HELICAL ULTRA LOW FORESHORTENING STENT

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. An implantable prosthesis comprising: a first framework circumscribing in a first helical path about a longitudinal axis proximate a first end to proximate a second end of the implantable prosthesis, the first framework including a plurality of struts disposed in a first sinusoidal pattern along the first helical path with a primary apex portion connected for every pair of struts; a second framework spaced from the first framework, the second framework circumscribing a second helical path about the longitudinal axis proximate the first end to proximate the second end, the second framework including a plurality of struts disposed in a second sinusoidal pattern along the second helical path with a secondary apex portion connected to a pair of struts for every pair of struts; and plurality of connectors, each connector is connected to proximate a primary apex portion of the first framework and to proximate a secondary apex portion of the secondary framework; wherein the first framework has a first starting location generally diametrically opposed to a second starting location of the second framework with reference to the longitudinal axis.

2. The implantable prosthesis of claim 1, in which each primary apex portion is connected via the connector to each secondary apex portion circumferentially offset to such primary apex portion so that the connector defines an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

3. The implantable prosthesis of claim 1, in which each primary apex portion is connected via the connector to each secondary apex portion circumferentially offset to such primary apex portion by one secondary apex portion so that the connector defines an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

4. An implantable prosthesis for vascular implantation, the implantable prosthesis comprising: a first framework that includes a repeating sequence of two struts connected to a vertex such that adjacent vertices are spaced along a longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end of the first framework, the first framework circumscribing the longitudinal axis in a helical path along the longitudinal axis to define a first helix; a second framework spaced from the first framework, the second framework includes a repeating sequence two struts connected to a vertex such that adjacent vertices are spaced along a longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end of the second framework, the second framework circumscribing the longitudinal axis in a helical path along the longitudinal axis to define a second helix; and a plurality of connector portions, a first connector portion connects at least one vertex of the first framework to at least one vertex of the second framework, in which the vertex of the second framework is offset circumferentially from the vertex of the first framework, and a second connector portion connects at least one other vertex of the second framework to at least one other vertex of the first framework, in which the vertex of the second framework is circumferentially offset from the vertex of the first framework so that the first and second connector portions define a third helix with respect to the longitudinal axis.

5. An implantable prosthesis comprising: a first framework circumscribing in a first helical path about a longitudinal axis proximate a first end to proximate a second end of the implantable prosthesis, the first framework including a plurality of struts disposed in a first pattern along the first helical path with a primary apex portion connected for every pair of struts; a second framework spaced from the first framework, the second framework circumscribing a second helical path about the longitudinal axis proximate the first end to proximate the second end, the second framework including a plurality of struts disposed in a second pattern along the second helical path with a secondary apex portion connected to a pair of struts for every pair of struts; and a plurality of connectors, each connector is connected to proximate a primary apex portion of the first framework and to proximate a secondary apex portion of the secondary framework such that when the implantable prosthesis is in an uncompressed configuration, its length from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal axis is at least 80% of the length of the implantable prosthesis when the implantable prosthesis is in a compressed configuration.

6. An implantable prosthesis comprising: a first framework circumscribing in a first helical path about a longitudinal axis proximate a first end to proximate a second end of the prosthesis, a second framework circumscribing a second helical path about a longitudinal axis proximate a first end to proximate a second end of the implantable prosthesis, the first framework being connected to predetermined portions of the second framework so that when the implantable prosthesis is in an uncompressed configuration, its length from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal axis is at least 80%of the length of the implantable prosthesis when the implantable prosthesis is in a compressed configuration.

7. The implantable prosthesis of claim 1, in which each of the plurality of connectors comprises a linear member.

8. The implantable prosthesis of claim 7, in which adjacent connectors are disposed in a generally parallel configuration.

9. The implantable prosthesis of claim 5, in which a first connector portion of at least one of the plurality of connectors connects a vertex of the first framework to a vertex of the second framework circumferentially offset by one vertex of the second framework.

10. The implantable prosthesis of claim 1, in which the implantable prosthesis includes a first length when crimped or compressed to have a smaller outer diameter and a second length of no less than about 80% of the first length when the implantable prosthesis is uncompressed to expand to a larger outer diameter.

11. The implantable prosthesis of claim 1, in which the first framework defines a first helical angle with respect to the longitudinal axis and the second framework defines a second helical angle with respect to the longitudinal axis when the implantable prosthesis is in an uncompressed configuration.

12. The implantable prosthesis of claim 11, in which connector portions of the plurality of connectors define a third helical angle with respect to the longitudinal axis when the implantable prosthesis is in an uncompressed configuration.

13. The implantable prosthesis of claim 11, in which the first helical angle is generally equal to the second helical angle.

14. The implantable prosthesis of claim 12, in which the third helical angle is different from the first helical angle or the second helical angle.

15. The implantable prosthesis of claim 14, in which the third helical angle is less than either of the first helical angle or the second helical angle.

16. The implantable prosthesis of claim 15, in which the first helical angle is about 65 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis.

17. The implantable prosthesis of claim 15, in which the second helical angle is about 65 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis.

18. The implantable prosthesis of claim 15, in which the third helical angle is about 30 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis.

19. The implantable prosthesis of claim 15, in which the third helical angle is about half of one of the first and second helical angles.

20. The implantable prosthesis of claim 15, in which the implantable prosthesis includes a first length and a smaller outer diameter when the implantable prosthesis in in a compressed configuration and a second length of no less than about 90% of the first length when the implantable prosthesis is in an uncompressed configuration.

21. (canceled)

22. The implantable prosthesis of claim 20, in which the implantable prosthesis comprises a biocompatible metal including alloys of metal.

23. The implantable prosthesis of claim 19, in which the implantable prosthesis comprises a biocompatible polymer.

24. The implantable prosthesis of claim 19, in which the implantable prosthesis comprises a combination of biocompatible metal and polymer.

25. The implantable prosthesis of claim 19, in which the implantable prosthesis comprises a drug coating disposed on surfaces of the implantable prosthesis.

26. The implantable prosthesis of one of claims 5 and 6, in which the first pattern of the first framework is the same as the second pattern of the second framework.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain features of the invention (wherein like numerals represent like elements), in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the prosthesis in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of the prosthesis shown in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of a known prosthesis for comparison with the prosthesis of FIG. 2A;

[0020] FIG. 3A illustrates a magnified side view of the prosthesis of FIG. 2A;

[0021] FIG. 3B illustrates a magnified side view of the known prosthesis of FIG. 2B for comparison purposes;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates the prosthesis of FIG. 1, in a crimped (compressed) configuration, which prosthesis has been cut so that it can be laid flat on a planar surface;

[0023] FIGS.5A and 5B illustrate the “foreshortening” effect in known implantable prosthesis;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a screenshot illustrating the ultra-low foreshortening effect of one embodiment made by applicant.

MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0025] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are identically numbered. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates by way of example, not by way of limitation, the principles of the invention. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein. More specifically, “about” or “approximately” may refer to the range of values ±10% of the recited value, e.g. “about 90%” may refer to the range of values from 81% to 99%. In addition, as used herein, the terms “patient,” “host,” “user,” and “subject” refer to any human or animal subject and are not intended to limit the systems or methods to human use, although use of the subject invention in a human patient represents a preferred embodiment. The term “stent” is intended to encompass an uncovered framework as well as one that is covered by a suitable material (e.g., stent-graft).

[0027] Referring now to the figures wherein like numerals indicate the same element throughout the views, there is shown in FIG. 1 an implantable prosthesis 100 in an uncrimped and fully expanded configuration. For ease of viewing the structures, implantable prosthesis 100 has been mounted on a white cylinder to prevent the rear cylindrical structures from interfering with an inspection of the front cylindrical structure. As shown, the exemplary implantable prosthesis 100 has two helical frameworks 102 and 104 adjacent to one another to present what appears to be a “double helix” configuration but in reality should be considered as a “tri-helix” stent structure. It should be noted that while a tri-helix is described and illustrated the scope of the claimed invention is intended to cover variations of more than three helical stent structures. And as used herein, the term “framework” includes discrete segments of the stent connected (e.g., welded or bonded) together to define a frame and would also include a framework made by cutting out unneeded portions from a rod stock (e.g., hollow, circular or polygonal) such that an integral framework without any substantial discontinuities (caused by e.g., brazing or welding) is obtained.

[0028] In the tri-helix configuration, as devised by applicant as one of many embodiments available, allows for the heretofore novel ultra-low (i.e., less than 20% and actually 5% or less) foreshortening characteristic of the prosthesis (e.g., stent) noted in my summary above as well as other configurations that allows the length of the stent or prosthesis to be longer (as opposed to being shorter) when the stent is uncompressed as compared to the length of the same stent in its crimped or compressed configuration. In particular, the implantable prosthesis 100 includes a first framework 102 that circumscribes a longitudinal axis L-L along a first helical path 101 from a first end 100a to a second end 100b (FIG. 6). The first framework 102 includes a plurality of struts 102a and 102b (FIG. 2A) disposed in a first sinusoidal pattern 105 along the first helical path 101. As used herein, the term “sinusoidal” is not intended to limit the implantable prosthesis configuration to a pure sinusoidal pattern. That is, the term “sinusoidal” includes any repeating sequence (e.g., zig-zag) of two struts (linear or curvilinear segments) connected to a vertex to define a stent framework such that adjacent vertices of one framework are spaced back and forth along a longitudinal axis while circumscribing on a virtual inside radius about the longitudinal axis.

[0029] The framework 102 includes a primary apex portion 102c connected to a pair of struts 102a, 102b to define the first sinusoidal pattern 103. The second framework 104 is spaced from the first framework 102, similar to the double helix. In particular, the second framework 104 circumscribes a second helical path 105 about the longitudinal axis L-L proximate the first end 100a to proximate the second end 100b. Similar to the first framework 102, the second framework 104 includes a plurality of struts 104a, 104b disposed in a second sinusoidal pattern 107 along the second helical path 103 with a secondary apex portion 104c connected to a pair of struts 104a, 104b to define the second sinusoidal pattern 107.

[0030] Although the strut pairs shown are generally identical, each of the strut pairs can be of a different configuration. In circumscribing and translating along the axis L-L, the helical path 102 or 104 follows a portion of a complete circle, except near the terminal ends of the stent, while at the same time translating along the axis L-L. As such, a plurality of arcuate sections defined by the successive pairing of strut pairs with a vertex connected between the strut pairs circumscribes the axis L-L from a terminal first end to a terminal second end of the helical path to thereby define a partially cylindrical shape. Further, although the arcuate sections are shown as being formed by alternating strut pairs, similar designs may employ struts that are disposed in an undulating, sinusoidal or wave-like pattern.

[0031] To aid the viewer in visualization of the helical path about the axis L-L as defined by the zig-zag struts and vertices (i.e., 102a-c and 104a-c), the helical path is illustrated using dashed lines generally circumscribing about the axis L-L with the prosthesis 100 having a first end 100a and a second end 100b (FIG. 6). To further aid visualization, stent 100 is illustrated with only the foreground structure, with the background structure such as struts that continue the helical path being hidden. It is noted that where the application of a covered stent is desired, the helical path is also a representation of another embodiment where the struts are covered (partially or wholly) by a suitable material (e.g., ePTFE, Dacron, Nylon, fibrin, to name a few).

[0032] To ensure that the implantable prosthesis functions for its intended purpose, a plurality of connectors 106 is provided to connect one helix (e.g., 102) to the adjacent helix (e.g., 104) and from the second helix to the first helix and repeating in such sequence. In particular, each connector 106 is connected to proximate a primary apex portion 102c of the first framework 102 and a secondary apex portion 104c of the secondary framework 104. This arrangement is repeated for at least one helix (102 or 104) to the other helix (104 or 102). In the preferred embodiments, each vertex of one helix is connected to a vertex on the adjacent helix. By this arrangement of a connector 106 to a strut 104a to a strut 106 to a strut 102a to a strut 106 and so on, a third helix 110 is formed, as can be seen in FIG. 2A.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2B of the known prior art helical implantable prosthesis 200, it can be seen that framework 201 (with attendant struts 202a, 202b and vertex 202c) defines a first helical path 202 while connectors 204 connects vertices 202c of the same helix together to define a second helical arrangement 205. It has been observed that this implantable prosthesis configuration may have as much as 30% or more of the shortening (or foreshortening) of its length (in the crimped configuration) when deployed. That is, the axial length of the stent 200 in the deployed uncompressed configuration (with a larger outside diameter) is shorter than the length of the stent 200 in its compressed or crimped configuration (with a smaller outside diameter).

[0034] Referring back to FIG. 2A, it is noted that each primary apex portion 102c is connected via the connector 106 to each secondary apex portion 104c while circumferentially offset (on a virtual radius about axis L-L) to such primary apex portion 102c so that the connector 106 defines a helix angle a3 with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L.

[0035] In the preferred embodiments, shown in FIG. 3A, the primary apex portion 102c 1 may be connected via the connector 106-2 to each secondary apex portion 104c 1 (upper right circle) but circumferentially offset (with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L) to such primary apex portion 102c 1 by one secondary apex portion 104c 2. In other words, the first connector portion 106 connects at least one vertex 102c 1 of the first framework 102 to at least one vertex 104c 1 of the second framework 104 but the vertex of the second framework 104 is not vertex 104c 2 directly facing vertex 102c 1 but is the vertex 104c 1 which is offset circumferentially from vertex 102c 1 of the first framework 102. This is in contrast to the known stent 200, shown here in FIG. 3B, in which the connector 204 connects vertex 202c-1 to vertex 202c-2 which is three vertices offset circumferentially from vertex 202c-1.

[0036] Other differences can be seen between FIGS. 3A and 3B. In FIG. 3A, a second connector portion 106 connects at least one other vertex of the second framework 104 to at least one other vertex of the first framework 102 along the axis L-L to thereby define a third helix 112 with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L. It is noted that each of the plurality of connectors may be a linear member but it is within the intended scope of the claims that the connectors can be configured as curved members or a combination of linear and curved members (“curvilinear”). In the preferred embodiment, adjacent connectors 106 are disposed in a generally parallel configuration from the first framework 102 to the second framework 104, shown here in FIG. 3A. In contrast, the connectors 204 are not parallel to each other proximate the vertices 202c.

[0037] Referring back to FIG. 2A, it can be seen that the first framework defines a first helical angle al with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L and the second framework 104 defines a second helical angle a2 with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L when the implantable prosthesis is in an uncompressed configuration as shown here. Similarly, the connector portions 106 define a third helical angle a3 with respect to the longitudinal axis L-L in the uncrimped or fully opened operational state of implantable prosthesis 100. The helical angle is measured by superimposing of the subject component against the longitudinal axis on a plane or planar surface. In the preferred embodiments, the first helical angle a1 may be configured to be generally equal to the second helical angle a2 and the third helical angle a3 can be configured to have a different magnitude from the first helical angle or the second helical angle. In particular, the third helical angle is less than either of the first helical angle a1 or the second helical angle a2. In one prototype, the first or the second helical angle is about 65 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis and the third helical angle is about 30 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis. This relationship of the third helical angle being half of the first or the second helical angles is believed to allow for the ultralow foreshortening characteristic of my invention.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, the exemplary implantable prosthesis 100 is illustrated in its crimped state but unrolled from its cylindrical configuration (of FIG. 1) so that the three helix can be viewed as a whole with respective helical angles al (for first framework 102), a2 (for second framework 104), and a3 (for the third helical framework 112, as defined by the combination of connector 106, struts 102a, 104a,106, 102a, 106, 104b, 106, 102a, 106 and so on as shown here in dashed lines). In this flattened configuration, it can be seen that a first framework 102 has a strut 102a connected to a vertex or apex 102c (top of FIG. 4). This vertex 102c is connected to strut 102b while bypassing the second framework 104. By devising the various components of implantable prosthesis 100 in this manner, applicant was able to achieve an ultra-low foreshortening performance of the exemplary implantable prosthesis, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0039] Although the combination of helical angles a1, a2, and a3 have been devised for this exemplary embodiment, other combination of first helical angle, second helical angle and third helical angle can be devised for different magnitudes of foreshortening.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a screen shot of a video made to illustrate the many performance improvements of my design. In particular, two identical implantable prosthesis 100 were used in different operational states (crimped and uncrimped). To indicate their different operational states, the uncrimped implantable prosthesis (with a larger outside diameter OD2) is referenced as 100 while the crimped (compressed and retained in a catheter sheath to a smaller outside diameter OD1) is referenced as 100′. As can be seen visually (and measured with a suitable instrument) the length L2 of the uncrimped implantable prosthesis 100 is at least 80% (and actually 95%) of the crimped implantable prosthesis length L1. This reduction in the foreshortening characteristic for a “fully connected” implantable prosthesis (i.e., a stent in which all vertices of one framework (or hoop) are connected to adjacent vertices of the adjacent frameworks or hoops) is believed to be the first of its kind to resolve this long standing problem that has been prevalent in this field.

[0041] Certain other features have been devised to ensure that any force applied to the ends of the implantable prosthesis tends to be evenly distributed across the framework.

[0042] In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the first and second helical frameworks are configured so that they begin at generally diametrically opposed positions 102T and 104T where a line L-T intersects the longitudinal axis and the two starting positions 102T and 104T of the respective first and second helical frameworks. By placing the two starting locations of the two helical frameworks at diametrically opposed location, exemplary stent 100 resolves a problem of uneven stent framework distribution in a helical type stent. This uneven stent framework distribution can be seen in the known helical stent 200 in which there is a gap 206 at either of the ends of the stent 200. This gap 206 of the known stent 200 is believed to cause uneven loading on the rest of the framework for stent 200 which could affect how the stent 200 is deployed, including its propensity for “stent jumping” during sheath retraction and deployment of stent 200. Another benefit of my design is the provision of hoops with diamond-like stent framework of different sizes disposed proximate the terminal ends to allow the terminal end 108 of the stent 100 to approximate a cylindrical profile while matching to this terminal end 108 profile to the helical stent frameworks, seen here in FIGS. 1 and 2A. The varying size of the diamond framework allows the stent remains symmetrical during deployment as a catheter sheath is retracted due to the even loading of the terminal end 108 against a stationary rod inside the catheter with a profile similar to terminal end 108. Additionally, the squared end 108 of the stent is preferred by physicians as this configuration allows to determine what part of the body vessel is covered by the stent. As well, this allows for additional stents to stack up tightly against each other in the body vessel.

[0043] It is noted that stent 100 can be cut from a tube. Thereafter, stent 100 can be expanded in the duct or vessel of a host by a separate mechanism (e.g., balloon) or by utilization of a material that self-expands upon predetermined implantation conditions, e.g., body temperature. The stent 100 can be formed from a suitable biocompatible material such as, for example, metal, metal alloys, shape memory materials, polymer metals and other biocompatible materials which may be bioabsorble. Preferably, the prosthesis are laser cut from small diameter tubing from biocompatible metals such as shape memory materials or balloon expandable materials. Details of this particular embodiment of the stent can be gleaned from U.S. Pat. No. 8,328,864, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0044] The implantable prosthesis 100 can be covered on its outside surface (the surface contacting the body vessel), on the inside surface or both inner and outer surfaces with a suitable graft material. Graft material for prosthetic 100 can be made from a suitable material such as, for example, PTFE, ePTFE, Dacron, PET (polyester), Fluoro-polymers such as PTFE and FEP, spun PTFE, HDPE, and combinations thereof. Either or both of the graft and implantable prosthesis can be formed from biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (i.e., PLA), polyglycolic acid (i.e., PGA), polydioxanone (i.e., PDS), polyhydroxybutyrate (i.e., PHB), polyhydroxyvalerate (i.e., PHV), and copolymers or a combination of PHB and PHV (available commercially as Biopol®), polycaprolactone (available as Capronor®), polyanhydrides (aliphatic polyanhydrides in the back bone or side chains or aromatic polyanhydrides with benzene in the side chain), polyorthoesters, polyaminoacids (e.g., poly-L-lysine, polyglutamic acid), pseudo- polyaminoacids (e.g., with back bone of polyaminoacids altered), polycyanocrylates, or polyphosphazenes. As used herein, the term “bio-resorbable” includes a suitable biocompatible material, mixture of materials or partial components of materials being degraded into other generally non-toxic materials by an agent present in biological tissue (i.e., being bio-degradable via a suitable mechanism, such as, for example, hydrolysis) or being removed by cellular activity (i.e., bioresorption, bioabsorption, or bioresorbable), by bulk or surface degradation (i.e., bioerosion such as, for example, by utilizing a water insoluble polymer that is soluble in water upon contact with biological tissue or fluid), or a combination of one or more of the bio-degradable, bio-erodable, or bio-resorbable material noted above.

[0045] In certain applications where a fabric or a polymeric material is not desired, the covering material (e.g., graft) can be formed by a suitable thin-film deposition technique over a substrate such as an expandable frame (self-expanding or balloon expandable implantable prosthesis). In this configuration with the thin-film, the expandable frame can be disposed on the outside surface of the thin-film (acting as a graft); the expandable frame can be sandwiched between two thin-film graft materials; or two expandable frames can sandwich the thin-film graft material.

[0046] In one embodiment, bio-active agents can be added to the polymer, the metal alloy of the frame or the thin-film for delivery to the host's vessel or duct. The bio-active agents may also be used to coat the entire graft, the entire implantable prosthesis or only a portion of either. A coating may include one or more non-genetic therapeutic agents, genetic materials and cells and combinations thereof as well as other polymeric coatings. Non-genetic therapeutic agents include anti-thrombogenic agents such as heparin, heparin derivatives, urokinase, and PPack (dextrophenylalanine proline arginine chloromethylketone); antiproliferative agents such as enoxaprin, angiopeptin, or monoclonal antibodies capable of blocking smooth muscle cell proliferation, hirudin, and acetylsalicylic acid; anti-inflammatory agents such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, corticosterone, budesonide, estrogen, sulfasalazine, and mesalamine; antineoplastic/antiproliferative/anti- miotic agents such as paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, vinblastine, vincristine, epothilones, endostatin, angiostatin and thymidine kinase inhibitors; anesthetic agents such as lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine; anti-coagulants, an RGD peptide-containing compound, heparin, antithrombin compounds, platelet receptor antagonists, anti-thrombin anticodies, anti-platelet receptor antibodies, aspirin, prostaglandin inhibitors, platelet inhibitors and tick antiplatelet peptides; vascular cell growth promotors such as growth factor inhibitors, growth factor receptor antagonists, transcriptional activators, and translational promotors; vascular cell growth inhibitors such as growth factor inhibitors, growth factor receptor antagonists, transcriptional repressors, translational repressors, replication inhibitors, inhibitory antibodies, antibodies directed against growth factors, bifunctional molecules consisting of a growth factor and a cytotoxin, bifunctional molecules consisting of an antibody and a cytotoxin; cholesterol-lowering agents; vasodilating agents; and agents which interfere with endogenous vasoactive mechanisms.

[0047] Genetic materials include anti-sense DNA and RNA, DNA coding for, anti-sense RNA, tRNA or rRNA to replace defective or deficient endogenous molecules, angiogenic factors including growth factors such as acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor alpha and beta, platelet-derived endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, tumor necrosis factor alpha, hepatocyte growth factor and insulin like growth factor, cell cycle inhibitors including CD inhibitors, thymidine kinase (“TK”) and other agents useful for interfering with cell proliferation the family of bone morphogenic proteins (“BMPs”), BMP- 2, BMP-3, BMP-4, BMP-5, BMP-6 (Vgr-1), BMP-7 (OP-I), BMP-8, BMP-9, BMP-IO, BMP-I, BMP-12, BMP-13, BMP-14, BMP-15, and BMP-16. Desirable BMPs are any of BMP-2, BMP-3, BMP-4, BMP-5, BMP-6 and BMP-7. These dimeric proteins can be provided as homodimers, heterodimers, or combinations thereof, alone or together with other molecules. Alternatively or, in addition, molecules capable of inducing an upstream or downstream effect of a BMP can be provided. Such molecules include any of the “hedgehog” proteins, or the DNA encoding them.

[0048] Cells can be of human origin (autologous or allogeneic) or from an animal source (xenogeneic), genetically engineered if desired to deliver proteins of interest at the deployment site. The cells may be provided in a delivery media. The delivery media may be formulated as needed to maintain cell function and viability.

[0049] Suitable polymer coating materials include polycarboxylic acids, cellulosic polymers, including cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyanhydrides including maleic anhydride polymers, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohols, copolymers of vinyl monomers such as EVA, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl aromatics, polyethylene oxides, glycosaminoglycans, polysaccharides, polyesters including polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylamides, polyethers, polyether sulfone, polycarbonate, polyalkylenes including polypropylene, polyethylene and high molecular weight polyethylene, halogenated polyalkylenes including polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethanes, polyorthoesters, proteins, polypeptides, silicones, siloxane polymers, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone, polyhydroxybutyrate valerate and blends and copolymers thereof, coatings from polymer dispersions such as polyurethane dispersions (for example, BAYHDROL® fibrin, collagen and derivatives thereof, polysaccharides such as celluloses, starches, dextrans, alginates and derivatives, hyaluronic acid, squalene emulsions. Polyacrylic acid, available as HYDROPLUS® (Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, Mass.), and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,205, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, is particularly desirable. Even more desirable is a copolymer of polylactic acid and polycaprolactone. Suitable coverings include nylon, collagen, PTFE and expanded PTFE, polyethylene terephthalate and KEVLAR®, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, or any of the materials disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,824,046 and 5,755,770, which are incorporated by reference herein. More generally, any known graft material may be used including synthetic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyglycolic acid, polyesters, polyamides, their mixtures, blends and copolymers.

[0050] While the invention has been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, it is intended that certain steps do not have to be performed in the order described but in any order as long as the steps allow the embodiments to function for their intended purposes. Therefore, to the extent there are variations of the invention, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the inventions found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well.