Abstract: An angioplasty stent comprises a body comprising a plurality of successive segments connected in pairs by bridge means so that the successive segments can be oriented relative to one another for the purposes of bending of the body in any direction defined by a linear combination of respective orientation axes defined by the bridge connection means. During the radial expansion of the stent, the axial contraction of the segments resulting from the opening-out of the respective loops is compensated by axial projection of the bridge elements from the respective concave portions. The wall of the body comprises arms for supporting a lumen as well as regions which are selectively deformable during the expansion of the stent, the arms and the selectively deformable regions having different cross-sections and/or cross-sectional areas. At least one portion of the body may have a substantially reticular structure, the branches of which define geometrical figures identifiable as fractals.

Abstract: Leak and tear resistant grafts for repair and replacement of living animal tissue are disclosed. The grafts, which may be flat or tubular, are formed of interlaced filamentary members and have reinforced attachment regions defined by interlaced filamentary members of higher tensile strength. Higher strength is provided by use of high strength material, increased denier or number of plies of the filamentary members. High strength members inhibit propagation of tears which occur in the graft when the attachment region is pierced by sutures or staples. Filamentary members formed of textured, elastic or heat shrinkable yarns interlaced in the graft inhibit leakage.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis, for example a stent, is provided that is capable of being loaded with substances. In one example, the prosthesis is a cylindrical-shaped body having depots or pores formed thereon. The depots can be formed at preselected locations on the body of the prosthesis and can have a preselected depth, size, and shape. The depots can have various shapes including a cylindrical or a conical shape. Substances such as therapeutic substances, polymeric materials, polymeric materials containing therapeutic substances, radioactive isotopes, and radiopaque materials can be deposited into the depots.

Abstract: A welding method for improving the durability and strength of fusion weld joints in metal structures; the method is especially beneficial for metal structures fabricated from nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol) and for medical devices.

Abstract: An endovascular support device for treatment of chronic restenosis or other vascular narrowing is disclosed together with a method of manufacture and a method for delivering a plurality of such devices to an affected area of a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the endovascular support device comprises a unitary wire-like structure configured to form a plurality of upper and lower peaks which may be compressed for delivery to an affected area of a coronary or peripheral vessel in a human, and then expanded to maintain a passageway through the vessel.

Abstract: A stent, in particular a coronary stent, for expansion from a first condition into an expanded second condition in which it holds a vessel in an expanded state, comprising a tubular body whose peripheral surface (1) is formed by a number of annular support portions (2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) comprising bar elements (3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) which are connected in the longitudinal direction of the stent by way of connecting bars (4, 4.1, 4.2), wherein the bar elements (3.1) of at least a first support portion (2.1) and a second support portion (2.2) in adjacent relationship in a first direction (6.1) extend in a meander configuration in the peripheral direction of the stent and the connecting bars (4, 4.1, 4.2) to the second support portion (2.2) engage in the region of the turning points (5, 5.2, 5.3) of the first support portion (2.1), which turning points face in the first direction (6.1), wherein at least two adjacent connecting bars (4.1, 4.2) engage respectively in the region of a turning point (5.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent structure is provided having a main portion that expands to a first diameter and a branch portion that expands to a second diameter, different the first diameter, the main portion having a link portion that forms a flexible linkage to, and forms part of, the branch portion. The self-expanding structure may be compressed to a reduced diameter for delivery, and resumes an expanded diameter during deployment. The self-expanding stent structure also may be advantageously incorporated in an asymmetric stent-graft system. Methods of use are also provided, wherein the main portion of the self-expanding structure, when deployed in a trunk vessel, may be used to anchor the branch portion in a branch vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure sensitive prosthesis (10) that includes a tubular member (11) having a passageway (12) extending therethrough and a sleeve (13) attached about one end of the tubular member. The sleeve functions as a one-way valve to permit fluid flowing through the sleeve lumen (15) in a first direction (17) and under a first pressure, while collapsing in response to fluid flowing in a second direction 18 where the pressure that exceeds that of the first direction or pressure. One aspect of the invention includes an esophageal anti-reflux expandable prosthesis wherein the sleeve is adapted to invert back through the tubular stent frame to permit belching or vomiting (fluid or materials under a third, significantly higher pressure). Another aspect of the invention includes a tubular drainage stent (60), such as a biliary or urethral stent in which the sleeve opens to permit passage of fluids, then collapses to prevent retrograde flow.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a stent for implantation in a body lumen location of interest in a patient and includes a generally flexible elastic, tubular body having open ends and a thin open porous sidewall structure and a relatively thin coating layer on the tubular body including a biostable elastomeric material incorporating an amount of biologically active material dispersed therein for timed delivery therefrom.

Abstract: A prostatic stent is configured as a unitary body which is adapted to reside above the sphincter when in position in the subject includes an elongated tube which extends through the sphincter and outside the body of the subject. The stent is configured to allow natural operation of the sphincter when in position in the subject. The unitary body stent includes a lower inflatable portion which expands to contact tissue and help hold the stent in a desired location during a chronic use period of about 2-14 days. The stent can also include an upper and/or intermediate inflatable portions. A method of inhibiting the obstruction or closure of the prostatic urethral opening includes positioning the stent in the subject such that the unitary body of the stent is in the prostate and resides above the sphincter.

Abstract: A stent for reinforcement of the lumen of a peristaltic organ is formed by knitting preferably a nitinol wire into a pattern of overlapping loops selected such that from a relaxed state each row of loops may shift axially relative to and independently of the rows on either side. This local lengthening and shortening accommodate peristalsis of the organ without migrating within the organ. A stent is also shown which comprises two resilient cylindrical mesh layers and a semi-permeable compliant membrane such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, sandwiched between. The two mesh layers may be knit of a flexible filament, and the knit may be configured so that the stent can adapt to peristalsis of the body lumen. A method is also shown of manufacturing a delivery system for a resilient tubular device such as a stent so that the device can be inserted into the body in a substantially reduced diameter. The method uses a confining block having a bore and a slot leading into the bore.

Abstract: A stent, in particular a coronary stent, comprising at least two tubular portions (8) which are arranged adjacently in the longitudinal direction of the stent (1) and which comprise a plurality of interconnected, substantially cell-shaped elements (10) which have an orientation and are connected together in the longitudinal direction of the stent (1) by way of at least one first connecting means (20), wherein the elements (10) are of such an arrangement and/or configuration that the ends of the elements (10) which are in the longitudinal direction of the stent define an edge contour (36, 37, 38) extending around the stent in a wave-like configuration in the peripheral direction thereof, and wherein the mutually adjoining edge contours (36, 37) of two tubular portions (8) extend around the stent substantially in in-phase relationship.

Abstract: A structural apparatus positioned exterior of a body organ for providing support. In one configuration, the support is in the form of a strap that has a first length with holes in which a second length with saw tooth edges is inserted to form a band to surround and give support to a body organ. In a second configuration, a sling has a central portion with saw tooth edge lengths extending in opposite directions. The central portion provides a support surface for an organ, and each saw tooth extension is embedded in part in muscle tissue, forming a supportive sling for the organ. The structural apparatus is basically constructed from polymer material that can be either bioabsorbable or non-absorbable, and alternatively can be coated with one or more layers of material including treatment substances, and additional structural additions such as cushioning, balloon material and other surface configuration.

Abstract: The hinge stent is a balloon-expandable or self-expandable intravascular endoprosthesis used for treatment of vascular injury. The hinge stent is formed of a single stent section or of multiple stent sections joined together. Each stent section has a node and strut structure extending throughout in order to uncouple expansion forces of the stent to hold a blood vessel outward from crush forces that resist the formation of an oval shape during a crush deformation. Each node includes a hinge which is joined via a transition region to a strut. The hinge can bend in the direction of a uniformly curved surface of the stent but not in the radial direction. The strut can bend in the radial direction but not in the uniformly curved surface of the stent. The widths, lengths, and radial dimensions of the hinges and struts provide a balloon-expandable hinge stent that is non-crushable. For a self-expandable stent the hinge and strut dimensions provide expansion forces that are controlled independently from crush forces.

Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts making up the segments with angular interconnects between segments.

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 portin 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 with 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 with the patient's bladder. The flared portion curves outward and includes an elastic member that maintain the shape of the flared portion when positioned within the bladder.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent comprising a plurality of spaced band-like elements and intersecting links is disclosed. The band-like elements have a generally serpentine configuration to provide continuous waves of generally sinusoidal character to each band-like element. The waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks and troughs taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that the waves in the band-like elements open as the stent is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter. The intersecting links are substantially U-shaped and terminate in first and second shanks. The first shank of a link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on a band-like element and the second shank of the link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on an adjacent band-like element.

Abstract: An esophageal prosthesis (10) for preventing reflux of gastric fluids through the esophagus. The esophageal prosthesis process includes a tubular frame (11) with a sleeve (13) disposed around and longitudinally along the tubular frame as well as extending from the distal end (14) of the frame. The lower portion (28) of the sleeve has a readily collapsible lumen (15) that forms a one-way valve for preventing the reflux of gastric fluids in an antegrade manner through the esophagus. Fluids however readily flow through the sleeve in a antegrade direction. In response to a pressure build up in the stomach of a patient wanting to belch or vomit, the lower portion of the sleeve inverts through the passage (12) of the tubular frame, thereby relieving the pressure build up or voiding the patient's stomach.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis is disclosed which is implantable within a vein or other blood vessel of a patient using a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The prosthesis includes a tubular wire frame which presses radially outward against the inner walls of the blood vessel following implantation to hold the prosthesis in position. Multiple flow-resistive pockets that open and close in response to changes in blood flow direction are attached to the frame to impede the flow of blood in the reverse direction. The prosthesis is implanted using an introducer catheter which holds the prosthesis in a radially-compressed state as the prosthesis is inserted into and positioned within the blood vessel.

Abstract: A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilatation comprises an elongate body having two states. In a first of these states the elongate body is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape adapting to the shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the elongate body is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced.

Abstract: Radially expandable intraluminal stents suitable for providing interior support within a human blood vessel are disclosed. A material used to construct the stent is formed into diamond cells. Each of the diamond cells has arms of equal length. Diamond cells are interconnected to other diamond cells by legs or to pairs of smaller cells which have a common vertex and four arms of equal length. Needle-like prongs are attached to the diamond cells at their vertex to function as attachment means for a biological membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a prosthetic gastroesophageal valve assembly, for transesophageal implantation to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease. The valve assembly includes an anchor for attachment to the wall of the esophagus and a valve permanently or removably connected to the anchor. Related devices and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-section stent includes a connecting structure that allows the stent sections to move and flex relative to one another. For deployment and positioning, the connecting structure connects the multiple stent sections and holds the stent sections substantially stationary relative to one another. Following deployment, the connecting structure allows the multiple stent sections to move relative to one another. Movable stent sections enable flexure of the stent upon deployment within a body lumen. This flexing structure allows better conformance of the stent to the shape of the body lumen, and exerts less overall pressure against the lumen wall, reducing the potential for trauma. Upon deployment, the multiple stent sections may be completely detached from one another. Alternatively, the stent sections may remain partially connected in a manner that allows substantial independent movement.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an implantation device having a body, the surface of which has at least a portion coated with a receptor, and a preparation containing a ligand formed from the combination of an active principle with a substance capable of binding to the receptor. This preparation may be brought into contact when desired with the implantation device which is, for example, a stent.

Abstract: A drug storing and metering stent for placement within a vessel comprising an outer member having a lumen, an inner member positioned within the lumen of the outer member. A space separates the inner member from the outer member and within which space a therapeutic drug is disposed. The stent includes at least one protrusion provided on at least one of the inner and outer members and extending across the space so as to cause a friction fit between the inner and outer members. The stent also includes a pattern of perforation across both the inner and outer members to permit the stent to expand radially. The invention also relates to a method of making such a stent, and a method of releasing a therapeutic drug within a vessel.

Abstract: A stent in the form of a generally tubular member has a diameter allowing for insertion into a body passageway and is radially expandable upon application of an outward force. A series of annular units are axially arranged to construct the stent. Each annular unit includes a plurality of generally ellipsoidal or polygonal elements equiangularly arranged around the stent axis, the elements being axially elongate and having a center opening. A tie member connects opposed ends of adjacent elements. Adjacent annular units are interconnected at their tie members by a connecting member.