Abstract: An open frame prosthesis is formed with looped end terminations at its proximal and distal ends. At one end of the prosthesis, the filaments or strands are welded together in pairs to form strand couplings. A plurality of loop segments are connected to the strand couplings, one loop segment for each pair of adjacent strand couplings. In one version of the prosthesis, strands at the opposite end are bent to form looped ends. In another version, loop segments are connected to pairs of strand couplings at both ends of the prosthesis. The loop segments can be connected to the couplings by welding, fusion bonds, or tubes, which are either crimped or heat shrunk.

Abstract: A stent includes regions of differing numbers of braided filaments to provide different dimensions and/or properties in different regions along the stent length. The stent may include a first and second plurality of braided filaments each braided together. The second plurality of braided filaments is braided into the first plurality of braided filaments to form a region of different properties than the first. A method of constructing a braided stent includes the steps of braiding a first plurality of filaments to form the flexible portion, combining a second plurality of filaments to the first plurality of filaments, and then braiding the second plurality of filaments with the first plurality of filaments to form the more rigid region from the combination of the first and second plurality of filaments, where the second plurality of filaments is braided only in the rigid region.

Abstract: An implantable stent includes a plurality of elongate wires braided to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall to define an interior surface and an exterior surface and having opposed open first and second ends, wherein the opposed open first and second ends are atraumatic ends The atraumatic ends of the stent are desirably free of any loose wire ends. The wires include composite wires to enhance visibility of the wires to provide improved external imaging of the wires in the body. The elongate composite wires of the stent may be metallic wires having an outer metallic portion including a first metal, such as nitinol, and an inner metallic core portion including a second metal, which is a radiopaque material, such as gold, barium sulfate, ferritic particles, platinum, platinum-tungsten, palladium, platinum-iridium, rhodium, tantalum or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis comprises a tubular member having raised portions, which can be formed from and be part of the tubular member. The raised portions form a chamber or discrete space in a body passageway or lumen between the prosthesis and a portion of the passageway or lumen wall in which it is placed. A substance is delivered to the chamber to assist the prosthesis placement. The substance can comprise one or more substances that can enhance the seal and/or fixation characteristics between the prosthesis the passageway wall and/or provide therapeutic benefit. In another embodiment, the raised portions can be collars secured to the tubular member and in yet a further embodiment the raised portions can comprise inflatable collars.

Abstract: An implantable stent includes a plurality of elongate wires braided to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall to define an interior surface and an exterior surface and having opposed open first and second ends, wherein the opposed open first and second ends are atraumatic ends The atraumatic ends of the stent are desirably free of any loose wire ends. The wires include composite wires to enhance visibility of the wires to provide improved external imaging of the wires in the body. The elongate composite wires of the stent may be metallic wires having an outer metallic portion including a first metal, such as nitinol, and an inner metallic core portion including a second metal, which is a radiopaque material, such as gold, barium sulfate, ferritic particles, platinum, platinum-tungsten, palladium, platinum-iridium, rhodium, tantalum or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable radiopaque stent adapted to be disposed in a body lumen. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of elongate filaments including one or more radiopaque filaments are arranged to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall that defines an inner surface and an outer surface and opposing first open end and second open end. One of the open ends of the stent is formed by an intersection of adjacent filament ends. A radiopaque compound is applied to the intersection, the radiopaque compound comprising radiopaque material and polymeric material. The radiopaque compound and radiopaque filament provide improved external imaging of the tubular structure on imaging equipment.

Abstract: An insertion system with a self-expanding braided stent (11) for implantation in a blood vessel has an outer sleeve (12) with a distal end (14) and a proximal end. An inner sleeve (16) arranged in the outer sleeve (12) is displaceable relative to the latter and protrudes, with a handling section, from the proximal end of the outer sleeve (12). Moreover, at the distal end (15), there is a tip (18) which is securely connected to a stent support (24) on which the braided stent (11) is arranged in its loaded state. The stent support (24) is arranged to be displaceable relative to the inner sleeve (16).

Abstract: A metallic endoprosthesis is provided and causes no significant artefacts on images taken by magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), as a result of the combination of the production materials with a special design, which permits an evaluation of the externally adjacent region and the lumen of the endoprosthesis by means of MRT. The endoprosthesis is made from a material with a magnetisability similar to human tissue. The design of the endoprosthesis is such that the members or wires of the endoprosthesis run extensively along the longitudinal axis of the endoprosthesis, without forming a closed circuit in a plane which is essentially perpendicular to the endoprosthesis longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable radiopaque stent adapted to be disposed in a body lumen. In one aspect of the invention, at least one radiopaque filament is arranged for permanent attachment to a hollow tubular structure. The filament is desirably arranged in a linear direction traverse to a longitudinal length of the structure, the structure having a tubular wall that defines an inner surface and an outer surface and opposing first open end and second open end. The radiopaque filament improves external imaging of the tubular structure on fluoroscope or x-ray imaging equipment.

Abstract: A stent comprising a plurality of continuous filaments braided together, at least one filament comprising a tapered filament having at least one first region having a first, relatively-larger cross-sectional area and at least one second region having a second, relatively-smaller cross-sectional area. The stent itself may have a tapered diameter, such as from one end to the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of delivering and deploying a stent into a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other bony or body structure. The invention also relates to devices that may be used to perform the steps to deliver and deploy a stent.

Abstract: A multilayer braided luminal self-expanding stent (4) for an anatomical conduit (8) comprising a outer braided peripheral stent (10) which is permanently linked to an inner, braided, hemodynamic flow deflector (2) by at least a pair of filaments (12) that make part of a common braided structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stent having a hollow tubular structure with open ends which tubular structure is formed by a plurality of filaments woven alternately, wherein each of the filaments has at least one elongated closed-loop wire and both ends of each of the filaments are positioned at the open ends, and a method for fabricating the stent.

Abstract: A prosthesis for transluminal implantation consists of a flexible tubular interbraided structure of metal or polymeric monofilaments, and polymeric multifilament yarns. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed to reduce its diameter through axial elongation. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are arranged in axially spaced apart helices, concentric on a common central axis of the prosthesis. The monofilaments are selectively shaped before their interbraiding with the multifilament yarns, either by an age-hardening or other heat-setting stage, or a cold-working stage that controllably plastically deforms the strands. The shaped structural strands cooperate to impart to the prosthesis its nominal shape and resilience. The textile strands cooperate to provide a sheeting that occupies interstices between adjacent structural strands, to reduce permeability and thereby enhance the utility of the prosthesis as a vascular graft.

Abstract: A prosthesis for transluminal implantation consists of a flexible tubular three-dimensionally braided structure of metal or polymeric monofilaments, and polymeric multifilament yarns. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed to reduce its diameter through axial elongation. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are arranged in axially spaced apart helices, concentric on a common central axis of the prosthesis. The monofilaments are selectively shaped before their interbraiding with the multifilament yarns, either by an age-hardening or other heat-setting stage, or a cold-working stage that controllably plastically deforms the strands. The shaped structural strands cooperate to impart to the prosthesis its nominal shape and resilience. The textile strands cooperate to provide one or more layers of sheeting that reduce permeability and thereby enhance the utility of the prosthesis as a vascular graft.

Abstract: A flexible self-expandable stent has inside and outside stent bodies each fabricated by knitting first and second super-elastic shape memory alloy wires into a net-like structure with the first wire zigzagged with a diagonal length P interlocked with the second wire zigzagged with a diagonal length 2P at a plurality of interlocked points with intersecting points therebetween to allow the stent bodies to apply force against longitudinal contraction of the stent bodies. The interlocked points and the intersecting points form a plurality of diamond-shaped meshes in the net-like structure of each stent body. A hollow rubber tube is closely fitted between the inside and outside stent bodies, with each of the overlapped ends of the rubber tube and the stent bodies being integrating into a single structure.

Abstract: A stent and method for making the stent are provided. The stent comprises regions of differing numbers of braided filaments to provide a stent with different dimensions and/or properties in different regions along the stent length. A preferred stent comprises a first and second plurality of braided filaments each braided together. The second plurality of braided filaments is braided into the first plurality of braided filaments to form a region of different properties than the first. A preferred embodiment is a stent having a narrower diameter along a more flexible region and a broader diameter along a more rigid region. Also included is a method of constructing a braided stent in accordance with the above.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stent includes heating a plurality of wire strands to impart a desired shape to the wire strands, coating each wire strand with a biocompatible polymer in an extruder to produce a plurality of coated wire strands, and interlacing the coated wire strands to form a stent.

Abstract: A bifurcated, braided stent has a body that branches into a plurality of legs and is adapted for deployment in a lumen. At least a portion of each leg of the stent comprises a discrete plurality of continuous filaments braided together, and at least a portion of the body comprises one or more of the continuous filaments from each of the legs braided together. The stent can be used for treating a diseased bifurcated lumen of a human being by deploying the stent therein. The stent can be constructed by a process comprising braiding each plurality of filaments to form the leg sections, and braiding one or more filaments from each plurality of filaments together to form the body. The process may be performed by creating the legs first and then the body, or vice versa. The stent may be constructed on a mandrel using a braiding machine.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device and associated method for grafting a lumen of selected organs and vessels, wherein the medical device is shaped from a shape memory fabric. The device is preferably made from a continuous tubular fabric and each end terminates with an open end for passage there through. Each end further includes a securing member attached to an outer perimeter of the end, wherein a substantial plane formed by the perimeter intersects the longitudinal axis of the tubular fabric at either an acute or obtuse angle. The fabric may be heat treated within a mold in order to substantially set a desired shape of the device. The securing member may also attach to the end of a guide wire or delivery catheter, thereby allowing deployment and later retrieval after deployment of the device.

Abstract: An arterial prosthesis comprising biological inert polyester and polyurethane yarns, at last of portion of said yarns being agglutinated with gelatin/glycerin solution bonds.

Abstract: A stent-graft is provided that includes a bifurcated stent adapted for placement at the bifurcation of a bifurcated body lumen. The stent-graft further includes a graft that lines or covers at least part of the bifurcated stent. The graft defines a fluid passageway from the unbifurcated portion into one of the bifurcated stent branches. A closure prevents fluid from flowing through the second of the branches and into the other branch of the body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for locking self-expanding modular stent components together using an eversible extension on the male component. The male component is deployed partially within the female component, and with the eversible extension eversed over the male component.

Abstract: A modular luminal endoprosthesis formed principally of a framework, generally called a stent, and more particularly an endoprosthesis for blood vessels.

Abstract: A unitary or integral stent graft having both structural and fluid exclusion properties if formed. The stent graft includes structural elements, such as wires, which are interdigitated with fluid barrier elements, such as a fabric, to form a unitary body such that the graft need not be sewn or otherwise attached to a structural stent member. In one aspect, the stent graft has a shape memory feature, such that is may be manufactured in its final use configuration, distorted for easy delivery to an aneurysmal blood vessel, site and deployed, and in location regain its original shape.

Abstract: Protector elements for use in combination with medical devices configured to repair vasculature or other body lumens. In one aspect, the protector elements embody a cuff which provides a medical device with atraumatic surface and a desirable profile. In another aspect, the protector elements provide a medical device with enhanced structural integrity.

Abstract: A braided self-expandable stent-graft-membrane made of elongated members forming a generally tubular body. A membrane layer and graft layer are disposed on a endoprosthesis such as a stent. The membrane layer is substantially impermeable to fluids. The outermost layer is biocompatible with the body tissue. The innermost layer is biocompatible with the fluid in the passage. An embodiment includes a graft layer disposed on the inside of a stent and a membrane layer disposed on the outside of the stent. The innermost layer is biocompatible with the fluid in the passage. The stent-graft-membrane is used at a treatment site in a body vessel or organ where it is desirous to exclude a first fluid located outside the endoprosthesis from reaching a second fluid located in the lumen. The membrane may be made of silicone or polycarbonate urethane. The graft may be braided, woven, spun or spray-cast PET, PCU, or PU fibers. The layers may include ePTFE or PTFE.

Abstract: A prosthesis for transluminal implantation consists of a flexible tubular interbraided structure of metal or polymeric monofilaments, and polymeric multifilament yarns. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed to reduce its diameter through axial elongation. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are arranged in axially spaced apart helices, concentric on a common central axis of the prosthesis. The monofilaments are selectively shaped before their interbraiding with the multifilament yarns, either by an age-hardening or other heat-setting stage, or a cold-working stage that controllably plastically deforms the strands. The shaped structural strands cooperate to impart to the prosthesis its nominal shape and resilience. The textile strands cooperate to provide a sheeting that occupies interstices between adjacent structural strands, to reduce permeability and thereby enhance the utility of the prosthesis as a vascular graft.

Abstract: An implantable stent and stent-graft for treating a patient having a relatively healthy first aorta portion upstream from a renal artery branch, and a diseased aorta portion downstream from the renal artery branch. One embodiment of the device includes a fixation section, a renal artery branch section and a diseased aorta section, all of which can be tubular, radially compressible and self-expandable structures formed from a plurality of filaments which are helically wound in a braided configuration. When the device is implanted and in its expanded state, the fixation section engages the first aorta portion upstream from a renal artery branch to provide substantial anchoring support. The diseased aorta section engages the portion of the aorta downstream from the renal artery branch and extends across the diseased portion of the aorta for purposes of treatment.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a braided birfurcated stent involves the use of two or more braiding machines. In this process, a first discrete plurality of filaments are braided to form a first leg, and a second discrete plurality of filaments are braided to form a second leg. Either the same braiding machine may be used or two different braiding machines may be used. The process also involves braiding the first plurality of filaments and the second plurality of filaments together to form the body using yet another braiding machine. Either the legs or body may be braided first.

Abstract: A prosthesis for transluminal implantation consists of a flexible tubular three-dimensionally braided structure of metal or polymeric monofilaments, and polymeric multifilament yarns. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed to reduce its diameter through axial elongation. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are arranged in axially spaced apart helices, concentric on a common central axis of the prosthesis. The monofilaments are selectively shaped before their interbraiding with the multifilament yarns, either by an age-hardening or other heat-setting stage, or a cold-working stage that controllably plastically deforms the strands. The shaped structural strands cooperate to impart to the prosthesis its nominal shape and resilience. The textile strands cooperate to provide one or more layers of sheeting that reduce permeability and thereby enhance the utility of the prosthesis as a vascular graft.

Abstract: An improved ePTFE material and method of preparing the improved ePTFE material provides a tubular structure with enhanced axial elongation, radial expansion, and physical recovery characteristics.

Abstract: A stent includes a first portion which does not substantially lengthen axially upon radial contraction of the first portion and a second portion which lengthens axially upon radial contraction of the second portion. The second portion extends from the first portion and constitutes a free end portion of the stent.

Abstract: A composite stent/graft tubular prosthesis includes an inner PTFE tubular structure, an outer PTFE tubular structure assembled about the inner PTFE tubular structure, and a circumferentially distensible stent interposed between the inner and outer PTFE tubular structures. The outer tubular body is a non-continuous body formed of polytetrafluoroethylene components, providing axial and circumferential compliance to said prosthesis. The outer tubular body completely overlies the distensible stent.

Abstract: A prothesis for transluminal implantation consists of a flexible tubular interbraided structure of metal or polymeric monofilaments, and polymeric multifilament yarns. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed to reduce its diameter through axial elongation. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are arranged in axially spaced apart helices, concentric on a common central axis of the prosthesis. The monofilaments are selectively shaped before their interbraiding with the multifilament yarns, either by an age-hardening or other heat-setting stage, or a cold-working stage that controllably plastically deforms the strands. The shaped structural strands cooperate to impart to the prosthesis its nominal shape and resilience. The textile strands cooperate to provide a sheeting that occupies interstices between adjacent structural strands, to reduce permeability and thereby enhance the utility of the prosthesis as a vascular graft.

Abstract: An implantable deflecting device for positioning in the vicinity of an arterial bifurcation for causing embolic material flowing toward a first branch of the bifurcation to be deflected into the second branch of the same bifurcation. The device comprises a deflecting filtering element suitable to deflect the flow of embolic material flowing toward said second branch, while filtering the blood flowing toward said first branch. The device comprising a braided tubular body having a contracted state with a first diameter, and an expanded state having a second diameter greater than said first diameter.

Abstract: A braided, branching implantable device, such as a stent, a graft, or a composite stent-graft, for deployment in a lumen, the device comprising a body that branches into a plurality of legs. At least a first leg portion of each leg comprises a discrete plurality of continuous strands braided together and at least a first body portion of the body comprises at least one of said continuous strands from each discrete plurality of continuous strands braided together. Processes for fabricating the device and a method for using the device are also claimed. One fabrication process comprises braiding a first plurality of continuous strands to individually form at least a portion of a first leg; braiding at least a second plurality of continuous strands to individually form at least a portion of a second leg; and braiding at least one strand from each of the first plurality of continuous strands and the second plurality of continuous strands together to form at least a portion of the body.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable implantable endoprosthesis having elongate elements including hollow, cavity or porous portions adapted to accumulate by-product from the degradation of the bioabsorbable material and shortening the diffusion distance for water absorption and thereby relatively increasing the degradation of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent-graft with a bioabsorbable structure and a permanent graft for luminal support and treatment of arterial fistulas, occlusive disease, and aneurysms. The bioabsorbable structure is formed from braided filaments of materials such as PLA, PLLA, PDLA, and PGA and the graft is formed from materials such as PET, ePTFE, PCU or PU.

Abstract: A braided modular stent comprising a first component and a second component, each component comprising an hourglass-shaped interface having a reduced diameter section positioned between two sloped sections. Each sloped section extends between the reduced diameter section and one of a plurality of nominal diameter sections. The reduced diameter section has a greater radial strength than the nominal diameter sections. One of the components may have a sealing region, such as a circumferential elevation, for providing an endoleak-resistant seal between the stent and a body lumen. One exemplary method for fabricating a circumferential elevation comprises affixing a plurality of filaments, such as sutures, between overlaps of braided filaments in one region and overlaps in another region.

Abstract: The stent comprises a flexible self-expandable braided tubular wall having a proximal segment having an outer diameter, and a distal segment having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal segment. An intermediate segment is formed between the proximal and distal segments, which forms a truncated cone of which the base is forming the proximal end of the intermediate segment and of which the top is forming the distal end of the intermediate segment. A covering layer is arranged within the tubular wall.

Abstract: Blood vessels and other body lumens are expanded using an evertible braided prosthesis. The braided prosthesis is delivered to the blood vessel in a radially collapsed configuration. A leading edge of the braided prosthesis is then everted so that it expands as it is advanced through the blood vessel. Optionally, the prosthesis can be provided with a biologically active substance in order to inhibit hyperplasia or have other desired biological effects.

Abstract: A prosthesis for transluminal implantation consists of a flexible tubular three-dimensionally braided structure of metal or polymeric monofilaments, and polymeric multifilament yarns. The prosthesis can be elastically deformed to reduce its diameter through axial elongation. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are arranged in axially spaced apart helices, concentric on a common central axis of the prosthesis. The monofilaments are selectively shaped before their interbraiding with the multifilament yarns, either by an age-hardening or other heat-setting stage, or a cold-working stage that controllably plastically deforms the strands. The shaped structural strands cooperate to impart to the prosthesis its nominal shape and resilience. The textile strands cooperate to provide one or more layers of sheeting that reduce permeability and thereby enhance the utility of the prosthesis as a vascular graft.

Abstract: An intraluminal device implantable in a blood vessel having an aneurysm therein in the vicinity of a perforating vessel and/or of a bifurcation leading to a branch vessel. The intraluminal device includes a mesh-like tube of bio-compatible material having an expanded condition in which the tube diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the blood vessel in which it is to be implanted, and the tube length is sufficient to straddle the aneurysm and to be anchored to the blood vessel on the opposite sides of the aneurysm. The mesh-like tube also has a contracted condition wherein it is sufficiently flexible so as to be easily manipulatable through the blood vessel to straddle the aneurysm.

Abstract: Methods for attaching an axial filament to the body of a self expanding stent, the filament serving to enhance the radial self expanding force of the stent body. Also stents having enhanced radial self expansion characteristics.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is constructed of an inner porous tube which allows uninterrupted cellular growth and which is connected to an adventitial sock surrounding the porous tube. The adventitial sock produces a non-linear elastic response to stress-strain on the prosthesis to optimize compliance and prevent over dilatation.

Abstract: A body compatible stent is formed of multiple filaments arranged in at least two sets of oppositely directed helical windings interwoven with one another in a braided configuration. Each of the filaments is a composite including a central core and a case surrounding the core. In the more preferred version, the core is formed of a radiopaque and relatively ductile material, e.g. tantalum or platinum. The outer case is formed of a relatively resilient material, e.g. a cobalt/chromium based alloy. Favorable mechanical characteristics of the stent are determined by the case, while the core enables in vivo imaging of the stent. The composite filaments are formed by a drawn filled tubing process in which the core is inserted into a tubular case of a diameter substantially more than the intended final filament diameter. The composite filament is cold-worked in several steps to reduce its diameter, and annealed between successive cold working steps.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent for implantation within a body vessel, comprising one or more continuous, discrete, metal strands. At least three strands repeatedly cross over each other to form a bundle. The strands are joined at the proximal and distal end such that the strands are free to adjust their position relative to each other in response to compression forces. One or more bundles are wound together to form an elongate hollow tube.

Abstract: A bifurcated, braided stent has a body that branches into a plurality of legs and is adapted for deployment in a lumen. At least a portion of each leg of the stent comprises a discrete plurality of continuous filaments braided together, and at least a portion of the body comprises one or more of the continuous filaments from each of the legs braided together. The stent can be used for treating a diseased bifurcated lumen of a human being by deploying the stent therein. The stent can be constructed by a process comprising braiding each plurality of filaments to form the leg sections, and braiding one or more filaments from each plurality of filaments together to form the body. The process may be performed by creating the legs first and then the body, or vice versa. The stent may be constructed on a mandrel using a braiding machine.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of braided multifilament structures for an endoprosthesis for ramification of an anatomical conduit. The method includes the operation of braiding filaments, made of a matter chosen from among the biocompatible elastic, superelastic and shape-memory materials, around a first mandrel, along the length of the first mandrel whose diameter corresponds to a branch of a base element. The method further includes setting up at least one auxiliary mandrel parallel to the first mandrel. The auxiliary mandrel includes a first end and a second end, of cross-section corresponding to those of a lumen. The first end is inserted in a straight line with the braid in progress, upstream of the braiding point, and the assembly has a cross-section corresponding to that of a trunk of a base element. The method further includes continuing the braiding around the assembly along a length corresponding to at least that of the trunk of a base element.