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 is directed to a method and apparatus for cutting endografts endovascularly. An embodiment of the present invention is to develop a method and apparatus to cut an unsupported endograft after the endograft has been inserted into the artery for the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

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: An embodiment of the present invention relates to methods for performing a surgical procedure. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for performing a surgical procedure, using a delivery catheter containing a laser fiber assembly. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of performing a surgical procedure comprises the steps of: advancing a delivery catheter to a procedure specific area; activating a laser fiber assembly disposed within the delivery catheter; and advancing the laser fiber assembly to create a treatment specific hole at the procedure specific area.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a surgical support apparatus and method for use in a surgical procedure. In particular, the present invention relates to devices and methods that provide support to a surgical component during attachment of the component during a surgical procedure. The various embodiments of the present invention include components that apply force to the surgical component bringing the component into contact with another surgical component or a tissue, such as, but not limited to, an intimal vessel wall. These components may include an expandable cuff, and an expandable cuff with at least one attachment element, fin elements, a ring assembly with at least two helical strands, or with at least one spoke.

Abstract: The present invention depicts a method and apparatus for treating an aneurysm. The method of treating an aneurysm is to first, insert a flared stent having a lumen into an artery with the flared portion extending into the lumen of the aneurysm, second, insert a bifurcation graft through the lumen of the flared stent and attach the bifurcation graft to the artery; and finally, insert an inner stent into the lumen of the bifurcation graft.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for delivering a surgical device comprising, a catheter having a distal segment, a proximate segment, and a lumen. The distal segment has a first configuration having a curved shape. A delivery component is then inserted within the lumen of the catheter where the delivery component has a first and a second segment wherein the first segment has rigidity greater than the catheter and the second segment having rigidity less than the catheter. The distal segment of the catheter is bent straight into a second configuration by the first segment of the delivery component that is more rigid than the catheter when that segment is moved along the entire distal end of the catheter. The catheter can then bend into a third configuration that is curved when the delivery component is moved so that a second segment of the delivery component comes into contact with lumen of the distal end of the catheter where the distal end of the catheter is more rigid than the second segment of the delivery component.

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: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an occlusive system and method of use at a surgical procedure. The occlusive system comprises a fastener and an occlusive device in cooperation with the fastener. An embodiment of the invention may further comprise a fastener tip and a penetration apparatus. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing the loss of fluid at a surgical site comprises the steps of: advancing an occlusive system comprising a fastener having an occlusive device to the surgical site; and deploying the surgical fastener having the occlusive device at the surgical site.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for stabilizing a catheter during a surgical procedure. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention relates to a stabilizing surgical delivery apparatus that comprises a catheter and a plurality of micro-barbs located on an external surface of the catheter, wherein the micro-barbs are minimally exposed when the catheter is in a linear position and fully exposed when the catheter is in an articulated, non-linear position. The micro-barbs contact or may become embedded in an endolumenal surface opposite the surgical site to provide stabilization to the catheter during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a surgical support apparatus and method for use in a surgical procedure. In particular, the present invention relates to devices and methods that provide support to a surgical component during attachment of the component during a surgical procedure. The various embodiments of the present invention include components that apply force to the surgical component bringing the component into contact with another surgical component or a tissue, such as, but not limited to, an intimal vessel wall. These components may include an expandable cuff, and an expandable cuff with at least one attachment element, fin elements, a ring assembly with at least two helical strands, or with at least one spoke.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to methods for performing a surgical procedure. In particular, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to methods for performing a surgical procedure, using a delivery catheter containing a laser fiber assembly. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of performing a surgical procedure comprises the steps of: advancing a delivery catheter to a procedure specific area; activating a laser fiber assembly disposed within the delivery catheter; and advancing the laser fiber assembly to create a treatment specific hole at the procedure specific area.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for placement of surgical fasteners. An embodiment of the apparatus comprises an insertion assembly, a handle, and a delivery catheter. The insertion assembly may be a force member, or propulsion assembly, which is integrated within a handle itself attached to a delivery catheter. The apparatus may provide for delivery of at least one fastener through a catheter assembly and its subsequent deployment at a surgical site.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Innovative fasteners are disclosed for use in repairing a vessel having an aneurysm. The fasteners comprise either coiled spring or ring type fasteners. An attachment assembly and repair graft are also disclosed for use in the repair of the vessel. An attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and repair graft are disclosed for securing a graft to repair a vessel having an aneurysm therein. The attachment assembly comprises an attachment cuff such that the graft is not dimensionally dependent upon the size of the vessel. A visualization apparatus is also disclosed for real time direct viewing of an interior of a vessel. A penetration apparatus is disclosed for use in forming treatment specific holes in a potentially calcified vessel wall which facilitates thereafter the securing of the graft and attachment assembly to the vessel wall. An introducer sheath device is also disclosed that comprises a sealing assembly for preventing the loss of blood from the vessel during the insertion and subsequent removal of surgical components during the surgical procedure.