Abstract: Methods and systems are described for assessing a vessel obstruction. The methods and systems obtain a volumetric image dataset of a myocardium and at least one coronary vessel, wherein the myocardium comprises muscular tissue of the heart. A three-dimensional (3D) image corresponding to a coronary vessel of interest is created from the volumetric image dataset. Feature data that represents features of both the myocardium and the coronary vessel of interest is generated. At least some of the feature data is determined by a first machine learning-based model based on the 3D image. A second machine learning-based model is used to determine at least one parameter based on the feature data, wherein the at least one parameter represents functionally significant coronary lesion severity of the coronary vessel of interest.

Abstract: An improved system for supporting (e.g., localization and/or positioning of) intravascular devices discussed herein provides for example a multi-element arrangement. A set of struts optionally projects from the intravascular device and contacts the vessel walls. The localization and positioning of the pump may be provided by the struts and/or by use of a tether opposing a propulsive force to ensure localization.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes an inner frame comprising a graft covering housing a prosthetic heart valve, wherein the graft covering extends around the prosthetic heart valve for providing sealing to the heart valve, an outer frame formed from a metallic material and defining a gridded configuration, and being secured to the graft covering by a plurality of stitches, and a sealing material positioned externally to the outer frame for providing sealing between the outer frame and a patient's anatomical wall to prevent paravalvular leaks. The sealing material includes a plurality of radially extending fibers that extend outwardly of the outer frame. The graft covering is made of polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, or a polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. An implantable prosthetic valve can include an annular frame having an inflow end, an outflow end and a central longitudinal axis extending from the inflow end to the outflow end. The valve can include a valvular structure including two or more leaflets, each of the two or more leaflets having a leaflet inflow edge positioned at least partially outside of the frame and a leaflet outflow edge positioned within the frame, wherein at least a portion of each of the leaflet inflow edges is unsupported by the frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an endoprosthesis where a preferably polymeric coating has a number of surface features such as protrusions or textures that are arranged in a micropattern. The endoprosthesis optionally has an expanded state and a contracted state, and in some cases includes a stent with a polymeric coating attached to an outer surface of the stent. The stent may have an inner surface defining a lumen, an outer surface, and a stent thickness defined between the inner surface and outer surface. The stent may comprise a plurality of surface textures extending from the stent surfaces, wherein the textures are arranged in a macropattern.

Abstract: An illustrative stent may comprise an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end and an intermediate region disposed therebetween. The elongated tubular member may include at least one barb attached thereto. The barb may be configured to be tucked under a filament of the stent during delivery of the stent and protrude radially from the stent, when the stent is deployed.

Abstract: An improved system for supporting (e.g., localization and/or positioning of) intravascular devices discussed herein provides for example a multi-element arrangement. A set of struts optionally projects from the intravascular device and contacts the vessel walls. The localization and positioning of the pump may be provided by the struts and/or by use of a tether opposing a propulsive force to ensure localization.

Abstract: An airway support device of the present disclosure can be attached to tracheal and/or bronchial cartilage on opposing sides of a tracheal and/or bronchial wall to pull the tracheal and/or bronchial cartilages toward each other to reconstruct and/or reshape to a normal anatomy across the membranous tracheal and/or bronchial wall and thus relieving tension across the tracheal and/or bronchial wall. The airway support device can include at least two longitudinal strips that extend longitudinally along and are attached (e.g., sutured) to the trachea and/or bronchus on opposite sides of the tracheal and/or bronchial wall. Pairs of lateral strips extending from each of the longitudinal strips can be attached to each other under tension. The tracheal and/or bronchial wall can be attached (e.g., sutured) to the lateral strips to open the airway of the trachea and/or bronchus.

Abstract: A drive assembly for use with a delivery catheter for delivering an implantable medical device includes a drive motor configured to be operably coupled to an inner shaft of the delivery catheter such that operation of the drive motor causes the inner shaft to translate relative to the outer shaft and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a position signal from a position sensor indicating a position of the implantable medical device relative to the outer shaft as well as a motor signal indicating a rotational position of an output shaft of the drive motor. The controller is configured to output a control signal instructing operation of the drive motor based upon the indicated rotational position of the output shaft of the drive motor and the indicated position of the implantable medical device relative to the outer shaft.

Abstract: A medical fixation device having a device attachment portion, a compression bearing portion and a barb portion. The barb portion is separated from a device constraining means by the incorporation of the compression bearing portion.

Abstract: A method of treatment for a body vessel is provided. The body vessel includes a dissection flap formed from a wall of the body vessel, which longitudinally separates a natural body vessel lumen into a true lumen and a false lumen. One or more cuts are formed in the dissection flap with a cutting device or system. An expandable device is inserted within the true lumen, and expanded to reappose the dissection flap against the wall of the body vessel where the dissection flap was detached from the wall such that the false lumen is closed. A variety of cut patterns are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for coupling a prosthetic implant to a fenestrated body are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a branch stent graft is provided. The branch stent graft can include an engagement portion for engagement with an opening in a fenestrated body, such as a vessel wall or an aortic stent graft. The engagement portion of the branch stent graft can be coupled to the fenestrated body such that the branch stent graft can move, rotate or shift relative to the fenestrated body but such that axial movement of the branch stent graft is restricted and/or prevented.

Abstract: A biocompatible and biodegradable construct having a base expandable member and an integral, internal support structure. The support structure is preferably formed from poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) or a magnesium alloy. The base member is preferably formed from acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from small intestine submucosa (SIS) tissue that exhibits a flexible, porous, sponge-like structure adapted to expand upon absorption of a bodily fluid, wherein the construct seals a perivalvular leak when disposed proximate thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stent which includes stent ring structures made up of at least one wire and at least one tubular connector through which a portion of the wire is disposed. The tubular connector includes a side wall with an aperture formed therethrough. A portion of the wire extends therethrough and acts as a barb. A method of making such a stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: An anastomotic coupler is provided. A ring forms an aperture operable to receive a tubular structure. The ring can include a plurality of receiving portions. A fixation device includes a housing and a cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of fasteners, and the housing is operable to receive the tubular structure such that the cartridge is inserted into a lumen of the tubular structure. The ring is aligned with the cartridge such that the receiving portions are aligned with the fasteners. Upon actuation of the fixation device, the fasteners puncture the tubular structure radially outward from the lumen and are received by the receiving portions such that the tubular structure is coupled with the ring.

Abstract: A power system, for powering a surgical instrument including an end effector and a motor configured to generate at least one motion to effectuate the end effector, includes a primary power source configured to supply a first power to operate the surgical instrument, wherein the primary power source is detachable from the surgical instrument, a secondary power source configured to supply a second power to operate the surgical instrument when the primary power source is detached from the surgical instrument, wherein the secondary power source is rechargeable, and wherein the primary power source is configured to charge the secondary power system, and a power management circuit configured to selectively transmit the first power from the primary power source and the secondary power from the secondary power source to operate the surgical instrument.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a surgical implant includes a body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the body having a first section proximal to the distal end and a second section between the first section and the proximal end, a needle attachment member located at the distal end of the body, the needle attachment member configured to attach to a needle for insertion of the surgical implant into a patient's tissue, a plurality of first barbs located on the first section of the body, the first barbs pointed towards the proximal end of the body, and a plurality of second barbs located on the second section of the body, the second barbs pointed towards the distal end of the body, wherein the second barbs are configured to be folded inwardly for insertion of the surgical implant into the patient's tissue by the needle.

Abstract: A prosthesis may include a tubular frame comprising rings which are concentric along an axis of the tubular frame. The rings may have a serpentine shape with apexes in a longitudinal direction such that the rings are configured to move between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. A first ring of the rings can include a first apex that includes a first anchoring member extending radially outward and a first crossbar extending radially inward. The first ring can further include a second apex that neighbors the first apex. The first crossbar can extend toward the second apex and extend radially inward further than the second apex. When in the compressed configuration, the first crossbar can engage the second apex such that the first anchoring member is moved radially inward.

Abstract: A tissue anchor is provided that includes a proximal head at a proximal end of the tissue anchor, and a helical tissue-coupling element disposed about a longitudinal axis thereof, extending to the proximal head, and having a distal tissue-penetrating tip. The helical tissue-coupling element includes a first helical portion and a second helical portion more distal than the first axial portion. The first and the second helical portions of the helical tissue-coupling element have a first axial stiffness and a second axial stiffness, respectively. The second axial stiffness is greater than the first axial stiffness, such that if excessive tension is applied to the helical tissue-coupling element, the helical tissue-coupling element generally elongates along the first helical portion before along the second helical portion, such that the first helical portion serves as a mechanical fuse that reduces force applied to the second helical portion.

Abstract: An implant includes a collapsible anchor to be deployed within a lumen and a protrusion coupled to the anchor. The protrusion, in a constrained state, extends a distance from an exterior surface of the anchor and, in an unconstrained state, extends further from the exterior surface of the anchor. Also included is a biodegradable constraint, such as a biodegradable tube or suture, configured to maintain the protrusion in the constrained state until the constraint releases. The implant may include additional biodegradable constraints, each constraint configured to maintain the protrusion in a different constrained state and to degrade over a different predetermined period after the implant has been deployed within the lumen. The protrusion may include a bi-directional barb or an open loop. The protrusion may be configured to penetrate a wall of the lumen and to allow tissue to grow about the protrusion.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a method for delivering a stent comprising providing a stent in a delivery state, where the stent comprises a plurality of interconnected strut segments that enable expansion of the stent from a delivery state to a deployed state. Stacking a frontal surface of a first strut segment at least partially behind a rear surface of a second strut segment in the delivery state. Aligning a sharpened tip of a first barb at least partially circumferentially behind at least one strut segment in the delivery state such that the sharpened tip is not radially exposed. Expanding the stent from the delivery state to a deployed state, wherein the first barb is exposed to a patient in the deployed state.

Abstract: A stent for use in a prosthetic heart valve has a plurality of expandable and collapsible closed cells, a portion of which form an annulus section adapted for placement within the annulus of the native heart valve. Anchor features of the stent residing within at least some closed cells are adapted to engage tissue of the heart, including native valve leaflets, the sinotubular junction, or another implanted device when the prosthetic valve is implanted in the heart. The anchor features may help to retain the prosthetic valve in position, without interfering with the opening and closing of the valve leaflets. Furthermore, the anchor features may be configured to allow the stent to be resheathed into a delivery device after the portion of the stent with the anchor feature has expanded out of the delivery device.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a method for delivering a stent comprising providing a stent in a delivery state, where the stent comprises a plurality of interconnected strut segments that enable expansion of the stent from a delivery state to a deployed state. Stacking a frontal surface of a first strut segment at least partially behind a rear surface of a second strut segment in the delivery state. Aligning a sharpened tip of a first barb at least partially circumferentially behind at least one strut segment in the delivery state such that the sharpened tip is not radially exposed. Expanding the stent from the delivery state to a deployed state, wherein the first barb is exposed to a patient in the deployed state.

Abstract: A composite biomaterial having a continuous metal sheet with arcuate members that define a first fenestration pattern, and a polymer layer over at least one surface of the continuous metal sheet. The arcuate members elastically stretch to allow the continuous metal sheet to bend in more than one axis without buckling or wrinkling.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a frame that includes at least one elongate member. The implantable medical device also includes a fixation member that has a first cuff, a second cuff, a tissue engagement member configured to anchor to tissue at an implant site to thereby hold the implantable medical device in a position at the implant site, and a cuff joining member that has an arcuate shape and that is connected at a first end to the first cuff and at a second end to the second cuff. The first cuff substantially surrounds a perimeter of a first portion of the at least one elongate member, the second cuff substantially surrounds a perimeter of a second portion of the at least one elongate member, and the cuff joining member does not substantially surround a perimeter of any portion of the at least one elongate member.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a stent comprising a plurality of interconnected strut segments that enable expansion of the stent from a delivery state to a deployed state. A first strut segment and a second strut segment, of the plurality of strut segments, each comprise frontal surfaces facing radially inward in the deployed state and rear surfaces facing radially outward in the deployed state. The frontal surface of the first strut segment is at least partially stacked behind the rear surface of the second strut segment in the delivery state. A first barb coupled to at least a portion of the first strut segment. A sharpened tip of the first barb is aligned at least partially circumferentially behind at least one strut segment in the delivery state such that the sharpened tip is not radially exposed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hook fastener has a plurality of hooks and a loop fastener has a plurality of loops to secure tissues sections to one another. At least one of these fasteners has a porous surface to allow tissue ingrowth to secure the fastener to the tissue. In another embodiment, only a single fastener is used, with a section of tissue being treated to engage and mate with the fastener. The disclosed tissue fastening systems can be used for a number of applications. One such example includes fastening tissue sections by wrapping a tissue fastener around the tissue and securing the fastener on itself. A suture may also be secured with the tissue fastener.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reticulated elastomeric matrices, and more particularly to at least partially degradable elastomeric elements that are compressible and exhibit resilience in their recovery and that can be employed in diverse applications including, without limitation, biological implantation, especially in humans.

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

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

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a radially-expandable percutaneous implant, a tissue anchor, and a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about a central longitudinal axis thereof when surrounded by the annular loop. The apparatus also includes a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and at a second portion to the connecting element. The annular loop of the connecting element facilitates rotation of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop, the flexible longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a frame that includes at least one elongate member. The implantable medical device also includes a fixation member comprising a first cuff, a second cuff, a tissue engagement member configured to anchor to tissue at an implant site to thereby hold the implantable medical device in a position at the implant site, and a cuff joining member comprising an arcuate shape and connected at a first end to the first cuff and at a second end to the second cuff. The first cuff substantially surrounds a perimeter of a first portion of the at least one elongate member, the second cuff substantially surrounds a perimeter of a second portion of the at least one elongate member, and the cuff joining member does not substantially surround a perimeter of any portion of the at least one elongate member.

Abstract: A stent for implantation in a body lumen for protecting from rupture a fibrous cap in order to treat vulnerable plaque. One embodiment of the stent achieves staged expansion through stronger and weaker circumferential regions, and includes optional anchors positioned at the circumferential transition between the stronger and weaker regions. During the first stage expansion, the weaker region expands moving the anchors laterally apart. The anchors straddle the fibrous cap and embed into the vessel wall. The second stage expansion of the stent exerts gentler stresses by the weaker region against the fibrous cap while the stronger region exerts greater stresses on the remainder of the vessel wall to open the vessel.

Abstract: An occluding device is provided for occluding fluid flow through a lumen of a body vessel. The occluding device includes an expandable tubular body having a tubular wall defining a lumen formed therethrough. The tubular wall has a proximal end extending to a distal end along a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. A plurality of longitudinal slits is formed through the tubular wall to define a plurality of flexible strips bound by a proximal non-slit portion and a distal non-slit portion. A plurality of barbs is disposed on the flexible strips. The tubular body is configured to open radially to engage the barbs with the vessel wall defining an expanded state and to collapse along the longitudinal axis to draw the vessel wall radially inward defining a collapsed state. Occluding material is housed within the lumen of the tubular body and the occluding material is configured to move between a collapsed state and an expanded state with the tubular body.

Abstract: A device and method for endovascular repair of a patient's aorta is disclosed. The device includes a frame component that has a balloon-expandable frame and a self-expanding frame secured to the balloon-expandable frame. The device also includes a valve element positioned at the proximal end of the frame component. The device may include another prosthetic component that may be secured to the frame component. The prosthetic component may include at least one conduit configured to receive a covered stent.

Abstract: A temporary diameter reduction constraint arrangement for a stent graft is disclosed. The arrangement comprises: primary and secondary release wires extending along the graft; a plurality of loops of thread, each loop engaged with either the primary or secondary wire and engaged around a portion of the graft circumferentially spaced away from its release wire, and drawn tight to reduce the diameter of the graft; an end constraint arrangement comprising four of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a first and second pairs engaged with respective primary and secondary wires; and an intermediate constraint arrangement comprising a fifth and sixth of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a third pair, the third pair engaged with the primary release wire, the primary release wire deviating towards the secondary release wire so as to locate the intermediate constraint arrangement substantially in-line with the end constraint arrangement.

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: A method of treating a native heart valve includes delivering a replacement valve to the native heart valve. The native heart valve can be any one of aortic, pulmonary, mitral and tricuspid valves. The replacement valve comprising an expandable frame and a valve body attached to the expandable frame. The method can also include expanding the frame at a patient's valve annulus, wherein expansion of the frame causes respective ends of both proximal anchors and distal anchors connected to the frame to draw closer together to grasp native tissue between the respective ends of the proximal anchors and distal anchors.

Abstract: A stent graft includes a stent graft material of tubular shape and annular shaped stent elements coupled to the stent graft material. The stent graft further includes hooked fixation elements, having hook-end portions and coupling-end, circumferentially spaced about an annular shaped spring attachment element, and coupled to the stent graft at apexes of the spring attachment element. Before deployment the hook-end portions of the apexes of the attachment element and the hooked fixation elements attached thereto are compressed within the space bounded by the interior and exterior sides of the spring attachment element and angled laser cut strut inner surfaces under each apex of the spring attachment element are cut at an angle to cause apex and hook rotation at expansion and deployment.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a frame that includes at least one elongate member. The implantable medical device also includes a fixation member that has a first cuff, a second cuff, a tissue engagement member configured to anchor to tissue at an implant site to thereby hold the implantable medical device in a position at the implant site, and a cuff joining member that has an arcuate shape and that is connected at a first end to the first cuff and at a second end to the second cuff. The first cuff substantially surrounds a perimeter of a first portion of the at least one elongate member, the second cuff substantially surrounds a perimeter of a second portion of the at least one elongate member, and the cuff joining member does not substantially surround a perimeter of any portion of the at least one elongate member.

Abstract: A flexible low profile delivery system for delivery of an expandable intracorporeal device, specifically, an endovascular graft, which has at least one belt circumferentially disposed about the device in a constraining configuration. The belt is released by a release member, such as a release wire, by retracting the wire from looped ends of the belt. Multiple belts can be used and can be released sequentially so as to control the order of release and placement of the endovascular graft. An outer protective sheath may be disposed about the endovascular graft while in a constrained state which must first be refracted or otherwise removed prior to release of the graft from a constrained state. The delivery system can be configured for delivery over a guiding device such as a guidewire. The delivery system can also be configured for delivery of bifurcated intracorporeal devices.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis that includes a support structure comprising 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 and where the anchor body comprises a multi-filar tube fits at least partially about, and conforms to the first strut, second strut, and the apex.

Abstract: A total aortic arch reconstruction graft, including a first, hollow cylindrical segment in the shape of an aortic arch, a second, hollow cylindrical segment having a first end joined to the second end of the first segment, and a second end adapted to be inserted into the descending aorta of a patient, the second segment having an expandable outer wall covered with an expandable stent, and a collar having a diameter larger than the diameter of said first segment, the collar located at a juncture where the first end of the second segment is joined to the second end of the first segment, with a plurality of separate, non-absorbable double-armed sutures pre-attached to the collar. A surgical procedure for total replacement of a patient's aortic arch is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide stents and stent-grafts for use in medical procedures. In one embodiment, a stent comprises a series of proximal apices, a series of distal apices, and at least one imaging element. A distal region of the stent, including the series of distal apices and a first suture bore, overlaps with the graft material, while a proximal region of the stent, including the series of proximal apices and at least one barb, is disposed proximally beyond the graft material. In an alternative embodiment, a stent-graft comprises a graft, a first stent and a second stent, in which a series of proximal apices of the first stent are each disposed distal to the proximal end of the graft, and a series of proximal apices of the second stent are each disposed proximally beyond the proximal end of the graft.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a stent comprising a plurality of interconnected strut segments that enable expansion of the stent from a delivery state to a deployed state. A first strut segment and a second strut segment, of the plurality of strut segments, each comprise frontal surfaces facing radially inward in the deployed state and rear surfaces facing radially outward in the deployed state. The frontal surface of the first strut segment is at least partially stacked behind the rear surface of the second strut segment in the delivery state. A first barb coupled to at least a portion of the first strut segment. A sharpened tip of the first barb is aligned at least partially circumferentially behind at least one strut segment in the delivery state such that the sharpened tip is not radially exposed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis has an expanded state and an unexpanded state, the endoprosthesis includes a stent, wherein the stent has a first end, a second end, an inner surface defining a lumen, an outer surface, and a thickness defined between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a stent end covering disposed at one of the first and second ends, the stent end covering including a polymeric coating that includes a base and a plurality of protrusions, the base including a first major surface facing the outer surface of the stent, the base further including a second major surface from which each of the plurality of protrusions extends outwardly, the first major surface opposing the second major surface, wherein the protrusions are arranged in a micropattern. Methods of making and using an endoprosthesis are provided.

Abstract: In embodiments there is described a cardiovascular tube-shaped lockable and expandable bioabsorbable scaffold having a low immunogenicity manufactured from a crystallizable bioabsorbable polymer composition or blend.

Abstract: A vascular device comprising a body movable from a collapsed insertion position to an expanded position having a larger cross-sectional dimension. The body includes a plurality of struts. At least two elongated struts extend distally from the body. A plurality of vessel engaging members extend outwardly from the body for engaging the internal wall of a vessel. A valve is movable between a collapsed delivery position and an expanded placement position, wherein at least a portion of the valve extends distally from the body in the delivery and placement positions and the elongated struts engage a distal portion of the valve in the placement position of the valve to retain the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a graft for coupling two vascular conduits within a patient. The graft includes: 1) an anchor system that forms an arc at one end of the conduits; and 2) a body element coupled to the anchor system. The anchor system comprises a biodegradable stent. In particular embodiments, portions of the graft are either self-expandable or balloon-expandable. In still other embodiments, anchor system includes NITINOL and the anchor system is substantially self-sealing at one end of the conduits. In one embodiment, the body element comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE). In yet other embodiments, the body element includes either a gelatinous or an elastomeric coating disposed on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for a conduit, such as an implantable conduit for a vessel. The conduit may comprise a main member and a side-branch member. The conduit may be implanted with the side-branch member initially disposed within the main member. When positioned, the side-branch member may then be extended from within the main member and into a vessel side-branch. The materials for the conduit may include circumferentially distensible and/or low recoil materials. The materials for the conduit may be constructed by various techniques and may include materials with enhanced flexibility and kink resistance.