Abstract: A surgical fastener having a first and a second end for securing at least two surfaces together. The surgical fastener has a first configuration where the fastener is coupled to a restraining device that holds the fastener and a second configuration wherein the fastener is released from said restraining device. The second configuration has a substantially spiral shape and is spring biased along an axis perpendicular to the surfaces that it is securing. The surgical fastener also includes a rib that extends along the longitudinal axis of the fastener.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a penetration apparatus and methods for using the same during a surgical procedure are disclosed. The penetration apparatus comprises a thin elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis extending there between. The first end opposes the second and is aligned within a vessel matrix during the surgical procedure. The second end of the body is substantially free and may be rotated around the axis. The penetration apparatus may also be housed within a catheter that has a cavity that precisely accommodates the penetration apparatus. Activation and advancement of the penetration apparatus within the catheter forms an incision through a vessel matrix enabling the placement of a fastener or a plurality of fasteners therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a positioning apparatus for use during a surgical procedure, which may involve the repair of a vessel. The positioning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a delivery assembly and a distensible member having at least one expansible member. The expansible member has a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is interposed with the delivery assembly. The positioning apparatus, by way of the at least one expansible member, is used to position an object within a vessel that may or may not be aneurismal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical guide line assembly (10) for use during a surgical procedure. The surgical guide assembly (10) permits the manipulation of a surgical component with a vessel during a surgical procedure, such as for example an intravascular procedure. The surgical guide line assembly (10) includes a guide line component (11) having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one suture (12) secured to the distal end of the guide line component (11). The present invention is also directed to a surgical separator assembly (60) for use in separating at least two surgical components during a surgical procedure in a vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a delivery apparatus for performing a surgical procedure. The delivery apparatus comprises: a flexible catheter, a penetration apparatus; and at least one fastener. The flexible catheter is capable of assuming an angular configuration at a predetermined time during the surgical procedure. The penetration apparatus is disposed within the catheter and further comprises a first end having a tip and a second end that is substantially free. The fastener is housed in the penetration apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a sealant material associated with at least one potion of the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a suture support assembly for use during a surgical procedure. The suture support assembly in accordance with the present invention includes an elongated main body portion, and a proximal end portion having a passageway formed therein for receiving at least one suture therein. The proximal end portion and at least a portion of the elongated main body portion are adapted to be located within a vessel during the surgical procedure. The suture support assembly may be inserted into the vessel via an axillary incision, a brachial incision, or a femoral or a common iliac arteriotomy, and may be used in connection with the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stent assembly for use in temporarily securing a surgical component during a surgical procedure. The stent assembly includes a catheter assembly having at least one primary passageway extending there through. The stent assembly further includes a securing assembly for exerting a force against the surgical component for temporarily securing the surgical component during the surgical procedure. The securing assembly includes a portion that extends through the at least one primary passageway. The catheter assembly may include a secondary passageway. The secondary passageway is adapted to receive a guide device therein. The securing assembly has a retracted position and an extended position. The securing assembly exerts a force against the surgical component while the securing means is in the extended position. The securing assembly may contain a coating which increases the gripping force of the securing assembly.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus comprises an introducer sheath, a surgical component, at least two attachment wires, and a longitudinal wire. The insertion apparatus is used for deploying a surgical component to a site in a vessel. The introducer sheath has a lumen, a proximal opening and a distal opening with an appropriate diameter and length allowing fro insertion and navigation through the vessel. The surgical component has a tube portion with a top and at least one limb. The surgical component corresponds to the site in the vessel and fits within the lumen of the introducer sheath. The attachment wires have a first and a second end. The first end is releasably connected to the top of the surgical component and the second end converges above the top of the surgical component. The activation of a releasing mechanism releases the first end from the top of the surgical component.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a penetration apparatus and methods for using the same during a surgical procedure are disclosed. The penetration apparatus comprises a thin elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a central longitudinal axis extending there between. The first end opposes the second and is aligned within a vessel matrix during the surgical procedure. The second end of the body is substantially free and may be rotated around the axis. The penetration apparatus may also be housed within a catheter that has a cavity that precisely accommodates the penetration apparatus. Activation and advancement of the penetration apparatus within the catheter forms an incision through a vessel matrix enabling the placement of a fastener or a plurality of fasteners therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a catheter hand-piece apparatus for use in surgical procedures to control the positioning and functioning of a catheter assembly. The catheter hand-piece apparatus includes a handle, which is connected to a catheter assembly, and a fastener module located within the handle. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the handle comprises a clear molded lid that is pivotally attached between two molded enclosures, a tubular axle located between the enclosure sections and attached thereto by a snap ring, and a nosepiece, which is attached to a catheter sheath of the catheter assembly. The interchangeable fastener module may be replaced mid-procedure and includes an irrigation port and a flexible sheath, which is attached to the port and has a tubular adjustment knob slidably positioned about it. The knob may be interchangeably mounted to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a delivery catheter assembly for advancing a surgical device to a desired location within a vessel during a surgical procedure. The delivery catheter assembly includes an inner sheath assembly through which the surgical device is advanced to the desired location within the vessel. The delivery catheter assembly further includes an outer sheath assembly surrounding the inner sheath assembly. In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the inner sheath assembly and the outer sheath assembly has an angular configuration at a predetermined time during the surgical procedure. The present invention further includes an adjusting assembly for creating the angular configuration of at least one of the inner sheath assembly and the outer sheath assembly. The adjusting assembly may include at least one pull wire positioned within one of the inner sheath and the outer sheath. Furthermore, the inner sheath assembly is movable with respect to the outer sheath assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fastener assembly for use during a surgical procedure for securing a first component to a second component. The fastener assembly includes a fastening assembly for securing the first component to the second component under a force. The fastening assembly has a first portion located on one side of the first component and the second component, a second portion located on another side of the first component and the second component, and an intermediate portion connecting to the first portion and the second portion. The intermediate portion extends through the second component and the first component. The first portion, the second portion and the intermediate portion act to apply a compressive force to the first component and the second component to secure the first component to the second component. In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the first portion, the second portion and the intermediate portion of fastening assembly is flexible.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a surgical instrument. In particular, the present invention relates to a fastener remover for use during the repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The fastener remover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an outer catheter, an inner sheath, and a gripping member. The outer catheter comprises a hollow passage with a proximal end and a distal end. The inner sheath is disposed within the hollow passage of the outer catheter, extending from the outer catheter's proximal end to the distal end. The gripping member is located within the inner sheath, extending from the outer catheter's proximal end to the distal end. The gripping member comprises a connector portion connected to an elongated stem.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a surgical component and a surgical component assembly, such as a prosthetic graft, and methods of use. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a surgical component and surgical component assembly for use during a surgical procedure for repairing a vessel. The surgical component in accordance with the present invention may comprise a body portion having at least one orifice located thereon. The body portion and orifice(s) may be customized to an individual surgical patient and may further be marked by indicators for use during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a positioning apparatus for use during a surgical procedure, which may involve the repair of a vessel. The positioning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may comprise a delivery assembly and a distensible member having at least one expansible member. The expansible member has a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end is interposed with the delivery assembly. The positioning apparatus, by way of the at least one expansible member, is used to position an object within a vessel that may or may not be aneurismal.

Abstract: A graft repair system for use in the repair of an aneurysm within a vessel is disclosed. The graft repair system includes a graft assembly and a support assembly for supporting the graft assembly within the vessel. The graft assembly may include a tubular portion having proximal and distal ends. The graft assembly may be bifurcated. The graft assembly may further comprise a distal graft assembly. The support assembly includes at least one attachment assembly for attaching the graft assembly to a vessel wall. The support assembly further includes a connecting assembly for connecting the attachment assembly to the proximal end of the graft assembly, such that the attachment assembly extends cephalad from the proximal end of the graft assembly. The support device further includes a securing assembly for securing the connecting assembly to the proximal end of the graft assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stent assembly for use in temporarily securing a surgical component during a surgical procedure. The stent assembly includes a catheter assembly having at least one primary passageway extending there through. The stent assembly further includes a securing assembly for exerting a force against the surgical component for temporarily securing the surgical component during the surgical procedure. The securing assembly includes a portion that extends through the at least one primary passageway. The catheter assembly may include a secondary passageway. The secondary passageway is adapted to receive a guide device therein. The securing assembly has a retracted position and an extended position. The securing assembly exerts a force against the surgical component while the securing means is in the extended position. The securing assembly may contain a coating which increases the gripping force of the securing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fastener assembly for use during a surgical procedure for securing a first component to a second component. The fastener assembly includes a fastening assembly for securing the first component to the second component under a force. The fastening assembly has a first portion located on one side of the first component and the second component, a second portion located on another side of the first component and the second component, and an intermediate portion connecting to the first portion and the second portion. The intermediate portion extends through the second component and the first component. The first portion, the second portion and the intermediate portion act to apply a compressive force to the first component and the second component to secure the first component to the second component. In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the first portion, the second portion and the intermediate portion of fastening assembly is flexible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a suture support assembly for use during a surgical procedure. The suture support assembly in accordance with the present invention includes an elongated main body portion, and a proximal end portion having a passageway formed therein for receiving at least one suture therein. The proximal end portion and at least a portion of the elongated main body portion are adapted to be located within a vessel during the surgical procedure. The suture support assembly may be inserted into the vessel via an axillary incision, a brachial incision, or a femoral or a common iliac arteriotomy, and may be used in connection with the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrically activated thermally inserted fastener assembly for use in a surgical procedure for securing a first component to a second component. The fastener assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises a securing assembly for securing the first component to the second component, and insertion assembly for inserting the securing assembly through the first component and at least a portion of the second component. A heat transmitting portion of the fastener assembly burns an incision in the first and second component to permit insertion of the fastener.