Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular graft extending in a longitudinal direction, where the graft has an inner surface forming a lumen extending a length of the graft. An elongate member may be attached to the graft in a circumferentially and longitudinally extending manner such that the elongate member forms a series of longitudinally spaced apart turns, each turn extending substantially around a circumference of the graft. The elongate member may torsion the graft in at least the circumferential direction and cause the graft to form circumferentially and longitudinally extending folds in the portions of the graft disposed between longitudinally adjacent turns of the elongate member.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve collar, a rotatable valve control member, and a flexible valve member disposed therebetween. The valve control member and the valve collar are aligned to define an elongated passageway, and the flexible valve member is disposed along the passageway. The valve collar is structured such that at least a portion thereof is capable of radial flexure upon engagement with a mechanism on the rotatable valve control member. One end of the valve member is secured to the valve collar, and the other end is secured to the rotatable valve control member.

Abstract: An oroesophageal introducer assembly for atraumatically introducing a relatively large instrument such as an echotransducer positioned on the distal end of a gastroscope for performing an echocardiographic procedure. The introducer assembly includes an outer sheath having a tapered distal end and a passageway extending therethrough for passing the large instrument therethrough. The assembly further includes a dilator extending from the tapered distal end of the outer sheath for atraumatically dilating the esophagus during introduction. The assembly further includes an introducer guide for initial oral introduction into the esophagus and stomach of the patient. The outer sheath and dilator are interconnected at the proximal ends thereof for extending the tapered distal end of the dilator from the tapered distal end of the outer sheath. The interconnected outer sheath and dilator are then introduced atraumatically into the esophagus over the introducer guide.