Embodiments of nanostructures comprising metal oxide and methods for forming the nanostructure on surfaces are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the nanostructures can be formed on a substrate made of a nickel titanium alloy, resulting in a nanostructure containing both titanium oxide and nickel oxide. The nanostructure can include a lattice layer disposed on top of a nanotube layer. The distal surface of the lattice layer can have a titanium oxide to nickel oxide ratio of greater than 10:1, or about 17:1, resulting in a nanostructure that promotes human endothelial cell migration and proliferation at the interface between the lattice layer and human cells or tissue. The nanostructure may be formed on the outer surface of an implantable medical device, such a stent or an orthopedic implant (e.g. knee implant, bone screw, or bone staple).

An artificial blood vessel 10 comprises: an artificial blood vessel body 12; and a carbon material film 11 that covers the inner wall of the artificial blood vessel body 12. The inner wall which is covered by the carbon material film 11 is configured so that the water vapor adsorption isotherm shows desorption hysteresis.

Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subject with a diseased atrioventricular valve. A docking element is implanted within the subject's atrium such that no portion of the docking element extends through the subject's atrioventricular valve. The docking becomes anchored to tissue of the atrium at least partially via ingrowth of the tissue of the atrium. The docking element includes a ring, which is implanted at the annulus of the atrioventricular valve, and a frame having a height of at least 15 mm, which extends upwardly from the ring. A prosthetic atrioventricular valve apparatus is placed at least partially inside the docking element subsequent to the ingrowth of the tissue of the atrium having occurred, and becomes anchored to the docking element, at least partially by radially expanding against the ring. Other applications are also described.

A stent comprises an elastically deformable stent wall forming a lumen extending between a first opening and a second opening of the stent. The stent wall is configured to be percutaneously delivered into a blood vessel, secure to a blood vessel wall of a blood vessel, and radially expand from a first configuration to a second configuration within the blood vessel into direct contact with the blood vessel wall. The first configuration defines a first major dimension, a first minor dimension, a first cross-sectional area, a first cross-sectional shape, and a first perimeter of the stent wall. The second configuration defines a second major dimension, a second minor dimension that is greater than the first minor dimension, a second cross-sectional area that is greater than the first cross-sectional area, and the first perimeter of the stent wall.

An occlusion device having a lumen defined therethrough and a saddle narrower than saddles of prior occlusion devices or stents to allow provision of an occlusion element with respect to a portion of the saddle to occlude flow of materials through the saddle. The inner diameter of the narrowed saddle may be 6 mm or less. The occlusion element may be formed from a material which plugs a portion of the occlusion device lumen extending through the saddle and/or which restrains a portion of the saddle from expanding thereby occluding flow of materials therethrough. The remainder of the saddle and/or inwardly facing surfaces of at least one retention member extending outwardly along an end of the saddle may be configured to promote tissue ingrowth, such as by remaining uncoated.

The invention provides new devices for implantation in a patient having irregular textured surfaces, which devices show significantly improved cellular response compared to conventional smooth and textured implants, indicating that significantly improved biocompatibility would be achieved in vivo. Methods for making such new devices and surface textures are also disclosed.

A delivery device (1) for an endoprosthesis (2). The endoprosthesis (2) is preferably an endoprosthesis for treating an aneurysm. The delivery device (1) comprises an outer sheath (3) and an inner tube (4). The inner tube (4) is arranged within the outer sheath (3) and at least one restraining tube (5, 30). The restraining tube (5, 30) is for holding the endoprosthesis (2) in a compressed configuration. The restraining tube (5, 30) is arranged between the outer sheath (3) and the inner tube (4). The outer sheath (3), the inner tube (4) and at least one restraining tube (5, 30) are coaxial. The restraining tube (5, 30) includes at least one axial elongation (6) extending from a distal end portion of the restraining tube. The at least one axial elongation (6) is adapted to be laced through portions of the endoprosthesis (2).

The invention relates to an anchor (14) for an implant (20) for use in the gastro-intestinal tract. The anchor (14) comprises a tissue contact portion (16) with a bedding region (16a). The bedding region (16a) is configured to at least partly integrate into, or to promote integration into, a wall of the gastro-intestinal tract.

A device for interfacing at least one filamentous structure, with real or simulated biological tissue and a system for regeneration, repair, replacement, or simulation of tendon and/or ligamentous tissue. The device comprises one or more bodies for anchoring a filamentous structure. The one or more bodies may include at least one capstan for wrapping the filamentous structure, and at least one porous portion having a trabecular structure. The system comprises the device and at least one filamentous structure having a plurality of nanofiber assemblies that are obtained by electrospinning. The plurality of assemblies may be arranged to form a single bundle, with the bundle being wrapped to the capstan.

Breast fixation devices for use in breast reconstruction and breast augmentation limit the rotation or movement of breast implants after implantation that results in an unnatural appearance of the breast. The breast fixation devices can include a thin-walled enclosure in the shape of a pouch. A breast implant is secured inside the pouch to limit movement by applying compression to the breast implants, or using a mating or interlocking mechanism between the pouch and breast implant. The pouches containing the breast implants are implanted in the breast. Tissue in-growth into the pouch limits movement of the pouch-breast implant assembly and thereby limits rotation, migration, and displacement of the breast implant. The pouches preferably comprise poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymer thereof.