Abstract: An intraluminal graft assembly is provided with a double ball check valve which is normally urged to a closed position by a single compression spring acting on a first ball to urge it into sealing engagement with a valve seat. A spacer between the first ball and the second ball urges the second ball into sealing engagement with a second valve seat when the first valve is in sealing engagement with its associated valve seat. A threaded coupler engages and displaces the second valve axially out of engagement with its associated valve seat carrying with it the spacer and first ball thereby displacing also the first ball out of engagement with its associated valve seat. The double ball check valve permits the introduction of fluid into and removal of fluid from the cavity defined by inner and outer wall members of an intraluminal graft member.

Abstract: An intraluminal stenting graft for implantation in a blood vessel and a method for making same wherein the intraluminal stenting graft includes a collapsible tube member having a first end and a second end. An outer layer and an inner layer extend between the ends. The outer layer is more flexible than the inner layer. The outer layer is joined to the inner layer to form a plurality of cylinders longitudinally extending between the first end and the second end. The method of the present invention including the steps of: placing a first layer of material on a substantially flat surface; placing a second layer of material on a shaped surface; maintaining the second layer on said shaped surface by use of reverse pressure; moving the second layer to the first layer; joining the second layer to the first layer to form a plurality of longitudinally extending cylinders; and shaping the first and second layers to form a tube member.

Abstract: An intraluminal graft/stent includes a hollow tubular member with inner and outer wall members defining a cavity in which is positioned a time-delay, heat-activated material partially filling the cavity. Upon implantation of the graft/stent in the blood vessel to be repaired, the time-delay, heat-activated material will foam and expand to completely fill the cavity causing the outer wall to sealingly engage the interior wall of the blood vessel. The inner wall, upon expansion, provides a conduit for the flow of blood. Under one embodiment, a flexible support member encircles the outer wall member and, by virtue of its shorter length and smaller cross-sectional size than the outer wall member causes enlarged cuffs to be formed at opposing ends of the graft/stent upon completion of expansion of the time-delay, heat-activated material.

Abstract: An intraluminal stenting graft for implantation in a blood vessel including a collapsible tube member having a first end and a second end. The tube member further includes an outer layer and an inner layer extending between the ends. The outer layer is joined to the inner layer to form a plurality of cylinders extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The cylinders provide structural support to the tube member. An absorbent is positioned in at least one of the cylinders. When an absorbate is introduced to the plurality of cylinders and the absorbent, the absorbent absorbs the absorbate. The absorbent increases in volume as a result of such absorption to support the collapsible tube member at the site of implantation of the intraluminal stenting graft in a blood vessel.

Abstract: An intraluminal stenting graft for implantation in a blood vessel and a method for making same wherein the intraluminal stenting graft includes a collapsible tube member having a first end and a second end. An outer layer and an inner layer extend between the ends. The outer layer is more flexible than the inner layer. The outer layer is joined to the inner layer to form a plurality of cylinders longitudinally extending between the first end and the second end. The method of the present invention including the steps of: placing a first layer of material on a substantially flat surface; placing a second layer of material on a shaped surface; maintaining the second layer on said shaped surface by use of reverse pressure; moving the second layer to the first layer; joining the second layer to the first layer to form a plurality of longitudinally extending cylinders; and shaping the first and second layers to form a tube member.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting stent that includes a collapsible tube member having a first end and a second end. An outer wall and an inner wall extend between the ends. A first end wall and a second end wall extend between the outer wall and the inner wall. The outer, inner, first end and second end wall form a chamber. A permeable film layer extends between the first end wall and the second end wall in the chamber. The film layer, outer wall and end walls define a space. A composite material is positioned in a chamber between the inner wall and the permeable film layer. An opening is positioned in one of the end walls to allow the introduction of a reagent into the defined space. The reagent reacts with the composite material to cause the composite material to harden after the intraluminal grafting stent has been positioned in a blood vessel. The present invention is further directed to a method for implanting the intraluminal grafting stent in a blood vessel. Using a balloon catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressurizing a paste for dispensing the paste includes a vessel, a follower plate and a resilient seal which is movable through the vessel with the follower plate. The resiliency of the seal provides pressure for developing a seal between the seal and the vessel, and pressurized paste provides additional pressure for developing the seal.