An embodiment includes a process for treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endoleak with a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam device. First, a bifurcated stent graft is placed within the aneurysm while a micro guidewire is positioned within the aneurysm for future catheter access. Second, after placing the iliac graft extension, a catheter is introduced over wire to deliver embolic foams. Third, embolic foams expand and conform to the aneurysm wall. Fourth, embolic foams create a stable thrombus to prevent endoleak formation by isolating peripheral vessels from the aneurysm volume.

Excessive dilation of the annulus of a mitral valve may lead to regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation may lead to a reduction in cardiac output. Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then contract to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the mitral valve and lessening any of the associated symptoms including mitral regurgitation.

Implantable in vivo sensors used to monitor physical, chemical or electrical parameters within a body. The in vivo sensors are integral with an implantable medical device and are responsive to externally or internally applied energy. Upon application of energy, the sensors undergo a phase change in at least part of the material of the device which is then detected external to the body by conventional techniques such as radiography, ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, radio frequency imaging or the like. The in vivo sensors of the present invention may be employed to provide volumetric measurements, flow rate measurements, pressure measurements, electrical measurements, biochemical measurements, temperature, measurements, or measure the degree and type of deposits within the lumen of an endoluminal implant, such as a stent or other type of endoluminal conduit. The in vivo sensors may also be used therapeutically to modulate mechanical and/or physical properties of the endoluminal implant in response to the sensed or monitored parameter.

Novel intraocular lenses comprising at least one haptic having a shape memory alloy with a transition temperature substantially higher than the human body temperature, the shape memory alloy being post-surgically, selectively adjustable with a laser beam.

A scleral prosthesis includes an elongated body having a first free end and a second free end opposite the first free end. A maximum width of the body at each end is wider than a maximum width of the body between the ends. The body includes multiple first portions that form the first free end of the body and a part of the body between the ends. The first portions are separated lengthwise along a substantial portion of a total length of the body. The first portions of the body are biased so that they maintain separation from one another without external interference but are configured to be pushed towards each other. The body is configured to receive and retain, between the first portions of the body, an insert that is configured to maintain the separation of the first portions.

A replacement heart valve comprising a memory shape element. The various embodiments use internal body heat to seat and retain the valve within a blood passage. The element can be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes, and is at least partially encased within an inert and pliant encasing material. The encasing material is one that is adapted to be contiguous with the structure of the valve nozzle or backflow-resistant leaf structure, and may be used in combination with existing stents or an incorporated stent, including ones having a structure similar to conventional stents.

A removable vena cava filter configured for reduced trauma and enhanced visualization of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of struts, each having an anchoring hook and a stop member proximate the anchoring hook. The stop members are configured to engage the vessel wall to prevent excessive penetration of the anchoring hooks into the vessel wall and to aid in the identification of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall.

A method of controllably deploying an endovascular device comprises delivering, into a body vessel, a Nitinol structural element comprising a variable austenite finish temperature A.sub.f(x) along a predetermined length (L) thereof, where 0<xL. The variable austenite finish temperature A.sub.f(x) increases or decreases monotonically as a function of x and lies above body temperature at any location along the predetermined length of the Nitinol structural element. During and/or after delivery into the body vessel, the Nitinol structural element is heated above body temperature. As a temperature of the Nitinol structural element reaches A.sub.f(x) at each location along the predetermined length, the Nitinol structural element recovers a pre-set shape at the respective location, and the endovascular device is controllably deployed.

A method of sequenced deployment of an endovascular device comprises delivering, into a body vessel, a Nitinol structural element comprising n deployable regions each having a local austenite finish temperature above body temperature. The local austenite finish temperature of at least one of the n deployable regions is different from the local austenite finish temperature of another of the n deployable regions. During and/or after delivery, the Nitinol structural element is heated above body temperature, and each of the n deployable regions is deployed when the local austenite finish temperature thereof is reached. Thus, a deployed configuration of an endovascular device is achieved in a sequenced deployment process.

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 collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. The anchor engages the lumen wall when expanded and prevents substantial migration of the valve assembly when positioned in place. The prosthetic valve assembly is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart. When the outer sheath is retracted, the prosthetic valve assembly expands to an expanded position such that the valve and valve support expand within the deficient native valve, and the anchor engages the lumen wall.