Abstract: A self-expanding stent includes capture segments including a first capture segment and a second capture segment. The first capture segment includes a first crown coupled to a first crown of the second capture segment and a second crown, where the second crown is spaced apart from an adjacent second crown of the second capture segment when the self-expanding stent is in a relaxed state, and further where the second crown of the first capture segment captures the adjacent second crown of the second capture segment when the self-expanding stent is in a radially compressed state.

Abstract: A stent graft and method for positioning and deploying the stent graft within a vessel system that includes a main vessel and a branch vessel emanating from the main vessel. The stent graft includes a tubular shaped main body formed from graft material, a branch opening (aperture)(ring) in the graft material of the main body whose position can be varied. A tubular shaped branch graft can extend from the main graft. A side wall of the main body may be configured as a series of connected annular corrugations or pleats, and coupled to the main body to define and provide variable positioning of its branch opening (aperture).

Abstract: A proximal anchor stent ring of an endoprosthesis includes proximal apexes, distal apexes, struts extending between the proximal apexes and the distal apexes, and anchor pins. The struts, the proximal apexes, and the distal apexes define an imaginary cylindrical surface. A pair of the anchor pins is located on the struts adjacent each of the proximal apexes, the anchor pins extending inwards from inside surfaces of the struts and protruding from the struts radially outward from the cylindrical surface. By locating the anchor pins inwards, the delivery profile of the proximal anchor stent ring is minimized.

Abstract: The initial deployment of a self-expanding stent is performed by the physician manually retracting the sheath of a delivery system. This provides the physician with complete control of the initial deployment of the stent. Further, once the stent is securely engaged within the parent vessel, the remaining deployment over the remaining length of the stent is performed automatically by retraction of the sheath by a spring. Since the physician simply initiates the deployment of the stent, the deployment is readily performed using only a single hand of the physician.

Abstract: A method of delivering a stent-graft includes mounting the stent-graft on a pushrod; radially constraining the stent-graft within a sheath; securing a crown portion of the stent-graft to the pushrod with a retainer structure of a stent-graft retainment system; retracting the sheath to expose the crown portion of the stent-graft; and further retracting the sheath to cause the retainer structure to release the crown portion from the pushrod thus deploying the stent-graft. The retainer structure releases the stent-graft automatically as a result of the retraction of the sheath.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent includes a plurality of segments having an alternating repeating pattern; each of the segments having connected crowns and unconnected crowns, wherein the unconnected crowns can be fully straightened without damage or permanent distortion to the unconnected crowns; and connectors extending between and connecting adjacent connected crowns of adjacent segments. The self-expanding stent catheter has a minimum crossing profile and the stent compressed for deployment therein is recapturable.

Abstract: Universal modular stented graft assemblies are assembled, on site, and often in a patient's parent artery, from at least two components; a first component and a second component. The first and second components each include a window, or fenestration. The second component couples with the first component by fitting at least partially in the first component to form the universal modular stent graft assembly with an adjustable collateral opening. As the first and second components are assembled, the first and second components are adjusted relative to each other so that the first and second component windows overlap to form a collateral opening whose size is selectable, depending on the overlap, with the desired position and dimensions in the universal modular stent graft assembly.

Abstract: A branch graft stent system includes a tubular primary graft having a branch graft opening which when deployed is located in alignment with a side branch vessel emanating from the primary vessel in which a branch graft is deployed. A connector (flange) member forms a perimeter of the branch graft opening and is constructed so that the connector member is substantially flush with the wall of the tubular primary graft. The tubular branch graft has a first expandable ring and a second expandable ring spaced apart from each other as part of a connection section located at a proximal end of the tubular branch graft.

Abstract: A catheter assembly and method includes a multi-lumen portion having a guide wire lumen and an inflation/deployment lumen. The guide wire lumen includes a distal guide wire lumen portion having a rapid exchange guide wire port, and a proximal guide wire lumen portion rotatable to selectively expose the rapid exchange guide wire port. The inflation/deployment lumen includes a rotatable seal which facilitates rotation of the proximal guide wire lumen portion.

Abstract: A stent graft includes a stent graft material of cylindrical shape and tapered stent springs coupled to the stent graft material. Each stent spring includes a first stent cell and a second stent cell contiguous with the first stent cell. The first stent cell and the second stent cell are coupled. The second stent cell of each tapered stent spring is smaller than the first stent cell thereby defining a tapered shape to the tapered stent springs. The stent graft is placed in a curved segment of a tortuous body lumen and rotationally positioned such that the smallest stent cell of each tapered stent spring is placed at an inside radius of the curved segment.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent includes capture segments including a first capture segment and a second capture segment. The first capture segment includes a first crown coupled to a first crown of the second capture segment and a second crown, where the second crown is spaced apart from an adjacent second crown of the second capture segment when the self-expanding stent is in a relaxed state, and further where the second crown of the first capture segment captures the adjacent second crown of the second capture segment when the self-expanding stent is in a radially compressed state.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a sheath and a handle. The handle includes: a slide shaft having a threaded outer surface; and a hub assembly coupled to the sheath. The hub assembly includes: an inner slider having a thread tooth pivot support; a thread tooth pivotably mounted to the thread tooth pivot support; and a sleeve having a thread tooth press member pressing on the thread tooth, where motion of the sleeve relative to the inner slider pivots the thread tooth on the thread tooth pivot support to engage and disengage the hub assembly with the threaded outer surface.