Abstract: A device is used for deploying a prosthesis to vessel portions of a body vessel. The device can include a retaining member and a sheath. The retaining member, such as clamps, is movable between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the retaining member compresses an intermediate segment of the prosthesis. In the open position, the retaining member is positioned away from the prosthesis to allow for expansion of the intermediate segment. The sheath compresses an outer segment of the prosthesis, where the outer segment is associated with a first or second outer end of the prosthesis. The sheath is removable from the outer segment to allow for expansion thereof when the retaining member is in the closed position. An actuation member is operable to move the retaining member between the closed and open positions. Clamps are pivotable in response to movement of the actuation member.

Abstract: A deployment system for open surgical repair of a body vessel is provided. The system includes a prosthesis retained in a compressed configuration by a retainer sheath. A splitting member can include a portion disposed internally within the retainer sheath and a portion accessible from at least one of the outer ends of the retainer sheath. Retraction of the accessible portion toward a middle of the prosthesis can split the wall of the retainer sheath to allow for expansion of a segment of the prosthesis for engagement with a first portion of the body vessel. Another segment of the prosthesis is expanded for engagement with a second portion in order for the prosthesis to interconnect the first and second portions of the body vessel. A barrier segment may be disposed within the retainer sheath between the splitting member and the prosthesis.