Abstract: Coatings for implantable medical devices and methods for fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings include a layer comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a layer comprising a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer.

Abstract: A low profile, implantable prosthesis includes (a) a tubular graft including opposed open ends and having yarns in a textile pattern to define a textile wall having a luminal surface and an exterior surface; and (b) a tubular, radially extensible member including a portion arranged in a closed zig-zag pattern, the pattern having a series of angled bends at proximal and distal ends thereof, and longitudinally extending members having opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal ends being disposed from the angled bends of the proximal end; the longitudinally extending members having a plurality of detents for securing the yarns within the textile pattern at one of the opposed open ends, wherein the yarns of the textile patterns are securably disposed to the detents. The detents may be holes, inwardly extending notches, outwardly extending protuberances, or combinations thereof in the longitudinally extending members.

Abstract: A stent having a multi-layered coating adhered to its surface which can prevent restenosis and thrombosis at the implant site. The stent coating is comprised of two layers. The first layer is a polymeric coating with one or more biologically active agent(s) dispersed therein. The second layer is comprised of a hydrophobic heparinized polymer that inhibits blood coagulation and provides a hydrophilic surface for reducing the friction between stent and lesion site. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the multi-layered stent is effective in deterring restenosis and thrombosis at the implant site. In these same preferred embodiments, the multi-layered stent is capable of reducing the burst release of the biologically active agents from the first layer and sustaining a release of an effective amount of these agents for a relatively extended period of time. Methods of applying the multi-layered coating to the stent surface are also part of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stent structures having improved migration resistance. In particular, the invention relates to mesh stents, such as braided or twisted stent designs, where at least a portion of the stent is folded back over itself to form a multi-layered stent device. Such multi-layered portions provide for migration resistance, among other advantages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a delivery system including a stent protector to protect an end of the stent and/or stent body for delivery of the stent to an intended fixation site or treatment site within a body lumen. More specifically, the present invention is directed to balloon catheter which protects the distal end, proximal end and/or body of a stent during delivery to the deployment site and/or shipping of a preloaded system.

Abstract: Embodiments of coatings for implantable medical devices, such as stents, are disclosed. The devices may include at least one structural element having an abluminal side, luminal side, and sidewalls between the abluminal and luminal sides. The coating may include at least two continuous coating layers. In some embodiments, the luminal side, and all or a majority of the sidewalls are free of at least two of the coating layers.

Abstract: Implantable devices, such as stents, having a surface modified with TiNxCy are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed. The method includes applying a formulation on a first polymer layer containing a therapeutic substance to form a second layer. The formulation can contain a highly hydrophobic polymer or a solvent which is a poor solvent for the drug or the polymer of the first layer. The formulation can have a low surface tension value or a high Weber number value.

Abstract: Embolic implants, delivery systems and methods of manufacture and delivery are disclosed. The devices can be used for aneurysm treatment and/or parent vessel occlusion. Implant designs offer low profile compressibility for delivery to neurovasculature, while maintaining other necessary features such as density for occlusion purposes and desirable radial strength characteristics.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a stent having little or no risk of the breakage of a coating layer that is formed on the stent surface in the course of producing or transporting the stent or during the step of expanding the stent in clinical use. In other words, a stent to be implanted in a lumen in the living body wherein a layer including a physiologically active substance, a biodegradable polymer and a citric acid ester employed as a plasticizer is formed at least a part of the surface of the stent body.

Abstract: A medical device having at least one expandable stent, and at least three removable slat members carried by the stent. The removable slat members provide a substantially continuous cover for the medical device, and thus impede the flow of blood through the peripheral walls of the medical device. When deployed within a blood vessel, some of the slat members may serve to cover an aneurysm and restrict the blood flow into the aneurysm. In addition, one or more of the slat members may be selectively removed to provide blood flow into a branching blood vessel. In an alternative embodiment, an inner expandable stent is coaxially disposed within the outer expandable stent, and three removable slat members are carried by the inner expandable stent.

Abstract: Bioresorbable medical implants are designed to have different resorption rates over time or over the topography of the implants. The resorption of the medical implants are controlled by including layers having differing resorption rates. The layers resorb sequentially over time through sequential exposure to body fluids. A resorption-controllable medical implant includes a series of two or more layers. The first layer includes a first bioresorbable material. The second layer includes a second bioresorbable material and resorbable particles of a first kind dispersed within the second bioresorbable material. Additional layers of bioresorbable material alone or including resorbable particles may be added to slow or speed resorption and achieve desired control over the resorption of the implant. Resorbable particles can be added in differing amounts or kinds in various segments of the implant to provide topographically differing resorption rates.

Abstract: A medical device for treatment of a stenosed body lumen, includes an open-ended cylindrical body carried on a distal end of a catheter for insertion of the device into the body lumen and placement at the stenosed site. The cylindrical body is movable between a collapsed position for insertion into the body lumen, and a radially expanded position pressed against the wall of the body lumen. In one embodiment the body sidewall is formed by a plurality of interconnected struts or elements defining openings therebetween, and at least one elongate ribbon is attached to an outer surface thereof for carrying a therapeutic agent. In another embodiment, the body is formed of interwoven elements defining a mesh-like structure, and the elements may comprise dissimilar materials, such as, e.g., copper and silver. In a further embodiment the body is formed of layers of different materials such as, e.g., copper, silver, and/or steel, laminated together.

Abstract: Implantable medical device coatings that have improved mechanical stability and medical devices coated with such coatings are disclosed.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a stent for high frequency thermotherapy, which is fabricated by knitting first superlastic shape-memory alloy wires as a way to allow the first superelastic shape-memory alloy wires to cross each other at different positions to make a hollow cylindrical stent body having a net structure with a plurality of meshes. The stent body is covered with an insulating substance. A hollow cylindrical conductive body surrounds a waist part of the stent body while any one end or both ends of the conductive body is attached to the waist part of the stent body. At this time, the conductive body is fabricated by knitting second superelastic shape-memory alloy wires as a way to allow the second superelastic shape-memory alloy wires to cross each other at different positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical devices comprising nanocomposite materials. By utilizing nanocomposites in the production thereof, the inventive medical devices can be produced with various advantageous properties. Methods of producing the inventive medical devices are also provided. Inasmuch as the inventive devices are expected to provide certain advantages in their use, there is also provide a method of medical care including methods of treatment or diagnosis, wherein the inventive devices are brought into therapeutic contact with a body to be treated or diagnosed thereby.

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

Abstract: A medical device and system capable of providing on-demand delivery of biologically active material to a body lumen patient, and a method of making such medical device. A first coating layer comprising a biologically active material and optionally a polymeric material is disposed on the surface of the medical device. A second coating layer comprising magnetic particles and a polymeric material is disposed on the first coating layer. The second coating layer, which is substantially free of a biologically active material, protects the biologically active material prior to delivery. The system includes the medical device and a source of energy, such as an electromagnetic or mechanical vibrational energy. When the patient is exposed to the energy source, the magnetic particles move out of the second coating layer and create channels therein through which the biologically active material can be released.

Abstract: Drug coated stents for implantation in a body vessel are provided. A stent can include a plasma treatment on the luminal surface and a protein-adherence deterring layer on at least a portion of the luminal surface. A further embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a drug coated stent. Another further embodiment includes a method of treating a vascular condition with a drug coated stent.

Abstract: An implantable flow modifying device and a method of modifying flow through a lumen are provided. The flow modifying device includes a flexible member configured for permitting fluid flow through the body lumen in a first direction at a first rate and for restricting fluid flow through the body lumen in a second direction at a second rate. The flexible member includes a passageway defined by a sheath of biocompatible material, the passageway having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is sized and shaped to at least partially restrict fluid flow in the first direction and capable of at least partially collapsing in response to fluid flow in the second direction. The second end portion is adapted to seal with a wall of the body lumen. A diameter of a first opening defined in the first end portion is smaller than a diameter of a second opening defined in the second end portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for collapsing an expandable stent can include a plurality of movable members braided together to form a tubular member or main body portion. The movable members can at least partially define a lumen in the main body portion. The main body portion can be adapted to circumferentially apply an inward force as the diameter of the main body portion is reduced. The diameter of the main body portion can be reduced by moving opposing ends of the main body portion away from each other. An expanded expandable stent can be collapsed by positioning the stent inside the lumen of the main body portion and pulling opposing ends of the main body portion apart. An intermediate layer can be provided between the stent and the main body portion to reduce shear stresses and point forces on the stent.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, e.g., a stent, that includes a pro-healing surface and a temporary non-fouling material attached to the surface, and a method of making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing a self-supporting layer made of a titanium and nickel alloy with superelastic and/or shape memory properties has the following steps: a substrate entirely or at least mainly made of silicon is provided, a layer of said alloy is applied to a surface of the substrate, the substrate with the desired form is cut out of a wafer or formed by a wafer with the desired form; at least some zones of the lateral surfaces of the substrate adjoining the zones of the surface of the substrate which receive the layer are subjected to an etching process; a layer of said alloy is applied to the surface of the substrate; and the substrate is removed from the applied layer. Also disclosed is a substrate suitable for carrying out the process and an object, in particular an implant, comprising at least one layer produced by this process.

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

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a brittle layer, e.g. a ceramic and an underlayer to accommodate dimensional changes as the endoprosthesis is flexed.

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

Abstract: A stent made of nitinol having improved axial or radial stiffness, the stent having a support structure which comprises peripheral struts around the circumference, wherein the peripheral struts are linked to one another in the axial direction via connection struts. The support structure may assume a first compressed state and a second expanded state. The nitinol is in the support structure in a martensitic microstructure in the compressed state and largely in an austenitic microstructure in the second expanded state. One or more support structure sections, however, are entirely or partially in a martensitic microstructure in the second expanded state.

Abstract: A stent having a base body of a bioinert metallic implant material wherein the base body is covered with an SiC coating. An external surface of the base body has a plurality of cavities which are filled with an antiproliferative active ingredient, A luminal surface of the base body has a coating which contains or comprises attractors for endothelial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable medical devices for the localized delivery of therapeutic agents, such as drugs, to a patient. More particularly, the invention relates to a device having a gradient of water soluble therapeutic agents within a therapeutic agent layer and a mixing layer that allows for controlled release of the therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A stent comprising a base body consisting at least in part of either an arsenic-containing or selenium-containing biocorrodable alloy of at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, iron, tungsten, zinc and molybdenum. A method for producing a stent with a base body having a core and a diffusion layer covering the core and an arsenic-containing and/or selenium-containing biocorrodable alloy comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, iron, tungsten, zinc and molybdenum.

Abstract: A luminal stent, implanted and implanted and left in the blood vessel, is disclosed. By permitting a stent (1), formed of a biodegradable polymer material (2), to be swollen, and by impregnating the swollen stent (1) with a drug, a sufficient quantity of the drug is impregnated in the stent. This drug is continuously released into the blood vessel over a prolonged time. A biodegradable polymer layer is formed on the surface of the stent (1) impregnated with the drug, and the release rate of the drug impregnated in the stent is controlled.

Abstract: A vascular implant is provided. The implant can comprise a first material layer and at least one metallic material disposed on at least a portion of the first material layer in a predetermined pattern. The implant can further comprise at least one hydrophobic material disposed on at least a portion of the surface of at least one of the first material layer and the at least one metallic material.

Abstract: The ePTFE structure includes an ePTFE tubular structure having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure is formed from rotating the opposite ends relative to one another in a direction of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The ePTFE tubular structure has a node and fibril micro-structure in which substantially all of the fibrils are oriented in the direction of rotation.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a system for treating body lumens, comprising stents, such as intravascular stents. More particularly, the invention is directed to stents having extensions attached on the ends thereof. The invention is also directed to methods for making and using such stents.

Abstract: There is provided a thin-walled self-sealing vascular graft with a first tubular structure formed from ePTFE and having a wall thickness of 0.2 mm or less, and a resealable polymer layer, such as a styrene copolymer, located on one surface of said first tubular structure. A second tubular structure may also be present, so that the resealable polymer layer is disposed between said first and second tubular structure. The second tubular structure is preferably formed from a textile layer but can also be ePTFE. A method of forming such a self-sealing graft is also provided comprising the steps of wrapping unsintered ePTFE tape helically onto a mandrel such that adjacent turns of the ePTFE tape overlap; sintering the layers of tape by heating above the crystalline melting point of ePTFE to form a sintered tubular structure, and applying a resealable polymer layer to one surface of said first tubular structure. The graft can be used for replacing a defective portion of the vasculature in a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device, and more particularly to a method of forming a tubular membrane on a radially expandable structural frame. In one aspect, a structural frame is placed over a spinning mandrel and a fiber is electro-statically spun over at least a portion of the structural frame forming a membrane. A transfer sheath may be used between the mandrel and structural frame to prevent the electrostatically spun fiber from adhering to the mandrel. In another aspect, a first membrane is spun over the mandrel before the structural frame is placed over the mandrel. In this aspect, at least a portion of the structural frame is sandwiched between the membranes. The membrane or membranes and structural frame form a fiber spun frame assembly. The fiber spun frame assembly may be coated with an elastic polymer. In addition, the membrane or membranes may go through some post processing to achieve desired characteristics or configurations.

Abstract: Described are medical devices which are or can be used to form tubular medical devices, and related methods. Preferred devices include tubular grafts of biomaterial having lumen walls which present no seam edge that traverses the entire length of the lumen, illustratively including devices having lumen walls which have a discontinuous seam presenting multiple seam edges. Such a device may include a tubular structure formed by inserting a plurality of extensions of a biomaterial sheet through a plurality of corresponding apertures of the sheet.

Abstract: An elongate device (19), arcuate in cross-section, for placement around a vessel (4), comprises an essentially non-porous outer layer and a biodegradable inner layer. An alternative device comprises a tubular portion (3) for placement around a graft and a portion (2), arcuate in cross-section that can straddle a native vessel, at the site of an end-to-side anastomosis.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a stent and a polymer scaffold.

Abstract: The stent assembly with exterior banding for delivery of therapeutic agents of the present invention comprises a stent and drug coated bands located circumferentially around the stent. The width of the bands allows free flow of blood or other fluids to side branch lumens within the body. Positioning the bands on the abluminal surface prevents the intrusion of the bands into the inner diameter of the stent, thus optimizing patency. The therapeutic agent can vary from band to band, or different therapeutic agents can be included at different radial locations within the band. In an alternate embodiment, the stent assembly can comprise a stent and one or more helical wraps around the stent, the helical wraps including one or more therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A stent includes a tubular stent body 11, a diamond-like carbon film 12 formed on the surface of the stent body 11 and having an activated surface, and a polymer layer 13 immobilized on the surface of the diamond-like carbon film. The polymer layer 13 contains a drug 14 having an effect to prevent restenosis, and the drug 14 is gradually released from the polymer layer 13.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating a stent and a stent having selected morphology on abluminal and luminal surfaces of the stent are disclosed.

Abstract: Coatings and methods of forming coatings for implantable medical devices, such as stents, are described. The coatings are used for the sustained release of a therapeutic agent or drug.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a substrate having a plasma polymerized functionality bonded to at least a portion of the substrate. A superoxide dismutase mimic agent having a complimentary functional group to the plasma polymerized functionality is bonded to the portion of the substrate by bonding to the plasma polymerized functionality. The functionalities can be carboxylate, amine, or sulfate groups and/or polyethylene glycol and can optionally include crosslinking groups.

Abstract: Bioresorbable medical implants are designed to have different resorption rates over time or over the topography of the implants. The resorption of the medical implants are controlled by including layers having differing resorption rates. The layers resorb sequentially over time through sequential exposure to body fluids. A resorption-controllable medical implant includes a series of two or more layers. The first layer includes a first bioresorbable material. The second layer includes a second bioresorbable material and resorbable particles of a first kind dispersed within the second bioresorbable material. Additional layers of bioresorbable material alone or including resorbable particles may be added to slow or speed resorption and achieve desired control over the resorption of the implant. Resorbable particles can be added in differing amounts or kinds in various segments of the implant to provide topographically differing resorption rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radially-expandable stent for implantation in a bodily passageway, being expandable from an initial unexpanded state to an expanded state, having an outer surface with a geometric pattern covering said outer surface to minimize migration after implantation.

Abstract: In an inventive stent (10), helical filaments (12, 13) are disposed on a first tubular layer (11). The helical filaments (12, 13) are mutually phase-shifted such that they do not touch and lie in one plane. The helical filaments (12, 13) are completely coated by a second elastic tubular polymer layer (14) which is connected to the first elastic tubular layer (11). Further helical filaments may be disposed on the second elastic tubular layer (14). The inventive stent can be lengthened for introduction into a hollow organ and is self-expanding.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-sealing arteriovenous graft including a tube having a polymeric inner layer defining a lumen through which blood may flow and an outer textile layer. The outer textile layer is concentrically disposed about the inner layer. Furthermore, an intermediate self-sealing layer is concentrically positioned between the inner and outer layers. The self-sealing layer includes a biocompatible polymer.

Abstract: A method for making an intravascular stent by applying to the body of a stent a solution which includes a solvent, a polymer dissolved in the solvent and a therapeutic substance dispersed in the solvent and then evaporating the solvent. The inclusion of a polymer in intimate contact with a drug on the stent allows the drug to be retained on the stent during expansion of the stent and also controls the administration of drug following implantation. The adhesion of the coating and the rate at which the drug is delivered can be controlled by the selection of an appropriate bioabsorbable or biostable polymer and the ratio of drug to polymer in the solution. By this method, drugs such as dexamethasone can be applied to a stent, retained on a stent during expansion of the stent and elute at a controlled rate.

Abstract: Methods of making coated implantable medical devices are provided. The methods include positioning a first layer comprising a bioactive on at least a portion of a structure, and positioning at least one porous layer over the first layer. The at least one porous layer has a thickness adequate to provide a controlled release of the bioactive.