Abstract: A method for delivering and deploying an intraluminal device. A guidewire is inserted such that one end extends into the patient at an entrance point and the other end extends out of the patient through an exit point. First and second catheters are then passed over the guidewire. The first and second catheters are connected to each other so that the transluminal device may be positioned within the blood vessel by pushing one catheter and pulling the other catheter.

Abstract: A method of endoluminally bypassing blood flow through an aneurysm in the vicinity of a branched blood vessel is provided. The method comprises the steps of advancing a graftstent complex through each branch of the branched blood vessel, aligning the cephalic stents of each of the graftstent complexes relative to each other in a common vessel above the aneurysm, and deploying each of the aligned cephalic stents in the common vessel.The invention also provides an expanded vascular stent having a non-circular cross-section and an apparatus for expanding the stent in this manner. Preferably, the expanded stent is generally "D" shaped for collateral deployment within a common body lumen. A curved edge of the stent engages a body lumen while an alignment edge engages a collaterally deployed stent.

Abstract: A device for delivering and deploying a graft stent complex comprises a flexible guide sheath, the outer diameter of the guide sheath being constant throughout its length and the inner diameter of the guide sheath increasing from the proximal end to the distal end. A hemostatic valve having at least two ports is attached to the proximal end of the guide sheath, one port adapted to permit passage of a catheter into the guide sheath and the other port adapted to permit passage of a fluid into the guide sheath. A lead balloon catheter extends through the first port into the guide sheath, and includes an inflatable lead balloon at its distal end. A portion of the lead balloon extends from the distal end of the guide sheath to provide a tapered leading surface and also to seal the distal end of the guide sheath. Deployment means are provided within the guide sheath, with the stent being mounted on the deployment means.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for intraluminal delivery and deployment of an expandable prosthesis at a site within a body lumen. The apparatus for intraluminal delivery and deployment includes a support for supporting the expandable prosthesis while being delivered to the site within the body lumen, and a radially displaceable mechanical linkage connected to the support for radially displacing the support. The linkage is adapted to deploy the expandable prosthesis when it is displaced radially outward. The linkage permits continuous fluid flow within the body lumen while the expandable prosthesis is being deployed. The present invention can also be used without stents for expanding a body lumen.

Abstract: An improved stent provides mechanical anchoring of the stent to a blood or other body vessel. The stent has, in a preferred embodiment, barbs which remain within the surface of the stent when the stent is in its unexpanded condition, but which extend from the surface of the stent when the stent is expanded. These barbs are adapted to engage, for example, a graft and/or the inner layers of a blood vessel to mechanically attach the stent to the vessel. Because friction is not solely relied upon to hold the stent in place, the stent may exert less force on the blood vessel which, in turn, means that a thinner stent requiring less force for expansion may be used. In addition, there may be less radial force permanently exerted in an artery after stent deployment which may be less injurious to the vessel.