or by varying the polymer structure that makes up the sheath itself. The outer portions of the sheath do not substantially reduce blood flow. Methods of using sheath-covered endoprosthetic devices of the invention to treat aneurysms, especially aneurysms in proximity to small perforator vessels or arteries, are also encompassed.

Abstract: An endovascular graft having an improved positioning mechanism capable of positioning and securing a bifurcated graft into a bifurcated vessel described. The graft can include a sleeve affixed to graft that is used in combination with a contralateral wire loop for placement of the graft within vasculature. The graft may include a structure for post deployment positioning into the bifurcated aneurysm area. Furthermore, the endovascular graft may be configured to form a sealing pocket that expands with induced fluid pressure and prevents fluid leaks at an attachment site.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a stented prosthetic heart valve to a lumen of a patient, the delivery system including a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a base portion with a plurality of extending elements, wherein each of the extending elements is engageable with a portion of a stent of a prosthetic heart valve. The delivery system further includes a sleeve having an inner area. The sheath is longitudinally moveable relative to the base portion from a first position where the inner area of the sleeve at least partially covers the extending elements of the base portion to a second position where the extending elements are not positioned within the inner area of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides one or more sleeves for positioning a stent on a stent delivery system, such as a balloon catheter. The sleeve wraps around the catheter. One or two sleeves are positioned adjacent to one or both ends of the stent without overlapping with the stent. One end of the sleeve may be attached to the catheter or the balloon. The outer diameter of the end of the sleeve adjacent to the stent may be no greater than the outer diameter of the unexpanded stent. As a result, the profile of the stent delivery system is not increased by the sleeves of the present invention. If the stent dislodges during delivery to the target site, the stent can come to rest on the wall of the sleeve. Because the sleeves are positioned adjacent to the stent without overlapping with the stent, the stent is able to expand without being restrained by the sleeves.

Abstract: An improved delivery system for an implantable medical device includes a retention sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The implantable medical device is disposed within the inner lumen of the retention sheath, which restrains the implantable medical device. A plurality of substantially incompressible rings are disposed within the inner lumen of the retention sheath in a stacked co-axial configuration that extends from the proximal end of the retention sheath in a pre-deployment position to a proximal end of the implantable medical device. Each ring in the plurality of separate rings abuts at least a portion of an adjacent ring. The plurality of separate rings is configured to prevent the implantable medical device from moving toward a proximal end of the retention sheath when the retention sheath is moved from the pre-deployment position to a deployment position.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering stents to body lumens include one or more tubular prostheses carried at the distal end of a catheter shaft, a sheath slidably disposed over the prostheses, and a guidewire tube extending from within the sheath to the exterior of the sheath through an exit port in a sidewall thereof A guidewire extends slidably through the guidewire tube. The sheath can be moved relative to the catheter shaft and the guidewire tube to expose the prostheses for deployment. Methods of delivering stents are also provided.

Abstract: A method of delivering a stent-graft includes mounting the stent-graft on a pushrod; radially constraining the stent-graft within a sheath; securing a crown portion of the stent-graft to the pushrod with a retainer structure of a stent-graft retainment system; retracting the sheath to expose the crown portion of the stent-graft; and further retracting the sheath to cause the retainer structure to release the crown portion from the pushrod thus deploying the stent-graft. The retainer structure releases the stent-graft automatically as a result of the retraction of the sheath.

Abstract: A toroidal balloon system apparatus and method for use in a vessel includes a catheter defining an inflation lumen and having an inflation port in communication with the inflation lumen; and a toroidal balloon attached to the catheter. The toroidal balloon defines a balloon lumen in communication with the inflation port to inflate the balloon and a central lumen which allows fluid flow through the balloon and the vessel when the toroidal balloon is inflated.

Abstract: A liner is advanced through a narrowed region in a vessel such as the internal carotid artery. The liner is advanced through the narrowed region in a collapsed position. A stent is then advanced through the liner and expanded to open the narrowed region. The liner may also have an anchor which expands an end of the liner before the stent is introduced.