Abstract: An elastomerically recoverable PTFE material is provided including a longitudinally compressed fibrils of ePTFE material penetrated by elastomeric material within the pores defining the elastomeric matrix. The elastomeric matrix and the compressed fibrils cooperatively expand and recover without plastic deformation of the ePTFE material. The material may be used for various prosthesis, such as a vascular a prosthesis like a patch, a graft and an implantable tubular stent. Further, a method of producing the elastomerically recoverable PTFE material is provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods to create medical devices and medical devices including bioactive composite structures. The methods include using template-assisted electro- or electroless deposition or codeposition methods for providing implantable medical devices coated with bioactive composite structures and also include layering deposited or codeposited metal layers with layers of bioactive materials. In one use, the implantable medical devices of the present invention include stents with bioactive composite structure coatings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing blood flow to an aneurysm proximate to a bifurcation having a source blood vessel a first branch vessel and a second branch vessel, the method comprising: providing a first mesh-like tube of bio-compatible material, the first mesh-like tube exhibiting a porosity index pre-selected to skew blood flow about the bifurcation away from the aneurysm; inserting the first mesh-like tube into the source blood vessel and the first branch vessel; and securing the first mesh-like tube to at least one of the source blood vessel and the first branch vessel, whereby blood flowing from the source blood vessel flows without undue impedance to the first branch vessel and the second branch vessel while being skewed away from the aneurysm.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent to a support element is disclosed, the method comprising: positioning a polymeric stent around a support element; heating the stent, wherein the heated stent is above ambient temperature; and allowing the heated stent to radially contract onto the support element, wherein the heated stent radially contracts at least partially due to heating the stent.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable implantable endoprosthesis having elongate elements including hollow, cavity or porous portions adapted to accumulate by-product from the degradation of the bioabsorbable material and shortening the diffusion distance for water absorption and thereby relatively increasing the degradation of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vascular stent that includes an expandable stent defining an interior compartment, a first polymeric layer exposed to the interior compartment defined by the stent, the first layer comprising an agent that promotes re-endothelialization, an agent that inhibits thrombosis, or a combination thereof, and a second polymeric layer at least partially external of the stent, the second layer being adapted for contacting a vascular surface and being characterized by pores that are substantially impermeable to vascular smooth muscle cell migration. Method of making and using the vascular stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A radio frequency antenna is provided for use with a medical device for implantation into an animal. The antenna comprises a coil formed by a wire that includes a core formed of a shape-memory material with an electrically conductive first layer applied to an outer surface of the core. A second layer, of an electrically insulating and biologically compatible material, extends around the first layer. If necessary to reduce friction a lubricant is place between the first and second layers. If second layer is formed of porous material or a non-biological compatible material, a biological compatible outer layer surrounds the second layer thereby providing a barrier that is impermeable to body fluids of the animal.

Abstract: A method of creating a porous carbon coating on a medical device by applying a precursor carbon material on the medical device and then pyrolysing the precursor carbon material by laser irradiation. The laser irradiation may be focused to carbonize only certain portions of the medical device and any uncarbonized areas can be removed by solvent washing. Also provided is a medical device having a carbonized coating created according to the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is constructed from a structure having interconnected, helically oriented channel-porosity to allow oriented ingrowth of connective tissue into a wall of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can have a small internal diameter of 6 mm or less. Several different methods can be used to produce the prosthesis, including a fiber winding and extraction technique, a melt extrusion technique, and a particle and fiber extraction technique using either a layered method or a continuous method. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the prosthesis are matched with mechanical properties of the host vessel, thereby overcoming problems of compliance mismatch.

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

Abstract: A stent with strut bands and connectors, wherein the strut bands have long and short struts with a junction positioned between the short struts. Each junction defines a reservoir, wherein the reservoirs of a strut band are substantially circumferentially aligned. The connectors each have arms, wherein each arm includes an opposing U-shaped link. The opposing links have a shared portion disposed between a peak on one strut band and a longitudinally adjacent trough of an adjacent strut band.

Abstract: A vascular or endoluminal stent is adapted to be implanted in a vessel, duct or tract of a human body to maintain an open lumen at the site of the implant. The sidewall of the open-ended tubular structure of the stent is a base layer of a metal biologically compatible with blood and tissue of the human body. An intermediate metal particle layer of substantial greater radiopacity overlies the base layer, with particles bonded to the base layer and to each other to leave interstices therebetween as a repository for retaining and dispensing drugs or other agents for time release therefrom after the stent is implanted, to assist the stent in maintaining the lumen open. The particles are composed primarily of a noble metal—an alloy of platinum-iridium. The sidewall has holes extending therethrough, and the particle layer resides along the outward facing and inward facing surfaces, and the edges of the through holes and open ends of the sidewall.

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

Abstract: A prosthesis for treating a body passage includes a micro-porous tubular element and a support element. The tubular element is formed from a thin-walled sheet having a wall thickness of 25 micrometers or less, preferably a coiled-sheet exhibiting temperature-activated shape memory properties. The mesh pattern includes a plurality of openings in the sheet having a maximum dimension of not more than about 200 micrometers, thereby acting as a filter trapping embolic material while facilitating endothelial growth therethrough. The support element includes a plurality of struts, preferably having a thickness of 100-150 micrometers. The support element is preferably an independent component from the tubular element. Alternatively, the support element may be attached to or integrally formed as part of the tubular element. The tubular and support elements are placed on a catheter in contracted conditions and advanced endoluminally to a treatment location within a body passage.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for manufacturing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, having a body such that the body has metallic material. To control the degradation in a desired time window, e.g., between four weeks and six months, the following production method is performed: a) preparing the body of the implant, and b) plasma-chemical treatment of at least a portion of the surface of the body in an aqueous solution by applying a plasma-generating electric alternating voltage to the body (5) of the implant, said voltage having a frequency of at least approximately 1 kHz, to create a first layer. The invention also relates to an implant obtainable by such a method.

Abstract: Disclosed are expanded polytetrafluoroethylene products, such as porous polytetrafluoroethylene tubes, having high axial tear strength and a process for their production. Each expanded polytetrafluoroethylene product has a microstructure, which comprises fibrils and nodes interconnected with each other by the fibrils, and has an axial tear strength of not lower than 6,000 gf/mm as calculated in accordance with the following formula: L/[T×(V/100)] where L (gf) is an axial tear load, T (mm) is a wall thickness, and V (%) is a volume ratio of resin. The process for the production of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene product includes a high-speed extrusion step.

Abstract: A prosthesis, and method for forming same, are provided which includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes having angularly offset node and fibril configurations. Also, the node and fibril configurations are angularly offset from the longitudinal axes of the respective tubes, providing resistance against failure in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A dipping bath contains a polymer solution. Stent body members are dipped into the polymer solution. The polymer solution forms membrane on the surface of the stent body member. Humid atmosphere is created around the stent body members with the membrane to condense water vapor into water droplets on the surface of the membrane. After growing the water droplets to water drops, a solvent is evaporated, and the water drops penetrate into the membrane. Then, the water drops are evaporated with leaving pores in the membrane. The water drops function as templates.

Abstract: Endoprostheses include an endoprosthesis wall that includes a surface layer that includes a metallic material and that defines a plurality of pores. A therapeutic agent fills one or more pores of the surface layer and a non-polymeric coating, covers the therapeutic agent in the one or more pores. The endoprostheses can, for example, deliver a therapeutic agent, such as a drug, in a controlled manner over an extended period of time.

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

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE structure which has a node and fibril micro-structure. The micro-structure includes specific nodes which are connected to the fibrils. One or more of the specific nodes are sintered and the fibrils are un-sintered. A method for making the ePTFE structure includes identifying and sintering one or more of the specific nodes.

Abstract: The vascular graft includes a conduit structure having outer and inner wall surfaces. The conduit structure includes a longitudinal central portion having a flexibility. The conduit structure further includes a pair of longitudinal intermediate portions each of which are integral with the central portion and located longitudinally such that the central portion is between the intermediate portions. The intermediate portions each have a flexibility which is less than the flexibility of the central portion.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve having a stentless support structure. The valve has a tubular annular support structure with a first inflatable ring at a proximal end, a second inflatable ring at a distal end, and an inflatable intermediate support in between the first and second inflatable rings. There is at least one moveable occluder that controls the flow of blood through the tubular support structure. The tubular support structure can be filled with inflation media in the first inflatable ring, the second inflatable ring and inflatable intermediate support structure to convert the tubular support structure from a collapsed configuration to a patent tubular configuration.

Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.

Abstract: A medical device for body cavity which has a main stent body and a sheet-shaped member having an opening and covering at least a part of the main stent body as described above. It is desirable that, when the main stent body is dilated from the first diameter in the compressed state to the second diameter, the above-described sheet-shaped member spreads so as to cover at least a part of the main stent body without restricting the movement of the main stent body toward the circumferential direction while the shape of the opening of the above-described sheet-shaped member is retained even after the dilation of the main stent body. The above-described medical device for body cavity is applied to a delivery system which has a first catheter for transporting the medical device for body cavity into the body. In this delivery system, the above-described medical device for body cavity is located at the front end of the first catheter as described above so as to allow indwelling thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planar structure made of fibers adhered to each other in certain locations, characterized in that the adhesions and/or fibers are broken by an ultrasound treatment. Such planar structures are utilized particularly in the medical field as vascular prostheses or tissue patches.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, e.g., a stent (e.g., a drug eluting stent), that includes a porous surface and hollow elements integrated with a coating on the surface and a method of making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are flexible implantable occluding devices that can, for example, navigate the tortuous vessels of the neurovasculature. The occluding devices can also conform to the shape of the tortuous vessels of the vasculature. In some embodiments, the occluding devices can direct blood flow within a vessel away from an aneurysm or limit blood flow to the aneurysm. Some embodiments describe methods and apparatus for adjusting, along a length of the device, the porosity of the occluding device. In some embodiments, the occluding devices allows adequate blood flow to be provided to adjacent structures such that those structures, whether they are branch vessels or oxygen-demanding tissues, are not deprived of the necessary blood flow.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is constructed from a well-defined pore structure to allow uninterrupted ingrowth of connective tissue into a wall of the prosthesis. Several different methods can be used to produce the prosthesis, including a vacuum impregnation technique, a paste molding technique, a paste extrusion technique, a dip coating technique, and a melt extrusion technique. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the prosthesis are matched with mechanical properties of the host vessel, thereby overcoming problems of compliance mismatch.

Abstract: A modular luminal endoprosthesis consisting of a framework, generally called a stent, and more particularly an endoprosthesis for blood vessels. The framework (6) of this stent comprises a plurality of interconnected layers (8, 10, 12), each of these layers (8, 10, 12) being formed by two plies of metal wires (14), which are respectively dextrogyratory and laevogyratory, and which are interlaced and form a lattice, a plurality of wires (14) of a given layer (8, 10, 12) being integrated in the lattice of at least one of the adjacent layers (8, 10, 12).

Abstract: A polymer coating for implantable medical devices based on polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating the coating are disclosed. The implantable medical devices made of polyorthoesters and methods for fabricating thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable member for use in the body is provided herein. This implantable member includes a porous biocompatible substrate; the substrate having at least one surface sealed fluid-tight with self-aggregating protein particles of substantially the same diameter range. The self-aggregated protein particles are formed from a deposited aqueous slurry of the protein particles.

Abstract: An implantable stent having surface features adapted to promote an organized growth pattern of infiltrating cells when implanted in a tubular organ is provided. The surface features comprise depressions, pores, projections, pleats, channels or grooves in the stent body and are designed to increase turbulence or stagnation in the flow of a liquid, such as blood through the stent, and/or to promote the growth of infiltrating cells in an organized pattern. Alternatively, the invention stent can be populated with living cells prior to implant and can be heatable from an external source of energy, thereby inducing production of therapeutic bioactive agents from ingrowing cells. The invention also provides an implantable heatable stent for transcutaneously monitoring the flow of fluid through a lumen into which the stent is implanted by measuring the rate at which the heated stent cools in response to blood flow when the source of heat is removed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing blood flow to an aneurysm proximate to a bifurcation having a source blood vessel a first branch vessel and a second branch vessel, the method comprising: providing a first mesh-like tube of bio-compatible material, the first mesh-like tube exhibiting a porosity index pre-selected to skew blood flow about the bifurcation away from the aneurysm; inserting the first mesh-like tube into the source blood vessel and the first branch vessel; and securing the first mesh-like tube to at least one of the source blood vessel and the first branch vessel, whereby blood flowing from the source blood vessel flows without undue impedance to the first branch vessel and the second branch vessel while being skewed away from the aneurysm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stent includes determining a porosity characteristic and combining at least two predetermined alloy constituents based on the porosity characteristic. The method further determines a solidification profile based on the porosity characteristic and combined alloy constituents and solidifies the combined alloy constituents based on the solidification profile. In addition, the method includes forming a stent framework from the solidified alloy constituents, removing at least a portion of at least one of the alloy constituents, and forming pores within the stent framework based on the removal and consistent with the porosity characteristic.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an implant, e.g., a stent, and in particular to a stent having at least one section made of a material having a particular porous structure.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a coated stent for use in a medical procedure that comprises a coating and a stent disposed over the coating. The stent has a first expanded state in which an inner diameter of the stent is less than or equal to an outer diameter of the coating, thereby causing an inner surface of the stent to engage the outer surface of the coating. The stent may comprise a shape-memory material that is preconfigured to expand to the first expanded state. In one example, the stent may be temporarily held in a second expanded state having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the coating, placed over the coating in the second expanded state, and then allowed to return to the first expanded state to engage the coating.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a body that has a first bioerodible metal and a surface, and a capsule formed of a second bioerodible metal disposed on the surface. The capsule includes a porous peripheral region and a drug-containing core. A method of making such an endoprosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided which contain the following: (a) substrate having one or more depressions that contain at least one therapeutic agent and (b) a porous membrane disposed over the substrate and the one or more depressions, which regulate transport of chemical species between the therapeutic-agent-containing depressions and the exterior of the device. The substrate and the porous membrane are formed of different materials each with a different thermal expansion coefficient. Moreover, one of the substrate and the porous membrane at least partially surrounds the other. Other aspects of the present invention are directed to methods of making such medical devices, and methods of treatment using such medical devices.

Abstract: A method and process for at least partially forming a medical device that is at least partially formed of a novel metal alloy which improves the physical properties of the medical device.

Abstract: A method and process for at least partially forming a medical device that is at least partially formed of a novel metal alloy which improves the physical properties of the medical device.

Abstract: An enhanced stent apparatus, comprising: a support element, wherein the support element is constructed to be positioned in a body lumen; and, a porous structure, the porous structure located on a surface of the support element, and wherein the porous structure is comprised of at least one fiber under 30 microns in diameter, has a coverage area of less than 30% and is provided with apertures.

Abstract: A method for forming an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided, in which electric discharges are applied to a metal surface of the implantable medical device. The electric discharges pit the surface. The pitted surface improves retention of a coating on the device and increases the amount of coating that can be carried by the device. An electric discharge machining process is described for applying electric discharges to the surface of the implantable medical device or portion thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a system having multiple pores. In one embodiment, the system comprises a medical device for insertion into an organism, comprising a main structure and a porous portion on the main structure.

Abstract: Medical devices with surfaces on which viable biologic cells are magnetically attracted and retained are disclosed along with methods of magnetic coating. The medical devices can be located in a carrier liquid containing high concentrations of magnetic cells before or after implantation. The carrier liquid with magnetic cells may be contact with the medical device in vitro or in vivo. In either case, the carrier liquid may have a concentration of magnetic cells that is high enough to facilitate coating of the medical device within an acceptable period of time, e.g., several hours or less. Magnetization of medical devices before, during, and/or after implantation and apparatus for performing the same are disclosed. Degaussing of magnetic medical devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis such as a coronary stent includes a porous reservoir of drug, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoporous configuration for drug release used in a drug-eluting device and its preparation, employing acid corrosion or anode oxidation to prepare pores, or employing acid corrosion to prepare pores firstly, then employing anode oxidation or micro-arc oxidation combined with micro-arc nitridation to prepare single sized or two sized or multiple sized nanopores, as well as a uniform size distributed or two or more nonuniform size distributed in pore diameter or pore depth h nanopores on the raw material of device body directly. The preparation process includes: {circle around (1)} Pre-treating the surface of the device body, {circle around (2)} Preparing pore, {circle around (3)} Post-treating the surface of the device body, {circle around (4)}preparing drug, {circle around (5)} Spraying drug etc. The nanoporous configuration lowers the risk of forming thrombus after the drug-delivery device with polymer carrier is implanted into the tissue.

Abstract: Thermal spray processing and cold spray processing are utilized to manufacture porous starting materials (such as tube stock, wire and substrate sheets) from biocompatible metals, metal alloys, ceramics and polymers that may be further processed into porous medical devices, such as stents. The spray processes are also used to form porous coatings on consolidated biocompatible medical devices. The porous substrates and coatings may be used as a reservoir to hold a drug or therapeutic agent for elution in the body. The spray-formed porous substrates and coatings may be functionally graded to allow direct control of drug elution without an additional polymer topcoat. The spray processes are also used to apply the drug or agent to the porous substrate or coating when drug or agent is robust enough to withstand the temperatures and velocities of the spray process with minimal degradation.

Abstract: An endovascular device (10) for insertion into a bodily vessel (5) to treat a diseased, damaged or weakened portion of a vessel wall (50), the endovascular device (10) comprising: a mechanically expandable device (11) expandable from a first position to a second position, said mechanically expandable device (11) is expanded radially outwardly to the second position such that the circumferential surface of said mechanically expandable device (11) engages with the inner surface of the vessel (5) so as to maintain a fluid pathway through said vessel (5); and a membrane (20) covering at least a portion of the circumferential surface of said mechanically expandable device (11), the membrane (20) comprising a plurality of pores (25), the porosity of the membrane (20) being defined by the ratio of the material surface area of the membrane (20) determined by the size of the pores (21) and the distance between adjacent pores (22, 23); wherein the mechanically expandable device (10) is positioned in the bodily vessel (

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, medical devices are provided which comprise a substrate, a porous carbon layer disposed on at least a portion of the substrate surface, and a polymeric layer disposed on at least a portion of the porous carbon layer.