Abstract: The device made in a resorbable material intended to be placed in urethra for Treatment of stricture has the shape of a tube (1), the wall of which has offices (2).

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are disclosed for delivering an implant into the body of a patient. The devices include a damping assembly having an internal chamber with a varying inner diameter, and a piston slideably disposed therein. The piston is operably connected with a catheter portion such that movement of the piston is associated with concurrent movement of the catheter for implant delivery. The varying inner diameter of the damping assembly results in a decrease in damping force during implant delivery, thus providing a substantially constant velocity of implant delivery.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stent for placing in a body passage of a patient. The stent has an elongated portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated portion defines a lumen throughout the stent. The stent has a proximal anchoring member on the proximal end of the elongated portion and a distal anchoring member on the distal end of the elongated portion. The anchoring member comprises a wall curving outward from each end of the elongated portion of the stent.

Abstract: Ureteral stent devices having improved drug delivery capabilities are provided. The ureteral stent device includes a ureteral stent comprising two opposed ends, and a drug delivery component associated with at least one end of the ureteral stent. The drug delivery component includes a drug housing defining a drug reservoir containing a drug, wherein the drug housing is configured to release the drug in-vivo.

Abstract: A bioabsorable stent is disclosed. The stent is made of a bioabsorable material and has an elongated body having a proximate end, a distal end, and at least one open channel formed on the exterior surface of the elongated body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. Also disclosed is a bioabsorable stent having an elongated center rod having a proximate end and a distal end and a plurality of leaflets extending outward from the center rod and forming channels between two neighboring leaflets to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: A ureteral drainage stent is designed to be placed in a patient's ureter and extend into a patient's bladder. An ureteral drainage stent includes a distal region for placement in the ureter and renal cavity, and a proximal region for placement in a urinary bladder and urethra. The distal region includes an elongated member with multiple lumens and the proximal region includes multiple elongated member, each defining a lumen. At least one lumen in the distal region is in liquid communication with a lumen from the proximal region. At least two of the elongated members in the proximal region are joined at their proximal ends and form a retraction structure, a structure used for removing the stent from a patient.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus for controlling fluid flow within a host body includes a constricting member for allowing fluid flow within a body canal when in an open position, and for reducing fluid flow within a body canal when in an closed position. Remote telemetry can be used to operate the constricting member from a position outside the body. The constricting member can include a piston having at least two protrusions for contacting the vessel surface of the body canal. A fluid-operated member can receive fluid to reduce fluid flow within the body canal and expel fluid to allow fluid flow within the body canal. An actuating member is provided for operating the fluid-operated member between the open and closed positions. The actuating member has structure for flowing fluid into and out of the fluid-operated member. A control device is provided for operating the actuating member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing surgical anastomotic procedures are disclosed herein. The apparatus for performing the surgical anastomotic procedure includes a tubular sleeve defining an axial lumen therethrough, a positioning tube defining an axial lumen therethrough, an expansion assembly having a tubular body and an expandable tip operatively coupled to a distal end thereof, and an anchoring assembly. The positioning tube is preferably configured and adapted to be slidably received within the axial lumen of the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the regeneration, reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures using scaffolds and autologous cells that are not derived from such organs or tissues.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a stent retention element having an elastic member adapted to be incorporated with a first end of an elongate stent and to coil toward a second end of the elongate stent to anchor the elongate stent at an anatomical site. According to one feature, the stent retention element expands and compresses to effectively lengthen and shorten, respectively, the stent to accommodate ureter lengthening and shortening.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a stent includes an elongate member and a distal retention member. The elongate member is configured to be disposed within a ureter of a patient and has a first portion, a second portion and a plurality of beads bonded together. The plurality of beads define a plurality of spaces between the plurality of beads. The plurality of spaces are configured to allow fluid to flow from the first portion of the elongate member to the second portion of the elongate member. The distal retention member is configured to help maintain a portion of the stent within a kidney of the patient.

Abstract: Ureteral stents having at least a portion of a proximal end of the ureteral stent constructed with a material that dissolves after being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time are disclosed herein. At least a portion of the proximal end portion of the elongate member includes a dissolving portion configured to dissolve in response to being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time. The elongate member also includes a non-dissolving portion that includes the entire retention member of the distal end portion and is substantially stable in the bodily fluid of the urinary tract of the patient. In some embodiments, a medial portion of the ureteral stent is also constructed with one or more dissolving materials. In some implementations, the proximal and/or the medial portions of the ureteral stent are constructed using various combinations of dissolving and non-dissolving materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable or insertable medical apparatuses that deliver one or more urologically beneficial agents to the urinary tract. In one aspect, the medical apparatuses comprise a reservoir, a catheter, an implantable or insertable urological medical device, and an optional pump.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides medical devices which contain one or more polymeric regions that are at least partially biodisintegrable in bodily fluid. These devices may be implanted or inserted into a subject for treatment of various diseases, disorders and conditions.

Abstract: A urinary stent includes an elongate member that defines a lumen extending therethrough and that is configured to be disposed at least partially within a prostatic portion of a urethra of a patient. The elongate member includes a collapsible portion disposed at a proximal end portion of the elongate member. The collapsible portion has a first configuration in which an outer perimeter at a proximal end of the collapsible portion is substantially equal to an outer perimeter of a remaining portion of the elongate member and a second configuration in which the outer perimeter at the proximal end of the collapsible portion is smaller than the outer perimeter of the remaining portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: A ureteral stent comprising a short renal coil made of a pliable material and a wick portion made of a material having a hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity different from that of the renal coil and extending from a ureteropelvic junction to a bladder so as to assist in the transfer of urine out of a kidney and into the bladder and to improve patient comfort. Due to increased hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, wick may be significantly smaller in diameter than renal coil, resulting in less reflux of urine into the kidney and further decreasing patient discomfort. The stent may further comprise one or more couplers between the renal coil and wick portion, and the wick portion may comprise a sheath surrounding an elastic core to prevent kinking and enhance the ability of the wick portion to move with the patient. A method of ureteral stent placement is also disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbable/disintegratable endourological stents, specifically endoureteral stents, and applicators for their introduction into the biological site, are formed from fiber-reinforced elastomeric films configured to prevent their migration from the application site.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes an elongate member defining an axis and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. A first extension member and a second extension member extend from the proximal end portion and each include a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and an end portion. In an unconstrained configuration, the first portion is arcuate and extends away from the axis, the second portion extends from the first portion in a distal direction, and the third portion extends from the second portion in a direction away from the axis. In the unconstrained configuration, the end portions of the first and second extension members are spaced apart from each other sufficiently, and the first extension member and the second extension member are sufficiently rigid, to collectively help retain at least a portion of the ureteral stent within a bladder of a patient.

Abstract: A bioabsorable stent is disclosed. The stent is made of a bioabsorable material and has an elongated body having a proximate end, a distal end, and at least one open channel formed on the exterior surface of the elongated body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. Also disclosed is a bioabsorable stent having an elongated center rod having a proximate end and a distal end and a plurality of leaflets extending outward from the center rod and forming channels between two neighboring leaflets to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: Ureteral stents having at least a portion of a proximal end of the ureteral stent constructed with a material that dissolves after being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time are disclosed herein. At least a portion of the proximal end portion of the elongate member includes a dissolving portion configured to dissolve in response to being exposed to a bodily fluid for a period of time. The elongate member also includes a non-dissolving portion that includes the entire retention member of the distal end portion and is substantially stable in the bodily fluid of the urinary tract of the patient. In some embodiments, a medial portion of the ureteral stent is also constructed with one or more dissolving materials. In some implementations, the proximal and/or the medial portions of the ureteral stent are constructed using various combinations of dissolving and non-dissolving materials.

Abstract: A ureteral stent for assisting the movement of urine along a patient's ureter and into the patient's bladder. The stent includes an elongated tubular segment extending toward the bladder from a kidney end region for placement in the renal cavity to a bladder end region. A central lumen connects at least one opening at the first end region to at least one opening in the bladder end region. Thin flexible tail(s) are attached to the bladder end region of the tubular segment at a point outside the bladder so as to receive urine from the opening in the bladder end region of the tubular segment and to transport urine from there across the ureter/bladder junction and into the bladder. The tails include an elongated external urine-transport surface sized and configured to transport urine along the ureter. The urine transporting surface(s) are sized and configured to extend along at least part of the ureter, across the ureter/bladder junction, and from there into the bladder.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides medical devices which contain one or more polymeric regions that are at least partially biodisintegrable in bodily fluid. These devices may be implanted or inserted into a subject for treatment of various diseases, disorders and conditions.

Abstract: Provided is a device for urethral anastomosis, for example, following prostatectomy. The device has a flexible slender shaft including a flexible outer sleeve and a flexible inner sleeve inside a lumen of the outer sleeve. A bladder anchoring system anchors the distal end of the inner sleeve inside a urinary bladder, and a urethral anchoring system anchors the outer sleeve in a urethral stump. A ratchet mechanism allows proximal movement of the inner sleeve inside the outer sleeve while preventing distal movement of the inner sleeve inside the outer sleeve. The device is used to urge the urinary bladder towards the internal termination of the urethra to allow anastomosis of the bladder neck to the urethral stump.

Abstract: A bioabsorable stent is disclosed. The stent is made of a bioabsorable material and has an elongated body having a proximate end, a distal end, and at least one open channel formed on the exterior surface of the elongated body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. Also disclosed is a bioabsorable stent having an elongated center rod having a proximate end and a distal end and a plurality of leaflets extending outward from the center rod and forming channels between two neighboring leaflets to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensitive prosthesis that includes a tubular member having a passageway extending therethrough and a sleeve attached about one end of the tubular member. The sleeve functions as a one-way valve to permit fluid flowing through the sleeve lumen in a first, distal direction and under a first pressure, while collapsing in response to fluid flowing in a second direction when the pressure thereof exceeds that of the first direction or pressure. One aspect of the invention includes a first opening and a second opening configured for allowing fluid flow from the passage to the lumen in the first direction.

Abstract: Therapeutic device intended for the selective cytoreductive treatment of an obstruction in a natural lumen or passage of the human or animal body, said lumen being obstructed by the effect of a local cell proliferation, said device comprising a tubular element, in particular of cylindrical shape, intended to be placed in said natural lumen and sufficiently flexible to conform to said natural lumen, but sufficiently rigid to maintain an artificial channel in said lumen. The tubular element supports lengthwise a medicinal sleeve which is intended to come into line with, and into contact with, the obstruction once the natural lumen has been intubated, and is designed to deliver locally, at least in its outer surface portion, at least one therapeutic agent which is cytoreductive, in particular cytotoxic, through contact with the cells under whose effect said lumen is obstructed.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, urological medical devices are provided which comprise a substrate and hyaluronic acid, which is releasably disposed on or in the substrate.

Abstract: A urethral stent for the prostate including a first stent section placed into an upper portion of the urethra passing through the prostate, a second stent section placed into a lower portion of the urethra below a urinary sphincter muscle, the first and second stent sections being formed of a shape-memory alloy wire, and at least one connection filament is provided at a middle portion of the urethra passing through the urinary sphincter muscle so as to connect the first and second stent sections, thereby preventing the stent from moving to the upper or lower portions of the urethra.

Abstract: A ureteral stent comprising a short renal coil made of a pliable material and a wick portion made of a material having a hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity different from that of the renal coil and extending from a ureteropelvic junction to a bladder so as to assist in the transfer of urine out of a kidney and into the bladder and to improve patient comfort. Due to increased hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, wick may be significantly smaller in diameter than renal coil, resulting in less reflux of urine into the kidney and further decreasing patient discomfort. The stent may further comprise one or more couplers between the renal coil and wick portion, and the wick portion may comprise a sheath surrounding an elastic core to prevent kinking and enhance the ability of the wick portion to move with the patient. A method of ureteral stent placement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ureteral stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and the elongated portion defines a lumen extending therethrough. A retention portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and retains the position of the ureteral stent when placed substantially within the kidney. The retention portion includes an interior space that is in communication with the lumen within the elongated portion and has at least one opening for urine drainage. A flared portion extending from the other end of the elongated portion is positioned within the patient's bladder. The flared portion curves outward and includes an elastic member that maintains the shape of the flared portion when positioned within the bladder.

Abstract: A ureteral stent has an elongated body connecting a coiled, renal segment to a coiled, bladder end segment. In one embodiment of the present invention, the coiled, bladder end segment and a lower, intramural segment of the elongated body are provided as a first flap and a second flap. The lower, intramural segment is of such length as to extend through a patient's intramural ureteral, preferably 2-4 cm. In another embodiment of the present invention, the coiled, renal segment is provided in a first plane and the coiled, bladder end segment is provided in a second plane such that the first plane and the second plane are transverse with respect to one another.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body and a urologically beneficial agent. The elongated stent body comprises a kidney portion adapted to occupy the kidney of a subject upon implantation, a ureter portion adapted to occupy the ureter of a subject upon implantation, and a bladder portion adapted to occupy the bladder of a subject upon implantation. The ureteral stents of the invention are adapted to release the urologically beneficial agent into the subject. Moreover, the amount of urologically beneficial agent that is released varies along the length of the stent. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of forming such stents and methods of using such stents.

Abstract: This invention deals with an absorbable/disintegratable endo-urological stent and applicators for introduction into biological conduits, including such as urethras and ureters, with said stent comprising a fiber-reinforced, multicomponent tube made of polyesters having a range of physicochemical properties.

Abstract: Apparatus method for performing surgical anastomotic procedures are disclosed herein. The apparatus for performing the surgical anastomotic procedure includes a tubular sleeve defining an axial lumen therethrough, a positioning tube defining an axial lumen therethrough, an expansion assembly having a tubular body and an expandable tip operatively coupled to a distal end thereof, and an anchoring assembly. The positioning tube is preferably configured and adapted to be slidably received within the axial lumen of the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: A radiation and radiochemically sterilized, multi-component, fiber-reinforced composite, absorbable/disintegratable urinogenital stent, such as an endoureteral stent, with radiomodulated residence time in the biological site of 1 to 10 weeks depending on the high energy radiation dose used for sterilization.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body and a urologically beneficial agent. The elongated stent body comprises a kidney portion adapted to occupy the kidney of a subject upon implantation, a ureter portion adapted to occupy the ureter of a subject upon implantation, and a bladder portion adapted to occupy the bladder of a subject upon implantation. The ureteral stents of the invention are adapted to release the urologically beneficial agent into the subject. Moreover, the amount of urologically beneficial agent that is released varies along the length of the stent. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of forming such stents and methods of using such stents.

Abstract: A medical stent provides an active agent to a patient's body while simultaneously maintaining an open passageway within the body of the patient. The stent includes a first segment, a second segment, a connecting segment disposed between the first and second segments, and the active agent. The active agent may be a hemostatic agent that stops or controls bleeding by coagulation, or any other medical drug, such as, for example an antibiotic or an anticoagulant. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter and the second segment is located on the other side. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter.

Abstract: A urethral prosthesis provides relief of urinary retention and has first and second tubular elements with an interposed bridge segment. A valve can be disposed in the second tubular element to control the flow of urine therethrough.

Abstract: A system and related methods for maintaining the patentcy of the ureter comprising a pusher tube having a pusher tube lumen and an inflate lumen disposed within a wall of the pusher tube and a urinary stent having a proximal and distal portions with an elongated body portion therebetween configured to fit the ureter of the patient and defining a lumen. The system further includes an end-effector that may comprise an inflatable balloon positioned at the proximal portion of the urinary stent for retaining the proximal portion in the urinary bladder. At the distal portion, a retention end-piece is positioned for retaining the distal portion of the stent in the renal pelvis. The end-effector and the retention end-piece of the stent maintain the elongated body portion in situ. The end-effector may also include an inflatable balloon and may contain pharmaceutical or biologic agents for controlled release into the bladder.

Abstract: A medical stent is sized for placement in a ureter. The stent includes a first section which includes a first material, defines a lumen, and includes a first coil completing at least one revolution. A second section of the stent includes a second material, defines a lumen, and includes a second coil completing at least one revolution. A third section defines a lumen and is located between the first and second sections. The third section includes a co-extrusion of the first and second materials. One of the first or second sections is harder than the other section.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for drying remodelable materials, such that selective regions of the remodelable materials have differing properties. Also described are medical graft products having selective regions of differing material properties. Advantageous remodelable materials include collagenous extracellular matrix material, such as small intestine submucosa.

Abstract: A medical stent is sized for placement in a ureter. The stent includes a first section which includes a first material, defines a lumen, and includes a first coil completing at least one revolution. A second section of the stent includes a second material, defines a lumen, and includes a second coil completing at least one revolution. A third section defines a lumen and is located between the first and second sections. The third section includes a co-extrusion of the first and second materials. One of the first or second sections is harder than the other section.

Abstract: Biocompatible synthetic or natural scaffolds are provided for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The scaffolds are shaped to conform to at least a part of the organ or tissue structure and may be seeded with one or more cell populations. Inserts, receptacles and ports are also provided for the attachment of tubular vessels to the neo-organ scaffolds. The seeded scaffolds are implanted into the patient at the site in need of treatment to form an organized organ or tissue structure. The scaffolds may be used to form organs or tissues, such as bladders, urethras, valves, and blood vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis for promoting the in vivo reconstruction of a hollow organ or of a portion of a hollow organ, characterized in that it comprises: a biodegradable hollow tubular support membrane comprising at least one biocompatible and biodegradable polymer material, said support membrane being constituted of a porous outer layer and an essentially non-porous inner layer; and a material of living biological origin at the outer surface, and/or within at least one portion of the porous layer of said support member, and/or over the surface of the essentially non-porous layer facing the porous layer, said material of biological origin being chosen in order to allow the in vivo reconstruction of said organ or of said organ portion. The invention relates to a method for producing such a prosthesis and the medical applications thereof, especially for reconstructing at least one portion of a hollow tubular organ, in particular an esophagus.

Abstract: A urethral prosthesis provides relief of urinary retention and has first and second tubular elements with an interposed bridge segment. A valve can be disposed in the second tubular element to control the flow of urine therethrough.

Abstract: A stent for maintaining an open passageway through a body lumen, such as the prostatic urethra of a male patient, includes an elongated segment including a flexible polymer material bridging a plurality of hoops. The elongated segment defines a lumen extending therethrough and has a distal end. A retention structure may be coupled to the distal end of the elongated segment to inhibit the distal end from migrating when the stent is placed within a body of a patient. The flexible polymer material is disposed between the plurality of hoops, thereby creating hinged members that allow for the spaces between the hoops to expand and contract longitudinally to accommodate prostatic swelling when the stent is placed within the prostatic urethra of the patient.

Abstract: A method for repairing defects and reconstructing urological structures in vivo has been developed using a fibrous, open, synthetic, biodegradable polymeric matrix which is configured to provide the desired corrective structure. The matrix is shaped to correct the defect, then implanted surgically to form a scaffolding for the patient's own cells to grow onto and into. The implantation of the matrix initiates an inflammatory reaction, resulting in urothelial cells, endothelial cells and mesenchymal cells migrating into the matrix. The polymer forming the matrix is selected to be biocompatible and degradable in a controlled manner over a period of one to six months, in the preferred embodiment. A preferred material is a poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) in a fibrous form, such as a woven or non-woven mesh. Examples demonstrate the repair of defects in bladder and urethra in rabbits and defects in ureter in dogs.

Abstract: A self adjusting and/or positioning indwelling urethral device is provided. The device generally includes a prostatic urethral stent body and a urethral anchoring element. The prostatic urethral stent body includes a preconfigured end portion for anchored receipt within a bladder with the urethral anchoring element extending from the prostatic urethral stent body via a linkage. Engagement of the proximal anchor, delimited by the preconfigured end portion of the stent body, with the bladder is no or minimal impact upon the trigone region.

Abstract: A stent is made from a coiled wire and is very smooth along its length and as well its ends. The stent is thus highly atraumatic to patients, and because of its smooth surfaces, it presents a surface to which it is difficult for microbes to cling. The stent may be used in a minimally invasive procedure, such as for a ureteral stent, and may also be used percutaneously. Similar stents may be used in other body areas, such as in draining the biliary tract, the gastro-intestinal tract, hepatic procedures, and in vascular procedures as well.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes an elongate member defining an axis and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. A first extension member and a second extension member extend from the proximal end portion and each include a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and an end portion. In an unconstrained configuration, the first portion is arcuate and extends away from the axis, the second portion extends from the first portion in a distal direction, and the third portion extends from the second portion in a direction away from the axis. In the unconstrained configuration, the end portions of the first and second extension members are spaced apart from each other sufficiently, and the first extension member and the second extension member are sufficiently rigid, to collectively help retain at least a portion of the ureteral stent within a bladder of a patient.