Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by filling a double-walled filling structure with a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. The filling structures are preferably used in pairs for providing flow into the iliac arteries when treating abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a supporting structure capable of containing or supporting a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient, which carrier or excipient may contain one or more therapeutic agents or substances, with the carrier preferably including a coating on the surface thereof, and the coating containing the therapeutic substances, such as, for example, drugs. Supporting structures for the medical devices that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, coronary stents, peripheral stents, catheters, arterio-venous grafts, by-pass grafts, and drug delivery balloons used in the vasculature.

Abstract: A venous valve with a tubular frame that includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a lumen, and a cover over at least the outer surface of the tubular frame, where the cover includes surfaces defining a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the lumen. A system with the venous valve and a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end, the venous valve located between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter. A method including forming the venous valve and reversibly joining the venous valve and a catheter. A method including positioning at least part of the catheter including the venous valve at a predetermined location and deploying the venous valve from the catheter at the predetermined location.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a stent graft comprising a first stent graft having a first stent, a first inner graft supported by the first stent, a second inner graft supported by the first stent, and an outer graft. The second inner graft can be spaced apart from the first inner graft so that a portion of the first stent is not covered by the first inner graft or the second inner graft. A first and second portion of the outer graft can be attached to the first stent, the outer graft being unsupported by the stent between the first and second portions so as to form a fillable space between the outer graft, the first inner graft, and the second inner graft. Some embodiments further comprise a second stent graft deployable within the inside of the first stent graft to sealingly cover the uncovered portion of the first stent.

Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by filling at least one double-walled filling structure with a curable medium within the aneurysm. The filling structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. Scaffolds are placed into the tubular lumens in order to help maintain the shape, anchor the filling structures in place, and provide improved blood flow transition into and out of the tubular lumens.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The prosthetic valve comprises an anchoring member, at least one leaflet, and a restraining member capable of temporarily preventing substantial movement of the leaflet between and open and closed position so as to allow fluid flow in the antegrade and retrograde directions. In various embodiments, the prosthetic valve reduces the risk of thrombosis. In various embodiments, the prosthetic valve reduces the appearance of potentially thrombogenic abnormal flow patterns at the site of implantation immediately following the implantation, allows cell deposition making the valve more biocompatible, less thrombogenic before flow changes resulting from valving action set in and allows tissue growth so that a partially or completely biological functioning valve may form on the scaffold provided by the implant.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing the function of a diseased valve includes an annular first support member expandable to a first diameter. An annular second support member is spaced axially apart from the first support member and is expandable to a second diameter that is independent of the first diameter. A tubular graft section interconnects the first and second support members. The graft section defines an annulus having a third diameter that is independent of each of the first and second diameters. A prosthetic valve is secured within the annulus of the graft section. The bioprosthetic valve has at least two valve leaflets that are coaptable to permit the unidirectional flow of blood. Methods for repairing the function of a diseased valve and for making the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The vascular graft includes a PTFE tube having non-expanded portions formed from sintering a PTFE green tube extrudate. The non-expanded portions are distributed longitudinally along the PTFE tube. The PTFE tube also has expanded portions formed subsequent to the sintering of the PTFE green tube extrudate. The expanded and non-expanded portions are integral with one another, and alternate with one another along the length of the PTFE tube. The expanded and non-expanded portions each have a respective stiffness, where the stiffness of the non-expanded portion is greater than that of the expanded portion.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: This invention is a system for the treatment of body passageways; in particular, vessels with vascular disease. The system includes an endovascular graft with a low-profile delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which it conforms to the morphology of the vessel or body passageway to be treated as well as various connector members and stents. The graft is made from an inflatable graft body section and may be bifurcated. One or more inflatable cuffs may be disposed at either end of the graft body section. At least one inflatable channel is disposed between and in fluid communication with the inflatable cuffs.

Abstract: An occlusive device includes a hollow cylindrical element which can be twisted axially in order to create a constricted region. The device also includes a body which can be deformed by transverse compression and which is applied against the inner wall of the aforementioned cylindrical element, the body having a through hole along the axis of the cylindrical element.

Abstract: A stent may comprise a graft having a plurality of outwardly deployable petals. A petal may include an internal inflation pocket. Upon inflation, the petal may deploy outwardly and provide support to a portion of a vessel bifurcation. Inflation may be accomplished by injecting an inflation medium into the inflation pocket. In some embodiments, an inflation medium may comprise a hardening resin.

Abstract: Medical devices that provide valves for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel are provided. The valves include a support frame having one or more adaptations for forming a leak path between the support frame and an interior wall of a body vessel in which the valve is implanted. A controlled amount of retrograde flow is able to flow through the leak path when the valve is implanted in a body vessel.

Abstract: A device and method for the manufacture of medical devices, specifically, endovascular grafts, or sections thereof. Layers of fusible material are disposed upon a shape forming member and seams formed between the layers in a configuration that can produce inflatable channels in desired portions of the graft. After creation of the seams, the fusible material of the inflatable channels may be fixed while the channels are in an expanded state. A five axis robotic seam forming apparatus may be used to create the seams in the layers of fusible material.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and systems for treating aneurysms using filling structures filled with a curable medium. An embodiment of a method comprises positioning at least one double-walled filling structure across the aneurysm and filling the structure(s) with a filling medium so that an outer wall conforms to the inside of the aneurysm and an inner wall forms a generally tubular lumen to provide for blood flow. The lumen is supported with a balloon or other expandable device while and/or after filling. The pressure within the structure and/or in the space between an external wall of the structure and the aneurysm wall is monitored and a flow of the medium into the structure is controlled responsive to the pressure. The pressure can also be used to determine a filling endpoint. The medium is hardened while the lumen remains supported by the balloon. The balloon is then removed after the medium hardens.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: An occluding device including expandable scaffold and a flow-limiting member is described. In some embodiments the scaffold is an expandable or self-expanding stent deliverable over a guide wire. The flow-limiting member can include a valve that can be closed following deployment. On deployment the stent and flow-limiting member can engage an inner surface of a body cavity lumen, blocking flow of material. In some embodiments the body cavity is a blood vessel, and the device can be used to block blood flow. In some embodiments the device includes bioactive agents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repair of stenotic and aneurysmic vessels utilizing in situ deployment of an inflatable tubular shaped device (1) having a longitudinally oriented annulus (17). When inflated, the size and rigidity of the device (1) is increased, thereby providing supplemental strength to the vessel wall and a lumen (8) for the passage of fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery. The conduit is a tube adapted to be positioned in the heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, at a site distal to the occlusion or stenosis. The conduit has a section of blood vessel attached to its interior lumen which preferably includes at least one naturally occurring one-way valve positioned therein. The valve prevents the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to prosthetic cardiac and venous valves and a single catheter device and minimally invasive techniques for percutaneous and transluminal valvuloplasty and prosthetic valve implantation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for applying retrograde perfusion of blood at various locations within the body. In certain exemplary embodiments, the methods and devices are particularly useful during open or translumenal surgical approaches to apply long-term retrograde perfusion of the myocardium, the neurosystem, or a periphery, such as the arm or leg, thereby treating various medical conditions, such as coronary artery disease, stroke, renal failure, etc.

Abstract: A catheter for delivery of an expandable intracorporeal device and method of using the catheter. The catheter may have an elongate shaft with a proximal section, distal section, proximal end and distal end. The distal section has a radially expandable shear barrier which is at least partially radially constrained by an outer radially constraining section. An expandable intracorporeal device, specifically an expandable endovascular graft, is disposed within an inner space within the radially expandable shear barrier. The catheter is guided to a desired site within a patient's body and the radial constraint of the outer radially constraining section is at least partially removed from the radially expandable shear barrier so as to allow the shear barrier and expandable intracorporeal device to expand and deploy.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A device useful for treating an aneurysm having a neck comprises a first inflatable disc and a second inflatable disc, said second inflatable disc being adjacent to said first inflatable disc and in fluid communication therewith. The inflatable discs are sized and constructed such that when the inflatable discs are inflated, the aneurysm neck is engaged therebetween. The inflatable discs may include at least one wall that is substantially inelastic and may include an internal member limiting expansion of the inflatable disc in a direction parallel to the device axis. The inflatable discs may have an aspect ratio greater than 3.

Abstract: A bifurcated vascular prosthesis implanted using a combined laparoscopic/open and endovascular technique for curing aneurysms of the abdominal aorta includes two stents on distal arms of the prosthesis. A delivery system and surgical kit for the release of the vascular prosthesis includes a pair of balloon release catheters, to be inserted within each corresponding stent and to remain adhering thereto throughout the time prior to release until reinflated with an inflating syringe, and a pair of balloon guide catheters, each including a dilator and a sheath. A method for implanting the prosthesis is also provided.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis is provided which includes a tubular member and an outer covering sealed to portions of the tubular member, with a pocket being defined therebetween. A filling agent, preferably a substantially incompressible agent, is disposed in the pocket so as to cause portions of the outer covering to expand from the tubular member. As an endovascular prosthesis, the filled pocket can be used as a seal against the wall of a blood vessel to prevent Type I endoleaks.

Abstract: An intracorporeal device, such as an endovascular graft, having a tubular section with circumferential or helical radial support members. The radial support members may be inflatable channels which support the tubular structure of the graft and which are appropriately sized and longitudinally spaced to prevent or reduce kinking of the tubular structure upon bending of the tubular structure.

Abstract: This invention is a system for the treatment of body passageways; in particular, vessels with vascular disease. The system includes an endovascular graft with a low-profile delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which it conforms to the morphology of the vessel or body passageway to be treated as well as various connector members and stents. The graft is made from an inflatable graft body section and may be bifurcated. One or more inflatable cuffs may be disposed at either end of the graft body section. At least one inflatable channel is disposed between and in fluid communication with the inflatable cuffs.

Abstract: A device and method for the manufacture of medical devices, specifically, endovascular grafts, or sections thereof. Layers of fusible material are disposed upon a shape forming member and seams formed between the layers in a configuration that can produce inflatable channels in desired portions of the graft. After creation of the seams, the fusible material of the inflatable channels may be fixed while the channels are in an expanded state. A five axis robotic seam forming apparatus may be used to create the seams in the layers of fusible material.

Abstract: A graft (1) which is in the form of an inflatable member adapted to be formed into a predetermined and/or selected shape when deployed in situ by filling with a filler material (6) which can be made rigid in situ and deployed on a balloon catheter (12). The deployment balloon (13) is formed from a non-compliant material.

Abstract: A catheter for delivery of an expandable intracorporeal device and method of using the catheter. The catheter may have an elongate shaft with a proximal section, distal section, proximal end and distal end. The distal section has a radially expandable shear barrier which is at least partially radially constrained by an outer radially constraining section. An expandable intracorporeal device, specifically an expandable endovascular graft, is disposed within an inner space within the radially expandable shear barrier. The catheter is guided to a desired site within a patient's body and the radial constraint of the outer radially constraining section is at least partially removed from the radially expandable shear barrier so as to allow the shear barrier and expandable intracorporeal device to expand and deploy.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a sealing component that can be positioned within a bronchial lumen. The sealing component can comprise two or more overlapping segments that are movable relative to one another such that the segments collectively form a seal that can expand and contract in size to fit within and seal bronchial lumens of various sizes.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for partially occluding a blood vessel such that an area of hemostasis within the blood vessel is created without interrupting the blood flow through the blood vessel. The device comprises a first and second occlusive members for partially occluding a blood vessel, spaced apart from one another, wherein the occlusive members are inflatable to at least the inner diameter of the blood vessel. A tubular connector interconnects the first and second occlusive members and forms a conduit which allows the blood to flow through. When the occlusive members are inflated, an area of hemostasis is created between an outer surface of the tubular connector and an inner wall of the blood vessel while blood continues to flow through the tubular portion. A tube adapted to extend through an opening in the blood vessel to deploy the device includes multiple lumens, such as an inflation lumen to inflate the device and a suture lumen to collapse the device.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a supporting structure having a coating on the surface thereof, the coating containing a therapeutic substance, such as, for example, a drug. Supporting structures for the medical devices that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, coronary stents, peripheral stents, catheters, arterio-venous grafts, by-pass grafts, and drug delivery balloons used in the vasculature.

Abstract: A stent (10,20,30,40,50,58,60,80,90,100,150,254,256,300) having an inflatable member or a plurality of members affixed directly thereto. One type of inflatable member, or pair or plurality of members, may be affixed to the outer stent surface to expand upon inflation to seal against the vessel wall, and optionally to each other as well, and may be annular (14,18,20,42,46,82,94) or spirally (22,24,26,84) or asymmetrically (32,34,36) configured. In another embodiment a member (304), or pair of opposed members (306), can be affixed to the inner stent surface and used to occlude the lumen upon inflation. The device of the present invention can also be utilized with conventional stent grafts (152) to protect branch vessels that are involved in the aneurysm span.

Abstract: The present invention modifies the compliance of a vascular system by providing an elastic member, capable of reducing peak pressure and blood flow from the heart. These embodiments further allow for reduction of peak systolic pressure while increasing diastolic pressure and flow. In one embodiment, the device consists of an anchoring stent, having an elastic member with a passage for blood flow. This device is implanted percutaneously into a desired vessel location. The elastic member begins to “give” when blood pressure reaches a desired level. Additionally, the spring constant of the elastic member may be externally modified to change the compliancy. By precisely modifying the properties of the elastic member, normal arterial compliancy may be restored.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a liquid in a patient's body comprises an implantable pump adapted to pump the liquid and an implantable valve device adapted to direct the liquid pumped by the pump. A first ceramic valve member of the valve device includes a first plane surface and a second ceramic valve member of the valve device includes a second plane surface facing and touching the first plane surface. The second valve member is displaceable relative to the first valve member between different positions, wherein the valve members include different liquid channels. The valve device is operable to displace the second valve member to hydraulically connect the pump to at least one of the liquid channels in at least one of the positions.

Abstract: An expandable device, e.g. a stent for insertion into a passage, e.g. a blood vessel or artery, is disclosed. The device has a body (20) formed of a flexible material. The body is convertible from a collapsed condition in which it is of a size to be inserted into the passage into an expanded condition in which the body (20) is fixed relative to the passage. A passage (28) is provided within the body so as to extend over at least a region of the latter. An inlet (32) is provided in the body (20) in communication with the passage therein. The inlet (32) enables a rigidifying material to be introduced into the passage (28) in the body (20) so that at least the region of the body (20) in which the passage is provided can be rigidified whereby to maintain the body in its expanded condition.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: Extruded, stretched, sintered tubular PTFE materials are produced which are suited for use in the medical field as liners and covers for expandable stents. The PTFE materials have an unusually low REC (Radial Expansion Coefficient) and RER (Radial Expansion Ratio).

Abstract: Vascular access systems, devices and methods for facilitating repeated access to a blood vessel. These systems, devices and methods can be used in external blood treatment, such as dialysis, and in intra-venous administration of medicines, such as heparin, for extended periods of time, while avoiding deleterious effects such as those derived from repeated puncturing of the blood vessel tissues or exposure of such tissues to abnormal fluid flows. The vascular access systems comprise an anastomosis graft vessel, an occlusal device, such as an occlusal balloon, and a port device for accessing the occlusal device. Occlusal devices can be self-contained, they can rely on osmosis, and they can serve as the support of an agent to which the blood stream is exposed, either by transport or by mere contact. In addition, occlusal devices can adopt a distended and a collapsed configuration, the latter allowing for blood flow through the anastomosis graft vessel.

Abstract: This invention is a system for the treatment of body passageways; in particular, vessels with vascular disease. The system includes an endovascular graft with a low-profile delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which it conforms to the morphology of the vessel or body passageway to be treated as well as various connector members and stents. The graft is made from an inflatable graft body section and may be bifurcated. One or more inflatable cuffs may be disposed at either end of the graft body section. At least one inflatable channel is disposed between and in fluid communication with the inflatable cuffs.

Abstract: This invention is a system for the treatment of body passageways; in particular, vessels with vascular disease. The system includes an endovascular graft with a low-profile delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which it conforms to the morphology of the vessel or body passageway to be treated as well as various connector members and stents. The graft is made from an inflatable graft body section and may be bifurcated. One or more inflatable cuffs may be disposed at either end of the graft body section. At least one inflatable channel is disposed between and in fluid communication with the inflatable cuffs.

Abstract: A graft (1) which is in the form of an inflatable member adapted to be formed into a predetermined and/or selected shape when deployed in situ by filling with a filler material (6) which can be made rigid in situ and deployed on a balloon catheter (12). The deployment balloon (13) is formed from a non-compliant material.

Abstract: Disclosed are an instrument, valve prosthesis and procedure for the minimally invasive implantation of a sutureless anti-reflux valve in a patient for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. A prosthesis is provided that comprises a cylindrical housing, a mounting ring and a one-way anti-reflux valve depending from the mounting ring. The cylindrical housing is constructed of a memory material that can be fixed in the gastroesophageal junction. The mounting ring and the anti-reflux valve are fixed within the housing.

Abstract: A stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state: a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter having a contracted condition and being expandable to an expanded condition, and being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, the expandable distal portion of the catheter including a balloon within which there is included on the catheter shaft at least one body of a diameter larger than the catheter shaft to which the stent and balloon are fitted, as by crimping, for holding the stent in place until it is released therefrom by expansion of the balloon.

Abstract: The invention relates to the application of an adherent, biocompatible and stable polymeric coating onto the surface of stents with the aim to reduce the incidence of restenosis.

Abstract: Implantable connector devices which are useable to maintain fluidic connection between, or approximation of, openings formed in adjacent natural or prosthetic anatomical conduits (or adjacent openings formed in a single anatomical conduits). These connector devices generally comprise a plurality of radially expandable annular members having one or more elongate strut members extending therebetween. Initially, the device is mountable on or within a delivery catheter while in a radially compact configuration. After the delivery catheter has been inserted into the body, the device is caused to transition to a radially expanded configuration whereby it becomed implanted within the body so as to maintain the desired fluidic connection between, or the desired approximation of, the anatomical conduit(s).

Abstract: A thin-walled prosthesis is provided that includes a tubular graft formed of a monofilament fiber. The graft has sufficient strength and durability to withstand loads applied during deployment and while implanted and sufficiently low permeability to prevent excessive leakage of body fluids through the material or to provide a sufficient seal, for example, so as to prevent aneurysm pressurization. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a tubular grafts constructed of monofilament fibers for endoluminal placement within a body lumens, including blood vessels, and for the treatment of abdominal and other aneurysms.