Abstract:
The disclosure relates to support frames for prosthetic implantable valves, that may include a proximal annular member longitudinally spaced from a distal annular member and a plurality of longitudinal connecting members extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis from the proximal annular member to the distal annular member including a first member opposably positioned across the lumen from a circmferentially adjacent to the first member.
Abstract:
A stent is provided which after expansion within the body remains substantially rigid for a certain time, at which point the stent becomes increasingly conformable, due to the biodegradation of the connecting members (118), and thereby avoids mechanical irritation to the body's tissue. Other portions of the stent structure may also biodegrade during this time. Also provided is a method of expanding such a stent.
Abstract:
Among other things, there are disclosed apparatuses and methods for medically sealing an opening in a vessel or wall. For example, in medical applications, a delivery tube is provided for insertion through a sheath into a vessel (e.g. a blood vessel). A dome-shaped seal fixed to a filament, an absorbent and/or compressible buffer, and a locking member are provided in the delivery tube. The delivery tube is configured so that it can be inserted into the vessel through a sheath. Tension is maintained on the filament to hold the seal against the tube or sheath. The sheath is pulled out, which pulls out the tube at the same time, leaving the seal over the opening in the vessel wall. The locking member compresses the buffer against the outside of the vessel and with the filament holds the seal in place against the inside of a vessel.
Abstract:
A device for closure of an opening formed in a body vessel includes a grasping member and a sheath movable thereover. The grasping member comprises a tubular body having a plurality of grasping fingers extending from a distal end of the tubular body. The fingers radially extend from the tubular body at a first angle, and are collapsible therefrom to a second angle. The fingers have a distal tip configured for grasping an outer wall of the body vessel surrounding the vessel opening when the fingers are at the first angle. The sheath is slidable over the tubular body and at least a portion of the grasping fingers for collapsing the fingers from the first angle to the second angle, thereby causing the collapsed fingers to at least substantially close the opening.
Abstract:
Valve devices useful in the treatment of various valve-related disorders and/or conditions are described. A valve device includes a leaflet and a means for biasing the leaflet in an open configuration. A method of making a valve device comprises the steps of determining a desired closing pressure; determining a desired opening pressure, selecting one or more valve leaflets; selecting an appropriate means for biasing the leaflet in an open configuration based on the determined closing and opening pressures; and attaching the one or more valve leaflets to the means for biasing the leaflet in an open configuration.
Abstract:
Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the deployment and filling of an inflatable occlusion device via a percutaneous procedure, so as to occlude or obliterate a portion of a vascular vessel.
Abstract:
Wireguides and methods of making wireguides for delivery systems are provided. A wireguide for a delivery system according to the invention facilitates placement of an intraluminal medical device at a desired point of treatment. The wireguides include a plurality of indicia, each of which has a configuration that differs from that of at least one other indicium of the plurality of indicia.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to an expandable valve prosthesis for regulating flow through a body vessel. The prosthesis comprises a frame (200) configured to form a laterally asymmetric partial sinus and a valve member (250).
Abstract:
One embodiment of the present invention provides an implantable valve prosthesis. The valve prosthesis includes a frame defining a lumen extending between a proximal frame end and a distal frame end along a longitudinal axis, and a first valve leaflet positioned within the lumen and having a distal edge attached to the frame and a proximal edge free of the frame. The first valve leaflet comprises a first and a second slit extend distally from the proximal edge and defining a free portion of the first valve leaflet between the first and second slits. The first valve leaflet is movable between a first position that allows fluid flow in a first, antegrade, direction and a second position that restricts flow in a second, retrograde direction.
Abstract:
A self-expanding or otherwise expandable artificial valve prostheses for deployment within a body passageway, such as a vessel or duct of a patient. The valve prostheses include a support structure having an outer frame, a supporting member and a valve leaflet. The portion of the valve leaflet is supported by the supporting member and is positioned away from the wall of the body passageway when the device is deployed within the body passageway.