Abstract: A prosthesis for locating at a branch region of a blood vessel. The prosthesis comprises a main conduit (10) having a tubular portion (11) with first and second ends (12,13), and at least one projecting portion (14,15,16) projecting from the first end of the tubular portion. One or more branch conduits (17,18) are connected to, and extend from the projecting portions or the tubular portion at a position adjacent the projecting portions. Portions of the prosthesis to which the branch conduits are attached may be more flexible and/or elastic than other portions of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A method is described for delivering a prosthesis to a branch region of a blood vessel, the branch region having first and second blood vessel branches, the prosthesis comprising a main conduit and first and second branch conduits. The method includes inserting a first guide wire in the blood vessel such that it extends through the blood vessel into the first blood vessel branch; inserting a second guide wire in the blood vessel such that it extends through the blood vessel into the second blood vessel branch; moving the prosthesis to the branch region by moving the first branch conduit along the first guide wire and the second branch conduit along the second guide wire; and moving the first/second branch conduit along the first/second guide wire from a first position in which they project inside the main conduit to a second position in which they project out from the main conduit.

Abstract: A steerable element for use in surgery, comprising: an inflatable member; and an elongate frame azimuthally surrounding said inflatable member, wherein: said inflatable member is configured to press against said elongate frame on inflation so as to cause a change in the curvature of said elongate frame. A catheter, an insertion system, a medical implant comprising the steerable element, a delivery system comprising the steerable element, and a method of configuring the steerable element for use.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus is provided with lumens for accommodating guidewires. The apparatus comprises an actuator controllable to move the distal ends of the lumens relative to each other. Accordingly, the separation of the guidewires can be controlled, enabling probing by the guidewires of different area of an occlusion in a blood vessel, such as a chronic total occlusion.

Abstract: A method is described for delivering a prosthesis to a branch region of a blood vessel, the branch region having first and second blood vessel branches, the prosthesis comprising a main conduit and first and second branch conduits. The method includes inserting a first guide wire in the blood vessel such that it extends through the blood vessel into the first blood vessel branch; inserting a second guide wire in the blood vessel such that it extends through the blood vessel into the second blood vessel branch; moving the prosthesis to the branch region by moving the first branch conduit along the first guide wire and the second branch conduit along the second guide wire; and moving the first/second branch conduit along the first/second guide wire from a first position in which they project inside the main conduit to a second position in which they project out from the main conduit.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus is provided with lumens for accommodating guidewires. The apparatus comprises an actuator controllable to move the distal ends of the lumens relative to each other. Accordingly, the separation of the guidewires can be controlled, enabling probing by the guidewires of different area of an occlusion in a blood vessel, such as a chronic total occlusion.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery apparatus, a method of delivering a prosthesis, and a prosthesis are provided. The prosthesis (3) is for delivering to the branch region of the ascending aorta (1) and the right and left coronary arteries (12, 13), and it comprises a main conduit (33) and first and second branch conduits (31, 32). The branch conduits (31, 32) are or locating in the right and left coronary arteries (12, 13) respectively upon moving from a first position in which they are located in the main conduit (33) to a second position in which they project out from the main conduit (33). The branch conduits (31, 32) turn inside out as the move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Platelet activation is measured by determining Mean Platelet Component (MPC) of suspended blood platelets, using a specific anticoagulant composition. The composition comprises at least one component for effecting platelet sphering (for example EDTA), and at least one platelet antagonist (for example at least one of, and preferably all three of theophylline, adenosine and dipyridamole).