Abstract: A stent in a non-expanded state has a first and second expansion column, each consisting of a plurality of expansion strut pairs. An expansion strut pair includes a first expansion strut, a second expansion strut and a joining strut that couples the first and second expansion struts at one end. Expansion strut pairs include expansion strut pair first and second corners formed where the joining strut couples the first and second expansion struts. A connecting strut column, formed of a plurality of connecting struts couples the first and second expansion columns. Connecting struts include a proximal section, a distal section and an intermediate section. The proximal section is coupled to the corner of an expansion strut pair of the first expansion column, and the distal section is coupled to the joining strut of an expansion strut pair of the second expansion column intermediate the expansion strut pair first corner and the expansion strut pair second corner.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and valve leaflets that provide a sinus pocket. The venous valve provides for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stent for use in a bifurcated body lumen having a main branch and a side branch. The stent comprises a radially expandable generally tubular stent body having proximal and distal opposing ends with a body wall having a surface extending therebetween. The surface has a geometrical configuration defining a first pattern, and the first pattern has first pattern struts and connectors arranged in a predetermined configuration. The stent also comprises a branch portion comprised of a second pattern, wherein the branch portion is at least partially detachable from the stent body.

Abstract: An interluminal medical treatment device configured to treat a targeted treatment site within a body lumen is provided. The interluminal medical treatment device can include an elongated generally tubular outer member. The outer member can include an expandable distal portion, an expandable proximal portion, and a central portion of limited expandability. The interluminal medical treatment device can include at least one membrane. The outer member and at least one membrane may define a housing area positioned between the proximal portion and distal portion of the outer member. The outer member and at least one membrane can be configured to redirect fluid flow within a body lumen away from the housing area inner member or inner passageway.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to implantable medical devices coated with a taxane therapeutic agent, such as paclitaxel, in one or more solid form(s) having varying dissolution rates. Particularly preferred coatings comprise amorphous and/or solvated solid forms of taxane therapeutic agents that provide durable coatings that release the taxane over a desired period of time, which can be varied in the absence of a polymer by selecting the type and amount of solid forms of the taxane therapeutic agent in the coating. Other preferred embodiments relate to methods of coating medical devices and methods of treatment. The coatings can provide a sustained release of the taxane therapeutic agent within a body vessel without containing a polymer to achieve the desired rate of paclitaxel elution.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent assembly having a main branch balloon incorporating a sheath associated with the outer wall of the balloon, the sheath having a frangible or separable portion which allows for a guide wire to be passed through the sheath and to be separated from the sheath and the balloon when desired. When the balloon is expanded, the top and bottom edges of the sheath which are associated with the balloon are forced away from each other and cause the frangible or separable portion to separate, allowing the guide wire to be separated from the sheath and the balloon.

Abstract: A luminal endoprosthesis for treating aneurysms, particularly aneurysms located at an arterial bifurcation. One feature of the endoprosthesis is a tubular armature that can expand radially from a compressed state to an expanded state. A further feature of the endoprosthesis, when in the expanded state, is a lenticular head whom axis coincides with that of the tubular armature, and which can be inserted into an aneurysm pocket. A method of manufacturing such an endoprosthesis is also described.

Abstract: A biodegradable polymeric stent made from poly(L-lactide) and a low concentration of L-lactide monomer is disclosed. The concentration of L-lactide is adjusted to provide a degradation behavior that is suitable for different treatment applications including coronary, peripheral, and nasal.

Abstract: A mitral hook instrument for use particularly in heart valve operations. The mitral hook is used in particular for grasping or hooking secondary chords for lysis procedures. The interior surface of the hook has a groove or channel to facilitate use of a scalpel to cut a chord or other member which has been grasped and exposed by the hook. Also, markings are preferably provided on the distal end of the mitral hook instrument in order to assist the surgeon.

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

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

Abstract: The invention provides method of fabricating a scaffold comprising a fluidic network, including the steps of: (a) generating an initial vascular layer for enclosing the chamber and providing fluid to the cells, the initial vascular layer having a network of channels for fluid; (b) translating the initial vascular layer into a model for fluid dynamics analysis; (c) analyzing the initial vascular layer based on desired parameters selected from the group consisting of a characteristic of a specific fluid, an input pressure, an output pressure, an overall flow rate and combinations thereof to determine sheer stress and velocity within the network of channels; (d) measuring the sheer stress and the velocity and comparing the obtained values to predetermined values; (e) determining if either of the shear stress or the velocity are greater than or less than the predetermined values, and (f) optionally modifying the initial vascular layer and repeating steps (b)-(e).

Abstract: There is described an artificial blood vessel for use in a region of a living body which needs to be repeatedly pierced with a needle. The artificial blood vessel includes a main section having a vessel wall which includes a laminated assembly comprising an inner layer, an outer layer, and an intermediate layer positioned therebetween, and a pair of anastomotic sections disposed on the respective opposite ends of the main section. Each of the anastomotic sections has an intermediate layer thinner than the intermediate layer of the main section or is free of an intermediate layer, so that the anastomotic section as a vessel wall thinner than the main section.

Abstract: A partially biodegradable stent includes a main net body of hollow cylindrical shape formed of elastically deformable wires interlaced with each other, the net body extending in a longitudinal direction and terminating at open opposite ends, and an auxiliary net portion provided at one of the open opposite ends of the main net body, the auxiliary net portion formed of a biodegradable wire which can be degraded and removed by a bodily fluid. The auxiliary net portion is formed by interlacing the biodegradable wire into a cylindrical shape independently of the main net body or by interlacing the biodegradable wire with the elastically deformable wires at one of the open opposite ends of the main net body.

Abstract: An implantable, varied-diameter graft is seamlessly flat-woven to provide a seamless, varied-diameter graft. The graft includes a flat-woven tubular portion having opposed first and second tubular ends with a contiguous bulbous woven section therebetween. The bulbous woven section has opposed first and second open ends with the first bulbous end being contiguous with the first tubular end. The second bulbous end is contiguous with the second tubular end. The first tubular end has a first number of warp yarns interlaced with a plurality of fill yarns in a woven pattern to define a first flat-woven tubular diameter. The second end has a second number of warp yarns interlaced with a plurality of fill yarns in a woven pattern to define a second flat-woven tubular diameter. The bulbous section has a third number of warp yarns interlaced with a plurality of fill yarns in a woven pattern to define a third flat-woven tubular diameter.

Abstract: A narrowing intraluminal stent is disclosed and comprises a hollow body and a flow passage therethrough, the hollow body designed for intraluminal placement and having “at least one portion of an inner cross sectional dimension smaller than the cross sectional dimension of the lumen, so as to artificially narrow a passage through the body lumen. A method of artificially narrowing a passage through a body lumen using the stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-sealing vascular graft with kink resistance is described. The vascular graft includes a substrate that can be a PTFE, having a self-sealing region that may include several layers of material. The central section of the vascular graft may be constructed differently from surrounding self-sealing regions, in order to provide kink resistance following the clamping of the graft. Also described is a graft with a flared cuff attached to one or both ends, the attachment or transition region including reinforcement beading.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent, an intraluminal stent delivery system, and a method of treating a vascular condition. The stent includes a framework with a plurality of flap portions projecting substantially beyond a central core region. The flap portions are movable from a compressed position and an extended position when the stent is deployed. The system includes a catheter and the intraluminal stent. The method includes positioning an intraluminal stent within a vessel. A plurality of flap portions of the stent is extended from a compressed position into contact with the vessel.

Abstract: An expandable slide and lock stent is provided that comprises a plurality of radial elements interconnected to form a tubular member. Each radial element can comprise a helical backbone and at least one elongate member extending from the helical backbone in a circumferential direction. Each backbone can have at least one slot that can be configured to receive an elongate member of an adjacent radial element.

Abstract: This is directed to methods and devices suited for maintaining an opening in a wall of a body organ for an extended period. More particularly devices and methods are directed maintaining patency of channels that alter gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of, for instance, an individual having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: Expandable medical implants for maintaining support of a body lumen are disclosed. These implants comprise a circumferentially nested, diametrically expandable, moveable vascular device for enlarging an occluded portion of a vessel. The device can be configured to allow for motion such as rotating, translating, and/or slide and lock. One advantage of the circumferentially nested stent is that it maintains the expanded size, without significant recoil.

Abstract: A woven aortic sinus prosthesis has a first substantially cylindrical section position away from a patient's heart, which optionally passes into an aortic arch of the patient, a second section having a greater diameter than the first section and forming a bulb, which second section is connected to the first section, and optionally a third substantially cylindrical section close to the heart, which is connected to the bulb section, wherein the prosthesis is continuously woven and has a constant number of warp yarns over its axial length, whereby there is a greater distance between the warp yarns in a region of the bulb section than in the first and third cylindrical sections.

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

Abstract: An expandable, elongate flexible conduit is provided for placement in a tubular body structure. An exemplary conduit includes a plurality of flexible longitudinal members defining in an unexpanded state a lumen, the members being radially expandable at preselected intervals to define a longitudinally oriented array of open-sided cages separated by less-expanded tubular segments, at least one of the open-sided cages having a diameter varying along its length and each of the open-sided cages having a maximum diameter larger than a diameter of the less-expanded tubular segments.

Abstract: Described is a prosthetic valve assembly comprising: a radially self-expandable stent configured to expand to bear against a wall of a native body lumen; and an implantable prosthetic valve, having a diameter, the valve being mounted inside the stent; wherein the diameter of the stent is greater than the diameter of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices comprising a support frame and a graft member attached to the support frame. The support frame can define one or more structural features that substantially prevent migration of the graft member along the support frame.

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 endovascular graft, which is configured to conform to the morphology of a vessel to be treated, includes a tubular ePTFE structure; an inflatable ePTFE structure disposed over at least a portion of the ePTFE tubular structure; and an injection port in fluid communication with the inflatable ePTFE structure for inflation of the inflatable ePTFE structure with an inflation medium. The inflatable ePTFE structure may be longitudinally disposed over the tubular ePTFE structure. The ePTFE structure may be a bifurcated structure having first and second bifurcated tubular structures, where the inflatable ePTFE structure is disposed over at least a portion of the first and second bifurcated tubular structures.

Abstract: A stent has a circumference and a plurality of members that define a lumen.

Abstract: A fiber-optic endoscopic instrument (Fistuloscope) is used to visualize anorectal fistula, and to accurately identify the course through the fistula. The instrument can be used to flush the fistula, to close the fistula tract by means of injecting sealants or placing grafts in the tract of the fistula or to pass setons, micro-instruments or other means to treat and seal the tract.

Abstract: A prosthesis comprises a tubular body that is expandable from a contracted configuration to a radially expanded configuration. The tubular body has a total length and comprises a first section, a second section and a central section disposed therebetween. The total length of the tubular body in the expanded configuration is at least 95% of the total length of the tubular body in the contracted configuration. The three sections have a plurality of tubular rings, each with a plurality of struts having a length and coupled together to form a series of peaks and valleys. A connector couples adjacent tubular rings together. The length of the central section struts is different than the length of the other struts and the central section is coupled with both the first and second sections.

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 spiral frond extending axially therebetween.

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 device (10) for maintaining fluid flow through at least one passage in a human or animal body, the device comprising two end portions (12, 14) for anchoring the device in position, and an intermediate portion (16) which allows movement of the end portions relative to each another, wherein the end portions and intermediate portion together define a pathway for fluid flow through the device. The device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of coronary heart disease by minimally invasive surgery, and the invention extends to a method for diverting fluid flow from one passage to another.

Abstract: A braided stent to be implanted in a blood vessel comprises a hollow body which is stretchable in its longitudinal direction and whose circumferential surface is formed by a braid of a multiplicity of filamentary elements which, in the expanded state of the braided stent, intersect a plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, at a braiding angle. The braided stent has a smaller braiding angle in a central portion than in its distal and proximal portions which adjoin the central portion in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An intracardiac stent for total cavopulmonary anastomosis has a large-diameter plastic-coated mesh conduit with circular-section lower portion and a progressively flattened upper portion of the same cross-sectional area as the lower portion. Both portions extend along a curved axis. The upper end is bifurcated into two smaller-diameter branches, one of which is also of circular section and extends in an arc along the axis. The other branch is flattened and extends obliquely to the side so as to give the stent the shape of a lopsided Y. In use the upper and lower portions are lodged in the heart with a lower end of the lower portion fitted to the lower vena cava and hepatic vena, the one branch tightly fitted to the left pulmonary artery and blocking the main pulmonary artery, and the other branch fitted to the base of the right pulmonary artery.

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: Devices, systems, and methods for implanting expandable prostheses in the body lumens rely on stapling or anchoring the prostheses with separately introduced fasteners. The prostheses may be self-expanding or balloon expandable, and may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. After initial placement, a stapling system is introduced within the expanded prosthesis to deploy a plurality of fasteners to at least one prosthesis end. The stapling system may apply a force to the prosthesis to modify the shape of the prosthesis to conform to the shape of the vessel wall. The stapling system can be deflected in one or more distinct steerable segments. A lumen extension or lumens may be coupled to the prosthesis to extend the reach of the prosthesis within the implantation site. Fasteners may also be applied to the lumen extensions.

Abstract: An implantable stent includes multiple circumferential segments that surround a bore and are connected in series along a length to form a tubular wall. Multiple adjacent alternating opposite facing crowns arranged along each segment's circumference are bridged by struts. The struts include a series of staggered arcuate edges with limited flats to provide a limited region of maximum width between significantly extended reducing diameter tapers at either end where they transition into the crowns. Connections between adjacent segments are wider and stiffer than the struts and strut-crown transitions in the segments. The crowns include inner and outer radii with off-set centers along a common axis to provide medial crown peaks along the axis that are wider than the narrowed crown shoulders on either side of the axis and from which the tapered struts extend. Material strain and flexure along the stent during lateral bending is distributed mainly within the segments, e.g.

Abstract: A device for implantation in a vessel is provided with a geometry designed to reduce the drag experienced by the device when deployed using a sheathed delivery system. Sections of the device are provided with regions of high-points and low-points on the device's outer surface by curving one or more of the struts of the device. The high points serve as the contact points of the device with the sheath as the sheath and the delivery system are withdrawn from between the device and the vessel.

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: A dual taper stent protector having a first stent covering region configured to cover a stent without substantially engaging the stent, a second covering region, and an engagement region for engaging a product mandrel removably disposed within a catheter shaft, and first and second tapered regions connecting the first stent covering region and the second stent covering region and the second covering region and the engagement region respectively, and to methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for occluding an anatomical structure including a device having at least first and second clamp portions adapted to cooperate to move from an open position adjacent an anatomical structure to a closed position engaging and occluding the anatomical structure. A system for delivery of a fluid to affect occlusion of an anatomical structure is provided, as well as an applicator for deploying occlusion devices having different sizes.

Abstract: A medical device which defines a lumen for flowing a bodily fluid from an upstream end of the device to a downstream end thereof is disclosed. The device has a luminal wall (14) that extends between the upstream and downstream ends and defines the lumen within which the fluid flows. The wall exhibits a succession of protuberances spaced from each other along the length of the device. Each protuberance has a flank facing upstream (54) and a flank facing downstream (64), the flank facing upstream extending into the fluid flow so that a radially outermost part of the flow of fluid from the upstream to the downstream end of the device impinges on the upstream flank and is thereby caused to reverse its flow, and flow upstream from the upstream flank to the downstream flank of the next adjacent protuberance upstream, creating micro-vortices between two adjacent protuberances.

Abstract: A stent for reducing the passage of emboli into body lumen once deployed includes a structural portion and a barrier portion. The structural portion, when expanded in a conduit, provides sufficient strength to maintain an open lumen in the conduit. The barrier portion reduces migration of emboli from the wall of the conduit through the structural portion and into the lumen. Stent delivery systems capable of delivering and deploying the stent are disclosed.

Abstract: Arteriovenous grafts are utilized as connections between arteries and veins so that blood may be withdrawn and/or reintroduced. A number of pressure reducing graft configurations may be utilized to lower the static pressure on the venous side to a level closer to that on the arterial side.

Abstract: An endoluminal device including a prosthesis and at least one indicator member affixed to the prosthesis that can be remotely monitored to indicate a change in pressure or morphology of the prosthesis. The indicator member may be an optical fiber, a strain gauge, or a first material having a first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) susceptibility value that contrasts with a second MRI susceptibility value of a second material that comprises one or more remaining members of the prosthesis. A prosthesis monitoring system includes an endoluminal device as well as a subcutaneous electronics package and external electronics. Methods of detecting endoleaks or changes in morphology involve implanting an endoluminal device with the indicator and detecting information from the indicator.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve that is transformable from a first helical pre-implantation configuration to a second valvular functional configuration, and methods of delivery.

Abstract: A graft comprises an inner interior surface defined by a relatively large radius and an outer interior surface defined by a relatively small radius for maintaining laminar flow of blood passing through the graft and thereby substantially reducing cellular proliferation and blood clotting.

Abstract: A method of crimping a varied diameter graft is includes the steps of (i) providing a flat-woven tubular graft having an enlarged woven bulbous portion disposed between flat-woven tubular ends, wherein the flat-woven diameter of the bulbous section is greater than the flat woven diameters of the tubular ends; (ii) providing a mandrel shaped and sized to the woven bulbous section and having a curved crimping surface; and (iii) positioning the curved crimping surface within the bulbous woven section so that the bulbous woven section contours to the curved crimping surface.