Abstract: The present invention relates to an artificial implant or a part thereof coated with at least two drugs, a method of preparing the same and a method of treating a subject, wherein the implant according to the invention is implanted into a subject.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the present invention is directed to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise polymeric regions that comprise high vinyl acetate content EVA (or another soft polymer) and a therapeutic agent. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to implantable or insertable medical devices which comprise (a) a first region comprising a first EVA and (b) a second region adjacent to the first region that is of lower durometer than the first region.

Abstract: A temporary bioabsorbable-radiopaque marker for use on an implantable endoprosthesis. The bioabsorbable-radiopaque marker is adapted to be disposed on or adjacent an implantable endoprosthesis in a body lumen for a predetermined amount of time until the bioabsorbable and radiopaque materials are absorbed or dispersed in the body.

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: The present invention relates to implantable medical devices that include at least one suture attached to a device component, the suture including a naturally derived collagenous material. The present invention is also directed to sutures per se including filaments incorporating naturally derived collagenous material. The naturally derived collagenous material may be an extracellular matrix (ECM) material.

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 stent comprises a flexible tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway extending from said proximal end toward said distal end. A first generally straight tube segment extends from the proximal end while a first generally curved segment extends from an end region of the first generally straight tube segment disposed away from the proximal end of the stent. A second generally straight tube segment extends from an end region of the first curved segment away from the first generally straight tube segment and is arranged at an acute angle relative to the first generally straight tube segment. A second generally curved tube segment extends from one end of the second generally straight tube segment and includes a channel on an exterior surface of the second generally curved tube segment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imprinting a pattern on a medical device to provide a surface with greater surface area and improved adhesion properties.

Abstract: A method of maintaining the patency of an opening in a floor of a third ventricle includes forming the opening is the floor of the third ventricle. A stent is inserted into the opening and the stent is deployed into the opening. The stent becomes engaged with the floor and prevents the opening from closing.

Abstract: Fluoropolymers having a —CF adjacent to a —CH which are subsequently dehydrofluorinated to create a —C?C— can be used as controlled release carriers for therapeutic agent(s) by covalently conjugating the therapeutic agent(s) to the fluoropolymer at the —C?C—.

Abstract: A polymeric stent, especially useful in surgical endoscopy and for the treatment of salivary gland ducts comprising; an elongated tube, wherein the proximal end of said tube is having a funnel-like shape; and wherein said funnel further comprise at least one gorge, which enables the suturing of said stent to said duct. The invention also relates to a method for implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct.

Abstract: A positioner is provided that is able to precisely position a stent, such as a ureteral stent, by using an anatomical landmark, such as a ureteral orifice. The positioner is placed over a wire guide and advanced until the proximal portion of the stent abuts a stent-stop. The positioner and stent are together pushed until the positioner reaches the ureteral orifice. The stent can be deployed and the positioner can be removed leaving the stent correctly positioned within the kidney and bladder.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis may be implanted in the region of an anatomical canal that is experiencing impairment. An exterior surface wall of the endoprosthesis bears projecting studs that cooperate with the wall of the anatomical canal so as to hold the endoprosthesis in position. One of the projecting studs is hollow and acts as a reservoir for a product that is active against the impairment.

Abstract: Described herein are a system and a method for forming a stent of a desired length endoluminally. The system includes an elongate stent body and an outer sheath overlying the stent body. An endoluminal cutting mechanism is operatively connected to a drive cable in communication with the outer sheath. The cutting mechanism is configured to cut the stent body in response to motion of the drive cable. The method of forming the stent of a desired length endoluminally includes directing a system including an elongate stent body and an outer sheath overlying the stent body into a body lumen, positioning the stent body at an endoluminal site, and severing the stent body to form a stent of a desired length at the endoluminal site. An undeployed portion of the stent body remains in the outer sheath for optional deployment in a subsequent severing operation.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are provided medical devices for providing a fluid passage between two areas in the body. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a stent comprising a tubular member comprising a distal transition region and a proximal transition region adapted to provide the ability for the stent to accommodate the dynamic urinary tract anatomy that stretches and relaxes. The distal transition region and the proximal transition region is adapted to exhibit a physical property that provides both longitudinal elasticity, allowing for stretch and recoil, as well as radial elasticity, allowing for bending and recovery.

Abstract: A polymeric stent, especially useful in surgical endoscopy and for the treatment of salivary gland ducts comprising; an elongated tube (1), wherein the proximal end (3) of said tube is having a funnel-like shape; and wherein said funnel further comprise at least one gorge (5a), which enables the suturing of said stent to said duct. The invention also relates to a method for implanting the polymeric stent into the lumen of a salivary gland duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices used in the management of bodily airways including tracheostomy tubes, laryngectomy tubes, bronchial stents, bronchial Y-tubes, bronchial TY-tubes, and nasal stents. The devices may comprise a protective coating to prevent the accumulation of mucus, crusting and granulation on or around airway management devices, as well as prevent adhesion to tissues which can cause bleeding upon removal, and prevent build-up of blood, or blood clots, to the stent.

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: The tubular prosthesis (100) is radially deformable and comprises a lattice (112) that is deformable between a retracted state of small diameter and an expanded state of larger diameter. The prosthesis (100) comprises at least two outer hooks (118, 119) delimiting between them a clamp (116) for engaging in an outer tissue. The two hooks (118, 119) are carried by the lattice (112) and can be moved between a spaced-apart position in which the clamp (116) is open and a closer-together position in which the clamp (116) is closed. The prosthesis (100) comprises a guiding member (120) for moving at least one of the hooks (118, 119) during deformation of the prosthesis (100). The guiding member (120) delimits a guide passage in which at least one of the hooks (118, 119) is engaged.

Abstract: A poly(thioester ester amide) copolymer and method of making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable intraluminal device having a self-expanding stent encapsulated between a first and second seamless ePTFE tube. The implantable intraluminal device has a reduced first diametric dimension and an expanded second diametric dimension, and is adapted to be modeled to the in vivo profile of a receiving anatomical structure through radial expansion of at least a portion thereof to a third diametric dimension greater than the second diametric dimension.

Abstract: A system for inspecting cylinders according to various aspects of the present invention generally includes a roller assembly comprising a plurality of rollers configured to hold the cylinder. A light source illuminates the cylinder and a camera produces an image of at least a portion of the cylinder as the roller assembly rotates the cylinder about its longitudinal axis. A computer system is configured to control the roller assembly, light source, and camera and analyze the image to identify a defect associated with the cylinder.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed and can include a stent body having a longitudinal axis. The stent body can also have a network of struts that can define a plurality of cells defined between interconnected struts. Each of the plurality of cells includes a major axis that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis to form a cell angle, ?.

Abstract: A stent according to an embodiment of the invention includes an elongate body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongate body defines a lumen and an opening in communication with the lumen between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion configured to enable the flow of fluid therethrough. The lumen is configured to have a diameter wherein the opening has a width greater than half the size of the diameter and less than the diameter of the lumen. The opening has a length at least twice the width of opening. In some embodiments, the opening is configured to laterally receive a guidewire therethrough. The elongate body can be configured to releasably couple the guidewire within the lumen of the elongate body such that the elongate body can be slidably moved along the guidewire.

Abstract: For the repair of a cartilage defect in a human or animal patient, e.g. a full thickness articular cartilage defect, use is made of an implant (1) comprising an implant body (2) including a natural cartilage matrix and being coated with cells having a chondrogenic potential, preferably autologous cells. Preferably, the implant body consists of autologous cartilage tissue with viable chondrocytes integrated therein which cartilage tissue is produced by in vitro tissue culturing. Preferably, the cells for producing the cartilage tissue and for coating the implant body surfaces are the same. These cells are produced by in vitro cell proliferation starting from chondrocytes isolated from a cartilage biopsy. The chondrocytes which are de-differentiated during cell proliferation are re-differentiated during tissue culturing and are in particular suitable for producing and maintaining the cartilage matrix of the implant body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant 100 which comprises a plurality of electrically-conductive closed loops (300A, 300B, 300C, 300D; 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D each constituted from a plurality of loop portions such as struts (400, 500). The loops together form apertured walls of a cage with an interior volume, and the portions in any one said loop providing electrically-conductive pathways within which eddy currents are liable to be induced when the implant is subjected to an time-dependent external magnetic field, with each said loop comprising at least first and second said pathways. The implant is characterized in that the first and second pathways are arranged such that, in any particular magnetic field, the direction of the eddy current that would be induced in the second pathway is the reverse of the direction of the eddy current that would be induced in the first pathway, so as to mitigate the tendency of the implant to function in said magnetic field as a Faraday cage.

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: An expandable tissue supporting device of the present invention employs ductile hinges at selected points in the expandable device. When expansion forces are applied to the device as a whole, the ductile hinges concentrate expansion stresses and strains in small well defined areas. The expandable medical device including ductile hinges provides the advantages of low expansion force requirements, relatively thick walls which are radio-opaque, improved crimping properties, high crush strength, reduced elastic recoil after implantation, and control of strain to a desired level. The expandable tissue supporting device includes a plurality of elongated beams arranged in a cylindrical device and connected together by a plurality of ductile hinges.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, implantable drainage devices with a curvilinear portion are provided, such as stents or drainage catheters formed as a tubular member having a curvilinear portion comprising one or more pairs of adjacent bends curved in opposite directions. The drainage devices house a drainage lumen that may extend through the curvilinear portion, which may be dimensioned to retain the drainage device within a body vessel and provide a desired fluid conductance through a tortuous portion of the drainage lumen within the curvilinear portion. The curvilinear portion may include two or more planar bends facing in opposite directions.

Abstract: A stent is designed to be placed in a lumen of a patient and extend therethrough. The stent includes a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a distal retention structure and the proximal end includes a plurality of radially extending flexible segments to prevent migration of the stent through the lumen. At least one radially extending flexible segment at the proximal end is able to assume an outwardly everted configuration. The stent of the invention, due to its dimensions, shape, and rigidity, minimizes the force of contact and abrasion to sensitive areas of the patient's body, such as the trigone region of the bladder and the ureteral-vesical junction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spacing device (stent) for use in fenestrations of the paranasal sinus. Said device consists of a sheath which forms a hollow body, surrounding an internal cavity. An active substance, which is released in a controlled manner by the spacing device, is contained in the sheath or in at least one layer of the sheath. The relationship q of the external diameter of the hollow body to the internal diameter of the hollow body is expressed by 1.2?q?3.0.

Abstract: A method of making a polymeric stent includes providing a molding apparatus including a central core pin and a plurality of slides, wherein each of the slides includes grooves on an inner surface the slide, wherein the grooves are formed in the shape of the stent. A molten polymer is injected into the grooves and allowed to solidify. The slides are moves away from the central core pin and the solidified polymer, in the shape of a stent, is removed. The central core also may or may not include corresponding grooves depending on the desired cross section of struts and crowns of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention is an endo-prostatic stent and a detachable catheter apparatus including the same, allowing the correct positioning of the stent using tactile feed-back of the operator during insertion i.e. without the need for any imaging means like endoscopy or sonography.

Abstract: These stents aid in the rehabilitation of transgender patients, vaginismus patients and vaginal reconstruction patients and similar maladies. The glass stent is made from select medical grade borosilicate glass that is non-porous, hypoallergenic, incredibly durable, and incredibly smooth, can be easily sterilized, is lightweight, and greatly reduces friction during removal. By being hollow, the typical suction effect that is created during removal is eliminated as air can enter the vaginal cavity. There is a tapered hour glass area and an open and lipped end so insertion and removal is more easily facilitated. There are also three indentions in the glass as depth guides for the patient that can be both seen and felt but are very smooth. Finally, this stent can be tailored to individual patients if their bodies require different measurements.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting disruption of the healing process in a hollow body organ such as a stomach that is physically modified to restrict or reduce its food receiving capability are described. A physical boundary is used to form the stomach modification. An inlet portion of the modified stomach communicates with the esophagus and an outlet portion of the modified stomach communicates with the small intestine. A bypass shunt is inserted into the modified stomach alongside the physical boundary. The shunt enables food to pass from the esophagus through the shunt to the small intestine thereby reducing food and fluid contact with the physical boundary, and reducing pressure and tension forces at the physical boundary that establishes the stomach pouch. The shunt is inserted during the stomach modification procedure.

Abstract: A tapered helical implantation device for peripheral arteries and other body lumina of locally varying diameter, including struts connected by loops and shaped in a helical winding. The helical winding defines turns and, when expanded, has a first end with a first expanded circumference and a second end with a second expanded circumference greater than the first expanded circumference to form a stent tapering outward from the first end towards the second end. Bridges connect adjacent ones of the turns. The struts, the loops, and the bridges define a series of pores aligned along the helix, the pores having a substantially uniform pore size. The pores has a substantially similar area. The pore size limits a size of a particle that can pass therethrough. In particular, the pore size limits a size of a spherical particle that can pass therethrough.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis for placement in a body lumen of a metallic material having controlled porosity for improved ductility. The metallic material may be formed into a stent structure or a wire or sheet, which may then be formed into the stent structure. The porous network of the stent includes pores that range from nanometer scale to micron scale. The controlled porosity accommodates volume changes as well as provides a barrier to crack propagation to allow alloy steels and amorphous metal materials, which would otherwise be considered too brittle for the demands of intraventional use, to be utilized in a stent.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating alignment of the foot to treat patients with flat feet, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and metatarsophalangeal joint dysfunction. An enlargeable implant is positioned in or about the sinus tarsi and/or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot. The implant is insertable by minimally invasive means and enlarged through a catheter or needle. Enlargement of the implant alters the range of motion in the subtalar or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint and changes the alignment of the foot or toe.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes an implantable conduit with first and second ends and a first retainer coupled to the first end by a first joint. A second retainer is coupled to the second end by a second joint, wherein the first and second joints are each configured to allow movement of the implantable conduit relative to the respective first and second retainers.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation within a body vessel comprising a graft material and a releasable therapeutic agent are provided. The graft material preferably comprises a biocompatible polyurethane and a therapeutic agent. Preferably, the medical device is a stent graft formed by attaching a polyurethane graft material comprising an elutable taxane therapeutic agent to a radially expandable frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining patency of a vessel or other body region is provided. The apparatus includes an appliance having a non-circumferential form and being effective in maintaining patency or openness, or causing to become patent or open, a body region in which the appliance is located. The appliance may be formed of a flexible metallic struts structured to be submucossally implanted into a wall of the vessel or other body region.

Abstract: A flexible shaft (28) to be inserted into a channel of a living body provided with a plurality of adjacently abutting cells (26), the walls (30) of which are formed from wall sections. For this reason the flexible shaft (28), which is particularly cost-effective to produce and which demonstrates high flexibility paired with ample stability, is constructed such that in at least one cell (26) in the cross-section of the wall (30) a concave wall section (44, 46, 48) is circumferentially alternated with a corresponding neighbouring convex wall section (50, 52, 54).

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating medical conditions using cell therapy via body lumens. Localized delivery is achieved with the use of a stent-like expandable body seeded with cells. The expandable body is expanded to contact at least a portion of the inner walls of the body lumen and the cells, cellular products and/or other therapeutic agents are delivered to the surrounding tissue. The therapeutic benefit provided is dependent on the type of cells used and the features of the expandable body.

Abstract: A modification to allow delivery of a two port medical flow restrictor over a guidewire, and a means to mechanically collapse the new device. A thin walled, foil-like shell, is compacted for delivery. The invention includes the device, delivery assemblies, and methods of placing, and using, the device. A device with an aneurysm lobe and an artery lobe self-aligns its waist at the neck of an aneurysm as the device shell is pressure expanded. Mechanical force collapses both the aneurysm lobe and the artery lobe, captivating the neck of the aneurysm and securing the device. The device works for aneurysms at bifurcations and aneurysms near side-branch arteries. The device, unlike endovascular coiling, excludes the weak neck of the aneurysm from circulation, while leaving the aneurysm relatively empty. Unlike stent-based exclusion, the device does not block perforator arteries. This exclusion device can also limit flow through body lumens or orifices.

Abstract: A fibre or fabric comprising silicon for use as a medical fibre or fabric. The silicon present can be biocompatible, bioactive or resorbable material and may also be able to act as an electrical conductor. In addition, porous silicon may be used as a slow release means for example for drugs or fragrances, or as a collector for example for sweat. Novel fibres, fabrics and methods of preparation of these are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable or insertable biomedical devices comprising a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in said substrate, and methods of treatment using the same. In some embodiments, the device is a urethral, ureteral, or nephroureteral catheter or stent. Kits comprising the same are also provided.

Abstract: A stent includes a conduit defining a lumen; a first malecot adjacent the conduit, where the first malecot includes at least two members having at least one slit therebetween and where the at least one slit is in fluid communication with the lumen; and a second malecot including an annular structure surrounding and protruding from the conduit. A method for placing a stent includes inserting into a patient a stent and a stylet disposed within the stent, where the stylet includes an expandable member, expanding the expandable member, seating the stent, and removing the expandable member.

Abstract: A deployment cartridge is provided to insert a coated stent into a junction formed between to tubular tissue sections. The deployment cartridge includes a pusher and a coated stent contained within the pusher. The pusher includes support structure for engagement with the stent. The stent is coated with a tissue sealant or tissue adhesive. An insertion instrument is also disclosed for advancing the deployment cartridge into the junction formed between the two tubular tissue sections. There is also disclosed a method of facilitating the support and healing at a juncture formed between tubular tissue sections with a coated stent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are medical devices, particularly lumen-supporting devices, which include a biocompatible nanostructured ceramic material configured to be disposed adjacent to a luminal surface and having an average grain size dimension of about 1 nanometer to about 1000 nanometers, a strain to failure of at least about 1 percent, and a cross-sectional hardness greater than or equal to about 350 kilograms per square millimeter. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the lumen-supporting devices.

Abstract: A braided stent (1) for transluminal implantation in body lumens is self-expanding and has a radial expanded configuration in which the angle ? between filaments is acute. Some or all of filaments (6,7) are welded together in pairs at each end (4,5) of the stent to provide beads (8), thereby strengthening the stent and assisting its deployment from a delivery device. The stent is preferably completely coated using a biocompatible polymeric coating, said polymer preferably having pendant phosphoryl choline groups. A method of making the stent by braiding and welding is described as well as a delivery device for deploying the device. The present invention provides a biocompatible crosslinked coating and a crosslinkable coating polymer composition for forming such a coating.