Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a NiTi alloy surface cutting process and a roughness adjustment method. Aiming at defects of difficult machining and unsatisfactory machining performance of Ni—Ti alloys, the present disclosure provides a surface cutting process of a difficult-to-machine nickel-titanium alloy, in which firstly, the nickel-titanium alloy is transformed from a two-phase state to a single-phase state using its transformation characteristic, and electrochemical nickel removal treatment is carried out on a surface of the alloy in the single-phase state so as to obtain a porous surface layer, and then a surface material with the porous surface layer is cut. The method provided by the present disclosure can effectively reduce machining difficulty of alloy materials, and can also obtain alloy workpieces with adjustable roughness, which is of great significance for NiTi alloy machining.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical implant, and more particularly, to a vascular implant having a dual coating structure for preventing in-stent restenosis and thrombosis. In one embodiment, the invention contemplates a vascular stent with a coating comprising a hydrophobic, degradable core with a coaxial sheath comprising at least one polyethylene-glycol derivative. In one embodiment, the at least one polyethylene-glycol derivative comprises polyethylene-glycol dimethacrylate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and tracking the behavior of cells and tissues in a culturing medium, for example, in a cell culture medium or an in vivo tissue environment, using a tissue scaffold system having one or more sensor arrays. Such monitoring systems include a tissue scaffold system and one or more sensor arrays on the tissue scaffold system in vertically stackable configurations. The sensor array(s) are configured to monitor electrical impedance and/or electrophysiological activities of cells or tissues which may be provided to an external data acquisition system for production of a three-dimensional (3D) map.

Abstract: A temporary diameter reduction constraint arrangement for a stent graft in combination with a stent graft is disclosed. The stent graft has a proximal end and a distal end and comprises a biocompatible graft material tube and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart self-expanding stents fastened thereto, including at least an end stent and a plurality of intermediate stents. The constraint arrangement comprises: an elongate receiver extending longitudinally within the graft material tube; a first wire extending longitudinally along the graft material tube in a first serpentine pattern; and a second wire extending longitudinally along the graft material tube in a second serpentine pattern, wherein at least one of the first and second wires repeatedly loops over the receiver along a longitudinal length of the stent graft thereby securing the stent graft to the receiver. In one embodiment there is also a plurality of loops of thread to reduce the stent graft.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device includes an expandable section. The expandable section may be positioned over an expander, such as a balloon catheter, and expand upon expansion of the expander. The expandable section may include struts that rotate as the expandable section expands. Edges of the struts may score surfaces (e.g., pathology, tissue, etc.) against which the struts are forced as the expandable element expands. The expandable element may carry a medicament, which may be delivered upon expansion of the expandable element.

Abstract: A stent composed by a bioabsorbable network of polymer fibers that can be rearranged upon expansion, accommodating for diameter enlargement without the need of a strut or strut pattern and providing temporary support to a biological duct, is provided. Additionally, a stent is provided where the rearranged fibrous network of its expanded state can act as a scaffold for cell infiltration and promote autologous tissue formation.

Abstract: A method for making a therapeutic agent-eluting temporary medical implant. In various embodiments, the method includes normalizing a quantity of therapeutic agent particles to attain a size distribution of 0.1-100 microns; creating a non-solid blend of a polymer and at least one therapeutic agent including between about 0.1 and about 20.0 weight percent of at least one therapeutic agent to a total weight of the non-solid blend; vat polymerizing the non-solid polymer blend to produce a therapeutic-eluting implant including at least one therapeutic agent homogenously distributed throughout; and cleaning and curing the therapeutic agent-eluting implant to produce a final device that supports physiologic loads when implanted within the patient. In at least one embodiment, the method includes of using a therapeutic agent that includes of one or more antibiotic, antifungal, analgesic, and/or chemotherapeutic.

Abstract: A device for capturing and removing an obstruction in a bodily duct of a patient. The device includes a cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis. According to some implementations the cylindrical body is comprised of a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in diagonal rows around the longitudinal axis. At least some of closed cell structures have substantially the same shape and size. According to some implementations at least some of the closed cell structures of substantially the same shape and size occupy a same circumferential location in the cylindrical body and are longitudinally separated from one another by no less than two, three, four or more diagonal rows of closed cell structures. According to other implementations the closed cell structures include diagonally extending struts having at least a curve portion and a straight portion.

Abstract: A method includes covering or contacting a portion of a parathyroid of a subject with a shield including extraembryonic tissue and/or a stem cell. The covering or contacting occurs during a neck or reconstructive surgery of the subject.

Abstract: A textile graft includes a tubular wall disposed between a first open end and an opposed second open end and having an inner surface and an opposed outer surface. The tubular wall includes a textile construction of one or more filaments or yarns, the textile construction by itself being permeable to liquid. A portion of the inner surface of the tubular wall includes a coating of a substantially water-soluble material thereon. The outer surface includes a coating of a substantially water-insoluble elastomeric sealant disposed thereon. The tubular wall having the coating of the substantially water-insoluble elastomeric sealant is, after curing thereof, substantially impermeable to liquid.

Abstract: A method includes covering or contacting a portion of a recurrent laryngeal nerve of a subject with a shield including extraembryonic tissue. The covering occurs during a neck or reconstructive surgery of the subject.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner shaft. A deployment sheath may be disposed about the inner shaft. A stent may be disposed between the inner shaft and the deployment sheath. A stent reconstraining member may be secured to an inner surface of the deployment sheath and releasably secured to the stent.

Abstract: A diametric adjustment mechanism for an implantable medical device including a track defining a series of diametric setpoints, including a first diametric setpoint and a second diametric setpoint, a rider engaged with the track such that the rider is selectively movable along the track from the first diametric setpoint to the second diametric setpoint and from the second diametric setpoint to the first diametric setpoint, and a biasing element biasing the rider toward the first diametric setpoint when the rider is at the second diametric setpoint.

Abstract: A medical assembly includes a balloon expandable endoprosthesis comprising a plurality of ringed stent elements flexibly connected to each other via at least one flexible connector, the endoprosthesis being deployable from an undeployed state with an undeployed diameter to a deployed state with a deployed diameter. The medical assembly further includes a catheter assembly comprising a balloon, and a cover along the balloon. The endoprosthesis is coaxially located about the balloon and the cover. One or more portions of the balloon and the cover reach an intermediate diameter between the undeployed diameter and the deployed diameter in which the portions of the balloon and the cover are inflated by increasing an inflation pressure within the balloon and approximately maintained at about the intermediate diameter until the inflation pressure increases by at least 1 atmosphere to overcome a yield strength of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to topical antiviral compositions, delivery systems, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Angioplasty balloons coated with at least one limus drug, which may be in crystalline form, optionally with at least one excipient, and methods for manufacturing such coated angioplasty balloons.

Abstract: A stent and a preparation method therefor. The stent includes a stent substrate. The stent substrate is provided with at least one radiopaque structure thereon. Each radiopaque structure includes at least one radiopaque unit. A radiopaque material is inlaid in each radiopaque unit, and a ratio of the volume of the radiopaque material to the volume of the radiopaque unit ranges from 1.1 to 1.4. By the stent and the preparation method therefor, the interference fit between the radiopaque material and the radiopaque unit can be better implemented, so that the radiopaque material and the radiopaque unit have strong bonding force therebetween, and the problem of embolism caused by the drop of a radiopaque material is avoided.

Abstract: A degradation data generator is used with a scaffold for delivery within a patient. The degradation data generator includes a driving circuit electrically coupled to drive an impedance of the scaffold. A detection circuit generates degradation data based on the impedance of the scaffold or other properties such as RF or lightwave transmission, conductance or absorption. The degradation data indicates an amount of biodegradation of the scaffold. A wireless transmitter is coupled to transmit the degradation data to a wireless degradation data receiver, while the scaffold is within the patient.

Abstract: A medical textile product includes a textile substrate having opposed first and second surfaces with the textile substrate including a textile construction of one or more yarns. The second surface includes a coating of a substantially water-insoluble, non-porous elastomeric sealant. The one or more yarns at the first surface are pre-treated with a removable composition, such that the water-insoluble elastomeric sealant encapsulates a portion of fibers of the one or more yarns at the second surface of the textile substrate. The textile substrate is substantially impermeable to fluid. The first surface is substantially free of the substantially water-insoluble elastomeric sealant. The textile substrate may be a non-tubular substrate, such as a planar sheet, a shaped sheet, and a tape, or a tubular substrate, such as a cylindrical conduit, a tubular conduit, a Y-shaped, a T-shaped conduit, a multi-channel conduit, and a bulbous shaped conduit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to drug eluting stents, methods of making, using, and verifying long-term stability of the drug eluting stents, and methods for predicting long term stent efficacy and patient safety after implantation of a drug eluting stent. In one embodiment, a drug eluting stent may include a stent framework; a drug-containing layer; a drug embedded in the drug-containing layer; and a biocompatible base layer disposed over the stent framework and supporting the drug-containing layer. The drug-containing layer may have an uneven coating thickness. In addition or in alternative, the drug-containing layer may be configured to significantly dissolve/dissipate/disappear between 45 days and 60 days after stent implantation. Stents of the present disclosure may reduce, minimize, or eliminate patient risks associated with the implantation of a stent, including, for example, restenosis, thrombosis, and/or MACE.

Abstract: Multi-angle radiographic imaging enables 3D visualization of internal surgical targets like solid-tumors, heart vessels, blocked glands or any bodily cavities like fallopian or Eustachian tubes for diagnostics and surgery planning. Those images are dimensionally precise and easily replicated as life-forms with 3D printing for exact modeling. The “negative” aspects of the images are the diseased tissues requiring excision, as in a solid-tumor example. Needle biopsies are routine and can be radiographically guided. Similarly, guided needle delivery of a magnetic surgical fluid containing fullerenes into a target site, such as a solid tumor is less invasive than laparoscopic techniques. Introducing an external magnetic field force can then be used to propel, rotate and maneuver fullerenes into cellular matter or into tissue.

Abstract: A magnetic robot system is provided. The magnetic robot system comprises: a catheter having a first magnet coupling part provided at the front end thereof; and a mobile robot having a second magnet coupling part provided at the rear end thereof, and having a driving magnet, wherein the mobile robot is coupled to the catheter by means of magnetic force between the first magnet coupling part and the second magnet coupling part, and the magnetic force coupling of the first magnet coupling part and the second magnet coupling part can be released by rotating magnetic torque generated by the driving magnet because of the application of external rotating magnetic force.

Abstract: A tacrolimus drug-eluting stent manufacturing method according to the present invention enables a tacrolimus drug to be strongly and stably bound onto a stent, while also not necessarily involving a separate step of introducing a surface-binding functional group for the binding of a drug onto a stent and a step of introducing, into the drug, a functional group capable of binding to the surface-binding functional group, and a tacrolimus drug-eluting stent manufactured by the manufacturing method has a greater total drug elution amount and has a more excellent delayed drug-elution property.

Abstract: A medical device may include an implantable device for treating a body tissue structure. The implantable device may include a wire structure which may include a wave pattern. The wire structure may be elastic so as to provide a pressure around the body tissue structure such that the pressure may change with movement of the body tissue structure.

Abstract: A stent 10 includes corrugated pattern bodies 11 and connection elements 12. A corrugated pattern is formed of corrugated units 14, corrugated unit 14 including a first stem 15, a second stem 16, a third stem 17, a first top portion 18 coupling a first end portion 15a of the first stem 15 and a first end portion 16a of the second stem 16, and a second top portion 19 coupling a second end portion 16b of the second stem 16 and a first end portion 17a of the third stem 17. A second end portion 17b of the third stem 17 is connected to a second end portion 15b of the first stem 15 in another corrugated unit adjacent to corrugated unit. A first end portion 12a of connection element 12 is connected to the first top portion 18 of one of adjacent ones of the corrugated units 14, and a second end portion 12b of connection element 12 is connected to the second end portion 15b of the other one of the adjacent ones of the corrugated units 14.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable balloon which is enclosed by an expandable cover which becomes increasingly porous/permeable during expansion. The balloon is coated or enclosed with a matrix which contains a pharmaceutically active agent. During expansion of the balloon, the pharmaceutically active agent is released or extruded through the expandable cover into a body cavity such as an artery or vein. The present invention also provides for a method of treating a disease or condition by delivering the inflatable balloon to a particular body cavity.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis has an expanded state and a contracted state, the endoprosthesis includes a stent having an inner surface defining a lumen, having an outer surface, and defining a plurality of apertures through the outer surface, wherein the apertures are arranged in a micropattern; and a coating (e.g., polymeric coating) attached to the outer surface of the stent. The coating includes a base and a tissue engagement portion including a second surface facing outwardly from the stent, the tissue engagement portion including a structure that defines a plurality of holes extending inwardly from the second surface toward the base. The holes are arranged in a micropattern. When the endoprosthesis is expanded to the expanded state in a lumen defined by a vessel wall, the structure applies a force that may reduce stent migration by creating an interlock between the vessel wall and the endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a substrate (10) defining a major surface (9) defining a plane, including a plurality of first struts (14) along a first direction interconnected with a plurality of second struts (12) extending along a second direction not parallel with the first direction, wherein widths (11) of the second struts as measured along the major surface are larger than thicknesses of the second struts as measured perpendicular to the major surface such that when the substrate is stretched in the first direction, intermediate sections (15) of the second struts (12) rotate relative to the first struts (14) and the intermediate sections of the second struts bend out of the plane of the major surface. The medical device is operable to extend and/or retract elements suitable for a particular purpose. The elements are extended and/or retracted in response to a stress applied by way of stretching and/or retracting the device, among other methods.

Abstract: An access system having a communication component that interfaces with a first device and a second device, where the first device is located inside or on an entity and coupled to a biological organism of the entity, and where the second device is located outside the entity and a controller component that controls a function of the first device, employing the communication component, to provide treatment to the biological organism of the entity coupled to the first device based on a request received from the second device.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tissue thickness compensator can comprise one or more capsules and/or pockets comprising at least one medicament therein. In at least one embodiment, staples can be fired through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules. In certain embodiments, a firing member, or knife, can be advanced through the tissue thickness compensator to rupture the capsules.

Abstract: A flexible implantable contraceptive disc device is disclosed which can be inserted inside the female body, such as inside the uterus, is disclosed. The disc device can be bent and inserted into a laparoscopy tube, which allows it to be delivered to an appropriate location inside a female subject. The disc device has three layers, a central core silicon reservoir containing an active ingredient, such as a contraceptive progesterone, which is sandwiched and encased by upper and lower porous silicon casings. The casings are porous to the contraceptive, allowing controlled release over a prolonged period of time. The lower casing has a series of micro-hooks around a circumference, allowing the disc device to be attached to a desired tissue by rotating the disc device such that the hooks engage with the desired tissue. Such a device is easier to insert, and to remove, than a rod-like rigid plastic T-shape IUDs which are considerably larger, also and more expensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a therapeutic agent to a uterine cavity including an elongated member having a fluid channel for passage of the therapeutic agent into the uterine cavity, a dispensing member extending distally of the elongated member and having at least one perforation for passage of the therapeutic agent into the uterine cavity into contact with the endometrium. An infusion line is in communication with the fluid channel for passage of a fluid into the uterine cavity to assess leakage to determine integrity of the uterine cavity prior to passage of the therapeutic agent into the uterine cavity.

Abstract: Provided herein are human arterial endothelial cell-seeded polymeric vascular grafts suitable for replacing or bypassing natural blood vessels and exhibiting increased long term patency rates and reduced leukocyte adhesion relative to grafts comprising venous endothelial cells. Methods for generating the human arterial endothelial cell-seeded vascular grafts and therapeutic uses of the same are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a temperature sensitive cell culture surface and preparation method thereof. The preparation method comprises the following steps: (1) preparing a temperature sensitive primary liquid by adding a temperature sensitive compound and a free radical into a solvent, mixing and dissolving the same, and obtaining the temperature sensitive primary liquid; and (2) distributing the temperature sensitive primary liquid on a cell culture surface, and leaving the cell culture surface at 50-150° C. to react for 5-120 mins.

Abstract: A self-expanding intravascular medical device including a multi-component assembly with a self-expanding outer cage component comprising a plurality of struts; and a single cell wave-shape component disposed within the self-expanding outer cage component forming a channel therein. The proximal end of the single cell wave-shape component is connected to the self-expanding outer cage component at a proximal joint.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a flexible digital ureteroscope that is at least partially disposable. The ureteroscope comprises a single-use catheter and a handle. The catheter comprises a distal end, a bend portion, and a proximal portion. The distal end has a rigid or semi-rigid shell that houses a set of micro lenses, an image sensor microchip, and a plurality of LED light sources. A working channel extends along the entire catheter and is coupled to a working channel port on the handle to receive various medical devices and irrigation lines during an endoscopic procedure. In addition, the catheter includes one or more steering wires to control the distal end to bend towards a desired direction. The rigid or semi-rigid shell of the distal end is made of a mix of polymer composite material with graphene nano-filler for enhancing thermal dissipation. The handle may be a single-use handle or a reusable handle.

Abstract: Generally, systems, methods, and apparatus related to the use of a dynamic imaging modality in an image guided intervention are disclosed herein. More specifically, the use of such modalities in sealing a bodily opening, such as those that may be formed during an invasive medical procedure are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes viewing a representation of an instrument within a body of a patient, adjusting a position of the instrument based on the viewing such that a portion of the instrument is at a location within the body of the patient, and delivering a sealant via the instrument to the location within the body of the patient. The sealant is configured to seal an opening in the body part.

Abstract: A non-occlusive intravascular device for local application of a therapeutic agent to a selected segment of a lumenal wall of a blood vessel without applying radial force on the wall. The device comprises a radially expandable/collapsible flexible scaffold of an open-skeletal structure and a flexible outer surface capable of conforming to the lumenal wall without applying radial force thereon and a controllable mechanism for expanding and collapsing the scaffold. The therapeutic agent is loaded and carried on the outer surface of the scaffold. Also provided are a method and a system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a selected segment within a blood vessel.

Abstract: Biodegradable self-expanding polymer stent has an outer diameter of 0.25-40 mm, length of 5-250 mm, and closed-cell wall structure formed by struts, where ratio of inner diameter values before crimping and after crimping is in a range of 3 to 5, and made of a copolymer obtained from L-lactide, D-lactide, D,L-lactide, meso-lactide, glycolide, ?-caprolactone, trimethylene carbonate, p-dioxanone and compounds comprising functional groups capable of photopolymerization; supramolecular structure of the copolymer is oriented substantially circularly in a transversal cross section of the stent. Method of manufacturing includes extruding a tube of a polymer material; annealing the extruded polymer tube; laser cutting the extruded polymer tube to form a stent workpiece; heating the stent to above glass transition temperature of the polymer, crimping the stent workpiece uniformly over the entire outer surface thereof, and quenching at about minus 20 degrees Celsius; placing the quenched stent on a delivery means.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain aspects, medical graft products that incorporate multiple drug depots in and/or on the products. One such product is a sheet graft construct, for example for tissue support that includes a sheet graft material with a plurality of drug depots. The drug depots can be hardened deposits formed directly onto the sheet graft material and/or can be capable of eluting a drug for a minimum of 72 hours.

Abstract: Provided are a vascular stent, a conveying balloon thereof, and an implanting system. The vascular stent comprises a flexible light-transmitting body. The flexible light-transmitting body is provided with a hardenable channel. The hardenable channel is arranged in the circumferential direction and the axial direction of the flexible light-transmitting body. The hardenable channel is used for filling a liquid photocuring supporting material, and the liquid photocuring supporting material is cured after being illuminated so as to radially support the flexible light-transmitting body.

Abstract: Stents and methods for producing stents are provided. The stent includes a polymeric substrate comprised of 10-50% (w/w) of alginate and 45-85% (w/w) of gelatine and further includes a polymeric biodegradable resin for coating said polymeric substrate. The stent can also include a contrast agent. The stent can further include a crosslinking agent. The method for producing the stent includes dissolving the alginate and gelatine in water and stirring to obtain a polymeric substrate. The method also includes adding a crosslinking agent to the substrate, injecting the substrate into a mold to obtain the stent, placing the stent in a first alcohol solution, and placing the stent in a crosslinking agent solution. The method further includes placing the stent in a second alcohol solution, and a series of interchanging drying and immersing steps.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a molding compound comprising a resin, a filler, and a carbon nano-tube dispersion and methods of forming a package using the molding compound are disclosed. The carbon non-tube dispersion has a number of carbon nano-tubes with surfaces that are chemically modified by a functional group to chemically bridge the surfaces of the carbon nano-tubes and the resin, improving adhesion between the carbon nano-tubes and the resin and reducing agglomeration between various ones of the carbon nano-tubes. The carbon nano-tube dispersion achieves a low average agglomeration size in the molding compound thereby providing desirable electro-mechanical properties and laser marking compatibility. A shallow laser mark may be formed in a mold cap with a maximum depth of less than about 10 microns. Other apparatuses and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Stapling assemblies for use with a surgical stapler and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. Three dimensional adjuncts for use with a surgical stapling assembly and methods for manufacturing the same are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for customizing an elution rate of a stent. The stent includes a hollow strut that forms the stent, the hollow strut defining a lumenal space, a drug formulation disposed within the lumenal space of the hollow strut, and at least one side port for eluting the drug formulation in vivo. When the stent is in the radially expanded configuration the hollow strut is deformable from a first configuration that has a first elution rate for the drug formulation to a second configuration that has a second elution rate for the drug formulation. The second elution rate is faster than the first elution rate. The hollow strut deforms from the first configuration to the second configuration upon application of an applied pressure above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel devices for bone tissue engineering, comprising a metal or metal-based composite member/material comprising an interior macroporous structure in which porosity may vary from 0-90% (v), the member comprising a surface region having a surface pore size, porosity, and composition designed to encourage cell growth and adhesion thereon, to provide a device suitable for bone tissue engineering in a recipient subject. In certain aspects, the device further comprises a gradient of pore size, porosity, and material composition extending from the surface region throughout the interior of the device, wherein the gradient transition is continuous, discontinuous or seamless and the growth of cells extending from the surface region inward is promoted.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, which comprises a device substrate, a coating on the substrate which includes a drug, and a protective layer which overlies the coating. The protective layer comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid and a lactic acid/glycolic acid copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of not more than 40,000.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more links. A Y-shaped member comprised of a link and a U-shaped member has relief dimples formed in the curved portion of a valley to reduce localized stress and thereby reduce fatigue failure that can lead to link structure failure.

Abstract: A method and device for local delivery of a water-insoluble therapeutic agent to the tissue of a normal or diseased body lumen is disclosed. An expandable structure of a medical disposable device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, is coated with a non-durable coating which includes an amphiphilic polymer or copolymer, in embodiments polyethylene glycol, having a substantially water-insoluble therapeutic agent dispersed therein. In some embodiments, the coating may also include iodine. The medical disposable device is inserted into a body lumen, and expanded to contact the non-durable coating against the body lumen and deliver the substantially water-insoluble therapeutic agent to the body lumen tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent-graft system comprising a first hollow cylindrical stent-graft body and at least one second hollow cylindrical stent-graft body. The first and the second stent-graft bodies are two structurally separate stent-graft bodies, and each comprise a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. The first and the second stent-graft bodies further each comprise a stent-graft portion and a stent portion. The stent portion of the first stent-graft body and the stent portion of the second stent-graft body are designed in such a way that they can be at least partially inserted into one another in order to form one shared stent portion which is free from prosthesis material.