Intravascular inflatable medical devices and their methods of manufacture and use. The inflatable medical devices may include a conduit that includes an inflatable wall, with the inflatable wall defining a lumen therein. The inflatable wall may include an outer layer and an inner layer, and optionally an intermediate layer between the inner and layers. Intermediate layers may include one or more couplings between the outer and inner layers, and may include radial connectors extending between the outer layer and the inner layer.

An endoprosthesis has an expanded state and a contracted state, the endoprosthesis includes a stent having an inner surface defining a lumen, having an outer surface, and defining a plurality of apertures through the outer surface, wherein the apertures are arranged in a micropattern; and a coating (e.g., polymeric coating) attached to the outer surface of the stent. The coating includes a base and a tissue engagement portion including a second surface facing outwardly from the stent, the tissue engagement portion including a structure that defines a plurality of holes extending inwardly from the second surface toward the base. The holes are arranged in a micropattern. When the endoprosthesis is expanded to the expanded state in a lumen defined by a vessel wall, the structure applies a force that may reduce stent migration by creating an interlock between the vessel wall and the endoprosthesis.

A stent with a selectively curved region. The stent includes a radially expandable tubular framework and a covering surrounding the tubular framework. A stent also includes a drawstring having a first end attached to the tubular framework at a first attachment location proximate the distal end of the tubular framework. The second end of the first drawstring is manipulatable proximate the proximal end of the tubular framework to deflect the tubular framework into a curved configuration.

A stent with a selectively curved region. The stent includes a radially expandable tubular framework and a covering surrounding the tubular framework. A stent also includes a drawstring having a first end attached to the tubular framework at a first attachment location proximate the distal end of the tubular framework. The second end of the first drawstring is manipulatable proximate the proximal end of the tubular framework to deflect the tubular framework into a curved configuration.

Embodiments of the invention provide compositions including bio degradable polymers, medical implants fabricated from these compositions and methods of using such implants. Many embodiments provide medical implants comprising a first polymer backbone having a first rate of biodegradation and a second polymer backbone having a second rate of biodegradation faster than the first rate. In some embodiments, the second backbone is configured to be replaced by a natural tissue layer. The first backbone provides a scaffold for the implant while the second backbone degrades. This scaffold can enhance mechanical properties of the implant including various aspects of mechanical strength such as tensile, bending, hoop and yield strength; and elasticity. The scaffold also serves to maintain a minimum level of structural support of the implant during the period of degradation of the second backbone or for the entire life of the implant so that the implant does not mechanically fail.

A gastroesophageal reflux preventer and related methods are provided. A gastroesophageal reflux preventer is configured to be positioned around the exterior of a body organ and may include an elongate portion including a plurality of nodes positioned along at least a portion of the length of the elongate portion.

A gastroesophageal reflux preventer and related methods are provided. A gastroesophageal reflux preventer is configured to be positioned around the exterior of a body organ and may include an elongate portion including a plurality of nodes positioned along at least a portion of the length of the elongate portion.

A medical device may include an implantable device for treating a body tissue structure. The implantable device may include a plurality of bodies spaced from adjacent bodies and arranged so as to be configured to extend around an exterior surface of a body tissue structure. The bodies may be configured to apply a static force to the body tissue in a relaxed state and may adjust or move in response to a radially outward force above a threshold level that is acting on one or more of the bodies. The bodies may be pliable and/or made with a pliable material. The bodies may be interconnected via interconnecting regions. One or more of the bodies may be configured to articulate so as to conform to movement of a body tissue structure. A skeletal component may or may not extend through one or more of the plurality of bodies.

A medical device may include an implantable device for treating a body tissue structure. The implantable device may include a plurality of bodies spaced from adjacent bodies and arranged so as to be configured to extend around an exterior surface of a body tissue structure. The bodies may be configured to apply a static force to the body tissue in a relaxed state and may adjust or move in response to a radially outward force above a threshold level that is acting on one or more of the bodies. The bodies may be pliable and/or made with a pliable material. The bodies may be interconnected via interconnecting regions. One or more of the bodies may be configured to articulate so as to conform to movement of a body tissue structure. A skeletal component may or may not extend through one or more of the plurality of bodies.

A thermoplastic vascular structure has a first thermoplastic sheet including at least one first recess; and a second thermoplastic sheet. The first thermoplastic sheet is attached to the second thermoplastic sheet to create a continuous branched vascular network structure. The at least one first recess creates at least one fluid channel through the continuous branched vascular network structure. The second thermoplastic sheet may have at least one second recess. The at least one first recess of the first thermoplastic sheet may align with the at least one second recess of the second thermoplastic sheet to create the at least one fluid channel through the continuous branched vascular network structure.