Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a catheter including a catheter wall and a lumen extending lengthwise of the wall. The wall has inner and outer surfaces. The wall includes plural openings that extend through the wall and communicate with the lumen. An elongated hollow needle includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The needle is movable in the lumen to move the distal end portion between the openings. The distal end portion is directed radially outward so as to extend into an adjacent opening. The distal end portion has a configuration that stores potential energy when in the lumen. The potential energy is converted to kinetic energy to produce movement of the proximal end portion as the distal end portion moves from the inner surface of the catheter wall across an edge of an opening. The movement of the proximal end portion is haptically perceptible.

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis (10) includes a first end (16) a furcated second end (18), and an anchoring means (20). The first end has a longitudinally extending central lumen (32) and means (40) for laterally supporting the first end. The furcated second end (18) includes at least two branches (64) that extend from an intersection of the furcated second end. Each of the branches (64) includes a longitudinal support means (84) and a branch lumen (78) in fluid communication with the central lumen (32) of the first end (16). The anchoring means (20) secures the first end (18) within a vasculature.

Abstract: An apparatus (600) for capturing a wire within a lumen of a blood vessel comprises a tube (602) having a proximal end (604) and a distal end (606). The distal end (606) of the tube (602) is adapted for placement within a lumen of a blood vessel. A wire loop (632) extends from the distal end (606) of the tube (602), the wire loop (632) has a substantially cardioidal shape. The apparatus (600) further includes means (614) for constricting the wire loop (632).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (300) for delivering an endovascular prosthesis within a blood vessel. The apparatus (300) includes a sheath (302) having a first end (310), a second end (308), an inner lumen (316) for receiving an endovascular prosthesis, and an outer lumen (322) for receiving a guide wire. The inner lumen (316) extends along a central axis (313) between the first end (310) and the second end (308). The outer lumen (322) is radially spaced from the inner lumen (316) and extends along an outer axis (323) between the ends (308 and 310).

Abstract: An apparatus (600) for capturing a wire within a lumen of a blood vessel comprises a tube (602) having a proximal end (604) and a distal end (606). The distal end (606) of the tube (602) is adapted for placement within a lumen of a blood vessel. A wire loop (632) extends from the distal end (606) of the tube (602), the wire loop (632) has a substantially cardioidal shape. The apparatus (600) further includes means (614) for constricting the wire loop (632).

Abstract: An endovascular prosthesis (10) includes a first end (16) a furcated second end (18), and an anchoring means (20). The first end has a longitudinally extending central lumen (32) and means (40) for laterally supporting the first end. The furcated second end (18) includes at least two branches (64) that extend from an intersection of the furcated second end. Each of the branches (64) includes a longitudinal support means (84) and a branch lumen (78) in fluid communication with the central lumen (32) of the first end (16). The anchoring means (20) secures the first end (18) within a vasculature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (300) for delivering an endovascular prosthesis within a blood vessel. The apparatus (300) includes a sheath (302) having a first end (310), a second end (308), an inner lumen (316) for receiving an endovascular prosthesis, and an outer lumen (322) for receiving a guide wire. The inner lumen (316) extends along a central axis (313) between the first end (310) and the second end (308). The outer lumen (322) is radially spaced from the inner lumen (316) and extends along an outer axis (323) between the ends (308 and 310).