Abstract: A reinforcing ring (10) for a fenestration (32) of a stent graft which can be surface treated such as by passivation and/or electropolishing. The reinforcing ring has several turns of a substantially inextensible resilient wire (12) in a circular two dimensional planar shape and terminal ends (14) at each end of the wire. The terminal ends each comprising a loop (14) and a tail (16). The tail is folded back and extends around the circular shape. Each of the tails of the terminal loops can have an enlarged end. The reinforcing ring can be straightened out for surface treatment such as passivation and/or electropolishing with substantially no part of the circular shape, the loops or tails touching each other.

Abstract: A reinforcing ring (10) for a fenestration (32) of a stent graft which can be surface treated such as by passivation and/or electropolishing. The reinforcing ring has several turns of a substantially inextensible resilient wire (12) in a circular two dimensional planar shape and terminal ends (14) at each end of the wire. The terminal ends each comprising a loop (14) and a tail (16). The tail is folded back and extends around the circular shape. Each of the tails of the terminal loops can have an enlarged end. The reinforcing ring can be straightened out for surface treatment such as passivation and/or electropolishing with substantially no part of the circular shape, the loops or tails touching each other.

Abstract: A prosthesis deployment device having a elongate catheter body and a trigger wire guide concentric about the elongate catheter body where the trigger wire guide comprises three trigger wire lumens separate and apart from a guide wire lumen, with three trigger wires being at least partially disposed in the three trigger wire lumens and configured to engage a portion of a prosthesis to retain the prosthesis adjacent to the trigger wire guide.

Abstract: A reinforcing ring (10) for a fenestration (32) of a stent graft which can be surface treated such as by passivation and/or electropolishing. The reinforcing ring has several turns of a substantially inextensible resilient wire (12) in a circular two dimensional planar shape and terminal ends (14) at each end of the wire. The terminal ends each comprising a loop (14) and a tail (16). The tail is folded back and extends around the circular shape. Each of the tails of the terminal loops can have an enlarged end. The reinforcing ring can be straightened out for surface treatment such as passivation and/or electropolishing with substantially no part of the circular shape, the loops or tails touching each other.

Abstract: A trigger wire guide for a prosthesis deployment device. The prosthesis deployment device has a proximal end extending to a proximal nose cone dilator and having a trigger wire or wires and trigger wire release mechanism to retain the proximal end of a prosthesis adjacent the nose cone dilator. The trigger wire guide retains the trigger wire or wires to prevent fouling of the trigger wire with a prosthesis when the prosthesis is carried on the deployment device. The guide can be crimped or soldered to a guide wire catheter or concentric with it.

Abstract: A prosthesis deployment device having a elongate catheter body and a trigger wire guide concentric about the elongate catheter body where the trigger wire guide comprises three trigger wire lumens separate and apart from a guide wire lumen, with three trigger wires being at least partially disposed in the three trigger wire lumens and configured to engage a portion of a prosthesis to retain the prosthesis adjacent to the trigger wire guide.

Abstract: A fastening for fixing an exposed stent (2) to a graft material (1). At least two spaced apart fastenings (7, 8) are used, each fastening has at least one turn and preferably two turns of an elongate flexible fiber through the graft material and around a portion of the stent. Each fastening has a knot (9) which is at least two thumb knots and preferably four thumb knots.

Abstract: A fastening for fixing an exposed stent (2) to a graft material (1). At least two spaced apart fastenings (7, 8) are used, each fastening has at least one turn and preferably two turns of an elongate flexible fibre through the graft material and around a portion of the stent. Each fastening has a knot (9) which is at least two thumb knots and preferably four thumb knots.

Abstract: A trigger wire guide for a prosthesis deployment device. The prosthesis deployment device has a proximal end extending to a proximal nose cone dilator and having a trigger wire or wires and trigger wire release mechanism to retain the proximal end of a prosthesis adjacent the nose cone dilator. The trigger wire guide retains the trigger wire or wires to prevent fouling of the trigger wire with a prosthesis when the prosthesis is carried on the deployment device. The guide can be crimped or soldered to a guide wire catheter or concentric with it.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for separating and closing the rectum (13) of a slaughtered animal carcass (10). A gripping apparatus (20) is first located inside a closure bag (15). The gripping apparatus (20) comprises a bung member (21) which is inserted into the rectum (13) past the anus (11) and a clamp (25) which is advanced to clamp the constricted sphincter muscle tissues (19) against the bung member without perforating the bag. The gripping apparatus (20) is retracted to tension and straighten the rectum (13) while surround tissues are cut. Then bagging means (30) advances the closure bag (15) so as to surround the rectum and the bag (15) is constricted by a ring (31) around the rectum (13) at a location spaced inwardly of the anus (11).