Abstract: Tubular prosthesis for deployment in a human body passageway comprises a tubular member adapted for placement in a passageway in a human body and a tube. The tubular member has a tubular wall, first and second end openings, and a side opening formed in the tubular wall between the first and second end openings. The tube has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the tube is disposed in the tubular member and has an opening arranged relative to the side opening such that an elongated element (e.g., a guidewire) can be passed through the tube and out from the side opening in the tubular wall where it can enter a branch passageway. The tube can be releasably secured to the tubular member in such as manner that it can be detached from the tubular member and withdrawn after the elongated element is passed through the side opening and placed in a desired position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for aiding in support and repair of a thoracic aneurysm of the aortic arch. A stent graft provides a window therein, which enables blood to flow freely into branch vessels which would otherwise be occluded by the stent graft. Additionally, the stent portions of the stent graft are configured to minimize the risk of overexpansion, wherein stents are provided in the window portion.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis comprises a tubular member having raised portions, which can be formed from and be part of the tubular member. The raised portions form a chamber or discrete space in a body passageway or lumen between the prosthesis and a portion of the passageway or lumen wall in which it is placed. A substance is delivered to the chamber to assist the prosthesis placement. The substance can comprise one or more substances that can enhance the seal and/or fixation characteristics between the prosthesis the passageway wall and/or provide therapeutic benefit. In another embodiment, the raised portions can be collars secured to the tubular member and in yet a further embodiment the raised portions can comprise inflatable collars.

Abstract: A local renal delivery system includes a flow isolation assembly and a local injection assembly. The flow isolation assembly in one mode is adapted to isolate only a partial flow region along the outer circumference along the aorta wall such that fluids inject there are maintained to flow substantially into the renal arteries. Various types of flow isolation assemblies and local injection assemblies are described.

Abstract: A stent-graft deployment system (10) includes a stent-graft (15), a flexible catheter tip (12) attached to a catheter shaft (25), a retractable primary sheath (20) containing the stent-graft in a first constrained small diameter configuration around the catheter shaft near the flexible tip. The stent-graft deployment system further includes a flexible secondary sheath (14) disposed within the retractable primary sheath and also containing the stent-graft, wherein when the primary sheath is removed from around the stent-graft, the flexible secondary sheath contains the stent-graft in a second constrained small diameter configuration around the catheter shaft near the flexible tip. The removal of the secondary sheath releases the stent-graft from a radial constraint so that stent-graft deployment may proceed.

Abstract: A stent-graft deployment system (10) includes a stent-graft (15), a flexible catheter tip (12) attached to a catheter shaft (25), a retractable primary sheath (20) containing the stent-graft in a first constrained small diameter configuration around the catheter shaft near the flexible tip. The stent-graft deployment system further includes a flexible secondary sheath (14) disposed within the retractable primary sheath and also containing the stent-graft, wherein when the primary sheath is removed from around the stent-graft, the flexible secondary sheath contains the stent-graft in a second constrained small diameter configuration around the catheter shaft near the flexible tip. The removal of the secondary sheath releases the stent-graft from a radial constraint so that stent-graft deployment may proceed.

Abstract: A stent for a stent-graft includes: a first ring; a second ring; and spring elements coupling the first ring to the second ring, wherein the first ring, the second ring and the spring elements are integral. During maneuvering of the stent-graft through the tortuous human anatomy, the first ring is bent or flexed relative to the second ring. However, the spring elements are distorted to accommodate this bending. Further, since the stent is integral, a graft material only has to be sewn to the second ring minimizing the delivery profile of the stent-graft.

Abstract: A stent-graft deployment system (10) includes a stent-graft (15), a flexible catheter tip (12) attached to a catheter shaft (25), a retractable primary sheath (20) containing the stent-graft in a first constrained small diameter configuration around the catheter shaft near the flexible tip. The stent-graft deployment system further includes a flexible secondary sheath (14) disposed within the retractable primary sheath and also containing the stent-graft, wherein when the primary sheath is removed from around the stent-graft, the flexible secondary sheath contains the stent-graft in a second constrained small diameter configuration around the catheter shaft near the flexible tip. The removal of the secondary sheath releases the stent-graft from a radial constraint so that stent-graft deployment may proceed.

Abstract: A method for deploying an endoluminal prosthesis by introducing into a bifurcated vessel a sheath introducer having therein a bifurcated graft with a primary and contralateral limb. The contralateral limb being radially retained independent of the sheath introducer. The graft being positionable by an insertion catheter. When the graft is in position within the vessel, a retaining device about the contralateral limb is broken and the graft takes the shape of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying an endoluminal prosthesis for engrafting a blood vessel. The apparatus includes a bifurcated graft that is able to conform to the interior surface of the blood vessel and can be deployed through a single entry site.

Abstract: A stent for a stent-graft includes: a first ring; a second ring; and spring elements coupling the first ring to the second ring, wherein the first ring, the second ring and the spring elements are integral. During maneuvering of the stent-graft through the tortuous human anatomy, the first ring is bent or flexed relative to the second ring. However, the spring elements are distorted to accommodate this bending. Further, since the stent is integral, a graft material only has to be sewn to the second ring minimizing the delivery profile of the stent-graft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: A thin-walled prosthesis is provided that includes a tubular graft formed of a monofilament fiber. The graft has sufficient strength and durability to withstand loads applied during deployment and while implanted and sufficiently low permeability to prevent excessive leakage of body fluids through the material or to provide a sufficient seal, for example, so as to prevent aneurysm pressurization. A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a tubular grafts constructed of monofilament fibers for endoluminal placement within a body lumens, including blood vessels, and for the treatment of abdominal and other aneurysms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engrafting a blood vessel are disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular graft having radially compressible annular spring portions for biasing proximal and distal ends of the graft into conforming fixed engagement with an interior surface of the vessel, with bifurcated and adjustable length embodiments being disclosed. Apparatus for deploying the graft includes an insertion catheter having a nitinol core wire, a controllable tip balloon-at a remote end thereof for dilation and occlusion of the vessel, and a controllable graft balloon in the vicinity of the tip balloon for fixedly seating the spring portions into conformance with the interior surface of the vessel. A spool apparatus for adjusting or removing an improperly placed graft, and a micro-emboli filter tube, are usable with the deployment apparatus. A method of percutaneously implanting a graft, including a single-entry method for percutaneously implanting a bifurcated graft, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for deploying and endoluminal prosthesis. The apparatus includes a flexible compressible push rod that allows the catheter to be easily maneuvered through tortuous vessels while providing sufficient deployment force.

Abstract: An artificial valve stent for maintaining patent one way flow within a biological passage is disclosed. The artificial valve includes a tubular graft having radially compressible annular spring portions for biasing proximal and distal ends of the graft into conforming fixed engagement with the interior surface of a generally tubular passage. Also disclosed is a deployment catheter including an inner catheter having a nitinol core wire, a controllable tip balloon at its the distal end for dilation and occlusion of the passage, and a controllable graft balloon in the vicinity of and proximal to the tip balloon for fixedly seating the spring portions in conformance with the interior surface of the passage. A spool apparatus for adjusting or removing an improperly placed or functioning artificial valve, and a microembolic filter tube are usable with the deployment catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engrafting a blood vessel are disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular graft having radially compressible annular spring portions for biasing proximal and distal ends of the graft into conforming fixed engagement with an interior surface of the vessel, with bifurcated and adjustable length embodiments being disclosed. Apparatus for deploying the graft includes an insertion catheter having a nitinol core wire, a controllable tip balloon at a remote end thereof for dilation and occlusion of the vessel, and a controllable graft balloon in the vicinity of the tip balloon for fixedly seating the spring portions into conformance with the interior surface of the vessel. A spool apparatus for adjusting or removing an improperly placed graft, and a micro-emboli filter tube, are usable with the deployment apparatus. A method of percutaneously implanting a graft, including a single-entry method for percutaneously implanting a bifurcated graft, are also disclosed.