Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying in the vessel of an animal body a bifurcated graft having a plurality of attachment systems. The deployment catheters contain an ipsilateral capsule assembly, a contralateral capsule assembly and a distal capsule assembly, wherein the attachment systems of the bifurcated graft are disposed within the three capsule assemblies. A removable sheath of the capsule jacket assembly covers the bifurcated graft and capsule assemblies to provide a smooth transition along the length of the deployment catheters. The bifurcated graft is comprised of a main tubular member and two tubular legs, having attachment systems with wall engaging members secured to the superior end of the main tubular member and the inferior ends of the tubular legs. An inflatable membrane configured on the balloon catheter is used to firmly implant the attachment systems within the vessel.

Abstract: A delivery catheter having an inner catheter assembly, an inferior capsule catheter, and a capsule jacket assembly for use in deploying a graft having a compressible and expandable attachment systems in the thoracic region of an aorta. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having superior and inferior ends, each having an attachment system with wall engaging members secured thereto and is crimped along its midsection to resist kinking and elongation. The delivery catheter includes an inferior capsule assembly for releasably retaining the inferior attachment system of the graft and a superior capsule assembly for releasably retaining the superior attachment system of the graft as well as a releasing system for maintaining the attachment systems in a compressed configuration and for facilitating expansion of the attachment systems.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying in the vessel of an animal body a bifurcated graft having a plurality of attachment systems. The deployment catheters contain an ipsilateral capsule assembly, a contralateral capsule assembly and a distal capsule assembly, wherein the attachment systems of the bifurcated graft are disposed within the three capsule assemblies. A removable sheath of the capsule jacket assembly covers the bifurcated graft and capsule assemblies to provide a smooth transition along the length of the deployment catheters. The bifurcated graft is comprised of a main tubular member and two tubular legs, having attachment systems with wall engaging members secured to the superior end of the main tubular member and the inferior ends of the tubular legs. An inflatable membrane configured on the balloon catheter is used to firmly implant the attachment systems within the vessel.

Abstract: A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1).

Abstract: A reduced diameter stent/graft deployment catheter and a method of insertion for said catheter. The delivery sheath portion of the catheter, i.e. the distal portion of the catheter containing the stent/graft, has a larger outer diameter than the remaining proximal portion of the catheter. The reduced outer diameter of the body of the catheter allows for the use of a smaller diameter introducer sheath. The method of inserting said catheter comprises the following steps: First, the delivery sheath portion of the catheter is inserted into the patient. Next, an introducer sheath, with an outer diameter which is no larger than the outer diameter of the delivery sheath, is disposed about the catheter and its distal portion inserted into the patient. The catheter is then advanced into the patient and the stent/graft deployed.

Abstract: A system for repairing body lumens including a modular graft and a method for deploying the graft within the body lumen. The modular graft includes a first component having first and second leg portions which mate with second and third graft components, respectively. The second leg portion has a bell bottom shape. The modular graft further includes expandable members which aid in implanting the modular graft as well as facilitates the mating of its components. In order to repair the body lumen, the first component is placed at the repair site and thereafter, the first and second legs are advanced to the repair site and attached to the first component.

Abstract: The present invention includes a stent. The stent comprises a structural support and a polymeric film or sheet or tube that overlays the structural support. The stent also includes a tacky portion that adheres the polymeric film or sheet or tube to the structural support. The tacky portion comprises sugar or starch or polyvinylalcohol or degradation products of these materials.

Abstract: An aortoiliac intraluminal grafting system incorporating novel structural features for enhancing the effective and efficient deployment of a tapered prosthesis having at least one attachment system, in the vessel of an animal body, the system including a balloon catheter assembly, an inferior capsule catheter assembly, a superior capsule assembly and means interacting therewith, and a capsule jacket assembly. The capsule assemblies include an inferior capsule and a superior capsule, wherein the attachment systems of the tapered prosthesis are disposed within the two capsules. The tapered prosthesis embodies a main tubular member and an inferior tubular portion, having attachment systems secured to the superior end of the main tubular member and the inferior end of the inferior tubular portion. An occlusive device and deployment catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and setting a stent having curved limb elements. The apparatus is a mandrel having a restraining mechanism such as pins placed on the outer surface of the mandrel or shallow grooves machined in the outer surface of the mandrel to hold and mold the stent. The mandrel helps alleviate stresses induced upon stent elements during the heating and setting process and produces a more exact stent according to the desired stent design.

Abstract: A delivery catheter and gripping system for enabling manipulation of a prosthesis deployed or implanted at a repair site in a corporeal lumen, for repositioning of the prosthesis. The delivery catheter includes a grip at the proximal end, a jacket enlarged portion at the distal end, and a shaft therebetween, and has a channel extending therethrough, for enabling insertion, removal, expansion and compression of the gripping system. The gripping system is housed in the delivery catheter, and includes a grip and biasing spring at the proximal end, a plurality of resilient gripping elements at the distal end, and a deploying wire therebetween for enabling gripping, maneuvering, and repositioning of the prosthesis to the desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for repairing a vessel at a bifurcation using a multicapsule catheter having first, second and third capsules for releasably retaining each terminal end of a bifurcated graft. The method for repairing the vessel includes the steps of performing a surgical technique to gain remote access to the vessel, advancing the multicapsule catheter within the vessel and releasing the bifurcated graft within the vessel to thereby repair the vessel.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a delivery catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and a capsule mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member and including a graft disposed within the capsule. The graft is comprised of a tubular body configured to be secured to a blood vessel by a self expanding attachment system. The attachment system comprises a generally sinusoidal wire frame having apices which extend longitudinally outward from the end of the tubular body apices which are secured within the tubular body. Both the protruding apices and the base apices are formed with helices which bias the attachment system radially outward. The attachment system further includes a plurality of lumen piercing members that are oriented in a responsive relationship to the radially outward bias of the attachment system.

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.

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: 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. At least one self-expanding device associated with the graft, the self-expanding device operating to attach the graft within vasculature.

Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The expandable sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. The sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable to an open position.

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.

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.

Abstract: A stent/graft deployment catheter which deploys a stent/graft by pulling it out of its delivery sheath rather than pushing it out. The stent/graft deployment catheter comprises a tip capable of positively engaging a distal end of a stent/graft. Said tip houses a pair of ball bearings which engage a notch in the inner surface of the stent/graft when the inner lumen is occupied by a guide wire.

Abstract: An intra-luminal device comprises a flow retainer and/or modulator for maintaining an embolic mass within an aneurysm and, optionally, for diverting or modulating fluid flow, and an anchoring element for fixating the retainer within a lumen in a patient's body. The retainer is introduced into the body lumen and positioned with the retainer across the entrance to a body cavity or a body lumen with an embolic mass disposed within to prevent the embolic mass from migrating into the patient's vasculature. The retainer may also be a diverter or modulator used to divert or modulate the luminal fluid flow to the entrance to the body cavity or lumen. The anchoring element, which may be attached to the retainer, is deployed to permanently secure the retainer within the body lumen in the desired position.