Abstract: A debranching visceral stent graft and methods for its use, where the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft with a bifurcation defining a first leg and a second leg, the main body stent graft has a distal end and a proximal end, the main body stent graft's diameter at the proximal end ranges from about 18-22 mm, the first leg and the second leg each have a diameter that ranges from about 14-16 mm, the distance from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the first leg ranges from about 70-90 mm, the distance from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the second leg ranges from about 80-100 mm, and the second leg is at least about 10 mm longer than the first leg.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis includes a support structure including a curvilinear portion having a first strut and a second strut that meet at an apex. Disposed on the support structure is an anchor with an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body. The anchor body can fit at least partially about, and can conform to the first strut, second strut, and the apex. A curved portion of the anchor and the curvilinear portion of the support structure can be co-formed, resulting in a secure interference fit so that welding, soldering, or other joining mechanisms can be avoided. Cutouts can be formed along the curved portion of the anchor to relieve stress or strain during the co-forming process.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating diseased bodily lumens involving branched lumen deployment sites include a main graft or stent-graft deployable in a main artery and a vent device or stent-graft deployable in a branch artery to maintain blood flow through the main artery and from the main artery to the branch artery. Systems and methods for treating diseased bodily lumens involving branched lumen deployment sites may also include a main graft or stent-graft deployable in the main artery, a chimney graft or stent-graft deployable in both branch artery and the main artery to the branch artery and a gutter-sealing device associated with the chimney graft to prevent flow of blood among the chimney graft, the main graft and a wall of the main artery.

Abstract: An endograft includes a main body having a wall separating interior and exterior surfaces and adapted to be inserted within the vessel. The main body is characterized by a single proximal opening and two distal openings and at least one aperture extending through the wall. At least one stent is secured to the main body that upon expansion pressure fits the main body into the vessel. An open tunnel is secured to the interior surface of the main body around the main body aperture and secured somewhere along the tunnel length to provide fluid communication between the interior and exterior surfaces of the main body through the aperture and with the vascular branch in proximity to the main body aperture. The insertion of a sleeve positioned partly within the tunnel and extending beyond the exterior surface of the main body into the vascular branch assures to the vascular branch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vascular endoprosthesis including a device for preventing any endoleak after an angioplasty. The invention more particularly but not restrictively relates to a vascular endoprosthesis for a patient suffering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to the field of tissue engineering and treatment of cardiovascular disease by endovascular repair. The technology more particularly relates to devices and methods to produce a tissue-based implant that can be used for abdominal aorta aneurysm, thoracic aorta aneurysm, or other cardiovascular repair.

Abstract: A stent graft for endovascular introduction into the pararenal region of the descending aorta. The stent graft has an elongate tubular body (10) with a proximal portion (12), a distal portion (16) of a diameter less than the proximal portion and a tapered central portion (14). A notional transverse clock face on the tubular body has 12 o'clock at a notional anterior longitudinal datum line. The stent graft has a scalloped cut out (26) centered at about 12:30 o'clock and a fenestration (28) at about 12:00 o'clock in the proximal portion and first and second fenestration assemblies which can be low profile side arms at about 2:15 o'clock and about 10:00 o'clock in the tapered central portion. The tapered central portion can have an arcuate side wall (30) so that the tapered portion has an outer face which is concave.

Abstract: A stepped balloon catheter prosthesis deployment system is disclosed for placement of a prosthesis across an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The prosthesis is configured to be deployed from a stepped diameter balloon with the support in the branch body lumen, with the circumferentially extending link in the main lumen and the frond extendable across the Os.

Abstract: A hybrid stent graft device for treatment of a Type A dissection having a first tubular portion for placement into the ascending aorta and a second tubular portion for extending around the thoracic arch and down the descending aorta is disclosed. The first tubular portion is connectable to the aorta between the sinotubular junction and the brachiocephalic artery so that it essentially replaces the ascending aorta. A temporary bypass tube allows perfusion during an operation. The second tubular portion has an elongate recess outside of the second tubular portion and an aperture defining a fluid flow path into the recess. The recess is intended to engage an outer curve of the thoracic arch to enable blood flow into the arteries of the thoracic arch. An introduction device in combination with the hybrid stent graft described above is also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoluminal device for affixation to a wall of a body lumen having a neck region defined by a relatively narrow width and a shoulder region that diverges from the neck region to a relatively wider width. The device comprises a bulbous portion having a shoulder portion with a diameter profile that conforms to the shoulder region of the lumen, and a converging diameter portion sized not to conform to the body lumen diameter profile. In some embodiments, a plurality of affixation members in an area of the device that typically extends from a distal end of the device through the shoulder portion. In one embodiment, the device comprises an endograft for repair of an aneurysm, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Abstract: A stepped balloon catheter prosthesis deployment system is disclosed for placement of a prosthesis across an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The prosthesis is configured to be deployed from a stepped diameter balloon with the support in the branch body lumen, with the circumferentially extending link in the main lumen and the frond extendable across the Os.

Abstract: This invention relates in one aspect to the treatment of a vascular vessel with a biomaterial. The biomaterial can be a remodelable material that strengthens and/or supports the vessel walls. Additionally the biomaterial can include a variety of naturally occurring or added bioactive agents and/or viable cellular populations.

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 system for repairing body lumens including a modular graft and a method for deploying the graft within the body lumen. The modular graft includes a first component having first and second legs portions which mate with second and third graft components, respectively. The second leg portion has a bell bottom shape. The modular graft further includes expandable members which aid in implanting the modular graft as well as facilitates the mating of its components. In order to repair the body lumen, the first component is placed at the repair site and thereafter the first and second legs are advanced to the repair site and attached to the first component. A further aspect of the invention is a fixation device which is adapted to perform an attachment function. The graft and the fixation device are configured to be axially separated from one another so as to allow the graft to attach to the vascular wall proximal of the graft.

Abstract: A modular prosthetic conduit system such as a stent or stent graft system tailored for the repair of aneurysms or other compromised vessel walls. The stent or stent graft system incorporates various means to interlock the multiple modular components used in the repair procedure. The present invention further provides a modular stent graft system tailored for the repair of aneurysms or other compromised vessel walls that cross or are adjacent to a branch or bifurcation in a vessel.

Abstract: A dual guidewire exchange catheter system and methods are provided herein. The dual guidewire exchange catheter system includes two lumens for receiving therethrough a main vessel guidewire and a branch vessel guidewire, respectively. The catheter includes an exit port for each guidewire, at least one of which is a shorter distance from the distal end of the catheter system than the distance from the distal end to the proximal end of the catheter. This allows for management of relatively short guidewire lengths outside the body.

Abstract: Described herein are engineered multilayered vascular tubes comprising at least one layer of differentiated adult fibroblasts, at least one layer of differentiated adult smooth muscle cells, wherein any layer further comprises differentiated adult endothelial cells, wherein said tubes have the following features: (a) a ratio of endothelial cells to smooth muscle cells of about 1:99 to about 45:55; (b) the tube is compliant; (c) the internal diameter of the tube is about 6 mm or smaller; (d) the length of the tube is up to about 30 cm; and (e) the thickness of the tube is substantially uniform along a region of the tube; provided that the engineered multilayered vascular tube is free of any pre-formed scaffold. Also described herein are methods of forming said tubes and uses for said tubes including methods for treating patients, comprising providing such a tube into to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for placement across an ostium opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The circumferential link can comprise a catheter securement portion and a frond engagement portion.

Abstract: A stent for bifurcation, including two cylindrical parts: a distal part (1.1) of smaller diameter and a proximal part (1.2) of greater diameter, connected by two—arranged as opposite—longitudinal connectors (1.3) having length (L1) of 0.5 to 8 mm and forming a cell of the stent having an enlarged surface area (1.4), the connectors having a curvilinear shape, in particular a sinusoidal shape.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for treatment of a vessel bifurcation. The catheter assembly is adapted for use with a single guidewire, wherein the guidewire is used to both position the catheter assembly within a main vessel of the vessel bifurcated and then be advanced into a branch vessel of the vessel bifurcated. A guidewire lumen of the catheter assembly is defined by a portion of a catheter shaft of the catheter assembly and a portion of a side catheter branch of the catheter assembly. The side catheter branch extends from a distal end of the catheter shaft at a proximal location and is connected at a distal location to a main catheter branch. After the catheter assembly has been advanced over the guidewire to a position within the main vessel at the vessel bifurcation, the guidewire is retracted, a portion of the side catheter branch is advanced into the branch vessel, and the guidewire is advanced into the branch vessel.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis is disclosed for implantation at a bifurcation between a main vessel and at least two secondary vessels. The endoprosthesis includes first and second bodies. Each body includes a self-expanding and flexible structure having a proximal region, an intermediate region, and a distal region. The distal region terminates at a free end. The flexible structure defines a leg and a support member adjacent to the leg. The leg terminates at the free end of the distal region. The second body is positioned within the first body. The proximal region of the first body includes a free end configured for positioning within the main vessel. The leg of the first body is configured for positioning within a first secondary vessel. The leg of the second body is configured for positioning within a second secondary vessel.

Abstract: A dialysis graft includes an artery connection section having one end connected to an artery; and a vein connection section having both ends connected to two sections of a vein respectively. Diameter of either end of the vein connection section is equal to that of the corresponding section of the vein. The other end of the artery connection section is integrally formed with the vein connection section and communicates therewith. An enlargement for preventing stenosis and thromboses is formed at the connection of the artery connection section and the vein connection section. The dialysis graft further includes lines, ring markings, and markings for providing a visual help to a physician when endovascular therapy is needed.

Abstract: A device and method for treating pathological narrowing of fluid-carrying conduits of the human body (such as blood vessels) in an area of a bifurcation is disclosed. In particular, a stent system comprising a pair of dissimilar stents, one of which is particularly suited for treating a widened portion of a blood vessel immediately proximal to a bifurcation. A stent delivery system including a handpiece adapted to selectively deliver the stents is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying stents within bifurcated vessels in a true pantaloons configuration (Kamat technique) are disclosed. A device including a balloon catheter and a stent surrounding the catheter is inserted into a bifurcated blood vessel. The catheter includes a first lumen configured to accept a first guide wire, which exits the device at a distal end. The device is advanced within a main branch using the first guide wire until it reaches the carina, thus causing the second guide wire to enter a second side branch. The second wire exits the device at a tapered edge of the catheter from under the stent. The stent may then be deployed within the main branch. The stent may then be splayed across the carina with kissing balloons and the procedure may be completed with the kissing balloon deployment of two stents accurately at the carina in each side branch.

Abstract: A stent graft has a tubular body of a biocompatible material and at least one fenestration. A tubular side branch is stitched into the fenestration with a portion of the side branch extending within the tubular body and a portion of the side branch extending exteriorly of the tubular body. The stitching by which the side branch is mounted into the fenestration extends circumferentially and diagonally from one end of the side branch to the other such that the side branch extends from the tubular body at an angle thereto. The tubular side branch may have a reinforcement stent having at least one helical wire segment.

Abstract: A bridging device for supporting occlusive masses within an aneurysm located at a vascular bifurcation.

Abstract: A circumferentially constraining suture for an endovascular prosthesis having a tubular body and a plurality of stents coupled to the tubular body includes a first thread coupled at a first end to one of the stents and a first thread loop disposed opposite the first end. The first thread extends only partially around a circumference of the tubular body in a radially expanded configuration. A second thread having a second thread loop is interlocked with the first thread loop and extends from the first thread loop around a remainder of the circumference of the tubular body. Pulling the second thread causes the first thread to circumferentially constrain the tubular body to a reduced diameter configuration. A trigger wire inserted through the first thread loop retains the first thread such that the tubular body is in the reduced diameter configuration after removal of the second thread.

Abstract: Vascular devices and methods for addressing aortic pathologies are provided that facilitate hemostasis at the junctions of the ends of the device with the native aorta or other vessels to minimize or eliminate the risk of endoleaks. One or both ends of the device may include inner and outer skirts that are configured to receive a section of native blood vessel therebetween. The outer skirt may be flared in some cases or rolled up prior to placement at and engagement with the blood vessel to provide clearance for joining the blood vessel to the inner skirt of the device, such as via sutures. Once engaged, the outer skirt is disposed such that the blood vessel is between the inner and outer skirts. Devices and associated methods are also described that allow endografts to be deployed and engaged with an end of the device in areas with insufficient landing zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm.

Abstract: A debranching visceral stent graft and methods for its use, where the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft with a bifurcation defining a first leg and a second leg, the main body stent graft has a distal end and a proximal end, the main body stent graft's diameter at the proximal end ranges from about 18-22 mm, the first leg and the second leg each have a diameter that ranges from about 14-16 mm, the distance from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the first leg ranges from about 70-90 mm, the distance from the proximal end of the main body to the distal end of the second leg ranges from about 80-100 mm, and the second leg is at least about 10 mm longer than the first leg.

Abstract: A combination double-barreled and debranching stent graft and methods for its use, where the stent graft comprises, a main body stent graft defining a single lumen and having distal and proximal ends, a first bifurcation defining first and second lumens, the main body stent graft defines a tubular wall that is contiguous with the first and second lumens such that any fluid entering the main body stent graft must exit by entering one of the first or second lumens, a second bifurcation within the second lumen defining first and second legs, and a third bifurcation within the second leg defining third and fourth legs.

Abstract: A bifurcated intravascular stent graft comprises primary stent segments and a primary graft sleeve, forming a main fluid channel and having a side opening therethrough. An external graft channel formed on the primary graft sleeve has a first end communicating with the side opening and an open second end outside the primary graft sleeve, thereby providing a branch flow channel from the main channel out through the side opening and external graft channel. The primary stent segments and graft sleeve engage an endoluminal surface of a main vessel and form substantially fluid-tight seals. The stent graft further comprises a secondary stent graft, which may be positioned partially within the external graft channel, through the open second end thereof, and partially within a branch vessel. The secondary stent graft engages the inner surface of the external graft channel and the endoluminal surface of the branch vessel, thereby forming substantially fluid-tight seals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of differentiating a human embryonic stem (ES) cell into a cell, specifically a renal epithelial cell, expressing AQP-I. The methods disclosed comprise culturing human ES cells in a renal specific medium in the presence of an extracellular matrix molecule. The cells produced according to said method can be used to treat renal related disorders such as renal failure, nephrosis, Bright's disease and glomerulitis.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate in part to endovascular prostheses and methods of deploying same. Embodiments may be directed more specifically to stent grafts and methods of making and deploying same within the body of a patient. Stent embodiments may include tapered struts for an even distribution of strain. Stent embodiments may also include portions which are enlarged in a circumferential direction which may be configured to stabilize the stent in a constrained state.

Abstract: A modular prosthetic conduit system such as a stent or stent graft system tailored for the repair of aneurysms or other compromised vessel walls. The stent or stent graft system incorporates various means to interlock the multiple modular components used in the repair procedure. The present invention further provides a modular stent graft system tailored for the repair of aneurysms or other compromised vessel walls that cross or are adjacent to a branch or bifurcation in a vessel.

Abstract: A prosthesis may be used for treatment of an aneurysmal body vessel. The prosthesis may include a prosthetic trunk and a prosthetic branch. The prosthetic trunk may include a graft body, an open first end, an open second end, and a trunk lumen extending therebetween. The prosthetic branch may include a graft body, an open first end, an open second end, and a branch lumen extending therebetween. The first end of the prosthetic branch may be attached to the prosthetic trunk, and the branch lumen may be in fluid communication with the trunk lumen. The prosthetic branch may be movable in relation to the prosthetic trunk between neutral, right biased, and left biased configurations. First and second releasable steering members may be associated with the respective first and second biased configurations and may cooperatively retain the prosthetic branch in the neutral configuration.

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

Abstract: A stent graft has a tubular wall (1) defining a main lumen with at least one fenestration (15) in the wall. A tube (17) extends from the fenestration into the main lumen and is in fluid communication with the main lumen. An extension leg stent graft can be deployed from a branch vessel into the fenestration to seal into the tube. A flared guide (89) associated with the fenestration can be provided interiorly or exteriorly. There is also disclosed a bifurcated intraluminal prosthesis having a body (1), a first leg (7) and a second leg (17), the first leg extending from the body and the second leg extending into the body.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis includes a tubular body and a mobile external coupling. The tubular body includes a graft material and stents coupled thereto, a forms a lumen therethrough. The mobile external coupling extends outwardly from the tubular body. The mobile external coupling includes a graft material and is generally frustoconically shaped. The mobile external coupling includes a base coupled to the tubular body, a top spaced from the tubular body, and a coupling lumen disposed between the base and the top, wherein the coupling lumen is in flow communication with the body lumen. The coupling graft material is a woven fabric with warp yarn which run generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mobile external coupling including a shape memory material.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis containing radiopaque markers for identifying the position of the prosthesis and for detecting any twisting of the prosthesis inside a corporeal vessel. The prosthesis may be a graft having a graft body with a wall defining a lumen. A plurality of radiopaque markers are disposed on the wall of the graft, with each individual marker appearing identical under fluoroscopy regardless of the grafts orientation inside the corporeal vessel, but the relative positions of individual markers relative to each other in a set indicate the prosthesis position and orientation.

Abstract: A method of positioning a tubular element inside a main blood vessel of a person. The tubular element has a main tube with one or more side openings and a transport wire extending through each side opening. A fixator being positioned in each branch vessel and the corresponding guide wire being attached to the corresponding transport wire, whereby re-routing of the guide wire is performed by pulling the transport wire to have the guide wire extend from the fixator through the corresponding side opening and to the outside of the person. This re-routed guide wire may be used for positioning the tubular element or guiding additional elements from the tubular element and into the branch vessel.

Abstract: A guidewire assembly for use in deploying a bifurcated endoluminal vascular prosthesis that has a main graft portion and at least a first branch graft portion The guidewire assembly include a hollow guidewire sheath having a restraint mechanism, such as a tubular sheath, for constraining a branch graft portion of the vascular prosthesis and an inner core wire that is slidably insertable into a central lumen of the hollow guidewire sheath. In use, the guidewire assembly may be used with a deployment catheter to deploy the bifurcated vascular prosthesis and leave the inner core wire in position in the patient's aorta, extending through the main graft portion of the vascular prosthesis.

Abstract: A device (100) for treating a stiffened blood vessel comprises a self-supporting, surgically implantable, elongate casing (101) adapted to extend about and restrain a stiffened portion (2) of the blood vessel. The casing (101) defines an elongate cavity (103) for receipt of the stiffened portion (2) of the blood vessel. The cavity (103) has a transverse cross-section with an aspect ratio of greater than one in an unloaded state. The casing (103) is configured such that, upon application of increasing pressure to the casing (101) from within said cavity (103), the casing (103) elastically deforms such that the aspect ratio decreases towards one and the area of the cross-section increases.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an elongate main catheter branch and an elongate side catheter branch. The main catheter branch includes an arc shape and an inflatable balloon extending along a portion of the arc. The side catheter branch extends along the main catheter branch within a plane of the curvature of the arc of the main catheter branch. A stent can be positioned along the inflatable balloon. The stent includes a lateral branch opening through which the side catheter branch extends.

Abstract: An applicator for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow vessel and engaging a graft, the applicator comprising: a hole forming element adapted to form a hole in the wall of the vessel, the hole forming element comprising a cutting element adapted to cut a hole in the wall of the vessel and a positioning element adapted to hold the position of the applicator relative to the vessel; and an insertion element adapted to be inserted through the wall of the vessel, the insertion element comprising a retraction element adapted to enter into engagement with a graft.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for fabricating and deploying an implantable device within the body. The invention is particularly suitable for delivering and deploying a stent, graft or stent graft device within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, particularly where the implant site involves two or more interconnecting vessels. The delivery and deployment system utilizes a plurality of strings which are releasably attached to the luminal ends of the implantable device.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to devices and related methods for isolating a treatment region in a human body from fluid pressure. In various embodiments, an implantable device for isolating a treatment region in a human body from fluid pressure comprises a first elongated segment, and a second elongated segment, and one or more branch segments in fluid communication with one of the first elongated segment and the second elongated segment. The elongated segments have a combined cross section that is substantially conformable to an intraluminal cross section of a body lumen into which they are implanted. A method of installing an implantable medical device into the body of a patient comprises deploying a first elongated segment, deploying a second elongated segment, and deploying one or more branch segments in a target region of a vasculature.

Abstract: A device for treating disease along a main vessel and at least one branch vessel extending from the main vessel includes a branch member for deployment in the branch vessel, the branch member having a branch lumen; and a main body for deployment in the main vessel. The main body has a generally tubular wall extending generally longitudinally between opposite first and second ends. The wall has an internal surface defining a main lumen and an opposite outer surface. The wall has a recessed portion that is recessed relative to the outer surface of the wall and positioned between the first and second ends of the main body. The main body has an opening formed in the recessed portion of the wall for receiving the branch member therethrough such that the branch lumen is in fluid communication with the main lumen.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis includes a tubular body and a flexible springy mobile external coupling. The tubular body includes a graft material and stents coupled thereto with a forms a lumen therethrough. The mobile external coupling extends outwardly from the tubular body. The mobile external coupling includes a graft material and is generally frustoconically shaped. The mobile external coupling includes a base coupled to the tubular body, a top spaced from the tubular body, and a coupling lumen disposed between the base and the top, wherein the coupling lumen is in flow communication with the body lumen. A helically shaped stent may be coupled to the coupling graft material to make it flexible and springy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the endoluminal positioning of an intraluminal prosthesis at a target location within a body lumen. The device may comprise a porous, multi-layer prosthesis that can include several different tubular mesh components such as an everted tubular component, an tubular component that expands to various different sizes, a bifurcated tubular component, and a tubular component with an undulating expanded shape, among others. Various components can have different densities or pore sizes and can be overlaid on each other to selectively block different regions of a vessel.