Abstract: A system and components for treating aortic aneurysms includes a reinforcing graft and fittings for securing the graft to a host vessel and to branch vessels, for example the iliac and renal arteries. Combinations of fittings and rings or other compression mechanisms secure vessels or grafts frictionally, for end-end or end-side couplings. A variety of tools are disclosed for manipulating retaining rings, everting portions of grafts or vessels in the course of coupling them to fittings, and clamping fittings while positioning the retaining rings.

Abstract: A test strip is provided for determining the presence or quantity of an analyte in a liquid by inserting the strip into an optical reading apparatus. The test strip is provided with an orientation index zone having a reflectance that contrasts with the reflectance of areas contiguous thereto and such orientation index zone is employed to affirm that the test strip has not been inserted upside down with respect to the apparatus.