Abstract: A method is disclosed for making vascular prostheses from ePTFE said prostheses having a diameter which is larger, and a wall thickness which is smaller than previously achievable using ram extrusion techniques. The method consists of extruding a PTFE tube, finish processing the tube into an ePTFE tube, laterally dilating it by expansion in incremental steps, calendering the tube after each dilating step, while the tube is being maintained at an elevated temperature. Once the tube is dilated it can be sintered with another tube to form a laminate. Alternatively, a wire stent may be joined with one or more tubes, thereby biasing the laminate to a cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: A device for disposing a radially self-expanding endoprosthesis in a body lumen. The implantation device includes an elongated catheter having a distal end and an outer surface over which the endoprosthesis is placed a sheath disposed to releasably surround at least a portion of the endoprosthesis, holding the endoprosthesis on the catheter in a radially contracted state, and a flexible elongation release element cooperating with the sheath. The sheath is released, permitting the surrounded portion of the endoprosthesis to expand, by axial withdrawal of the release element.

Abstract: An expandable blood vessel graft facilitates the rapid and secure insertion of the graft in an blood vessel. The graft includes a first radially preexpanded portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to the second portion. The second portion has a diameter less than the diameter of the first preexpanded portion.