Abstract: An apparatus for the intravascular placement of a vena cava filter includes a flexible deployment sheath and an IVUC with an ultrasonic imaging element. These two components are joined together and oriented in a substantially parallel relationship with one another with the imaging components of the IVUC extending above or in front of the upper opening of the deployment sheath. Once the apparatus is appropriately positioned within the vena cava, as determined through ultrasonic imaging, a filter and its associated delivery system are inserted through the deployment sheath to the appropriate location for deployment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the intravascular placement of a vena cava filter includes an outer sheath, an intravascular ultrasound catheter with an ultrasonic imaging element, a guide wire, and the vena cava filter that is to be deployed. The outer sheath, ultrasound catheter, and guide wire share a common central axis. The ultrasound catheter is enclosed by and is moveable relative to the outer sheath, and the guide wire is enclosed by and is moveable relative to the ultrasound catheter. In the stored position, the filter is secured between the outer sheath and the ultrasound catheter. When the apparatus is introduced into a vein, the ultrasound catheter provides real-time imaging of the vein for identifying the appropriate location for placement of the filter. Once such a location has been identified, the outer sheath is drawn back relative to the ultrasound catheter, exposing the legs of the filter, allowing the legs of the filter to spring free and attach themselves to the wall of the vein.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices seal off the branch port of a bifurcated endoluminal prosthesis to transform the bifurcated prosthesis to a single-lumen prosthesis. These methods and devices are available for fallback procedures when the deployment of a bifurcated endoluminal prosthesis is found to be impracticable. By effectively sealing off the second branch port, the attending physician is able to completely isolate an aneurysm or other disease of the vasculature. Where it is necessary and/or desirable to provide fluid communication between the trunk lumen and the second branch lumen, a separate passage may be provided between the first and second branches of the body lumen system.

Abstract: The present invention provides, methods, systems, and devices which allow a surgeon to seal off the branch port of a bifurcated endoluminal prosthesis, thereby effectively transforming the bifurcated prosthesis to a single-lumen prosthesis. Generally, the methods and devices of the present invention will be available for fallback procedures when the deployment of a bifurcated endoluminal prosthesis is found to be impracticable. By effectively sealing off the second branch port, the attending physician is able to completely isolate an aneurysm or other disease of the vasculature. Where it is necessary and/or desirable to provide fluid communication between the trunk lumen and the second branch lumen, a separate passage may be provided between the first and second branches of the body lumen system.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods to promote the compression and/or recapture of endoluminal prostheses. An endoluminal prosthesis system generally comprises a tubular body and a radially compressible endoluminal prosthesis. The tubular body includes a lumen, while the prosthesis has a proximal end with a plurality of engageable structures radially disbursed thereabout. Each of a plurality of filaments extends distally from the lumen of the tubular body to an engageable structure so that tensioning of the filaments radially compresses the proximal end of the prosthesis. Preferably, a sheath then slides over the prosthesis, the sheath ideally having a plurality of axially oriented runners which form a radially flared structure to smoothly compress the prosthesis therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laparoscopically reinforcing blood vessels and vascular endoluminal prosthesis includes providing at least one reinforcing member. The endoluminal prosthesis having a sufficient hoop strength to inhibit collapse of the blood vessel. The reinforcing member constricts around the blood vessel to hold the endoluminal prosthesis with respect to the blood vessel and to inhibit aneurysmal growth.