Abstract: A catheter system includes a multi-lumen working catheter having a first distal working orifice and a second distal working orifice. The catheter system further includes a guide catheter having a guide lumen and a distal guide orifice. Also, the catheter system includes a locking mechanism which locks the working catheter relative to the guide catheter in (i) an operative position, and (ii) a stowed position. When the working catheter is locked in the operative position, (i) the working catheter extends through the guide lumen of the guide catheter and out of the distal guide orifice of the guide catheter, and (ii) the first distal working orifice and the second distal working orifice are each positioned outside of the guide catheter.

Abstract: A catheter system for use in a body of a patient is disclosed. The catheter system includes a guide catheter having a distal guide orifice, a proximal guide orifice, and a guide lumen extending therebetween. The catheter system further includes an original catheter positionable within the guide lumen of the guide catheter, wherein the original catheter has an original lumen and an original distal orifice. In addition, the catheter system includes a replacement catheter positionable within the guide lumen of the guide catheter, wherein the replacement catheter has a replacement lumen and a replacement distal orifice. The catheter system also includes a closure member securable to the guide catheter so as to cover the proximal guide orifice. The original distal orifice is positioned on an original distal segment of the original catheter which extends out of the distal guide orifice of the guide catheter when the original catheter is positioned within the guide lumen of the guide catheter.

Abstract: A long-term dialysis catheter system for use in a body of a patient includes a guide catheter having a guide lumen defined therein, wherein the guide lumen defines a distal guide orifice. The system also includes a tissue ingrowth member secured to an outer surface of the guide catheter. The system further includes an original dialysis catheter positionable between an original inserted position and an original removed position, wherein (i) the original dialysis catheter has an original ingress lumen and an original egress lumen defined therein, (ii) the original ingress lumen defines an original distal ingress orifice, and (iii) the original egress lumen defines an original distal egress orifice.

Abstract: A method for directing blood flow in the body of a patient with a graft and stent assembly includes the step of positioning the graft and stent assembly in a first blood flow conduit so that (i) a stent sidewall of a stent of the graft and stent assembly conforms to a conduit sidewall of the first blood flow conduit, and (ii) an orifice of a second blood flow conduit is positioned relative to the stent sidewall so that blood flow must pass through the stent sidewall in order to advance into the orifice of the second blood flow conduit. The method further includes the step of advancing blood flow through an upstream end of the stent of the graft and stent assembly and into a central passage thereof. In addition, the method includes the step of advancing blood flow from the central passage of the stent of the graft and stent assembly into the orifice of the second blood flow conduit through the stent sidewall.

Abstract: A method of securing an end portion of a graft to a blood vessel of a patient's circulatory system during a bypass grafting procedure includes the step of inhibiting blood flow to a region of the circulatory system by inflating a number of balloons within the circulatory system, wherein a segment of the blood vessel is located in the blood flow inhibited region. The method further includes the step of creating an arteriotomy in a sidewall of the segment of the blood vessel while the number of balloons are inflated within the circulatory system. Additionally, the method includes the step of anastomosing the end portion of the graft to the segment of the blood vessel during the blood flow inhibiting step.