An implantable medical device for implantation within a passageway of a patient comprises a stent including a plurality of wires, at least one of the plurality of wires having a cross-section having a first tapered point, and a covering layer having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. In some embodiments, the plurality of wires may be disposed at least partially around the covering layer. Additionally in some embodiments, the first tapered point may extend outward further than the outer diameter of the covering layer.

An implantable device including a metal substrate; that contains particles having a size of 1 ?m or more; if the wall thickness of the metal substrate is greater than or equal to 0.04 mm and less than or equal to 0.12 mm, the largest particle size is less than or equal to 15 ?m and the average content of the particles is less than or equal to 40 ppm; if the wall thickness of the metal substrate is greater than 0.12 mm and less than or equal to 0.2 mm, the largest particle size is less than or equal to 20 ?m and the average content of the particles is less than or equal to 100 ppm; The size of the particles and the average content of the particles are reasonably controlled according to the wall thickness of the metal substrate, improving the plastic deformation capability of the implantable device.

Sphincter reinforcement devices are described. Sphincter reinforcement devices may be configured to be placed at least partially around a bodily passage at or near a sphincter. In one embodiment, a sphincter reinforcement device may comprise a spiral. The spiral may include a tubular structure. The tubular structure may be hollow. The tubular structure may include a braided material.

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the delivery of an implant into the prostatic urethra. Embodiments of delivery systems can include a delivery device for insertion into the patient and a proximal control device for use in controlling release of the implant from the delivery device.

A stent may include a radially expandable tubular framework includes a first end region, a second end region, a medial region positioned between the first end region and the second end region, and a lumen extending therethrough. The radially expandable tubular framework is configured to expand from a radially collapsed configuration to a radially expanded configuration. A plurality of covering strips are positioned along at least one of the first end region, the medial region, and the second end region. The plurality of covering strips fully covering the radially expandable tubular framework in the radially collapsed configuration, and the plurality of covering strips are configured to separate from one another in the radially expanded configuration to expose portions of the radially expandable tubular framework therebetween.

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the delivery of an implant into the prostatic urethra. Embodiments of delivery systems can include a delivery device for insertion into the patient and a proximal control device for use in controlling release of the implant from the delivery device.

Extra-urethral implants and methods of use are disclosed. Implants can treat disorders or diseases of the prostate by, for example, enlarging the lumen of the prostatic urethra.

Indwelling body lumen expanders which allow for the maintenance and patency of a body lumen, such as the prostatic urethra to relieve urethral obstruction, are described. Because the one or more expanders are configured to be relatively larger in diameter than the diameter of the body lumen, the expanders may become invaginated into the lumen wall thus enabling the prostheses to avoid fluid exposure which in turn prevent the prostheses from becoming encrusted or calcified.

A catheter configured to be deployed in a urinary tract of a patient includes a proximal portion configured to pass through a percutaneous opening and a distal portion including a retention portion. The retention portion is configured to be deployed in a kidney, renal pelvis, and/or bladder of the patient. The retention portion includes one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations and is configured, when deployed, to establish an outer periphery or protective surface area that inhibits mucosal tissue from occluding the one or more protected drainage holes, ports, or perforations upon application of negative pressure through the catheter.

A urinary prosthesis can include an elongate tube that can extend from outside a patient's body, through the patient's urethra, and into the patient's bladder. A funnel can be coupled to a terminal end portion of the elongate tube, and can be positioned inside the patient's bladder so that a surface of the funnel contacts tissue within the patient's bladder surrounding the patient's urethra across a full 360 contact profile.