Abstract: An introducer deploys an endoluminal device in a distal location from a proximal location. The introducer comprises a retrograde portion, an anterograde portion axially moveable relative to the retrograde portion, a shaft having a distal tip and an anterograde sheath attached to the distal tip, and anchoring means in at least one of the retrograde portion or the anterograde portion for anchoring the device during deployment from its proximal end to its distal end. An inner sheath may be mounted concentrically over the shaft with the endoluminal device mounted concentrically over the inner sheath. The anchoring device may comprise an inflatable balloon mounted radially inside the retrograde portion, a tether, or an extended portion of the endoluminal device confined by a notch in the interface of two sheaths in the retrograde portion of the introducer, or may comprise a holder in the anterograde portion.

Abstract: An introducer deploys an endoluminal device in a distal location from a proximal location. The introducer comprises a retrograde portion, an anterograde portion axially moveable relative to the retrograde portion, a shaft having a distal tip and an anterograde sheath attached to the distal tip, and anchoring means in at least one of the retrograde portion or the anterograde portion for anchoring the device during deployment from its proximal end to its distal end. An inner sheath may be mounted concentrically over the shaft with the endoluminal device mounted concentrically over the inner sheath. The anchoring device may comprise an inflatable balloon mounted radially inside the retrograde portion, a tether, or an extended portion of the endoluminal device confined by a notch in the interface of two sheaths in the retrograde portion of the introducer, or may comprise a holder in the anterograde portion.

Abstract: An introducer deploys an endoluminal device in a distal location from a proximal location. The introducer comprises a retrograde portion, an anterograde portion axially moveable relative to the retrograde portion, a shaft having a distal tip and an anterograde sheath attached to the distal tip, and anchoring means in at least one of the retrograde portion or the anterograde portion for anchoring the device during deployment from its proximal end to its distal end. An inner sheath may be mounted concentrically over the shaft with the endoluminal device mounted concentrically over the inner sheath. The anchoring device may comprise an inflatable balloon mounted radially inside the retrograde portion, a tether, or an extended portion of the endoluminal device confined by a notch in the interface of two sheaths in the retrograde portion of the introducer, or may comprise a holder in the anterograde portion.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a multi-part endoluminal device includes deploying a first portion of the device sequentially from its distal end to its proximal end, then deploying a second portion of the device sequentially from its proximal end to its distal end so that its distal end overlaps the first portion proximal end. The system for deploying the endoluminal device includes a first introducer loaded with a first endoluminal device and adapted to deploy the first device sequentially from the distal end to the proximal end, and a second introducer loaded with a second endoluminal device and adapted to anchor the second endoluminal device proximal end while deploying the second endoluminal device sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: An introducer deploys an endoluminal device in a distal location from a proximal location. The introducer comprises a retrograde portion, an anterograde portion axially moveable relative to the retrograde portion, a shaft having a distal tip and an anterograde sheath attached to the distal tip, and anchoring means in at least one of the retrograde portion or the anterograde portion for anchoring the device during deployment from its proximal end to its distal end. An inner sheath may be mounted concentrically over the shaft with the endoluminal device mounted concentrically over the inner sheath. The anchoring device may comprise an inflatable balloon mounted radially inside the retrograde portion, a tether, or an extended portion of the endoluminal device confined by a notch in the interface of two sheaths in the retrograde portion of the introducer, or may comprise a holder in the anterograde portion.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a multi-part endoluminal device comprises deploying a first portion of the device sequentially from its distal end to its proximal end, then deploying a second portion of the device sequentially from its proximal end to its distal end so that its distal end overlaps the first portion proximal end. The system for deploying the endoluminal device comprises a first introducer loaded with a first endoluminal device and adapted to deploy the first device sequentially from the distal end to the proximal end, and a second introducer loaded with a second endoluminal device and adapted to anchor the second endoluminal device proximal end while deploying the second endoluminal device sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A percutaneous stent-graft is disclosed for restoring blood flow between vessels. The stent-graft has a body implantable device and first and second retaining elements. Also disclosed are methods for deploying a stent-graft.

Abstract: A stent delivery device is disclosed that includes an inner tube having a distal portion which carries the stent on the delivery device. At least part of the inner tube is formed from a spirally wound wire. A movable outer tube is used to constrain the stent in a radially contracted state on the distal portion of the inner tube. A substantially straight elongate wire is configured inside the spirally wound wire and bonded at the distal and proximal portions of the wound wire. The outer tube may have at least one side port adjacent to the distal portion in communication with the annular space between the outer tube and the inner tube allowing radiopaque fluid to be injected through the annular space and out the side port in the vicinity of the stent.

Abstract: A percutaneous stent-graft is disclosed for restoring blood flow between vessels. The stent-graft has a body implantable device and first and second peel-away retaining elements. Also disclosed are methods for deploying a stent-graft.

Abstract: The hemostasis valve gasket for use in an introducer which is integrally formed from an elastomeric material so as to exhibit resiliency and which is designed to close about small diameter objects such as a guide wire and about larger diameter objects such as a working catheter or guide catheter to prevent air or blood leakage. The gasket includes a cylindrical base with a central bore therethrough and a hollow convex domed shaped member projecting therefrom. The hollow dome shaped member terminates in a concave section. The concave section of the dome shaped member has at least one arcuate slit formed in the external surface which extends inwardly toward the hollow chamber to form a central, self-sealing passage aligned with the central bore of the cylindrical base member.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve gasket for use in an introducer which is integrally formed from an elastomeric material so as to exhibit resiliency and which is designed to close about small diameter objects, such as a guide wire and about larger diameter objects such as a working catheter or guide catheter to prevent air or blood leakage. The gasket includes a proximal cylindrical member, a distal cylindrical member and a central member which is spaced in its center portion from the proximal and distal members by chambers or cavities. One of the proximal or distal cylindrical members has a bore of a relatively small diameter compared to that formed through the other and an angled slit is formed through the central member in general alignment with the bores formed through the outer proximal and distal cylindrical members.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting a plurality of samples of fluids in earth formations traversed by a wellbore includes a pressure sensor for deriving a pressure measurement and a temperature sensor for simultaneously deriving a temperature measurement. The pressure measurement signals and the temperature measurement signal are transmitted to processing circuitry using a narrow band frequency modulated scheme. The temperature measurement is used to provide a real time temperature compensated pressure measurement.

Abstract: In apparatus for investigating earth formations traversed by a borehole, improved methods and apparatus are provided for performing inductive type formation measurements. A transmitter coil of a well logging tool moving through a borehole emits an alternating field into the adjacent earth formation thus inducing eddy currents therein. A voltage in a receiver coil in the tool is sampled at discrete elevations as the tool traverses the borehole and amplified. This voltage is phase detected with respect to the transmitter coil voltage to insure that the measured receiver voltage corresponds to the currents induced in the formation. An average of these voltage measurements is formed. Variations in the magnitude of the average phase-detected voltage are used to discretely control the amplitude of the alternating current induced into the formation.

Abstract: In apparatus for investigating earth formations traversed by a borehole, improved methods and apparatus are provided for achieving dynamic range control of formation measurements. In one embodiment adapted to formation resistivity measurements, a well logging tool moving through a borehole emits a current into the adjacent earth formation, and a corresponding measurement voltage correlative to the resistivity is sampled at discrete elevations as the tool traverses the borehole. An average of these voltage measurements is formed. When the magnitude of this average exceeds or drops below a predetermined range, the magnitude of the survey voltage is decreased or increased respectively by a discrete amount.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein, new and improved pipe-inspection apparatus for examining oilfield piping includes, along with other flaw-inspection devices, a flux-leakage inspection device uniquely arranged for detecting minute magnetic-flux anomalies which are indicative of metal defects such as cracks, pits, holes and the like. In contrast, however, to the prior-art high-intensity electromagnetizers typically having cores of minimum magnetic reluctance, the unique pipe-inspection apparatus of the present invention instead employs an electromagnetizer having a core of a substantial length and minimum cross-sectional area to specifically make its reluctance relatively large in relation to the combined magnetic reluctances of the magnetized piping wall and the annular clearances between the piping wall and the magnetizer pole pieces.