Abstract: A method for deploying an endoluminal prosthesis by introducing into a bifurcated vessel a sheath introducer having therein a bifurcated graft with a primary and contralateral limb. The contralateral limb being radially retained independent of the sheath introducer. The graft being positionable by an insertion catheter. When the graft is in position within the vessel, a retaining device about the contralateral limb is broken and the graft takes the shape of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: A thin-walled prosthesis is provided that includes a tubular graft formed of a monofilament fiber. The graft has sufficient strength and durability to withstand loads applied during deployment and while implanted and sufficiently low permeability to prevent excessive leakage of body fluids through the material or to provide a sufficient seal, for example, so as to prevent aneurysm pressurization. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a tubular grafts constructed of monofilament fibers for endoluminal placement within a body lumens, including blood vessels, and for the treatment of abdominal and other aneurysms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engrafting a blood vessel are disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular graft having radially compressible annular spring portions for biasing proximal and distal ends of the graft into conforming fixed engagement with an interior surface of the vessel, with bifurcated and adjustable length embodiments being disclosed. Apparatus for deploying the graft includes an insertion catheter having a nitinol core wire, a controllable tip balloon-at a remote end thereof for dilation and occlusion of the vessel, and a controllable graft balloon in the vicinity of the tip balloon for fixedly seating the spring portions into conformance with the interior surface of the vessel. A spool apparatus for adjusting or removing an improperly placed graft, and a micro-emboli filter tube, are usable with the deployment apparatus. A method of percutaneously implanting a graft, including a single-entry method for percutaneously implanting a bifurcated graft, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: A multi-stage stent graft for implantation into a blood vessel is disclosed. Each stage or layer may comprise radially compressible spring stents with or without a fabric covering, or may comprise a foamed tube. The various stages or layers may also have an adhesive coated thereon. The multi-stage stented graft and the adhesive coatings provide a surface for the in growth of cells and promote healing. Also disclosed is a coaxial delivery system for the delivery and endovascular assembly of the multi-stage stented graft during one trip into the vasculature.

Abstract: A radiation delivery catheter with inflatable chambers which provide a layer of radiation of minimum effective dose possible to be delivered as close as possible to the origin of disease within a blood vessel. The device can be centered within the true lumen of a vessel to provide even dispersion of the radiation agent to the outer wall of the vessel. The catheter comprises two central self centering balloons, one thin radiation agent inflatable chamber, and one radiation spread cloaking inflatable chamber with high strength properties resistant to rupture.

Abstract: A method whereby a programmable signal source produces a desired output signal which is transferred by a conduit means or conducting means into a patient by percutaneous venous insertion. The output signal is either vibrational or electrical. If vibrational, the conduit means or one or more transducers radiates the output signal into the treatment site within a patient. If electrical, one or more transducers receive the output signal and convert the output signal into vibration and then radiate it into the treatment site within a patient. The treatment site is the location of a catheter or other intravenous device, residing within the patient for the purposes of gas exchange in the blood stream or for other long-term treatment. The presence of the vibration increases the efficiency of intravenous gas exchanging devices significantly, and prevents clot formation on the surface of intravenous devices.

Abstract: A flexible and kink-proof intra-cavity delivery catheter for precise placement and injection of therapeutic agent(s) into and/or through the wall of a body cavity at a precise treatment site with even distribution throughout. One or more needle assemblies are disposed around a calibrated balloon which, when inflated, brings each needle assembly into contact with and enables the piercing of the cavity wall to a calibrated depth. Each needle assembly consists of a plurality of tissue insertion needles along the longitudinal axis of the needle assembly. Precise amounts of the therapeutic agent are then quickly delivered through the needle assembly directly into the diseased body tissue. When the calibrated balloon is deflated, retraction members pull the needle assemblies back into the catheter body for catheter repositioning or catheter withdrawal.

Abstract: A self centering, low profile, low inflation pressure pulmonary artery polyurethane balloon catheter having a reduced neck section and a balloon disposed within the neck section such that the balloon is flush with the catheter body in the deflated state and extends beyond the distal end of the catheter in both its inflated and deflated states.