A device for a tissue channel includes a device frame, a shape memory polymer foam segment coupled to the device frame, and an attachment structure coupled to the device frame. The device frame includes a proximal structure, a distal structure, and an intermediate structure coupled to the proximal structure and the distal structure. The proximal structure is configured to collapse to fit into a delivery structure and expand to block migration of the proximal structure. The distal structure is configured to collapse to fit into the delivery structure and expand to block migration of the distal structure. The intermediate structure is configured to fit in the tissue channel upon device deployment. The shape memory polymer foam segment is configured to compress to fit into the delivery structure and occlude the channel. The attachment structure is configured to attach and detach the device from a delivery guide.

Polymeric based closed cell foams, such as shape memory polymer foams, contain bubbles. Making these bubbles continuous is called reticulation. Disclosed are embodiments of a device and method to controllably reticulate polymer-based closed cell foams by puncturing the membranes of these polymer-based closed cell foams.

Bioabsorbable scaffolds having high crush recoverability, high fracture resistance, and reduced or no recoil due to self expanding properties at physiological conditions are disclosed. The scaffolds are made from a random copolymer of PLLA and a rubbery polymer such as polycaprolactone.

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.

Medical devices utilizing shape memory alloys and associated methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a treatment element configured to be positioned within a body lumen and coupled to an energy source. At least a portion of the treatment element may be made of a shape memory alloy, and wherein application of thermal energy to the treatment element from the energy source transforms the treatment element from the martensitic state to the austenitic state in which the treatment element is configured to cut, ablate, resect, and/or cauterize tissue.

A highly compressible shape memory double network hydrogel includes a first network and a second network interpenetrating with each other. The first network is a chemically crosslinked cellulose by chemical crosslinking, and the chemical crosslinking is accomplished by the formation of ether groups between the cellulose. The second network is a physically crosslinked alginate by physically crosslinking, and the physical crosslinking is accomplished by reaction of the alginate with divalent metal ions. In a preparation process of the highly compressible shape memory double network hydrogel, the cellulose and the alginate are mixed first, the chemical crosslinking is then performed to obtain the first network, followed by the physical crosslinking to obtain the second network.

An electronically-activated, self-molding and re-shapeable load-bearing support structure system is provided that includes a first composite structure. The first composite structure includes a first layer of a first thermally-responsive polymer; one or more first heating elements positioned adjacent to the first layer on a first heating element side; a second layer of the first thermally-responsive polymer positioned adjacent to the first heating elements on a second heating element side; a temperature sensor communicating with at least the first layer or the second layer of the first thermally-responsive polymer; one or more electrical connectors electrically communicating with the heating elements; and an electrical controller detachably connectable to at least one of the electrical connectors of the composite for providing an electrical current to the heating elements. A method of molding the load-bearing support structure system is also provided.

The disclosure relates to an intravascular functional element, in particular an implant, more particularly a Stent, flow diverter, stent graft and intravascular occlusion device, having a radially self-expandable lattice structure which is tubular at least in some regions and which has a wire or a plurality of wires, wherein the wire/at least one of the wires includes a superelastic material, in particular a superelastic material of an alloy with the alloy elements nickel and titanium, wherein a mixed oxide layer is formed on the surface of the wire the wires with a layer thickness of 150 nm to 400 nm, in particular 200 nm to 350 nm, in particular 250 nm to 300 nm.

Compositions and methods for etching a nanoscale geometry on a metal or metal alloy surface are disclosed. Such surfaces, when included on an implantable medical device, enhance healing after surgery. When included on a bone contacting medical implant, the nanoscale geometry may enhance osseointegration. When included on a tissue contacting device, the nanoscale geometry may enhance endothelial cell attachment, proliferation, and restoration of a healthy endothelial surface.

The present invention relates to a shape memory polymer that can be restored to an original shape from a deformed shape by means of body temperature in the body. When using the shape memory polymer of the present invention and a device for wrapping the outer wall of blood vessels prepared thereby, it is possible to effectively prevent abnormal blood vessel dilatation, and prevent stenosis by effectively inhibiting neointimal formation.