Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor inventions 06/06

20060142833 - Apparatus for delivery and deployment of an expandable stent within a blood vessel: An improved apparatus for delivering and deployment of an expandable stent with a protection sheath within a blood vessel is provided. The system comprises a fluid pressure device which is coupled with a retraction device for the protection sheath such that after retraction of the protection sheath the stent is...

20060142836 - Device for treating aortic dissection: A stent assembly (42) adapted for endoluminal placement by endovascular deployment for the treatment of a false lumen (10) associated with a vascular dissection. The stent assembly has a number of self expanding stents (35) connected together to define an elongate substantially cylindrical lumen wall engaging surface. The stents are...

20060142835 - Endoluminal prosthesis adapted to resist migration and method of deploying the same: An endoluminal prosthesis for treatment of a condition in a lumen in the vicinity of a branch lumen, the lumen being adapted to resist migration, is provided. In one embodiment, the prosthesis includes a substantially tubular main stent adapted for placement in the main lumen. A substantially tubular anchor stent...

20060142834 - Fugitive plasticizer balloon surface treatment for enhanced stent securement: In an assembly of a balloon mounted on a catheter and a stent mounted over the deflated balloon, the balloon is provided with a fugitive plasticizer before the stent is crimped over the balloon. The fugitive plasticizer can soften the balloon surface so that molding of the balloon surface to...

20060142837 - Method and apparatus for deployment of an endoluminal device: An introducer deploys an endoluminal device in a distal location from a proximal location. The introducer comprises a retrograde portion, an anterograde portion axially moveable relative to the retrograde portion, a shaft having a distal tip and an anterograde sheath attached to the distal tip, and anchoring means in at...

20060142839 - External support device: A medical device inserted into a blood vessel through a tube. The medical device comprises an external support device applied around a portion of the medical device in proximity to the tube....

20060142838 - Medical devices including metallic films and methods for loading and deploying same: A method of handling an endoprosthesis includes providing an endoprosthesis having a deposited metal film with a thickness of about 50 microns or less and reducing the diameter of the endoprosthesis by sequentially collapsing different portions of the prosthesis. The collapsed endoprosthesis can be positioned with a lumen of an...

20060142841 - Coiled-sheet stent-graft with slidable exo-skeleton: A stent-graft having an exo-skeleton attached to a tubular graft, the tubular graft having a peripheral wall defining a lumen therein extending between first and second ends. One or more support elements, defining the exo-skeleton, are attached to the tubular graft, each support element extending generally peripherally around the tubular...

20060142840 - Low profile stent-graft attachment: A low profile, implantable prosthesis includes (a) a tubular graft including opposed open ends and having yarns in a textile pattern to define a textile wall having a luminal surface and an exterior surface; and (b) a tubular, radially extensible member including a portion arranged in a closed zig-zag pattern,...

20060142842 - Medical devices including metallic films and methods for making same: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. The medical device can include a composite cover formed of a deposited metallic film. The cover may include one or more filaments, e.g., wires, which cooperate with the film to provide desirable mechanical properties. The wires may...

20060142844 - Endoprosthesis having foot extensions: Endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes at least one annular element defined by a first set of strut members interconnected to define apices proximate opposite sides of the annular element. The annular element further includes a foot extension extending between at least one pair of circumferentially-adjacent strut members. The foot...

20060142843 - Soft stent with excellent follow-up capability to blood vessel: A stent according to the present invention comprises radially expandable annular members (1) which are aligned in a longitudinal direction of the stent, and one or more coupling elements (2) that couple adjoining two annular members (1) in the longitudinal direction of the stent, wherein said annular member comprises first...

20060142832 - Self-expanding stent: In an inventive stent (10), helical filaments (12, 13) are disposed on a first tubular layer (11). The helical filaments (12, 13) are mutually phase-shifted such that they do not touch and lie in one plane. The helical filaments (12, 13) are completely coated by a second elastic tubular polymer...

20060142845 - Medical devices including metallic films and methods for making same: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. The medical device can include a stent body and a cover including a deposited metallic film. The medical device can be delivered using a delivery device along a tortuous body passage to a treatment site without damaging...

20060142846 - Implantable vascular device: A multiple-sided medical device comprises a frame comprising wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration which a generally serpentine shape. The device is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen...

20060142847 - Method and devices for decreasing elevated pulmonary venous pressure: The present invention relates to the implantation of one or more prosthetic valve(s) in the pulmonary vein(s) of a subject as a means of decreasing or preventing an increase in pulmonary venous pressure. The present invention accordingly provides for novel treatment strategies for the treatment of medical disorders associated with...

20060142848 - Extra-anatomic aortic valve placement: A method for extra-anatomic valve placement includes creating an aperture through the patient's heart that extends from a location outside of the patient's heart and into a left ventricle of the heart. A valve is mounted at least partially within the aperture and a continuous path is provided for fluid...

20060142849 - Stent having variable properties and method of its use: A stent and method of its use, the stent in its expanded configuration, exhibiting varying outward radial force along its length. In use, the expanded stent is of a tapered configuration which provides greater force in vessel regions requiring greater force and less force in regions requiring less. In particular...

20060142850 - Functionalisation of stents with lipases: The invention relates to intravascular stents having in an inner surface an enzyme capable of catabolizing cholesterol and lipids, such as lipase, or cells that have been genetically modified to produce the enzyme, and to their use in the treatment or prevention of obstructive artheriosclerotic lesions in coronary and peripheral...

20060142852 - Low profile, durable, reinforced eptfe composite graft: A composite graft having a first seamless tubular layer comprising biocompatible first polymeric material and having a luminal surface and an exterior surface; a biocompatible reinforcing member arranged in a pattern to define a second tubular layer, the second tubular layer being disposed over the exterior surface of the first...

20060142851 - Medical devices including metallic films and methods for making same: An endoprosthesis for deployment within a body passage includes an external tubular framework disposed about a tubular member, e.g., a metallic film having a thickness of about 50 μm or less. The tubular member may be sandwiched between the external tubular framework and an internal tubular framework located internally of...

20060142853 - Coated substrate assembly: A coated assembly with an inductance of from about 0.1 to about 5 nanohenries and a capacitance of from about 0.1 to about 10 nanofarads. The coated assembly contains a stent and a coating. When the assembly is exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of from 10...

20060142854 - Device and method for modifying the shape of a body organ: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the...

20060142855 - Small incision intraocular lens with anti-pco feature: A thin intraocular lens for inhibiting posterior capsular opacification (PCO) includes an optic having a sharp edge which extends posteriorly and between a posterior concave region and an outer-most peripheral edge surface that extends parallel to the optical axis....

20060142856 - Refractive intraocular implant lens and method: A refractive intraocular lens (104) and method of locating the lens within the eye and attaching the lens to the iris. The refractive intraocular lens (104) may be attached via a staple (230), a fastener (312), anchor (412) or by the tip of the haptic (118). The intraocular lens (104)...

20060142857 - Artificial retina device with stimulating and ground return electrodes disposed on opposite sides of the neuroretina and method of attachment: An artificial retinal device, implanted in the subretinal space of the eye in persons with certain types of retinal blindness, induces artificial vision by electrical stimulation of the remaining viable cells of the retina. The artificial retina device includes a stimulating electrode unit preferably placed in the subretinal space....

20060142860 - Artificial disc prosthesis: A visco-elastic motion-limiting artificial intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided that mimics the physiologic function of a normal spinal disc. The disc comprises upper and lower endplates having therewithin channels or openings for optionally receiving one or more motion-limiting members fitted on each end with an enlarged portion. One or more...

20060142859 - Bone fusion device: A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably...

20060142858 - Expandable implants for spinal disc replacement: Multiple embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses for maintaining spacing between neighboring vertebrae, while minimizing the size of the surgical opening required. In one embodiment, an expandable spinal implant is made having movable parts that can arranged so as to have a small maximum cross-sectional width so...

20060142862 - Ball and dual socket joint: A spinal implant is inserted between adjacent vertebrae to function as an disk prosthesis. The prosthesis has two plates fastened to adjacent vertebrae facing each other. The facing sides of the plates each have a depending skirt formed as concentric arcs of about 90 degrees. The skirts are either bowed...

20060142863 - Method and apparatus for implant stability: An method and apparatus is provided for achieving stability of an implant in an intervertebral space of the human body, including an implant having a superior surface and an inferior surface, the surfaces having no significant protrusions extending therefrom and at least one modular projection mateable with one of each...

20060142861 - Spinal disc replacement: A spinal disc replacement has at least one bellows disposed between two spaced-apart plates. The bellows are compressible anteriorly/posteriorly and left/right. Several embodiments have top plates and bottom plates which are torsionally rotatable. Methods of use are provided....

20060142864 - Intervertebral disc annulus stent: A stent, or device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall, or annulus fibrosus, after surgical incision or pathologic rupture, which is inserted through an aperture into the subannular space. The stent has radial extensions which are caused or allowed to expand into an expanded configuration to bridge...

20060142865 - Transosseous core approach and instrumentation for joint replacement and repair: A method and instrumentation is disclosed for gaining access to areas in and around joints for treatment and to provide new implants and instrumentation adapted for the new method. In a transosseous core approach, the joint is entered through a pathway provided in a portion of a joint bone. Such...

20060142866 - Radial head implant apparatuses and methods: Radial head implant apparatuses and methods are provided in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein wherein a shaft and a head portion can be axially movable within a stem portion. In one embodiment, a radial head implant can include a head portion for articular engagement with a humerus bone,...

20060142867 - Knee joint prosthesis: A modular component for a knee joint prosthesis is disclosed. The modular component includes a tray, a stem and an adapter assembly. The tray includes a support surface and downwardly extending extension having a generally circular shape. The stem includes a main body portion and an upwardly extending extension. The...

20060142868 - Selective crosslinking of orthopaedic implants: A method and starting material are presented for producing property enhancing crosslinking at selected locations within an orthopaedic implant....

20060142869 - Knee prosthesis: A tibial component for a knee prosthesis comprises a tibial platform and a wedge-shaped keel which is disengageably attachable to the tibial platform. The tibial platform has a superior surface for supporting a fixed or mobile bearing component and an inferior surface which, when the tibial platform and the keel...

20060142870 - Modular total ankle prosthesis apparatuses, systems and methods, and systems and methods for bone resection and prosthetic implantation: Ankle prosthesis apparatuses, systems and methods are provided as disclosed herein. Additionally, systems and methods for bone resection and implantation of prosthetics are provided, including surgical techniques and related instrumentation. An ankle prosthesis apparatus can include a talar component having a lower surface with a bone fixation portion for fixation...

20060142871 - System and method for replicating orthopaedic implant orientation: A trial implant system includes a stem component and an articulating component forming part of a joint of a patient. A trial mounting assembly mounts the articulating component to the stem component at variable relative angular positions. The trial mounting assembly includes an expandable ball portion and an expansion element...

20060142872 - Joint prosthesis with infinitely positionable head: A joint prosthesis includes a bone engaging portion, such as a stem, and articulating component, such as a humeral head, and an insert component that supports the articulating component and is removable from the stem. A mating component mates with the humeral head and is configured to engage the insert...

20060136036 - Apparatus and method for deployment of an endoluminal device: An introducer deploys an endoluminal device in a distal location from a proximal location. The introducer comprises a retrograde portion, an anterograde portion axially moveable relative to the retrograde portion, a shaft having a distal tip and an anterograde sheath attached to the distal tip, and an inflatable balloon mounted...

20060136032 - Balloon catheter having a balloon with hybrid porosity sublayers: formed of at least two sublayers of the porous polymeric material which have a different porosity. Additionally, in one embodiment, the sublayers of porous polymeric material have other characteristics which vary, such as tensile strength and orientation. As a result, the balloon of the invention has an improved combination of...

20060136031 - Balloon deployable stent and method of using the same: The present invention provides a balloon-deployable stent having a progressive expansion over time and a method for using such a stent, thereby reducing restenosis. The stent has a progressive radial expansion of an armature (12) comprising a material having an elasticity allowing the self-deployment of the armature and of a...

20060136035 - Coiled endoluminal prosthesis system and delivery catheter: A coiled endoluminal prosthesis system may include means for rotating a delivery catheter while axially releasing a coiled endoluminal prosthesis from the delivery catheter. A release element may be retracted simultaneously with rotation of the delivery catheter. The coiled endoluminal prosthesis may have a first direction of spiral in a...

20060136033 - Coiled stent delivery system and method: A coiled endoluminal prosthesis delivery assembly includes a catheter and a generally helical endoluminal prosthesis. The endoluminal prosthesis is placeable in a radially contracted state on the catheter. The assembly also comprises means for engaging proximal, intermediate and distal portions of the endoluminal prosthesis to maintain it in the first...

20060136034 - Delivery catheter and method: A delivery catheter comprises a first, flexible, polymer-based tube and a second, metal tube at the first tube distal end. The second tube has flexibility enhancing relief areas along its length to provide localized areas of reduced bending stiffness to enhance the bending flexibility while retaining good torsional stiffness. A...

20060136038 - Expandable medical device with beneficial agent delivery mechanism: 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...

20060136037 - Small vessel stent designs: Medical device and methods for delivery or implantation of prostheses within hollow body organs and vessels or other luminal anatomy are disclosed. The subject technologies may be used in the treatment of atherosclerosis in stenting procedures....

20060136040 - Longitudinal design and improved material for flexible connectors in high strength, high flexibility, controlled recoil stent: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. The biocompatible material may comprise metallic and non-metallic materials. These materials may be designed with a microstructure that facilitates or enables the design of devices with a wide range of geometries adaptable to various...

20060136039 - Magnetic resonance compatible stent: An intravascular stent (50) is provided for use in conjunction with a magnetic resonance imaging system. The stent is constructed to minimize the radio-frequency cage effect which results from currents being induced in stents when subjected to magnetic resonance related radio frequency signals. The stent includes a mesh of electrically...

20060136041 - Slide-and-lock stent: The invention relates to an expandable stent comprising circumferentially adjacent modules. The modules comprise longitudinally adjacent slide-and-lock radial elements which permit one-way sliding of the radial elements from a collapsed diameter to an expanded/deployed diameter, but inhibit radial recoil from the expanded diameter....

20060136042 - Vulnerable plaque stent: A tubular, expandable prosthesis comprises a framework with a plurality of openings therethrough and a carbon nanotube sheet. The carbon nanotube sheet extends across at least one of the openings....

20060136043 - Filament-wound implantable devices: A self-expanding implantable medical device formed from one or more non-interlocking filaments. Stents, stent-grafts, occluder devices, and filters are manufactured from one or more filaments utilizing a non-interlocking crossing pattern....

20060136044 - Medical device with bioactive agent: Medical devices with one or more bioactive agents are provided for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel. Medical devices according to the invention can comprise prosthetic valves that include a bioactive agent....

20060136045 - Methods and systems for modifying vascular valves: Described are methods and systems for modifying vascular valves in order to reduce retrograde blood flow through the valves. Preferred methods include connecting vascular valve leaflets with at least one remodelable material, such that the valve leaflets become fused by the ingrowth of the patient's native tissue. Preferred remodelable materials...

20060136046 - Stented side branch graft: A stent graft (1) has a tubular body (3) defining a main lumen and a side tube (5) defining a side tube lumen and in fluid communication with the main lumen and defining a junction (13) between the tubular body and the side tube. The junction includes an acute angle...

20060136047 - Tissue graft prosthesis devices containing juvenile or small diameter submucosa: Described are preferred tissue graft materials that incorporate juvenile submucosa tissue from a warm-blooded vertebrate. Preferred materials incorporate juvenile small intestinal submucosa tissue from a mammal such as a porcine mammal, and the constructs are preferably in tubular form and utilized the isolated submucosa tissue in its native, intact tubular...

20060136048 - Abluminal, multilayer coating constructs for drug-delivery stents: Embodiments of coatings for implantable medical devices, such as stents, are disclosed. The devices may include at least one structural element having an abluminal side, luminal side, and sidewalls between the abluminal and luminal sides. The coating may include at least two continuous coating layers. In some embodiments, the luminal...

20060136050 - Autologous growth factors to promote tissue in-growth in vascular device: Methods and devices for ameliorating stent graft migration and endoleak using treatment site-specific cell growth promoting compositions in combination with stent grafts are disclosed. Also disclosed is coating of autologous growth factor compositions onto stent grafts prior to stent graft implantation. Additional embodiments include stent grafts having autologous growth factor...

20060136051 - Coated medical device: A stent that is adapted for introduction into a body passageway and which releases at least one biological agent after being inserted in the body passageway. The release of the at least one biological agent can be a controlled release via molecular diffusion through a non-porous polymer layer....

20060136049 - Implantable systems and stents containing cells for therapeutic uses: An implantable system includes cells that produce and release a therapeutic agent, or agents, to a host in need. The system can include cells capable of eluting therapeutic agents in response to changing physiological conditions within a host. The system may comprise naked cells, encapsulated cells, or a mixture of...

20060136052 - Cardiovascular valve assembly: A cardiovascular valve assembly comprising a base member that is affixed to a patient using conventional sutures or staples, and a replaceable valve member including a valve frame that supports a plurality of valve leaflets. The valve member mates with the base member, and can be detached from the base...

20060136053 - Method and apparatus for improving mitral valve function: A method and apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation. The apparatus is inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being adapted to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the...

20060136054 - Artificial heart valve attachment apparatus and methods: Heart valve attachment apparatus and methods that significantly reduce attachment times are provided. The apparatus and methods utilize a connector band to form an interface between a uni-directional valve and a tissue annulus. The connector band is secured to the tissue annulus by retention fingers....

20060136055 - Pseudoaccommodative equipment implanted for presbyopia correction: An equipment includes two intraocular implants whose the optic part (7g, d) is provided, proximate its free end, with an actuating elements (10g, d) for varying the length of the edge in response to a control signal (Sc); two pressure sensors (4d, 4g) located between the eye balls and the...

20060136056 - Implant device and method: A breast implant includes means for attaching to a patient's body at an attaching point located at the upper part of the implant using surgical wire, and for allowing to secure the wire at a securing point located on the lower part of the implant. The means for attaching to...

20060136057 - Biomimetic prosthetic ligament and production method thereof: Biomimetic artificial prostheses which are made from polyester, such as polyethylene terephthalate, and a method for the biomimetic functionalization of such prostheses. The method includes a step involving the grafting of biologically-active polymers or copolymers to the polyester surface of the prostheses, the grafting step consisting of the peroxidation of...

20060136058 - Patient specific anatomically correct implants to repair or replace hard or soft tissue: The present invention relates to a system of preparing a one of a kind artificial or biological implant to repair or replace a bone or a tissue part in a living individual, the system comprising: pre-operatively constructing an anatomically correct, affected area 7-unique scan implants geometry, wherein the implants geometry...

20060136059 - Spinal implant: The present invention provides an implant to be implanted between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra. The implant comprises a main body having a superior surface and an inferior surface with at least one linear surface protrusion residing on at least one of the superior surface or the inferior...

20060136061 - Artificial disc prosthesis: A visco-elastic motion-limiting artificial intervertebral disc prosthesis is provided that mimics the physiologic function of a normal spinal disc. The disc comprises upper and lower endplates having therewithin channels or openings for optionally receiving one or more motion-limiting members fitted on each end with an enlarged portion. One or more...

20060136060 - Posterior vertebral support assembly: The invention concerns an assembly (1) comprising an interspinous wedge (5) configured to be inserted between the spinous processes (9) of two vertebrae (2) to be treated, whereof at least one zone designed to be placed between the spinous processes of the vertebrae is made of an elastically deformable material....

20060136062 - Height-and angle-adjustable motion disc implant: This invention relates to an intervertebral motion disc having a height adjustable endplate....

20060136063 - Intervertebral disc prosthesis: The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis comprising at least three pieces including an upper plate (1), a lower plate (2), and a movable core (3) at least in relation to a plate, wherein it also comprises two anatomic adaptation elements (11, 22) of which each has, on...

20060136064 - Intervertebral disc implants and methods for manufacturing and using the same: Described are intervertebral disc implants that include an elastomeric polymer body, especially a hydrogel body, and a superelastic element. Also described are methods for making and using such implants....

20060136065 - Radially compressed dehydrated spinal nucleus implants: A radially compressed xerogel spinal nucleus implant is manufactured and utilized for implantation into an intervertebral disc space. The implant has an optimized cross-sectional ellipsoid configuration which facilitates insertion of the implant through a minimal incision in the annulus. Radial compression is achieved by exerting substantially equilateral circumferential compression on...

20060136066 - Postero-stabilised prosthesis with non-shifting femoral stud: Full knee prosthesis having a tibial part, a tibial insert and a femoral part comprising two condyles between which extends a femoral stud of a cylindrical shape in order to define an opening into which passes a tibial stud projecting from the tibial insert, the tibial insert having concave upper...

20060136067 - Tibial tray inserter: A tibial tray inserter for use during knee joint replacement surgery is provided....

20060136068 - Tissue regeneration: The present invention relates to a method of treating a tissue defect in a human or animal body comprising the steps of implanting into said body an unseeded scaffold; allowing or effecting a wound healing response at the site of said defect; allowing said scaffold to be vascularized until a...

20060136069 - Device and method for prosthetic implant measurement: A prosthetic implant measurement device includes a template adapted to fit over an implant site and shaped to conform to a desired post-surgical result and an expandable bladder adapted for insertion into the implant site. The template has at least two holes for passing a catheter attached at one end...

20060136070 - Elastomeric polymer filament cosmetic implant: A cosmetic implant comprises a filament made from a biocompatible elastomer. The elastomeric filament can be injected or pulled under one or more wrinkles. Once implanted under the wrinkle(s), the filament lifts and supports the tissue above it. Such lifting lessens (and possibly removes altogether) the appearance of the wrinkle(s)....

20060136071 - Biodegradable biocompatible implant: There is described a biocompatible implant for the filling of a cavity in a living organism if such as, for example, a bone defect or an extraction wound, comprising an open porous scaffold and/or a composite matrix comprising a plurality of inorganic or synthetic granules and a synthetic polymer matrix,...

20060136072 - Magnetorheologically actuated prosthetic knee: The invention in some embodiments relates to a magnetorheologically actuated prosthetic knee. The knee in one embodiment comprises an extension assist to facilitate knee extension. The knee in another embodiment comprises a dual-stage bumper system that limits the maximum knee rotation. The knee in yet another embodiment comprises a cover...

20060129223 - Percutaneously retrievable stent assembly with fluid draining capability: The present invention provides a stent assembly for expanding a bodily passage in a patient and draining a fluid therefrom. The assembly comprises at least one expandable stent and an elongated carrier for delivery or retrieval of the stent. The stent is circumferentially attached to a distal end of the...

20060129224 - Two-part expanding stent graft delivery system: A delivery system for endovascularly delivering a prosthesis along a guidewire to a curved implantation site includes a delivery device having control handle and an inner lumen slidably disposed in the handle between a retracted position and an extended position. The inner lumen has a distal end and a tip...

20060129225 - Device for the delivery of a cardioprotective agent to ischemic reperfused myocardium: Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed...

20060129226 - Material for flexible connectors in high strength, high flexibility, controlled recoil stent: A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. The biocompatible material may comprise metallic and non-metallic materials. These materials may be designed with a microstructure that facilitates or enables the design of devices with a wide range of geometries adaptable to various...

20060129227 - Auxetic tubular liners: The present invention concerns tubular liners for insertion into a duct, said tubular liners defining first and second ends and a lumen, both of said first and second ends being open, such that fluid flow can occur through said tubular liners from said first end to said second end, characterised...

20060129231 - Intraluminar perforated radially expandable drug delivery prosthesis and a method for the production thereof: A radially expandable prosthesis for implantation in a lumen comprises a tubular wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The tubular wall is provided with cuts to form solid struts which have a thickness and which enables the prosthesis to expand. The solid struts have reservoirs made therethrough...

20060129229 - Stent: A stent that can further reduce the incidence of repeated stenosis (restenosis) that has been experienced in conventional stents is provided. Onto the outer surface of a stent body, a structure for cutting body tissues and the like is disposed so that during stent expansion in the outward radial direction...

20060129228 - Stents: A stent is provided for external application to an artery in which an aneurysm has occurred or is about to occur to provide support thereto, the stent being of bespoke character by virtue of its creation to conform morphologically to the actual contour of the artery captured using for example...

20060129230 - Varying circumferential spanned connectors in a stent: A stent comprises a plurality of serpentine circumferential bands and a plurality of connector columns. Each connector column is located between two adjacent serpentine circumferential bands and comprises a plurality connector struts. Each connector strut is connected at one end to one serpentine circumferential band and at another end to...

20060129232 - Implantable medical devices, and methods of delivering the same: A tubular endoprosthesis including a polymeric material is disclosed. The endoprosthesis has a collapsed position that can be reverted to a first expanded position larger than the collapsed position by heating to a first temperature subsequent to insertion of the endoprosthesis into a cavity or lumen in a mammal. The...

20060129222 - Bioabsorbable self-expanding stent: A self-expanding stent formed from helically wound and braided filaments of bioabsorbable polymers such as PLA, PLLA, PDLA, and PGA....

20060129233 - Expandable coil stent: An implantable coil stent comprises at least a first curved segment and a second curved segment which arc about the longitudinal axis of the stent. An expandable link extends between the second end of the first curved segment and the first end of the second curved segment....

20060129234 - Nanofibrous biocomposite prosthetic vascular graft: The present invention provides a bioactive, small-diameter (typically less than 6 mm in internal diameter) vascular graft prosthesis, and is a textile conduit preferably manufactured using a novel electrospinning perfusion methodology. One preferred embodiment is a nanofibrous biocomposite textile conduit which comprises a prepared liquid admixture of polyester (Dacron), a...

20060129235 - Prosthetic valve for transluminal delivery: A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchor may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be...

20060129236 - Annuloplasty ring for mitral valve prolapse: A mitral annuloplasty ring that has an outward and an upward posterior bow. The ring defines a closed, modified oval shape with a minor-major axis dimension ratio of between about 3.3:4 to 4:4. The ring is made of a material that will substantially resist distortion when subjected to the stress...

20060129237 - Stomach peristalsis device and method: The invention relates to an implantable stomach prosthesis for surgically replacing or augmenting all or part of the antrum and/or pylorus of a stomach. The prosthesis controls the passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine. The prosthesis may be configured to chum ingested material and release it...

20060129238 - Spinal stabilization device and methods: Devices and methods for immobilizing adjacent vertebrae are disclosed including the utilization of one or more implants inserted between adjacent vertebrae and having protrusions thereon for substantially fixedly securing with the vertebrae. In one form, an implant may be inserted in a first orientation and then rotated to a second...

20060129239 - Artificial facet joint device having a compression spring: A prosthetic facet joint having compression springs interposed between articulating surfaces for providing gradual resistance to extreme movements....

20060129240 - Implants based on engineered composite materials having enhanced imaging and wear resistance: This invention relates to a metal composite orthopedic device. The device can comprise a metallic substrate cladded or joined to one or more metallic layer(s). The substrate and metallic layer(s) can be selected of different metals and metal alloys to provide desired wear performance, imaging characteristics and optionally to serve...

20060129241 - Skeletal reconstruction cages: Skeletal reconstruction cages include a central body having first and second ends, a first end cap coupled to one end of the central body, and a second end cap coupled to the other end of the central body. At least two of the central body, first end cap, and second...

20060129244 - Expandable intervertebral spacer method and apparatus: An expandable interbody spacer (IBS) device designed to restore the disc height between vertebral bodies. The expandable interbody spacer device has an integral, moveable expansion member or spreader, provided between two plates. The plates are connected by one or more connecting members that retain the plates in a position proximate...

20060129243 - Interbody spinal device: An interbody spinal device for insertion into an intervertebral disc space of a vertebrate animal, where the device is adapted to rotate within the intervertebral disc space upon insertion. The invention also provides a method of distracting and/or maintaining two adjacent vertebrae of a vertebrate animal until the two adjoining...

20060129245 - Intervertebral disc annulus stent: A stent, or device for repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall, or annulus fibrosus, after surgical incision or pathologic rupture, which is inserted through an aperture into the subannular space. The stent has radial extensions which are caused or allowed to expand into an expanded configuration to bridge...

20060129242 - Pseudo arthrosis device: A pseudo arthrosis device may be placed in a disc space to provide support for adjacent vertebrae. The device may have an enclosure formed from a flexible, permeable material. A core may be packed in the enclosure. The core may be compressible and/or flexible. In certain embodiments, the core may...

20060129246 - Mobile bearing unicondylar knee prosthesis: A mobile bearing unicondylar tibial knee prosthesis for repairing a damaged knee joint is provided. The prosthesis includes a tibial base plate and a tibial meniscal component supported on the tibial base plate in relative sliding relationship. The relative sliding becomes more constrained as the tibial meniscal component moves toward...

20060129247 - Intramedullary compliant fixation: An intramedullary fixation device and associated method. The intramedullary fixation device includes a first intramedullary component having a first bone-attachment end and a first elongated member, a second intramedullary component having a second bone-attachment end and a second elongated member, and a compliant member coupling the first and second intramedullary...

20060129248 - Artificial hand: An artificial hands having more than one articulated digit wherein the digits are biased in a closed position by springs, and digits are opened by a cord attached to the dorsal side of the digit and a lever, wherein the lever is rotatably mounted to an anchoring plate and pulled...

20060116749 - Devices for maintaining patency of surgically created channels in tissue: Devices and methods for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The methods and devices create channels in lung tissue and maintain the patency of these surgically created channels in tissue. Maintaining the patency of the...

20060116750 - Guidewire loaded stent for delivery through a catheter: A guidewire loaded stent for delivery through a catheter is described herein. The stent delivery assembly can deliver and place a stent within tortuous regions of the body which are accessible to guidewires but inaccessible to stenting catheters. The assembly comprises a guidewire covered in part by a retractable sheath...

20060116748 - Stepped balloon catheter for treating vascular bifurcations: A stepped balloon catheter prosthesis deployment system is disclosed for placement of a prosthesis across an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one...

20060116751 - Endoluminal stent, self-supporting endoluminal graft and methods of making same: An endoluminal stent composed of a plurality of first structural elements arrayed to form the circumference of the stent and extending along the longitudinal axis of the stent, and a plurality of second structural elements that interconnect adjacent pairs of first structural elements. The plurality of first structural elements have...

20060116752 - Atraumatic stent with reduced deployment force, method for making the same and method and apparatus for deploying and positioning the stent: An implantable stent includes a plurality of elongate wires braided to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall to define an interior surface and an exterior surface and having opposed open first and second ends, wherein the opposed open first and second ends are atraumatic ends The atraumatic...

20060116753 - Vascular graft: A vascular graft (20) comprises a proximal section (4), integral with two branches (2, 3) which terminate in a distal end-to-end section (30). The end-to-end section (30) is attached to a host artery (5) at end-to-end anastomoses (31, 32). Flow of blood from the proximal section (4) to the host...

20060116754 - Prosthesis fixation device and method: A prosthesis anchor is adapted to convert a previously untreatable anatomy into a more typical and treatable condition. Preferably, the anchor is adapted to be transported endoluminally to a deployment site in a body lumen. The anchor includes a landing section for securing the anchor at a relatively fixed position...

20060116755 - Medical devices and methods of making the same: Medical devices, for example, implantable devices such as endoprostheses, include a composite material having a polymer....

20060116756 - Method and device for treatment of mitral insufficiency: A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilation is disclosed, wherein the device comprises two states. In a first of these states the device is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the device is transferable to the...

20060116757 - Methods and apparatus for remodeling an extravascular tissue structure: A medical apparatus and method for remodeling a mitral valve annulus adjacent to the coronary sinus includes an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate body is movable from a first, flexible configuration for transluminal delivery to at least a portion of the coronary sinus...

20060116758 - Device, system and method to affect the mitral valve annulus of a heart: A device for modifying the shape of a mitral valve annulus. In one embodiment, the device includes a connector disposed between first and second anchors, the first and second anchors each adapted to be deployed in a coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus to anchor the device in the...

20060116760 - Apparatus and method for treating presbyopia and other eye conditions: As humans age, there is a general loss of accommodation, termed presbyopia, which eventually leaves the eye unable to focus on near objects. This loss in ability to focus on near objects is a consequence of continued growth of the lens and crowding of the lens, zonules and ciliary body...

20060116759 - Method of treating presbyopia and other eye conditions: As humans age, there is a general loss of accommodation, termed presbyopia, which eventually leaves the eye unable to focus on near objects. This loss in ability to focus on near objects is a consequence of continued growth of the lens and crowding of the lens, zonules and ciliary body...

20060116761 - One-piece minicapsulorhexis valve: A one-piece capsulorhexis device is presented comprising a membrane having a curved, flexible substantially discoid flap-valve member shaped to align with an ocular lens capsular bag inner surface, and at least one integral, flexible retainer shaped to align with an ocular lens capsular bag outer surface....

20060116762 - Aspheric lenticule for keratophakia: Contour-matching, aspheric lenticules are disclosed for implantation in a subject's cornea to correcting refractive errors. The lenticules include a photoablatable anterior surface and a posterior surface having an aspheric profile that can substantially match the asphericity exhibited by the corneal stromal surface, on which the lenticule is placed. The posterior...

20060116764 - Apodized aspheric diffractive lenses: Aspheric diffractive lenses are disclosed for ophthalmic applications. For example, multifocal intraocular lens (IOLs) are disclosed that include an optic having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, at least one of which surfaces includes an aspherical base profile on a portion of which a plurality of diffractive zones are...

20060116763 - Contrast-enhancing aspheric intraocular lens: The present invention provides an intraocular lens (IOL) having an optic with a posterior and an anterior refractive surfaces, at least one of which has an aspherical profile, typically characterized by a non-zero conic constant, for controlling the aberrations of a patient's eye in which the IOL is implanted. Preferably,...

20060116765 - Refractive corrective lens (rcl): An anterior chamber refractive correction lens (RCL), preferably a custom anterior chamber refractive correction lens (c-RCL) for visual or optical correcting multiple defects or problems of the eye....

20060116766 - Anterior lumbar interbody implant: An intersomatic implant for insertion in the intervertebral space defined between two adjacent lumbar vertebrae, referred to as an overlying vertebra and an underlying vertebra, reestablishes the anatomical shape of the intervertebral space. The implant includes spacer ramps extending between anterior and posterior transverse walls so as to project above...

20060116767 - Implant used in procedures for stiffening the vertebral column: The invention concerns an implant in the form of a compression resistant hollow body (1), used in procedures for stiffening the vertebral column (2). The hollow body (1) includes two open receptacles (3, 4) mutually oriented toward one another that interlock and form the implant proper (cage). The two receptacles...

20060116768 - Movable disc implant: A disc implant is provided which maintains intervertebral spacing and stability within the spine. In an embodiment, a disc implant may include three or more components. Components of the implant may imitate certain physiological movements associated with a healthy spine. In certain embodiments, the components of the implant may limit...

20060116769 - Intervertebral implant: An intervertebral implant device includes an upper part, a lower part and a core element. The upper part includes an upper surface for engaging a vertebrae and a lower surface which includes a convex portion. The lower part includes a lower surface for engaging a vertebrae and an upper surface...

20060116770 - Vertebral body and disc space replacement devices: A vertebral replacement device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a vertebral body member having at least one of an upper or lower disc replacement member engaged thereto at one end thereof. The disc replacement device can be positioned in a spinal disc space when disengaged from the vertebral body member....

20060116771 - Radial-capitellar implant: A radial-capitellar implant for surgical replacement of the capitellum of the humerus and, optionally, the head of the radius. The radial-capitellar implant includes a capitellar implant or surface replacement arthroplasty of the capitellum and a radial prosthesis for replacement of the head of the radius. In one embodiment the radial...

20060116772 - Tibial tray for total knee arthroplasty: An improved one piece tibial tray uniquely characterized by its construction including an asymmetric keel extending from the bottom of the tibial tray base plate, whereby insertion of the tray during arthroplasty may be accomplished with a smaller than normal incision, enhancing the efficacy and safety of the surgical procedure....

20060116773 - Sigmoid notch implant: A sigmoid notch resurfacing prosthesis for application to the sigmoid notch of the distal radius. The sigmoid notch prosthesis generally includes a saddle and a radius portion for attachment to the distal radius. The saddle may be formed from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or another durable self-lubricating material. The...

20060116775 - Compliant fixation for pelvis: A pelvic implant assembly and associated methods. The implant assembly includes an acetabular component, and a compliant fixator coupling the acetabular component to the pelvis....

20060116774 - Prosthetic acetabular cup and method of manufacture: A prosthetic bearing element and a method for forming the same includes an injection molded bearing made of PEEK resin with short carbon fiber reinforcement. The inner surface of the PEEK bearing is adapted to receive a ceramic or metal articulation component. The outer surface of the bearing layer includes...