Abstract: In the present invention a process for the preparation of sodium silicate from Kimberlite tailing generated as solid waste during diamond mining is disclosed.

Abstract: An endovascular graft includes a flexible graft body dimensioned for positioning within a body vessel and having an outer wall defining an opening therethrough, and an elastic polymer strip mounted to the outer wall of the graft body. The elastic strip is dimensioned to increase an effective strength of the outer wall to thereby facilitate support of the body vessel upon implantation of the graft body therewithin. The graft body is preferably bifurcated including a tubular body defining a longitudinal opening and first and second legs connected to the tubular body. The first and second graft legs each define a longitudinal opening in communication with the longitudinal opening of the tubular body. The tubular body and the first and second legs preferably include the elastic polymer strip. The polymer strip is dimensioned to extend substantially along the lengths of the respective tubular body and the first and second legs. The graft elastic polymer strip may be helically disposed relative to the graft body.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating securement of a vascular graft within a blood vessel, includes a shaft dimensioned for passage within a blood vessel and having an expansion member movable between a contracted condition and an expanded condition and a fastener array comprising at least one fastener disposed about a peripheral portion of the expansion member. The one fastener is deployable into a wall of the blood vessel upon movement of the expansion member to the expanded condition thereof, to thereby engage the vascular graft to secure the vascular graft to a wall of the blood vessel. The fastener array preferably includes a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be operatively connected to each other and releasably secured to the peripheral portion of the expansion member.