Abstract: Intravascular devices and methods are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. These devices advantageously can be implanted via a catheter, thereby eliminating the need for a more invasive implantation procedure when the stretching is to be done in vivo. Preferably, the device for axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth of the vessel includes an intravascular stretching mechanism attachable directly to an interior lumen portion of the blood vessel, and a means for operating the stretching mechanism to cause the vessel to distend axially. The stretching mechanism can include a pair of wires or stents that engage the blood vessel wall. Components of the stretching mechanism can include a shape memory material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming a vascular graft in vitro by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. The apparatus comprises a chamber containing a tissue culture medium, an inlet cannula, an outlet cannula, and a means for moving the inlet cannula, the outlet cannula, or both, to axially stretch a donor blood vessel secured between the inlet cannula and the outlet cannula in a submerged position in the tissue culture medium, wherein the inlet cannula, the outlet cannula, and the donor blood vessel are secured together to form a conduit through which the tissue culture medium can flow.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. In one embodiment, a device for distending a blood vessel of a human or animal is provided which comprises a stretching mechanism attachable directly to a blood vessel at at least two attachment positions thereon, and a means for operating the stretching mechanism to cause the blood vessel portion between said at least two attachment positions to be stretched axially. The distended portion can then be excised and used as a graft.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. The device preferably comprises a stretching mechanism which includes (i) a rigid body; (ii) a pair of posts comprising a first post and a second post which are connected to the body; (iii) a driver element slidably secured to the body and disposed between the pair of posts; and (iv) a device for sliding the driver element away from the pair of posts to axially distend a blood vessel positioned between the pair of posts and the driver element. Preferably, the device is implanted, for example using endoscopic techniques, for use in vivo, although the device also can be used in vitro.

Abstract: A transfer device usable in a system for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient in which the transfer device comprises an integral pump for pressurizing and circulating fluid through a fluid path defined by the transfer device and associated catheter. A removable fluid cartridge is provided including a reservoir from which fluid is drawn by the pump and into which fluid is returned after being circulated through the fluid path. The pump may be a peristaltic pump and the fluid cartridge may include an elongated fluid pick-up having an inlet through which fluid is introduced into the transfer device. The fluid pick-up is sized in length so that the inlet is always submerged in the fluid regardless of the orientation of the transfer device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. The device preferably comprises a stretching mechanism which includes (i) a stabilization rod, (ii) a pair of rotatable elements, wherein each rotatable element is rotatably attached to the elongated body and has a channel substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and (iii) a means for rotating each rotatable element to axially distend a blood vessel positioned in the channels of the rotatable elements. The elements can be rotated intermittently, cyclically, or continuously, over a period to distend or elongate the donor vessel. Preferably, the device is implanted, for example using endoscopic techniques, for use in vivo, although the device also can be used in vitro.