Abstract: A bifurcated graft is formed from a series of individual components which are intraluminally delivered apart from one another and then assembled to form a fully supported structure. The modular system includes a base member and one or more grafts connected thereto. The base member preferably includes a portion which gradually increases in diameter. A tubular device for inserting the components of the modular system and a method employing the modular system for repairing an abdominal aortic aneurysm are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intravascular snare device for use in capturing debris found in blood vessels. The snare device is fabricated from a tube and includes longitudinally and circumferentially extending members. The snare device specifically embodies structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse.

Abstract: An intrasaccular device particularly adapted for treating body lumens. The intrasaccular device includes structure that provides a strong framework as well as improved covering across an opening to an aneurysm sac. The intrasaccular device is intended to retain foreign bodies within the aneurysm sac and includes members for accomplishing this objective. The intrasaccular device is also provided with structure that facilitates the alignment of a plurality of devices deployed within the sac.

Abstract: A system and method for introducing medical devices within vasculature that incorporates a dual lumen introducer allowing a plurality of guidewires to be introduced without entanglement. The introducer further includes slits formed in the dual lumen introducer and a dilator or an inner member with grooves that facilitate easy removal of the introducer and dilator from vasculature. The dual lumen introducer maintains separation between guidewires. The slits in the dual lumen introducer and the dilator grooves allow removal from the guidewires by slipping the device off the guidewires without retracting them the entire guidewire length. A peel-away sheath protects the vasculature from the guidewires, prevents the dilator from slipping off the guidewires, and maintains access to an expanded vessel for the introduction of medical devices.

Abstract: An intravascular basket device for use in capturing either naturally occurring or foreign debris found in blood vessels or other regions of the body. The basket device is fabricated from a tube and includes a mid-section having at least one ring configured in an alternating V-pattern. The basket device specifically embodies structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse.

Abstract: An intravascular filter device for use in capturing debris which may occur as a result of an intravascular procedure. The filter device includes a proximal section, a distal section and a mid-section. The mid-section includes three rings configured in a sixteen apices alternating V-pattern. The filter device specifically embodies structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse in its expanded state. While, in its compressed state the filter device provides an extremely small compressed profile giving it the desired ability to be delivered into very small vessels of the human vasculature.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying a graft having attachment means in the vessel of an animal body. The system contains a proximal capsule means and a distal capsule means, wherein the graft is disposed within the two capsule means and a removable sheath covers the graft and capsule means. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having superior and inferior ends, having attachment means with wall engaging members secured thereto. The balloon catheter is disposed within the capsule catheter to provide relative movement between the balloon catheter and the capsule catheter, whereby the graft can be removed from the capsule means. The balloon is inflated to firmly implant the graft and attachment means within the vessel. The graft and attachment means remain in the vessel after the intraluminal grafting system is withdrawn.

Abstract: An improved hook provides for the attaching of endoluminal prosthesis within corporeal lumens. The hook is integrally formed with framing structure and is preset into an outward bend, but is resiliently flexible so as to form a substantially straight profile when compressed. The hook is capable of impinging upon the corporeal lumen and thereby securing the prosthesis. The hook may be configured for intraluminal delivery and deployment. A novel method of manufacturing said hook is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for installing a graft within a vascular lumen of a patient so as to substantially reduce fluid flow around the graft and axial migration of the graft. By first deploying a substantially rigid stent within the vascular lumen of the patient so as to expand the vascular lumen beyond its initial natural diameter, the substantially rigid stent is thereby frictionally engaged to the wall of the vascular lumen. A graft is then deployed within the lumen of the substantially rigid stent, with the graft's attachment system being at substantially the same longitudinal level within the target vessel as the substantially rigid stent.

Abstract: A device that is useful for removing obstructions from vessels. Various embodiments and methods of use are contemplated for the effective removal of obstructions. The disclosed devices utilize a thrombogenic material to promote the formation of fibrin bonds, thus enhancing adhesion. It is further contemplated that the disclosed devices may be used in all vasculature including the cerebral vasculature and the neurovasculature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidewire placement system for delivery of an aneurysm graft limb. The invention is directed toward placement of grafts in abdominal aortic aneurysms where delivery of a contra-lateral limb is heretofore particularly difficult. The present invention provides external tubing which may be steered along with guide tubing having wire loops at the distal end thereof. The design of the external tubing and the guide tubing allow a contra-lateral guidewire to be directed toward and placed within a graft of the aneurysm. This allows for subsequent placement of a contra-lateral limb in an efficient and minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: A bifurcated graft is formed from a series of individual components which are intraluminally delivered apart from one another and then assembled to form a fully supported structure. The modular system includes a base member and one or more grafts connected thereto. The base member preferably includes a portion which gradually increases in diameter. A tubular device for inserting the components of the modular system and a method employing the modular system for repairing an abdominal aortic aneurysm are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extraction device for the removal of clots and foreign bodies from vasculature. The extractor device is connected to an elongate mandrel and is located within a longitudinally extending lumen defined by a catheter. A clot or foreign material extracted from a vessel by moving the extraction device and catheter proximally until the clot or foreign material does not perfuse a critical organ.

Abstract: A bifurcated vascular graft having a tubular trunk with an inner diameter. Tubular limbs having respective inner diameters extend longitudinally from the trunk, and the diameter of at least one of the limbs is unequal to half the trunk diameter. In one embodiment, the graft is flared such that the combined diameters of the limbs exceed the diameter of the trunk. In another embodiment, the graft is tapered such that the diameter of the trunk exceeds the combined diameters of the limbs. In a third embodiment, the limb diameters are unequal to one another.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved stent in which the limbs have been fabricated from a medium having a cross sectional profile in which at least one segment is flat and straight, whereby the stent is provided with improved expansion characteristics.

Abstract: A torque absorbing catheter having one or more torque absorbing bearings disposed at the distal end thereof. The bearings are larger than the outer diameter of any flexible region of the catheter sought to be protected from torque as the catheter is inserted through a tortuous body lumen. As the catheter is inserted through a body lumen, the bearings are rotable therein and the catheter shaft is simultaneously rotable within a bearing lumen of the bearings. This prevents transfer of torque from bearing to shaft and catheter. The invention is particularly adept at preventing torque from deforming the shape and character of a particularly flexible catheter region such as a balloon.

Abstract: A bifurcated graft is formed from a series of individual components which are intraluminally delivered apart from one another and then assembled to form a fully supported structure. The modular system includes a base member and one or more grafts connected thereto. The base member preferably includes a portion which gradually increases in diameter. A tubular device for inserting the components of the modular system and a method employing the modular system for repairing an abdominal aortic aneurysm are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: Graft having a bifurcation for repairing an aneurysm in the vicinity of an aortic bifurcation in a patient comprising a main tubular body and first and second tubular legs joined to said main body in a bifurcation. The main body and the legs are formed of a flexible surgically implantable material. The main body and each of the first and second legs having an opening therein in communication with the other openings. Expandable spring attachments are secured to the main body adjacent the opening in the main body. An additional expandable spring attachment is secured to one of said legs adjacent the opening in said one leg.