Abstract: An endovascular graft having an improved positioning mechanism capable of positioning and securing a bifurcated graft into a bifurcated vessel described. The graft can include a sleeve affixed to graft that is used in combination with a contralateral wire loop for placement of the graft within vasculature. The graft may include a structure for post deployment positioning into the bifurcated aneurysm area. Furthermore, the endovascular graft may be configured to form a sealing pocket that expands with induced fluid pressure and prevents fluid leaks at an attachment site.

Abstract: A endovascular graft having sensing devices attached thereto to facilitate measurement of pertinent parameters within the vasculature into which the graft is implanted. Power sources and transmitters may be attached to the graft to facilitate transmission of measurements to a receiving device outside the patient's body. The sensing devices, may be electrically passive or integrated devices with measurement and transmission capability. The sensing devices may be attached to specific locations on the graft material or attached to the lumen, thereby providing pertinent parameters from critical points inside the vasculature, or may be dispersed over the surface of the graft material or within the lumen to provide a profile of pertinent parameters. The sensing devices may be attached to the graft material with one suture using a running stitch to minimize graft bulk and may be coated with a material to inhibit or control tissue growth.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus and methods for severing and welding tissue, in particular blood vessels. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a pair of relatively movable jaws at a distal end thereof. A first heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a first temperature and form a welded region within the tissue, while a second heating element on one of the jaws is adapted to heat up to a second temperature and sever the tissue within the welded region. The first and second heating elements may be provided on the same or opposite jaws. A control handle provided on the proximal end of the elongated shaft includes controls for opening and closing the jaws, and may include an actuator for sending current through the first and second heating elements. The first and second heating elements may be electrically connected in series, and the first heating element may be bifurcated such that it conducts about one half of the current as the second heating element.

Abstract: A endovascular graft having sensing devices attached thereto to facilitate measurement of pertinent parameters within the vasculature into which the graft is implanted. Power sources and transmitters may be attached to the graft to facilitate transmission of measurements to a receiving device outside the patient's body. The sensing devices, may be electrically passive or integrated devices with measurement and transmission capability. The sensing devices may be attached to specific locations on the graft material or attached to the lumen, thereby providing pertinent parameters from critical points inside the vasculature, or may be dispersed over the surface of the graft material or within the lumen to provide a profile of pertinent parameters. The sensing devices may be attached to the graft material with one suture using a running stitch to minimize graft bulk and may be coated with a material to inhibit or control tissue growth.

Abstract: An endovascular graft having an improved positioning mechanism capable of positioning and securing a bifurcated graft into a bifurcated vessel described. The graft can include a sleeve affixed to graft that is used in combination with a contralateral wire loop for placement of the graft within vasculature. The graft may include a structure for post deployment positioning into the bifurcated aneurysm area. Furthermore, the endovascular graft may be configured to form a sealing pocket that expands with induced fluid pressure and prevents fluid leaks at an attachment site.