A stent comprises a framework that includes a sequence of cells that each occupy a discrete segment of the stent length, and each of the cells includes a plurality of struts with ends connected at respective vertices. In some forms the hollow cylindrical shape of the framework is moveable among a loading diameter that is smaller than a tube diameter, which is smaller than an expanded diameter, and every strut of the framework is oriented parallel to the stent axis when the hollow cylindrical shape is at the tube diameter. In other forms the framework includes T-bars that connect adjacent cells, where the T-bars have a column that has a minimum width perpendicular to the long axis that is wider than a maximum width of each of the struts, and the column defines at least one slot. In still other forms, the framework exhibits geometries that facilitate a high packing density for the framework when the stent is in a compressed tube or loading configuration.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic sinusitis, including cystic fibrosis, interstitial fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neoplasia. The method involves administration, preferably oral, nasal or pulmonary administration, of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drugs (rapamycin or paclitaxel and their analogues) and an additive.

Porous implantable devices for housing one or more therapeutic agents are disclosed herein. The implantable devices include a porous outer wall defining an interia or void. The interior void houses a carrier material carrying a first therapeutic agent. The implantable devices are made by patterning at least a portion of a polymerizable substrate into a polymerized three-dimensional porous outer wall surrounding an interior void. This can be achieved by two-photon polymerization techniques. A first therapeutic agent is then added to the interior void, which is then sealed. Methods of treating diseases using the implantable devices are disclosed herein. The methods include implanting the implantable device at a target area and locally releasing a therapeutically effective dosage of a first therapeutic agent from the interior void. The implantable devices can also be used in methods of screening potentially therapeutic agents for desired biological responses.

Stents comprising a first region and a second region are provided, where at least the second region comprises one or more phase transforming cellular materials configured to move the outlet between an open configuration and a closed configuration in response to certain triggers. Such stents can also comprise one or more analog for a shape memory alloy (ASMA) unit cells on an inner surface of the first region such that, in response to resistive forces, the ASMA unit cells exert controllable motion to clear the stent. Methods of treatment of cancer, jaundice, and other diseases are also provided.

Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat.

The present disclosure provides a method for producing a multifunctional implantable structure, the method having: preparing an implantable base; coating a polymer layer on the base, wherein the polymer layer is partially curable; curing the polymer layer such that the polymer layer has cured and non-cured portions; and dry-etching the polymer layer to remove the non-cured portion thereof, to allow the polymer layer to have a nano-turf structure having pores defined therein.

A coronary stent is disclosed herein as having a lattice configuration on a generally thin-walled cylindrical tube. This particular stent is fabricated using an elongated thin-walled tubular solid that has a diameter equal to that of the final expanded configuration of the stent. In other words, the lattice configuration is cut onto the surface of the tubular solid that has a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the blood vessel for which the stent is intended. The tubular lattice is then shrunk (collapsed) axisymmetrically to a new cylindrical configuration with a diameter substantially less than the blood vessel for which the stent is intended. The stent in its reduced diameter state can then be delivered to a desired site in the body via a catheter with an inflatable balloon at its distal portion. Upon the inflation of the balloon, the stent will assume its expanded, deployed configuration into the original diameter at the desired site in the body.

A surgical device for assisting in the placement of a prosthetic implant. One or more sheets of polymer are in the form of a conical frustum such that a proximal end is sealed and a distal end is open, with an elongated slit extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. A single opening is formed by the distal opening and the elongated slit with a set of inter-lockable fastener elements disposed along opposing sides and configured to seal the elongated slit such that the distal end remains open to allow for egress of the prosthetic implant for placement into a surgical pocket. A lubricious coating is applied to the interior cavity of the frustum in addition to one or more surface active coatings. Movement of the prosthetic implant across the one or more surface active coatings causes the coatings to provide one or more offered benefits.

Various embodiments for an endovascular implantable device (and variations thereof) that virtually eliminates the problem of stent foreshortening phenomena in which the length of a stent or prosthesis shortens as the prosthesis is expanded in the biological vessel.

In a medical instrument that is inserted into an affected area or tissue to perform treatment, a technique of delivering various drugs to a target site is desired.

Provided is a medical instrument that is inserted into an affected area or tissue to perform treatment, wherein a drug-loaded nanostructure is covalently bound to the medical instrument via a photosensitive linker immobilized on the surface of at least a portion of the medical instrument.