Abstract: A generally tubular intraluminal vascular graft having a linear shape that may be radially expanded from a compressed state to an expanded state within a body vessel is disclosed. The graft includes a plurality of stent portions which take the form of undulating filaments extending circumferentially along the tubular body and forming a generally ring-shaped configuration. The graft may further be equipped with a plurality of specifically-configured engagement members disposed on the outer surface of the graft which are configured to frictionally engage an inner wall of a vessel so as to inhibit longitudinal movement of the tubular body without piercing the vessel wall.

Abstract: A circumferential ablation catheter is provided that is particularly useful for ablating a circumferential region of tissue in a tubular region of or near the heart, such as a pulmonary vein. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therethrough. The catheter also comprises a generally tubular inner support member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A proximal portion of the inner support member extends into the lumen of the catheter body, and a distal portion of the inner support member extends outside the catheter body. A circumferential ablation element, such as an ultrasound transducer, is mounted on the distal portion of the inner support member outside the catheter body. A moveable tube extends through the lumen of the inner support member and through the catheter body.