Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: An intraluminal vascular graft structure is disclosed which is structured to be deployable within a vessel without use of hooks or barbs. The intraluminal vascular graft structure comprises a tubular body formed of a biocompatible material and a frame structure, having both circumferential support and longitudinal support structures, which support the graft at a distal end thereof and upwardly from the distal end. The vascular graft may also include attachment means which initiate an inflammatory response with the inner wall of the vessel to promote attachment of the device to the vessel wall. The intraluminal vascular graft may include one or more leg portions suitable for repairing bifurcated vessels which, in conjunction with the circumferential and longitudinal support structures, assure positioning and support of the vascular graft within the vessel and against the crotch of the bifurcation. Also disclosed is a method of deployment of the vascular graft within the vessel.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable mabrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: An intraluminal vascular graft structure is disclosed which is structured to be deployable within a vessel without use of hooks or barbs. The intraluminal vascular graft structure comprises a tubular body formed of a biocompatible material and a frame structure, having both circumferential support and longitudinal support structures, which support the graft at a distal end thereof and upwardly from the distal end. The vascular graft may also include attachment means which initiate an inflammatory response with the inner wall of the vessel to promote attachment of the device to the vessel wall. The intraluminal vascular graft may include one or more leg portions suitable for repairing bifurcated vessels which, in conjunction with the circumferential and longitudinal support structures, assure positioning and support of the vascular graft within the vessel and against the crotch of the bifurcation. Also disclosed is a method of deployment of the vascular graft within the vessel.

Abstract: An intraluminal vascular graft is structure to be deployable within a vessel for incorporation therein without use of hooks or barbs. The intraluminal vascular graft structure comprises a tubular body formed of a biocompatible material and a frame structure, having both circumferential support and longitudinal support structures, which support the graft at a distal end thereof and upwardly from the distal end. The vascular graft also includes a porous collar which have sufficient porosity to promote and enhance ingrowth of tissue and other materials into the porous collar from the surrounding vessel environment, thereby facilitating incorporation of the intraluminal vascular graft into the vessel wall.

Abstract: Endovascular grafting system having a capsule catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and a capsule mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member. The capsule is generally cylindrical in shape and is formed of a helical wrap of a metal ribbon. The wraps are bonded into a unitary capsule permitting bending of said unitary capsule. A graft is disposed within the capsule. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having proximal and distal ends. Hooks are secured to the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member and face in a direction outwardly towards the inner wall of the capsule. A push rod is disposed within the capsule catheter and engages the graft whereby upon relative movement between the push rod and the capsule catheter, the graft can be forced out of the capsule.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: Endovascular grafting system having a capsule catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and a capsule mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member. The capsule is generally cylindrical in shape and is formed of a helical wrap of a metal ribbon. The wraps are bonded into a unitary capsule permitting bending of said unitary capsule. A graft is disposed within the capsule. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having proximal and distal ends. Hooks are secured to the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member and face in a direction outwardly towards the inner wall of the capsule. A push rod is disposed within the capsule catheter and engages the graft whereby upon relative movement between the push rod and the capsule catheter, the graft can be forced out of the capsule.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: Endovascular grafting system having a capsule catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and a capsule mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member. The capsule is generally cylindrical in shape and is formed of a helical wrap of a metal ribbon. The wraps are bonded into a unitary capsule permitting bending of said unitary capsule. A graft is disposed within the capsule. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having proximal and distal ends. Hooks are secured to the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member and face in a direction outwardly towards the inner wall of the capsule. A push rod is disposed within the capsule catheter and engages the graft whereby upon relative movement between the push rod and the capsule catheter, the graft can be forced out of the capsule.

Abstract: Structure for facilitating the insertion and placement of medical apparatus into the body of a patient is disclosed which comprises a guide wire having a lumen sized to adapt about the elongated structure of needle-like means. In use, the distal end of the guide wire is placed about the needle-like means and the tip of the needle-like means is inserted through the tissue of the patient. Once inserted, the needle-like means is disassociated from the guide wire and the guide wire is advanced into the patient's body. The guide wire may have enlargement means associated therewith for enlarging or dilating the opening formed in the tissue of the patient by insertion of the needle-like means. A kit including the needle-like means and guide wire is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for performing laparoscopic surgery involving placing cannulas through the abdominal wall of a patient preparatory to surgery is disclosed. The method includes inserting a needle and blunt-ended guidewire through the abdominal wall until the tip of the needle and the guidewire are positioned within the peritoneal cavity of the patient. A dilator or dilators having tapered ends are threaded over the guidewire until the appropriate size of aperture is created in the peritoneum. The method of the invention provides a safer means of introducing laparoscopic equipment into the peritoneal cavity with reduced incidence of inadvertent punctures to internal organs and vessels. A kit including the necessary components for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: A guide wire for insertion into a patient has a tapered distal end and is positioned around the exterior of a trocar for positioning within a patient. The wire has a separation section and two portions. A kit includes the wire and a cannula for emplacement in a patient.

Abstract: A combination catheter and duct clamp apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a hollow member with a substantially planar clamping surface at one end and a sliding member with a substantially planar clamping surface at one end which is telescopically slidable within the hollow member. A spring maintains an essentially constant clamping pressure between the clamping surfaces.The clamp is ideally suited for use during cholangiography where it may be used for inserting a catheter within the cystic duct and for thereafter clamping the cystic duct around the catheter. The clamping pressure provides an adequate seal of the cystic duct and does not occlude the inserted catheter. Multiple clamping angles give the clamp unique versatility during the surgical procedure. Being constructed out of a radiolucent material, the clamp may be left in place while a cholangiogram is taken without interfering with the completed cholangiogram.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a plurality of staples adapted proximate its proximal end. The system includes a guide for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. The back of the guide has a cavity into which the proximal end of the graft is retained. A rod extends from the cavity to exterior the lumen for manipulation by the user. A tube is positioned over the rod to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the lumen. The tube has an inflatable membrane proximate the cavity end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the lumen. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the guide means is positioned into the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is inflated to place a force against the staples as the guide is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.