Abstract: A medical device, comprising a tube including at least one lumen, an absorbent located at a distal portion of the tube, the absorbent being configured to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state, and a structure fixed to the absorbent, wherein the structure is configured to flex into a compressed state and an expanded state simultaneously with the compressed state and the expanded state of the absorbent, and the structure exposes at least a portion of the absorbent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vascular stent, deployed or non-deployed, the surface of which is coated by a film comprising at least one protein, to a process for coating of the surface of a vascular stent with a film comprising at least one protein and to a device for carrying out the process according to the invention.

Abstract: A system comprising first, second, and third shape memory polymers (SMPs); wherein (a) the first SMP is a biodegradable open cell foam that includes a first channel; (b) the second SMP includes a second channel and is included in the first channel; (c) the foam is in a first state and is configured to expand to a second state, radially outward from the second foam, in response to thermal stimulus; (d) the third SMP is between the first and second SMPs and includes a stent having a first strut that includes the third SMP and a second strut that includes the third SMP; and (e) each of the first, second, and third SMPs is coupled to a wire.

Abstract: A medical appliance or prosthesis may comprise one or more layers of rotational spun nanofibers, including rotational spun polymers. The rotational spun material may comprise layers including layers of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Rotational spun nanofiber mats of certain porosities may permit tissue ingrowth into or attachment to the prosthesis. Additionally, one or more cuffs may be configured to allow tissue ingrowth to anchor the prosthesis.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a system comprising: a substrate of a medical device; an un-foamed polyurethane coating directly contacting the substrate and fixedly attached to the substrate; a thermoset polyurethane shape memory polymer (SMP) foam, having first and second states, which directly contacts the polyurethane coating and fixedly attaches to the polyurethane coating; wherein the polyurethane coating fixedly attaches the SMP foam to the substrate. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A tissue repair fibrous membrane, preparation method and application thereof, and tissue repair product. The tissue repair fibrous membrane is formed by interweaving fiber filaments having a diameter of 10 nm to 100 ?m, and has pore structures formed by interweaving between the fiber filaments. The fiber filaments have concave structures, and have annular convex structures thereon in the radial direction of the filaments.

Abstract: A diametrically adjustable endoprosthesis includes a controlled expansion element extending along at least a portion of a graft and is supported by a stent. The controlled expansion element diametrically constrains and limits expansion of the endoprosthesis. Upon deployment from a smaller, delivery configuration, the endoprosthesis can expand to the initial diameter set by the controlled expansion element. Thereafter, the endoprosthesis can be further diametrically expanded (e.g., using balloon dilation) by mechanically altering the controlled expansion element.

Abstract: A shape memory material-based minimally invasive implantation with end part self-expanding structure, and an implant having the structure. The implant includes an actuating component; the implant has a first shape and a second shape, and comprises a central part and multiple end parts which are substantially symmetrically distributed; the second shape has a larger area than the first shape; the actuating component is able to enable the end parts to move along a direction away from the central part of the implant, so that the implant is transformed from the first shape to the second shape. The present invention can allow an implant to have a small size before it is implanted and to be expanded into a structure having a larger size after implantation.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for transmitting signals through a device located in a blood vessel of an animal, for stimulating and/or sensing activity of media proximal to the device, wherein the media includes tissue and/or fluid.

Abstract: A caped stent providing a cover having a single attachment point and an overlappable free end providing better conformity to target vessels than existing covered stents in which the stent covering is affixed throughout such stent.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are described for deploying a stent into a body lumen. A stent delivery system may include a sheath with a partially-tubular first portion made from a first material and a second portion made from a second material that is adhered to the first portion to form a tubular body. In some cases, the first material may be chemically incompatible with the second material such that the adhesion between the first portion and second portion is free from cross-linked bonds. The stent delivery system may further include a guidewire lumen with a distal tip that may be slidably disposed within the sheath and a tubular stent disposed between the guidewire lumen and an inside surface of the sheath. The sheath may be formed by coextruding the first material and the second material to form a striped tubular body of the sheath.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable composite stent structure, comprising bioabsorbable polymeric ring structures which retain a molecular weight and mechanical strength of a starting substrate and one or more interconnecting struts which extend between and couple adjacent ring structures. The ring structures can have a formed first diameter and being radially compressible to a smaller second diameter and re-expandable to the first diameter. The ring structures can comprise a base polymeric layer. The interconnecting struts can be formed from a polymer blend or co-polymer of poly-L-lactide (PLLA) and an elastomeric polymer. The interconnecting struts each can have a width that is less than a circumference of one of the ring structures. The adjacent ring structures can be axially and rotationally movable relative to one another via the interconnecting struts. The interconnecting struts can also be bioabsorbable.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device comprises an expandable stent, a flexible cover material positioned on at least an outer surface of the expandable stent, a nanoscale source of electrical energy embedded within the cover material, where the nanoscale source of electrical energy is mechanically activatable to produce the electrical energy, and antimicrobial particles distributed on or within a surface region of the cover material. The antimicrobial particles are electrically connected to the nanoscale source of electrical energy. When the active implantable medical device is placed in a body vessel and exposed to pressure changes and/or mechanical stresses, mechanical activation of the nanoscale source occurs, thereby enabling production of the electrical energy and powering of the antimicrobial particles.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a prosthesis, and method of forming the same are disclosed. The medical device includes a cover material and a reinforcement element, and may include a stent frame structure. The reinforcement element includes a plurality of bends disposed about a pattern axis. The pattern axis is arranged helically along the cover material.

Abstract: A stent with varying porosity is described. The stent can be comprised of multiple stents attached together. A braided stent may have selected regions of increased thickness. The stent may be comprised of wires that are welded together at their ends in order to minimize vessel trauma. The stent may comprise a helically wound radiopaque wire wound through the stent.

Abstract: A mechanical prosthetic heart valve assembly for the provision of surface anticoagulation by generating an electrostatic field of a plurality of negatively charged ions thereon, acting as neo-endothelium on the mechanical prosthetic heart valve, referred as Surface Anticoagulation by Electrical Neo-endothelialization (SAEN). The mechanical prosthetic heart valve assembly comprises a mechanical prosthetic heart valve housing; a pair of mechanical prosthetic heart valve discs; a mechanical prosthetic heart valve sewing ring; an implantable pulse generator serving as a source of electricity for generating the electrostatic field of the plurality of negatively charged ions thereon the surface of the mechanical prosthetic heart valve; a pulse generator bipolar lead connected to the outer surface of the mechanical prosthetic heart valve housing, using an electrode; and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft sutured to margins of a fenestration on the mechanical prosthetic heart valve sewing ring.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for transmitting signals through a device located in a blood vessel of an animal, for stimulating and/or sensing activity of media proximal to the device, wherein the media includes tissue and/or fluid.

Abstract: A polymeric stent having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section. A lumen passes through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The polymeric stent includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen to between 15% and 500% of its dry diameter and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: An example medical device for treating a body lumen is disclosed. The medical device includes an expandable scaffold including first and second regions, each of the first and second regions include a plurality of interstices located therein. The medical device also includes a covering spanning each of the plurality of interstices of the first region. The second region is free of the covering. A biodegradable gripping material is disposed on an outer surface of the covering. Further, the expandable scaffold is configured to shift from a collapsed state to an expanded state and the second region is configured to contact an inner surface of the body lumen in the expanded state. Additionally, the gripping material is designed to initially prevent migration of the expandable scaffold upon implantation in the body lumen until the second region is secured to the inner surface of the body lumen.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for transmitting signals through a device located in a blood vessel of an animal, for stimulating and/or sensing activity of media proximal to the device, wherein the media includes tissue and/or fluid.

Abstract: An example medical device is disclosed. The example medical device includes a tubular scaffold. The scaffold includes a longitudinal axis, an inner surface and an outer surface. The medical device also includes a flexible valve extending radially inward from the inner surface of the scaffold. The valve includes an annular chamber extending circumferentially around the inner surface of the scaffold and is configured to shift from a closed configuration to an open configuration.

Abstract: This application is directed to a device comprising a covering attached to the device. A process of making a device with a specific covering attached is also disclosed. The application further discloses a method for the treatment of perforations, fistulas, ruptures, dehiscence and aneurisms in luminal vessels and organs of a subject.

Abstract: Medical appliances may be formed of multilayered constructs. The layers of the constructs may be configured with various physical properties or characteristics. The disposition and arrangement of each layer may be configured to create an overall construct with a combination of the individual properties of the layers. Constructs may be used to create vascular prostheses or other medical devices.

Abstract: A novel function for the p53 gene related to resolution of deep venous thrombosis is disclosed herein. Lack of the p53 gene results in impaired thrombus resolution in a clinically relevant in vivo model of deep venous thrombus resolution. It is further shown that augmentation of p53 activity with quinacrine accelerates thrombus resolution in vivo, and that this beneficial effect is completely dependent on p53. p53-based therapy is therefore provided to accelerate thrombus resolution in patients, and to prevent or ameliorate the debilitating long-term complications of deep venous thrombosis such as post-thrombotic syndrome.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material that comprises at least one magnesium component, whereby the magnesium component consists of pure magnesium or a magnesium-calcium alloy or a magnesium-calcium-X alloy, whereby X is another biodegradable element. The composite material also contains at least one organic anti-infective agent having a solubility in water at room temperature of less than 10 grams per liter.

Abstract: In a method for surface-modifying a neural electrode, a neural electrode array is formed, first and second metal nanoparticles having different solubilities with respect to an etching solution are simultaneously electrode-deposited on a surface of the neural electrode array, and the second metal nanoparticles are selectively etched using the etching solution, thereby forming a porous structure including the first metal nanoparticles on the surface of the neural electrode array.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of atraumatic stents with likely reduced rates of tissue perforation are provided. The stents of the invention have crowns with crown tips having apexes made of a radial force reducing material. The apexes are soft and flexible and reduce the radial force at the crown relative to the stent body allowing the crowns to collapse with greater ease compared to the central portion of the stent.

Abstract: A metallic and magnetorheological multi-panel, which is constituted in a sandwich structure that consists of a core (2) that consists of a viscoelastic resin (2) of adhesive nature, in which are found, distributed in an isotropic or anisotropic manner with a proportion in volume of more than 5%; and Magnetorheological particles of ferromagnetic material and with sizes between 10 nm and 10?, said core (1) being arranged between a first skin (11) of metallic non-magnetic nature and a second skin (12) of metallic non-magnetic nature equal to or different from the first skin. The ratio of the thickness (Hn) of the core with respect to any of the thicknesses (H1), (H2) of the first (11) and second (12) skins is less than 0.1 and more than 0.01.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass anti-adhesion wound dressings including patches made from amnion tissue obtained from human birth tissue. Exemplary amnion patches can be fabricated by folding a section of amnion over on itself with the epithelial layer on the outside of the folded patch and the fibroblast layer on the inside of the folded patch. Optionally, individual amnion tissue pieces can be sandwiched together to provide a multi-layer patch. Sufficient pressure is applied to the layered amnion to cause adherence between opposing faces of the fibroblast layers. The pressed fibroblast layers provide mechanical strength to hold the amnion patch together with the epithelial layers on the outsides of the amnion patch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflow cannula for blood circulatory assist devices, having a robust structure and possessing a thrombus anchoring effect. Furthermore, the inflow cannula for blood circulatory assist devices does not deform or exhibit loss of dimensional accuracy during the manufacture process. These features are achieved by a porous structure formed of one or more linear elements or of a porous shaped article.

Abstract: A medical device for treating aortic insufficiency (and associated aneurysms or defects of any other vessel associated with a valve) includes a support structure, a stent, a prosthetic valve and a deflector. Generally, the support structure is configured to cooperate with the prosthetic valve to pinch the native valve therebetween and provide an anchor for the stent which extends into the aorta and supports the deflector which is positioned to abate blood flow against the aneurysm.

Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication method of creating a three-dimensional article built at least in part from scaffolding layers, the method includes providing a scaffolding material, providing a supporting material in a shape of a foamy layer, and contacting the scaffolding material with the foamy layer to form at least one scaffolding layer and thereby creating the three dimensional article.

Abstract: A stent includes a bioabsorbable metal, a hydrothermal conversion film covering the bioabsorbable metal, and a coating covering the hydrothermal conversion film. A method for manufacturing a stent includes forming a stent body comprising a bioabsorbable metal, forming a hydrothermal conversion film over surfaces of the stent body, and coating the hydrothermal conversion film with an overcoat.

Abstract: An implant for releasing an active substance into a vessel through which a body medium flows. The implant release an active substance into a vessel through which a body medium flows downstream from the location of the implant. A base of a biodegradable material is a carrier of the active substance to be released. The body medium flows past the implant and the active substance is release. The implant is configured so that the active substance does not contact a vessel wall at the location of implant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a free-standing biodegradable patch suitable for medical applications, especially intravascular, minimally-invasive and intraoperative surgical applications are provided, wherein the patch comprises a free-standing film or device having a mixture of a solid fibrinogen component and a solid thrombin component that, when exposed to an aqueous environment, undergoes polymerization to form fibrin. In alternative embodiments the patch may comprise a solid fibrinogen component, with or without an inorganic calcium salt component. The patch may take a non-adherent form during delivery to a target location within a vessel or tissue, and thereafter may be activated to adhere to vessel wall or tissue, and may include a number of additives, including materials to improve the mechanical properties of the patch, or one or more therapeutic or contrast agents.

Abstract: Methods for applying layers to medical devices and related devices are provided. Such devices can include stents. For example, the device can include a sidewall and a plurality of pores in the sidewall that are sized to inhibit flow of blood through the sidewall into an aneurysm to a degree sufficient to lead to thrombosis and healing of the aneurysm when the tubular member is positioned in a blood vessel and adjacent to the aneurysm. The device can have an anti-thrombogenic outer layer distributed over at least a portion of the device.

Abstract: A system for treating an aneurysm comprises at least a first double-walled filling structure having an outer wall and an inner wall and the filling structure is adapted to be filled with a hardenable fluid filling medium so that the outer wall conforms to the inside surface of the aneurysm and the inner surface forms a generally tubular lumen to provide blood flow. The first filling structure comprises a sealing feature which forms a fluid seal between the filling structure and the aneurysm or an adjacent endograft when the filling structure is filled with the hardenable fluid filling medium, thereby minimizing or preventing blood flow downstream of the seal.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials that can be used to replace a circumferential segment of an esophagus. For example, methods and materials that can be used to provide a tubular connection from one stump end of an esophagus to another stump end of the esophagus are provided.

Abstract: Stents and methods of fabricating stents with prohealing layers and drug-polymer layers are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis comprising a stent, a cover fully covering the stent wherein the cover has variable porosity in the radial direction; and an adhesion layer connecting the stent to the cover. Another aspect of the invention is a method of implanting an endoprosthesis which includes a stent, providing a cover with variable porosity in the radial direction, connecting the stent to the cover with an adhesion layer to form a covered stent, and implanting the covered stent within a body lumen of a patient.

Abstract: Multi-sheet laminate structures having a first extracellular matrix (ECM) sheet member having a biomaterial composition disposed on first ECM sheet member top surface and a second ECM sheet member having a bottom surface, the second ECM sheet member being joined to the first ECM sheet member, wherein the first ECM sheet member top biomaterial composition surface is disposed proximate the second ECM sheet member bottom surface.

Abstract: A tubular graft device is provided comprising a tubular member and a fiber matrix of one or more polymers about a circumference of the tubular member. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft and connecting the graft between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a beneficial agent in the form of a viscous liquid or paste allows holes in a medical device to be loaded in a single step process. The loading of a beneficial agent in a paste form also provides the ability to deliver large and potentially sensitive molecules including proteins, enzymes, antibodies, antisense, ribozymes, gene/vector constructs, and cells including endothelial cells.

Abstract: Absorbable stents and absorbable stent coatings have been developed with improved properties. These devices preferably comprise biocompatible copolymers or homopolymers of 4-hydroxybutyrate, and optionally polylactic acid and other absorbable polymers and additives. Compositions of these materials can be used to make absorbable stents that provide advantageous radial strengths, resistance to recoil and creep, can be plastically expanded on a balloon catheter, and can be deployed rapidly in vivo. Stent coatings derived from these materials provide biocompatible, uniform coatings that are ductile, and can be expanded without the coating cracking and/or delaminating and can be used as a coating matrix for drug incorporation.

Abstract: Implantable biocompatible polymeric medical devices include a substrate with an acid or base-modified surface which is subsequently modified to include click reactive members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable medical devices coated with polymer having tunable hydrophobicity and their use in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Abstract: A composite stent and a method for making the same are provided.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a metallic base, a tie layer, and at least a first layer overlying an outer surface of the tie layer. The tie layer is bonded to at least a portion of a surface of the metallic base. The tie layer includes magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy. The tie layer can have an outer surface comprising dendritic grains. The tie layer can have a rough outer surface defined by pores, projecting grain structures, and/or projecting particles. A method of producing a tie layer on a medical device includes applying magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy to the medical device and cooling the magnesium or the magnesium-based alloy to produce a rough outer surface.

Abstract: An expandable medical device having a particle layer disposed over a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent. The particle layer has a first porosity when the medical device is in the unexpanded configuration and a second porosity when the medical device is in the expanded configuration. The particle layer comprises a plurality of micron-sized or nano-sized particles. In certain embodiments, the particles are not connected to each other, and as such, the different porosities are provided by changes in the spacing between the particles as the medical device is expanded/unexpanded. Also disclosed are medical devices having a particle layer, wherein the particle layer comprises a plurality of encapsulated particles, and methods of coating medical devices with particles.

Abstract: In one aspect, a medical device has a first configuration and a second configuration, a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, and a barrier layer disposed over the reservoir, wherein the barrier layer comprises an inorganic material. In another aspect, a medical device has a reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, a barrier layer disposed over the reservoir, wherein the barrier layer comprises an inorganic material, and a swellable material disposed between the barrier layer and a surface of the medical device, wherein the swellable material is a material that swells upon exposure to an aqueous environment. In yet another aspect, a medical device has a multi-layered coating having alternating reservoir layers and barrier layers, and a plurality of excavated regions penetrating through at least a partial thickness of the multi-layered coating.