Abstract: A method is described for delivering a prosthesis to a branch region of a blood vessel, the branch region having first and second blood vessel branches, the prosthesis comprising a main conduit and first and second branch conduits. The method includes inserting a first guide wire in the blood vessel such that it extends through the blood vessel into the first blood vessel branch; inserting a second guide wire in the blood vessel such that it extends through the blood vessel into the second blood vessel branch; moving the prosthesis to the branch region by moving the first branch conduit along the first guide wire and the second branch conduit along the second guide wire; and moving the first/second branch conduit along the first/second guide wire from a first position in which they project inside the main conduit to a second position in which they project out from the main conduit.

Abstract: A method is described for delivering a prosthesis to a branch region of a blood vessel, the branch region having first and second blood vessel branches, the prosthesis comprising a main conduit and first and second branch conduits. The method includes inserting a first guide wire in the blood vessel such that it extends through the blood vessel into the first blood vessel branch; inserting a second guide wire in the blood vessel such that it extends through the blood vessel into the second blood vessel branch; moving the prosthesis to the branch region by moving the first branch conduit along the first guide wire and the second branch conduit along the second guide wire; and moving the first/second branch conduit along the first/second guide wire from a first position in which they project inside the main conduit to a second position in which they project out from the main conduit.

Abstract: A device (10) for maintaining fluid flow through at least one passage in a human or animal body, the device comprising two end portions (12, 14) for anchoring the device in position, and an intermediate portion (16) which allows movement of the end portions relative to each another, wherein the end portions and intermediate portion together define a pathway for fluid flow through the device. The device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of coronary heart disease by minimally invasive surgery, and the invention extends to a method for diverting fluid flow from one passage to another.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery apparatus, a method of delivering a prosthesis, and a prosthesis are provided. The prosthesis (3) is for delivering to the branch region of the ascending aorta (1) and the right and left coronary arteries (12, 13), and it comprises a main conduit (33) and first and second branch conduits (31, 32). The branch conduits (31, 32) are or locating in the right and left coronary arteries (12, 13) respectively upon moving from a first position in which they are located in the main conduit (33) to a second position in which they project out from the main conduit (33). The branch conduits (31, 32) turn inside out as the move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A device (10) for maintaining fluid flow through at least one passage in a human or animal body, the device comprising two end portions (12, 14) for anchoring the device in position, and an intermediate portion (16) which allows movement of the end portions relative to each another, wherein the end portions and intermediate portion together define a pathway for fluid flow through the device. The device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of coronary heart disease by minimally invasive surgery, and the invention extends to a method for diverting fluid flow from one passage to another.

Abstract: Apparutus and methods are described for performing percutancous catheter-based interventional surgery. The apparatus comprises first and second devices that are located in adjacent body cavities, such as adjacent blood vessels, the first device being capable of transmitting a directional signal that can be received by the second device. The direction of the signal is correlated with the facility to direct therapy, such that improved accuracy in therapy placement is thereby achieved. Methods for treating patients utilising the means and apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter is provided that has both an ultrasonic transducer array (2) and a inflatable balloon (12) mounted at or near its distal end. A sheath catheter having a transducer array and associated multiplexer (4) arrangement located substantially coaxially within it. Furthermore, a guidewire (8) catheter having an ultrasonic transducer array mounted on it distal end.

Abstract: A catheter is provided either with an x-ray-opaque marker or with a device for generating a vibratory signal for transmission along a guide wire within the catheter in order to indicate the position of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter is provided either with an x-ray-opaque marker or with a device for generating a vibratory signal for transmission along a guide wire within the catheter in order to indicate the position of the catheter.