Abstract:
A method includes covering ostai of branch vessels emanating from a main vessel and an aneurysm with a high metal to vessel ratio stent. A metal to vessel ratio of the high metal to vessel ratio stent is sufficiently high to encourage tissue ingrowth around the high metal to vessel ratio stent yet is sufficiently low to ensure perfusion of the branch vessels through the high metal to vessel ratio stent. The ingrowth of tissue provides secure fixation and sealing of the high metal to vessel ratio stent to the main vessel and remodels and essentially eliminates the aneurysm. Further, as the entire high metal to vessel ratio stent is permeably, the high metal to vessel ratio stent is deployed without having to rotationally position the high metal to vessel ratio stent.
Abstract:
Nanocapsules are disclosed which comprise (a) a drug-containing core and (b) a polyelectrolyte multilayer encapsulating the drug-containing core. The nanocapsules include particles whose largest dimension typically ranges between 50 nm to 10000 nm. In some embodiments, the nanocapsules contain a single drug. In others, the nanocapsules contain multiple drugs, either within the same nanocapsules or within separate populations of nanocapsules. In some embodiments, the nanocapsules comprise surfaces that are functionalized, for example, with ligands that allow for attachment to bodily tissue. In some embodiments of the present invention, the nanocapsules are rendered magnetic or are rendered susceptible to magnetic fields. Also disclosed is a drug delivery method that comprises the steps of (a) providing nanocapsules such as those above; and (b) placing the nanocapsules at a desired location within the body of a subject using an implantable or insertable medical device.
Abstract:
A stent comprises at least one curve deployment section. The at least one curve deployment section comprises at least one expansion ring having a circumferential length, a longitudinal length and comprising a first circumferential section and a second circumferential section. The first circumferential section comprises an expansion column and the second circumferential section comprises at least two expansion columns longitudinally offset from one another. The expansion column of the first circumferential section is engaged to the at least two expansion columns of the second circumferential section.
Abstract:
A method includes covering ostai of branch vessels emanating from a main vessel and an aneurysm with an integrated mesh high metal to vessel ratio stent. The integrated mesh high metal to vessel ratio stent includes serpentine rings integrated with an integrated mesh having holes formed therein. A metal to vessel ratio of the integrated mesh high metal to vessel ratio stent is sufficiently high to encourage tissue ingrowth around the integrated mesh high metal to vessel ratio stent yet is sufficiently low to ensure perfusion of the branch vessels through the integrated mesh high metal to vessel ratio stent.
Abstract:
An endovascular prosthesis includes a tubular body and a mobile external coupling. The tubular body includes a graft material and stents coupled thereto, a forms a lumen therethrough. The mobile external coupling extends outwardly from the tubular body. The mobile external coupling includes a graft material and is generally frustoconically shaped. The mobile external coupling includes a base coupled to the tubular body, a top spaced from the tubular body, and a coupling lumen disposed between the base and the top, wherein the coupling lumen is in flow communication with the body lumen. A cylindrical sealing cuff of graft material is attached to and extends from the top of the mobile external coupling towards the tubular body within the coupling lumen. The sealing cuff is configured to contact a portion of a branch vessel prosthesis and thereby provides an elongated interference seal between the branch vessel prosthesis and the mobile external coupling.
Abstract:
A method is provided for forming a brazed joint between first and second elements of a medical device such as a stent. The method begins by forming a joint by positioning the first element with respect to the second element. A filler material is applied to the joint. An electromagnetic beam of energy is applied to the joint to at least partially melt the filler material.
Abstract:
A method includes covering ostai of branch vessels emanating from a main vessel and an aneurysm with a high metal to vessel ratio stent. A metal to vessel ratio of the high metal to vessel ratio stent is sufficiently high to encourage tissue ingrowth around the high metal to vessel ratio stent yet is sufficiently low to ensure perfusion of the branch vessels through the high metal to vessel ratio stent. The ingrowth of tissue provides secure fixation and sealing of the high metal to vessel ratio stent to the main vessel and remodels and essentially eliminates the aneurysm. Further, as the entire high metal to vessel ratio stent is permeably, the high metal to vessel ratio stent is deployed without having to rotationally position the high metal to vessel ratio stent.
Abstract:
A bifurcated stent that uses turning segments to reduce the strain at regions which bend at extreme angles. The turning segments can be placed on side branch petals or on connectors connecting the petals to the stent body. Combining the turning segments with connectors of different length and tethers provides for a stent with high flexibility that can accommodate various shaped body vessels. This design allows the bifurcation branch to extend easily, to a useful distance, and to be deployed along oblique angles. Best of all, this design avoids the problems of angularly strained side branch.