Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process of forming a prosthetic device is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. A tubular frame is positioned over a tubular polymeric structure. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto the tubular frame to form a prosthetic device. The prosthetic device is heated.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: A stent includes a magnesium layer, a ceramic layer formed over the magnesium layer, and a magnesium compound layer interposed between the magnesium layer and the ceramic layer. The initial corrosion of the stent can be delayed, and the stent has excellent biocompatibility and thus can reduce side effects during cell proliferation and differentiation.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable stent and method of forming the same including a stent scaffolding formed from polymer layers with different degradation rates is disclosed. The polymer layers include an abluminal layer, a luminal layer, and optionally one or more middle layers. A degradation rate of the layers increases from the luminal layer to the abluminal layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable medical device coating that has improved stability, a medical device coated with such coating, and a method of increasing the stability of an implantable medical device coating, wherein the coating comprises a stereocomplex f poly(D-lactic acid) and poly(L-lactice acid).

Abstract: An expandable medical device has a plurality of elongated struts joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device, which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. At least one of the plurality of struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of the strut. A beneficial agent is loaded into the opening within the strut in layers to achieve desired temporal release kinetics of the agent. Alternatively, the beneficial agent is loaded in a shape which is configured to achieve the desired agent delivery profile. A wide variety of delivery profiles can be achieved including zero order, pulsatile, increasing, decrease, sinusoidal, and other delivery profiles.

Abstract: Radio-opaque endoprosthesis An endoprosthesis furnished with an armature made of metal wires visible in X-ray medical imaging in which the armature is formed of at least two layers of wires, the wires forming the armature comprising a core made of a radio-opaque material, the interaction between the cores of the wires of the various layers improving the visibility of the said endoprosthesis in X-ray medical imaging.

Abstract: A joint and method for producing a joint in an endovascular graft. In one embodiment, a flap of a flexible material portion of an endovascular graft is folded about a portion of an expandable member to form a loop portion. The flap is secured in the loop configuration so that tensile force on the expandable member is transferred into a shear force on the fixed portion of the flap.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: A mat having a highly uniform porosity distribution is produced by consolidating 15 or more layers of melt blown webs (or the like) having different orientations. Control over the porosity is provided by using webs that exhibit a narrow, unimodal distribution of fiber diameters over the bulk of its distribution, such as in the top 80%. A compliance of the mats can be chosen by selecting a number and orientation of the webs. It is thus possible to produce mats that are good candidates for vascular grafts, for example. The uniformity of the porosity within the range of 6 ?m to 30 ?m permits seeding of the vascular graft with endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The mats have the demonstrated ability to retain, and support growth of, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells.

Abstract: A self-sealing vascular graft, including a substrate with a sealant layer and several optional additional layers, is described. The substrate can be ePTFE and the material used for the sealant and additional layers can be polyurethane. The sealant layer and additional layers may include one or more base layers, one or more foam layers, beading of different sizes and shapes, and ePTFE tape. A flared cuff may be integral to one or both ends of the substrate or may be attached to one or both ends. Various methods of making a self-sealing vascular graft are also described, including methods of disposition, methods of forming, methods of bonding and methods of attaching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant or instrument, particularly a vascular endoprosthesis (stent), comprising a deformable structural part. In order to provide an implant of this type that is magnetic resonance-compatible and can be easily and economically produced, the invention provides that the structural part has a two-layer or multilayer design, whereby layers (2,3) have different electrical and/or magnetic properties. The invention particularly provides that the structural part has a frame structure with openings (5) whereby, in different layers (2,3) of the structural part, the openings (5) are each located at different positions not directly located one above the other.

Abstract: Methods for modulating the release rate of a drug coated stent are disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. The invention provides for a an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of endothelial cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture.

Abstract: This invention relates to stents having medicated multi-layer hybrid polymer coatings, useful for the treatment of stenosed vasculature or other body passages.

Abstract: A coating having a smooth orange peel morphology is formed on an adluminal surface of a stent, concurrently with the formation of a coating having a rough rice grain morphology on an abluminal surface of the stent. During the formation of the two coatings, a mandrel is placed adjacent to the adluminal surface of the stent but does not generally contact the adluminal surface.

Abstract: Methods for treatment of aneurysms using a sequential manifold console to deploy multiple filling structures are provided herein. In one aspect, aneurysms are treated by simultaneously filling two double-walled filling structure using a sequential manifold console to guide a user in the steps to be followed in the procedure and to reliably achieve a consistent and durable aneurysmal treatment using a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. Pairs of filling structures delivered to the aneurysm from different access openings of a patient can be simultaneously prepared and pressurized from a single treatment console when treating abdominal aortic aneurysms using the described systems and methods.

Abstract: An electrode array, having application as a cochlear implant, includes a tube formed of Parylene defining a hollow channel. A substrate formed primarily of Parylene is supported by the tube. In turn, a plurality of metallic electrodes and feed lines are supported by the substrate. Numerous voids are defined by the tube which opens into the hollow channel. The size and spacing of the voids regulate stiffness and curl of the tube to provide excellent fit within the cochlea.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a coating for an implantable medical device is provided comprising applying a first polymer on at least a portion of the device to form a first layer of the coating and applying a second polymer on at least a portion of the first layer to form a second layer of the coating. The second polymer has a lower degree of hydration than the first polymer.

Abstract: Stents fabricated from hydrolytically degradable polymers with accelerated degradation rates and methods of fabricating stents with accelerated degradation rates are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device having a polymerized base coat layer for the immobilization of an anti-thrombogenic material, such as heparin, thereon. The binding coat layer is comprised of various chemically functional groups which are stable and allow for the immobilization of the anti-thrombogenic material thereto. Methods for immobilizing the anti-thrombogenic material within the base coat layer posited on a surface of the medical device are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for coating a medical device, such as a stent, including the steps of coating the medical device with a photoresist polymeric coating, irradiating a portion of the medical device, optionally applying a post-exposure bake step, and removing all or a portion of the coating from the irradiated portion of the medical device, if a positive photoresist coating material is used, or from a portion of the medical device not exposed to the radiation, if a negative photoresist coating material is used. The photoresist polymeric coating may optionally include a drug.

Abstract: A drug eluting stent comprising a multilayer tubular structure which includes at least one intermediate layer having reservoirs therein for deposition of a drug, the intermediate layer eluting drug in a lateral direction, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: The disclosure of the invention provides an implantable structural element for in vivo delivery of bioactive agents to a situs in a body. The implantable structural element may be configured as an implantable prosthesis, such as an endoluminal stent, cardiac valve, osteal implant or the like, which serves a dual function of being prosthetic and a carrier for a bioactive agent. Alternatively, the implantable structural element may simply be an implantable article that serves the single function of acting as a time-release carrier for the bioactive agent.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis can include a body including an underlying portion and a surface portion overlying the underlying portion. The underlying portion can include a bioerodible metal in the form of a matrix and corrosion enhancing deposits within the matrix. The surface portion including the bioerodible metal of the matrix. The surface portion having a first erosion rate when exposed to a physiological environment and the underlying portion having a second erosion rate when exposed to a physiological environment that is greater than the first erosion rate.

Abstract: A drug and drug delivery system may be utilized in the treatment of vascular disease. A local delivery system is coated with rapamycin or other suitable drug, agent or compound and delivered intraluminally for the treatment and prevention of neointimal hyperplasia following percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography. The local delivery of the drugs or agents provides for increased effectiveness and lower systemic toxicity.

Abstract: A coating for an implantable medical device is provided comprising a first layer including a first polymer and a second layer including a second polymer. The second layer is disposed over at least a portion of the first layer. The second polymer has a lower degree of hydration than the first polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a stent having a coating, comprising providing a tubular stent having a lumenal side and an ablumenal side; applying a coating composition to the stents such that the coating composition contacts the lumenal and ablumenal sides of the stent; and modifying the diameter of the stent from a first diameter to a second diameter during the process of applying the coating composition.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis and method are disclosed comprising a first flexible stent having a lattice structure with a compacted configuration and an expanded configuration, a second flexible stent inside the first flexible stent to form a tubular structure, a first film layer of graft material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sandwiched between the first and second flexible stents, and a second film layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sandwiched between the first and second flexible stents, the second layer having a higher rigidity and a lower plasticity than the first layer.

Abstract: This invention is directed to graft materials for implanting, transplanting, replacing, or repairing a part of a patient and to methods of making the graft materials. The present invention is also directed to stent grafts and endoluminal prostheses formed of the graft materials. More specifically, the present invention is a graft material which includes porous polymeric sheet, extracellular matrix material (ECM) disposed on at least a portion of the porous polymeric sheet and at least one polymer layer disposed on at least a portion of the ECM. The ECM may be in a gel form. The polymeric sheet and the polymer layer may be made from foam material and may comprise a polyurethane urea and a surface modifying agent such as siloxane.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices with elastomeric block copolymer coatings are disclosed.

Abstract: Luminal endoprosthesis formed of a multi-layer braided framework. The framework is devoid of any cover layer, and formed of a plurality of stabilized layers of biocompatible metal wires which are interlaced, forming a lattice, a plurality of wires of a given layer being integrated in the lattice of the adjacent layers. The mechanical characteristics of an outermost layer is so that when in place, the layer applies against a vessel wall, the other layers extending substantially along cylindrical surfaces distinct from the outermost layer so as to form a multi-layer mat which affects the haemodynamic of a flow of blood passing along or through this mat and preventing a growing of plaque.

Abstract: A metallic or pseudometallic covered stent in which the stent component and the cover component are each fabricated of biocompatible metallic or pseudometallic materials, in which the cover and the stent are joined by at least one juncture at each of a proximal and distal end of the stent and the cover. A method of joining the stent and the cover is also disclosed.

Abstract: An expandable medical device has a plurality of elongated struts joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. At least one of the plurality of struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of said strut. A beneficial agent is loaded into the opening within the strut in layers to achieve desired temporal release kinetics of the agent. Alternatively, the beneficial agent is loaded in a shape which is configured to achieve the desired agent delivery profile. A wide variety of delivery profiles can be achieved including zero order, pulsatile, increasing, decrease, sinusoidal, and other delivery profiles.

Abstract: A drug eluting stent comprising a multilayer tubular structure which includes at least one intermediate layer having reservoirs therein for deposition of a drug, the intermediate layer eluting drug in a lateral direction, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A device and a method of manufacturing an implantable medical device, such as a stent, are described herein. The device includes a metallic region composed of a bioerodable metal and a polymer region composed of a biodegradable polymer contacting the metallic region. The metallic region may erode at a different rate when exposed to bodily fluids than the polymer region when exposed to bodily fluids. In certain embodiments, the polymer region is an outer layer and the metallic region is an inner layer of the device. A further aspect of the invention includes device and a method of manufacturing the device that includes a mixture of a biodegradable polymer and bioerodable metallic particles. The mixture may be used to fabricate an implantable medical device or to coat an implantable medical device. In some embodiments, the metallic particles are metallic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method and coating for reducing the release rate of an active agent from an implantable device, such as a stent, is disclosed.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to the body tissue of a patient, and methods for making such a medical device. More particularly, the invention is directed to a stent, such as an intravascular stent, having an inner and outer coating compositions disposed thereon. In another embodiment, the inner coating composition and outer coating composition are separated by a barrier coating composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the design and fabrication of biological constructs, such as organ simulants or organ replacements, which contain complex microfluidic architecture. Designs of the present invention provide increased space in the lateral dimension, enabling a large number of small channels for small vessels.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a stent for insertion into a vessel of a patient and a method for manufacturing the same. The stent has front and back open ends and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The stent has a plurality of adjacent hoops that are held in alignment with the longitudinal axis between the front and back open ends by a thin film tube. The hoops are attached to either the inner or outer surface of the thin film tube. The stent is compressed into a first smaller diameter for insertion into the vessel with a delivery tube and a second larger diameter for deployment into the vessel. The inventive stent can be retracted into the delivery tube if it is improperly deployed.

Abstract: In order to provide a vascular stent, with which the risk of restenosis is reduced without having to use anti-proliferative active substances, there is proposed a carrier of a dimensionally stable material, as well as one or more layers, which are disposed at least in sections on the carrier, of a material based on crosslinked gelatin that is resorbable under physiological conditions, wherein the adhesion between the carrier and the layer and/or between individual layers can be neutralised.

Abstract: An expandable stent for use within a body passageway having a body member with two ends and a wall surface disposed between the ends. The body member has a first diameter to permit delivery of the body member into a body passageway and a second expanded diameter. The surface of the stent is coated with a biological agent and a polymer which controls the release of the biological agent.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis assemblies and methods of making endoprosthesis assemblies are disclosed. For example, endoprosthesis assemblies are described that include an endoprosthesis body and a polymeric coating about the endoprosthesis body. The polymeric coatings are engaged tightly to the endoprosthesis wall through engageable features created on the surface of the polymeric coatings and the surface of the endoprosthesis wall prior to engaging the surfaces.

Abstract: A coating for a stent and methods for coating a stent are provided. The coating may be used for the sustained delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a coating for medical implants, in particular, vascular stents, said coating comprising silicon dioxide, towards medical implants with a coating containing silicon dioxide and towards a method for their production. The coating can contain additional admixtures and have functionalization coats. The substrate of the coating is produced from a durable material, preferably from a stainless steel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable medical device comprising a bioactive agent and poly(alkyl cyanoacrylate) polymer. In one embodiment of the invention, the bioactive agent is a water-soluble material, such as an antisense agent.

Abstract: A stent-graft fabricated from a thin-walled, high strength material provides for a more durable and lower profile endoprosthesis. The stent-graft comprises one or more stent segments covered with a fabric formed by the weaving, knitting or braiding of a biocompatible, high tensile strength, abrasion resistant, highly durable yarn such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The one or more stent segments may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The fabric may be attached to the stent segments utilizing any number of known materials and techniques. The fabric may be attached to the stent segments utilizing an attachment device that secures the fabric to a strut of the stent segment by sandwiching the fabric between itself and the stent strut.