The present disclosure relates generally to stents and methods for managing passage of material through a body lumen. In some embodiments, a medical stent may include a stent body defined by a hollow tubular elongate structure extending along a central axis, the stent body including a first portion and a second portion. The medical stent may further include a control region between the first and second portions, wherein in a first configuration the hollow tubular elongate structure of the control region is in a closed, twisted configuration, and wherein in a second configuration the hollow tubular elongate structure of the control region is in an open, expanded configuration.

The present invention describes methods, devices and instruments for resurfacing or replacing facet joints, uncovertebral joints and costovertebral joints. The joints can be prepared by smoothing the articular surface on one side, by distracting the joint and by implant insertion. Implants can be stabilized against a first articular surface by creating a high level of conformance with said first articular surface, while smoothing the second articular surface with a surgical instrument with a smooth mating implant surface.

In one embodiment according to the present invention, a stent is described having a generally cylindrical body formed from a single woven nitinol wire. The distal and proximal ends of the stent include a plurality of loops, some of which include marker members used for visualizing the position of the stent. In another embodiment, the previously described stent includes an inner flow diverting layer.

In one embodiment according to the present invention, a stent is described having a generally cylindrical body formed from a single woven nitinol wire. The distal and proximal ends of the stent include a plurality of loops, some of which include marker members used for visualizing the position of the stent. In another embodiment, the previously described stent includes an inner flow diverting layer.

A repair prosthetic for repairing a hernia is disclosed. In some embodiments, the repair prosthetic includes a patch body, a frame that assists in spreading the patch body from a reduced configuration to an expanded configuration, and a plurality of tethers attached to the patch body at locations between the frame and a periphery of the patch body. In various embodiments, the tethers can be tensioned to mitigate curling or creasing in the patch body to flatten the patch to facilitate attachment to tissue.

A gastroesophageal reflux preventer and related methods are provided. A gastroesophageal reflux preventer is configured to be positioned around the exterior of a body organ and may include an elongate portion including a plurality of nodes positioned along at least a portion of the length of the elongate portion.

A clot capture device for restoring blood flow to a vessel occluded by a clot including a plurality of struts formed by interconnected fibers terminating in a distal end. An open proximal end includes a clot capture space larger than the distal end. The device includes an expanded deployed configuration and a retracted delivery configuration whereby the device is advanceable through a microcatheter across the clot, and the device is configured such that upon deployment the device is deployed distal to the clot and then withdrawn to remove the clot from the vessel.

The present disclosure relates to valve replacement devices that are foldable for catheter-based deployment to the site of implantation, as well as systems for the delivery of valve prostheses, including prostheses having the special characteristics of the disclosed valve replacement devices. The devices include highly effective adhering mechanisms for secure and enduring precision implantation. The adhering mechanisms may employ a unique sealing mechanism that includes a cuff that expands slowly whereby the device is not secured in place until the completion of the implantation procedure. The implanted device, optionally together with the cuff, prevents perivalvular leaks and incorporate an appropriate leaflet system for reliable functioning in situ.

An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least three radially-spaced struts, each, each strut connecting the proximal end to the distal end and having one or more bends that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stem is made or a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation of the balloon.

A repair prosthetic for repairing a hernia is disclosed. In some embodiments, the repair prosthetic includes a patch body, a frame that assists in spreading the patch body from a reduced configuration to an expanded configuration, and a plurality of tethers attached to the patch body at locations between the frame and a periphery of the patch body. In various embodiments, the tethers can be tensioned to mitigate curling or creasing in the patch body to flatten the patch to facilitate attachment to tissue.