The invention includes an improved flow graft. The graft has a portion where the radius r expands with length L over the portion, so that r.sup.n/L is a constant in that portion, where n≥4.0, or 1<n<4. It is preferred that the graft has a beginning section that has constant diameter. The invention also includes a method of designing such an expanding graft to suit the application, such as in the venous system, the arterial system, or for dialysis. The invention also includes near constant conductance stents whose radius r can grow with length, so the R.sup.n/L is constant where n>4.

An artificial heart valve includes support structure having a first end and second end and defining an interior of the valve. A covering covers the support structure and includes an intermediate portion with a plurality of intermediate strip-shaped sections having cuts between them. Some are attached to the stent and others are not so that a closed configuration prevents retrograde blood flow into an interior of the stent with the free strip-shaped sections abutting the stent and overlapping or abutting the attached strip-shaped sections to prevent retrograde blood flow into the interior. An open configuration is formed with the unattached strip-shaped sections lifting from the stent to allow antegrade blood flow from the interior of the stent.

A medical implant (20) includes first and second ring members (22, 24), each including a resilient framework (26) having a generally cylindrical form. A tubular sleeve (28) is fixed to the first and second ring members so as to hold the ring members in mutual longitudinal alignment, thereby defining a lumen (32) passing through the ring members. A constricting element (30) is fit around the sleeve at a location intermediate the first and second ring members so as to reduce a diameter of the lumen at the location.

Methods and devices that prevent stasis in the LAA by either increasing the flow through the LAA or by closing off or sealing the LAA. Increasing the flow is accomplished through shunts, flow diverters, agitators, or by increasing the size of the ostium. Closing off the LAA is accomplished using seals or by cinching the LAA.

A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion, and a graft material. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter smaller than the first end diameter. The first end portion comprises a first material. The second end portion comprises a second material different than the first material. The intermediate portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. The graft material is coupled to at least the intermediate portion.

This invention relates, e.g., to a Myocyte-based Flow Assist Device (MFAD) for treating a subject in need of increased flow of a biological fluid, such as venous blood or lymph, comprising a sheath which comprises rhythmically contracting myocytes.

A stent is disclosed that has an elongated body composed of a bioabsorbable polymer having a proximal end, a distal end, two open spiral channels formed on the exterior surface of the body to provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end. The stent also has a central lumen open at the proximal and distal ends of the stent for the passage of a guide wire. A method for using the stent and a kit containing the stent are also disclosed.

Expandable devices are disclosed herein. Several of the embodiments are directed towards an expandable device comprising a mesh configured to be expanded at a blood vessel bifurcation of a human patient. The mesh may comprise a tubular body portion and one or more circumferentially discontinuous articulating portions. The mesh may be expanded such that the one or more articulating portions are positioned at an angle to the tubular body portion.

Medical devices and related method for improving blood flow to regions of a patient are described herein. Some medical devices may include a first graft portion, a second graft portion, and a catheter portion disposed between the first graft portion and the second graft portion. The medical device may be implanted into a patient to establish a non-natural flow path.

An aspiration system includes a pump and a control system in communication with the pump. The control system includes a microcontroller, an antenna configured to receive a signal, and a pump control board in communication with the microcontroller. The antenna is in communication with the microcontroller. Upon receiving the signal, the pump control board operates the pump to create negative pressure according to the signal.