Abstract: The invention provides an endovascular graft system for repair of aneurysms. The graft system includes a trunk component and first and second leg components. The graft components include graft material supported by a plurality of stents which are spaced apart and affixed to the graft material in a manner that allows articulation of the graft system without excessive wear of the graft material. The stents are formed by intersecting struts which may be tapered to relieve stress. A stabilizing mechanism is provided to stabilize the position of the legs with respect to the trunk when the graft system is deployed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 3, 1999
Date of Patent:
August 28, 2001
Assignee:
TERAMed Inc.
Inventors:
Chad J. Kugler, John R. Drontle, Matthew J. Olson, Thomas K. Heiland, Peter T. Keith
Abstract: The invention provides an attachment member for anchoring a graft system at a desired location in a vessel of a patient's vascular system. The attachment member comprises a cranial zone having a first radial strength, a caudal zone having a second radial strength, and an intermediate zone having multiple joining longitudinal struts located between and connecting the cranial and caudal zones. The intermediate zone has a third radial strength which is less than the first and second radial strengths, and the cranial and caudal zones are formed from a self-expanding material capable of expanding from a first delivery configuration to a second deployed configuration. The invention also provides an endovascular graft system, a method for deploying an aortic attachment member, and a method for repairing an aneurysm in an aorta.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 5, 1998
Date of Patent:
August 14, 2001
Assignee:
TERAMed Inc.
Inventors:
Chad J. Kugler, John R. Drontle, Peter T. Keith
Abstract: A prosthetic graft for use with a graft system is used to repair the treatment of aortic aneurysms which extend into at least one common iliac artery and do not have a suitable region for seating a stent or other attachment device. The graft is designed to be used in combination with a graft system having legs extending into the common iliac arteries and provides the graft system with a place to securely seat its iliac legs without blocking the internal iliac artery.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 16, 1998
Date of Patent:
May 1, 2001
Assignee:
Teramed Inc.
Inventors:
Thomas V. Ressemann, Timothy B. Petrick