Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient includes the steps of providing a deployable tubular graft of length to extend across the aneurysm. The graft is inserted endovascularly through an artery communicating with the aorta to a site within the aorta whereby an insertion end of the graft is positioned adjacent a non-dilated region of the aorta. The graft is deployed such that the insertion end of the graft is placed against an interior wall of the non-dilated region of the aorta. The graft is held from within the graft against the interior walls of the aorta and while being held, sutures are introduced laparoscopically through a wall of the aorta to the exterior of the graft whereby the graft is sutured to the inner walls of the aorta and the graft.

Abstract: The present invention provides an embolic assembly delivery apparatus having superior flexibility characteristics at its distal end, that is, at the point of attachment of the embolic assembly to the delivery apparatus. It also provides a method of using the apparatus to deliver an embolic assembly to a target site in a patient's body.

Abstract: An obturator for a cannula includes an elongate member and a flexible disc. The cannula has proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end of the cannula has a circular cross-section. The cannula also includes a first portion having a non-circular cross-section and at least one fluid aperture formed adjacent the distal end. The flexible disc of the obturator is coupled to a distal end of the elongate member, both of which are adapted to be telescopically received in the lumen of the cannula. The flexible disc is configured to restrict the flow of fluid, entering the at least one fluid aperture, through the lumen.