Abstract: Disclosed is a method for excluding a pathological defect such as an aortic aneurysm. By the disclosed method, a grafstent complex is advanced through each branch of the patient's femoral and iliac system. The graftstent complex includes a segment of graft material attached at each end to a respective stent. The cephalic stents of each graftstent complex are positioned relative to one other in a common region of normal aortic tissue on one side of the aneurysm and then deployed. The caudal stents are deployed in the iliac arteries. Additional steps can be taken to ensure that the internal iliac artery is not blocked when the caudal stents are deployed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-circular stent, as well as a graftstent complex, that may be used for isolating a pathological defect in the vicinity of a branching passageway. Also disclosed is an apparatus for expanding a stent and for aligning same relative to another stent. Further, a method for excluding a pathological defect such as an aortic aneurysm is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for endoluminally cutting a graft is disclosed. The device includes an elongated catheter having an actuator at its proximal end and a cutting element remote from its proximal end. The actuator causes the cutting element to sever the graft endoluminally. The cutting element effects a cut through the wall of the graft to cut the graft, endoluminally, to a desired length. The cutting element includes a portion shaped so that the catheter can be positioned relative to the graft with the graft in close proximity to the cutting element.

Abstract: A device for delivering and deploying an intraluminal device such as a stent. The device has a guide sheath with a movable tip element, preferably in the form of an inflatable balloon, at its distal end that facilitates insertion of the guide sheath. The intraluminal device is carried on a catheter within the sheath. The sheath may be formed from a very thin flexible material so that a smaller introducer and incision in the patient may be used. The internal pressure of the sheath may be varied to alter pushability and flexibility of the sheath. The tip element thus preferably forms a fluid tight seal with the distal end of the guide sheath. A handle is provided to hold the catheter stationary while the guide sheath is retracted to expose the intraluminal device for deployment. This minimizes the likelihood that movement of the sheath will displace the intraluminal device after it has been properly positioned.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanded vascular stent having a non-circular cross-section. The expanded stent may have, for example, a "D" shaped cross-section for collateral deployment within a common body lumen. A curved edge of the stent engages a body lumen while an alignment edge engages a collaterally deployed stent. A segment of graft material having at least one end cut on a bias may be attached to the stent so that the graft material extends substantially between the proximal and distal ends of the stent along its alignment edge, yet only partially along its curved edge to assist in forming a hemostatic seal. The apparatus may also be used for collaterally deploying stents within the common body lumen.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for intraluminal delivery and deployment of an expandable prosthesis at a site within a body lumen. The apparatus for intraluminal delivery and deployment includes a support for supporting the expandable prosthesis while being delivered to the site within the body lumen, and a radially displaceable mechanical linkage connected to the support for radially displacing the support. The linkage is adapted to deploy the expandable prosthesis when it is displaced radially outward. The linkage permits continuous fluid flow within the body lumen while the expandable prosthesis is being deployed. The present invention can also be used without stents for expanding a body lumen.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for intraluminal delivery and deployment of an expandable prosthesis at a site within a body lumen. The method comprises the steps of placing the prosthesis over a support having at least two movable wings mounted on a catheter, delivering the prosthesis to the desired location by moving the catheter through the body passageway, and moving the wings radially outwardly to thereby deploy the prosthesis within the body passageway.