Abstract: A device for disposing a radially self-expanding endoprosthesis in a body lumen. The implantation device includes an elongated catheter having a distal end and an outer surface over which the endoprosthesis is placed a sheath disposed to releasably surround at least a portion of the endoprosthesis, holding the endoprosthesis on the catheter in a radially contracted state, and a flexible elongation release element cooperating with the sheath. The sheath is released, permitting the surrounded portion of the endoprosthesis to expand, by axial withdrawal of the release element.

Abstract: A catheter for isolating a segment of blood vessel has a guiding catheter (10) with proximal and distal ends. The guiding catheter (10) has major and minor lumens (12, 14). A first balloon (16) is attached to the guiding catheter (10) at the distal end thereof. The first balloon (16) is connected via the minor lumen (14) to a first inflation port (18) such that as fluid is injected into the first inflation port (18) the first balloon (16) expands. A proximal assembly (20) connected to the major lumen (12) at the proximal end of the guiding catheter (10) has an aspiration port (24) for evacuating the major lumen (12). A guidewire (30) extending through the major lumen includes a hollow tube (32) having proximal and distal ends. A wire (34) with a shapeable core is attached to the distal end of the hollow tube (32) forming a seal therewith. A plug (52) is selectively inserted into the proximal end of the hollow tube (32) forming a seal therewith.

Abstract: A radiopaque marking system for a device meant to be inserted into a body, such as a medical device inserted into a human body, and imaged with an x-ray source includes a tube having a distal end and an outer periphery which can be divided into four quadrants. A first radiopaque marker section is located only in a first quadrant of the body adjacent the distal end thereof. A second radiopaque marker section is located only in a second quadrant of the body adjacent the distal end portion. If desired, the two marker sections can contact each other along at least one corner of the two sections.

Abstract: An expandable intraluminal vascular graft includes a flexible cylindrical inner tube having a outer periphery and a plurality of separate scaffold member mounted on the outer periphery of the inner tube. The scaffold members are expandable, ring-like and provide circumferential rigidity to the graft. A flexible cylindrical outer tube concentrically encloses the inner tube and the plurality of scaffold members mounted thereon. The graft has a first diameter, which permits intraluminal delivery of the graft into a body passageway having a lumen, and a second expanded diameter, upon the application from the interior of the tube of a radially outwardly extending force. The second graft diameter is dependent on the amount of force applied so that he graft second diameter can be expanded to at least equal an internal diameter of the body passageway lumen. The scaffold members are deformed beyond their elastic limit when the graft is expanded to the second graft diameter.