Abstract: A self-expanding stent-graft provided in a diametrically compacted state for implantation and retained preferably by a constraining sheath, useful for the temporary or permanent repair of injured, partially or entirely transected body conduits including blood vessels. It may be used under direct visualization to quickly stop or substantially reduce loss of blood from such damaged vessels and to quickly re-establish perfusion distal to the injury site. The device would typically be implanted under emergency room conditions but also be used in field situations by trained medical technicians. After an end of the device is inserted into a blood vessel through the injury access, deployment preferably initiates from the device end in a direction moving toward the middle of the length of the device by directionally releasing the constraining sheath.

Abstract: A prosthetic implantable device that offers a reduction in fluid loss when the device is punctured, such as by a dialysis needle or suture needle, and the needle is subsequently removed. The device may be made to be thin and flexible, and with longitudinal stretch, in order that it also offers good handling and kink resistance to a surgeon. While the device is preferably of tubular form, flat sheets or other forms may also be made. The device includes inner and outer layers of a porous material having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by bent fibrils, and having void spaces between adjacent bent fibrils. The inner and outer layers are joined by an elastomeric adhesive that may interpenetrate the void spaces of the adjacent surfaces of the inner and outer layers, that is, the inner surface of the outer layer and the outer surface of the inner layer.

Abstract: A method of making an tubular intraluminal graft in the form of a tubular diametrically adjustable stent having a tubular covering of porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene which is less than 0.10 mm thick. The covering may be on the exterior surface of the stent, or on the interior surface of the stent, or both. The covering may be affixed to the stent by an adhesive which is preferably fluorinated ethylene propylene.