Abstract: An infusion device (10) includes one or more of automatic insertion and retraction of an introducer needle (40) and catheter (28), introducer needle safety and extension set. The device (10) can further comprise a top-push button (16) activation feature, a side-push button (402) activation feature or a rotary-button (412) activation feature, and one or more of a manual interlock of an outer barrel and base, and a manual interlock for an extension set top and base. Packaging (500) for an integrated and/or removable inserter with activation button protection is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implant that may maintain position with a Eustachian tube of a patient, the implant includes an engagement body, an anchoring assembly, and a pressure balance assembly. The engagement body includes an exterior surface dimensioned to bear radially outward against the Eustachian tube. The anchoring assembly may lock the implant in the Eustachian tube. The pressure balance assembly includes a vented pathway that may transition between an occluded state and a vented state. The vented pathway may provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end of the implant in the ventilated state while inhibiting fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end of the implant in the occluded state.

Abstract: A Veress needle is modified to receive a forward-looking miniature videoscope through the lumen of an insufflation tube of the Veress needle. The modified instrument enables direct viewing of progress of the instrument through tissue to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, for proper location of the needle and insufflation of the cavity via the needle. The videoscope has an elongated shaft of smaller diameter than the lumen of the insufflation tube for passage of insufflation gas with the scope in place. In another embodiment a needle is fitted with a miniature videoscope to provide the same function, with the needle's lumen serving as an insufflation tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a delivery apparatus for a prosthetic heart valve. Disclosed delivery apparatuses can include a handle, a first shaft extending from the handle, a second shaft disposed around the first shaft, and a valve cover. The valve cover can be coupled to a distal end portion of the first shaft and can be configured to house a prosthetic heart valve in a radially compressed state. The valve cover can have an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the second shaft, and the first shaft and valve cover can be movable together in an axial direction relative to the second shaft.

Abstract: A system includes a console assembly, a trocar assembly operably coupled to the console assembly, a camera assembly operably coupled to the console assembly having a stereoscopic camera assembly, and at least one rotational positional sensor configured to detect rotation of the stereoscopic camera assembly about at least one of a pitch axis or a yaw axis. The console assembly includes a first actuator and a first actuator pulley operable coupled to the first actuator. The trocar assembly includes a trocar having an inner and outer diameter, and a seal sub-assembly comprising at least one seal and the seal sub-assembly operably coupled to the trocar. The camera assembly includes a camera support tube having a distal and a proximal end, the stereoscopic camera operably coupled to the distal end of the support tube and a first and second camera module having a first and second optical axis.

Abstract: Consistent with disclosed embodiments, systems, devices, methods, and computer readable media for delivery of an endovascular instrument to a treatment site within a body may be provided. Embodiments may include a flexible, elongated sheath having a proximal end and a distal end. An embodiment may further include an inner wall of the sheath delimiting an inner lumen which may extend between the proximal end and the distal end of the sheath. The inner lumen may be sized to enable axial advancement of the endovascular instrument therethrough. The embodiments may also include at least one electrode within the distal section of the sheath. The electrode may be configured to selectively deliver an electric current through a segment of the endovascular instrument within the inner lumen.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for use with a guidewire are provided. The systems/apparatuses can include a first housing, shaped to define a first channel through which the guidewire is slidable and a second housing, shaped to define a second channel through which the guidewire is slidable in at least a first direction toward the first housing. The systems/apparatuses can also include a guidewire-engaging element, disposed within the second housing, and configured to inhibit the guidewire from sliding through the second channel in a second direction away from the first housing. A tubular member having a lumen through which the guidewire is slidable and being slidably coupled to the first housing can also be included. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve is designed to be circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into the patient. At the implant site the valve re-expands to a larger circumferential size, i.e., the size that it has for operation as a replacement for one of the patient's native heart valves. The valve includes structures that, at the implant site, extend radially outwardly to engage tissue structures above and below the native heart valve annulus. These radially outwardly extending structures clamp the native tissue between them and thereby help to anchor the prosthetic valve at the desired location in the patient.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system has a tool drive coupled to a distal end of a robotic arm that has a plurality of actuators. The tool drive has a docking interface to receive a trocar. The system also includes one or more sensors that are operable to visually sense a surface feature of the trocar. One or more processors determine a position and orientation of the trocar, based on the visually sensed surface feature. In response, the processor controls the actuators to orient the docking interface to the determined orientation of the trocar and to guide the robotic arm toward the determined position of the trocar. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An instrument driver comprises opposing rotatable gripping pads. Each of the gripping pads includes an outer circular rim and a center hub. The pads are configured for applying a gripping force to an elongated member. The instrument driver further comprises shafts affixed to the center hubs, and a driver assembly configured for rotating at least one of the shafts, thereby causing the pads to rotate in opposite directions to linearly translate the gripped member. Each of the pads further includes a framework for partially collapsing in response to the gripping force, such that portions of the rims flatten to contact each other. Each rim has a concave gripping surface in order to facilitate vertical centering of the member between the pads. Each of the pads further includes a pair of upper and lower sprockets for interlacing with each other to prevent the elongated member from slipping out between the pads.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a detachable surgery drainage tube capable of being sutured and fixed, relates to a technical field of surgery drainage tubes, including a tube body, a suture line, and a first limiting component. The tube body is hollow. The suture line has a length, and is configured to act on a part to be drained. The first limiting component is an annular structure, and a structure of the first limiting component is easy to be cut by scissors. The first limiting component is disposed in the tube body, and two ends of the first limiting component are fixed at two ends of the tube body. A fixing component is disposed on the tube body with respect to the first limiting component, a fixing groove is disposed on the fixing component, the fixing groove is perforated, and the first fixing component penetrates through the fixing groove.

Abstract: Transcorneal and fiberoptic laser delivery systems and methods for the treatment of eye diseases wherein energy is delivered by wavelengths transparent to the cornea to effect target tissues in the eye for the control of intraocular pressure in diseases such as glaucoma by delivery systems both external to and within ocular tissues. External delivery may be affected under gonioscopic control. Internal delivery may be controlled endoscopically or fiber optically, both systems utilizing femtosecond laser energy to excise ocular tissue. The femtosecond light energy is delivered to the target tissues to be treated to effect precisely controlled photodisruption to enable portals for the outflow of aqueous fluid in the case of glaucoma in a manner which minimizes target tissue healing responses, inflammation and scarring.

Abstract: A tissue guard includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen therethrough. The distal end has a long petal and a short petal disposed in substantial opposition relative to one another and the short petal is configured to move between a first position wherein the short petal is disposed within the lumen to facilitate insertion of the long petal within an incision and a second position wherein the short petal is extended relative to the lumen and in substantial opposition to the long petal to facilitate retention of the tissue guard within the incision.

Abstract: A positioning device configured for introduction within a body lumen. Some embodiments include a catheter shaft with a longitudinal axis; an expandable element coupled along a length of the shaft, the expandable element being substantially thin and flexible in an unexpanded state and exerting a gentle outward force in an expanded state; and a deflection mechanism located within the shaft, wherein the deflection mechanism is flexible when in a non-deflected state and wherein, in the deflected state, the deflection curves in a predetermined lateral direction such that the positioning device laterally deflects the body lumen. In some embodiments, the deflection is a lateral curve that moves the body lumen away from a surgical site, such as a cardiac ablation site.

Abstract: Treatment of aneurysms can be improved by delivering an occlusive member (e.g., an expandable braid) to an aneurysm sac in conjunction with an embolic element (e.g., coils, embolic material). A treatment system for such treatment can include an electrolytically corrodible conduit having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a detachment zone between the proximal portion and the distal portion. An occlusive member having a proximal hub is coupled to the conduit distal portion. The conduit has a lumen configured to pass an embolic element therethrough.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing an ophthalmic surgical treatment procedure include one or more wicking members to secure a volume of treatment fluid to a distal end of a surgical instrument. Such a surgical instrument may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween, the elongate tubular member being configured to penetrate a body cavity of a patient. The instrument may further include a wicking member extending beyond the distal end of the elongate tubular member. The wicking member may be configured to secure a volume of treatment fluid delivered through the lumen to the wicking member for application from the wicking member to target tissue in the body cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arthroscopic cannula to solve the problem of more wounds being created due to the use of a plurality of cannulas in a conventional arthroscopic surgery. The arthroscopic cannula includes a cannula body, a spacer provided inside the cannula body and extending axially along the cannula body to divide an internal space of the cannula body into a first chamber and a second chamber, and a joint connected to one end of the cannula body. The interior of the joint intercommunicates with the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: This invention is an intrasaccular aneurysm occlusion device comprising: a net or mesh with a self-expanding resilient proximal portion (which is deployed close to the aneurysm neck) and an expandable flexible distal portion (which is deployed close to the aneurysm dome); and a “string of pearls” of embolic members which are inserted into the net or mesh.

Abstract: An indwelling device 1 is provided with: a sheath 20 that is capable of housing a stent graft 10; and a long shaft 30 that is configured to be capable of advancing or retreating inside the sheath along the axial direction. The shaft has a fixing tool 34 and a hollow tube 35 that are respectively engaged with a connection part 14 and a blood vessel wall fixing part 15 of the stent graft to restrict movement of an opening end 11a of the stent graft in the radial direction. The indwelling device is configured to be capable of releasing engagement between the connection part and the fixing tool and engagement between the blood vessel wall fixing part and the hollow tube independently of each other by displacing the shaft with respect to the stent graft in the axial direction.

Abstract: System and method for bi-directional fluid injection includes a retrograde introducer, a retrograde cannula having an inlet opening, intermediate opening and outlet opening, an antegrade introducer and an antegrade cannula. The retrograde introducer is configured to engage with the retrograde cannula and to insert the retrograde cannula into a fluid channel. The antegrade introducer is configured to engage with the antegrade cannula and to insert the antegrade cannula into the fluid channel from within the retrograde cannula through the intermediate opening. After insertion of both cannulas, both introducers are removed. In operation, fluid flows into the retrograde cannula inlet and a portion thereof is diverted to the antegrade cannula which flows the portion in a first direction in the channel, the remainder of the fluid flows out the retrograde cannula outlet in an opposite direction in the channel. The system is removed from the channel using the introducers in reverse order.

Abstract: Systems and methods for packaging an optical sensor assembly. An optical sensor assembly for use in a blood pump assembly comprises a visor affixed to a pump housing of the blood pump assembly. A support jacket is in contact with an inner surface of the visor, and defines a cavity in which an optical sensor is disposed. Silicone gel is introduced into the cavity, where it cures. Silicone gel within the cavity protects the optical sensor, and the support jacket prevents the overflowing of the gel and contamination of the visor.

Abstract: Bone anchors and surgical instruments (e.g., bone taps, drivers, etc.) are disclosed herein that include integrated guide tips. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. For example, a surgical instrument can include a guide projection configured for insertion through a cannulation formed in a bone anchor when the surgical instrument is coupled to the bone anchor. The surgical instrument can also include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the guide projection relative to the bone anchor. The guide projection can replace the needle, stylet, and guidewire used in typical insertion procedures. The bone anchor can also include integrated tapping features to eliminate the need for a separate bone tap instrument. Thus, in some embodiments, targeting, tapping, and driving the bone anchor can be performed in a single step.

Abstract: Provided is a stent which is not easily displaced from a dwell site in a biological lumen and which has an excellent ability to follow a biological lumen. This stent (bile duct stent 100) is to dwell inside a biological lumen (bile duct B) and is provided with a stent main body section (110) having a cylindrical shape. The stent main body section is configured to be capable of expanding and contracting in the radial direction that is approximately orthogonal to an axial direction, has a relatively large expanding force in one portion (center portion) corresponding to the predetermined position at the indwelling site in the biological lumen, and a relatively small expanding force at other portions (both end portions) which have different positions in the axial direction from that of the one portion.

Abstract: A method of electrospinning (40) is provided, and an electrospinning device (1; 30). The method comprises (i) holding (41) a liquid comprising a polymer melt or a polymer solution in a container (2), (ii) letting out (42) a stream of the liquid from the container through at least one nozzle (3), (iii) creating (43) a voltage difference between the nozzle (3) and a collecting surface (4), (iv) collecting (44) electro spun material coming from the nozzle (3) so as to form a fibrous structure (8) on the collecting surface (4), and (v) directing (45) a laser beam (13) towards the collecting surface (4) so as to locally remove a part of the fibrous structure (8).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes medical devices comprising implantable expandable implants, such as stent-grafts. Such devices can comprise a constraining line. The constraining line can surround the proximal end of the expandable implant, and assist in positioning and deployment of the expandable implant within the body of the patient.

Abstract: Methods for crimping a stent on an expandable member of a delivery catheter, and devices and methods for treating a bifurcation are disclosed. A method for crimping includes positioning a stent having a first portion and a second portion over the expandable member, and non-uniformly crimping the stent to the expandable member. The method can include routing an elongate shaft under the second portion of the stent and through the side hole so as to be routed external to the first portion. The stent second portion can be crimped so that the elongate shaft can be slidably disposed relative to the stent second portion prior to deployment of the stent.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a surgical catheter is provided. The present disclosure provides a catheter shaft that includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion comprises a handle operably connected to the distal portion of the elongated structure. The distal portion three radially positioned polymeric layers. At least two of the layers include chemically dissimilar polymers and at least one of the three layers includes functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: The medical safety device utilizes an active needle retraction assembly and a guidewire retraction assembly which retracts the guidewire at a retraction rate greater than the needle retraction rate to safely manage significant lengths of guidewire. A passive retraction system may be used with the active retraction assembly to rapidly retract the needle and guidewire after initial retraction. The guidewire retraction assembly includes a pulley system to increase forces applied to the device to retract the guidewire and needle retraction assembly retracts the needle. The device encloses the needle and guidewire to protect from contact with contaminated materials.

Abstract: A port fixation device is disclosed and includes a body portion and a plug. The body portion includes a circular portion, a first tab, and a second tab. The circular portion defines an aperture which is configured to allow a surgical access port to extend therethrough. The first tab and the second tab are disposed in mechanical cooperation with the circular portion. Movement of the first tab with respect to the second tab from a first position to a second position causes a diameter of the aperture to change from a first size to a second size. The first size is smaller than the second size, and the first position of the first tab is its rest position. The plug is disposed in mechanical engagement with the body portion, and has sufficient elasticity to remain engaged with the body portion when the first tab is in the first position and in the second position.

Abstract: An improved assembly for securing an implantable medical device for retrieval from an implant site includes a plurality of snares, wherein distal openings of a first snare carrier lumen and a second snare carrier lumen have a pre-set offset established therebetween. First and second snare shafts, to which first and second snare loops are coupled, respectively, extend within the corresponding snare carrier lumens such that each loop is located in proximity to the corresponding distal opening of the lumen. The pre-set offset allows an operator to simultaneously position the snare loops around the device; and, when the operator retracts the snare shafts to collapse the snare loops until the loops fit snuggly around the device, the pre-set offset can help to align the device for retrieval.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a stent assembly comprising a stent; a swellable coating disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of the stent; optionally, a carrier dispersed in the swellable coating and/or disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of the stent; and an active agent comprised in at least one of the swellable coating or the carrier, if present. Use of the stent assembly as a ureteric stent, and method of preparing a stent assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices for connecting tissue layers, such as for connecting a gallbladder and a portion of a gastrointestinal tract to create an anastomosis, include a tubular structure having a plurality of apposition portions, a central region, and a covering material. The devices are endoscopically deployable and may include open cells or undulating edges that facilitate a secure connection between the tissue structures.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices, and support structures for assembling optical fibers in catheter tips and facilitating alignment and structural support. A method for assembling a plurality of optical fibers and lenses in a support structure for an ablation catheter includes providing a support structure with a proximal end, a body, and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a plurality of alignment orifices or slits. A plurality of optical fibers are threaded through the alignment orifices or slits, such that each optical fiber is threaded through a corresponding alignment orifice or slit. An adhesive material is applied at each alignment orifice or slit to secure the optical fibers, and the plurality of optical fibers are then cleaved at the distal end to remove portions of the fibers extending out of the distal end. Finally, a lens is attached to each of the ends of the plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: An extension cannula and in-line connector for use with a conventional ECMO return cannula is provided. The extension cannula includes a self-expanding conduit transitionable between a collapsed insertion state and an expanded, deployed state via a retractable sheath. The extension cannula may be inserted through a conventional ECMO return cannula such that the proximal end of the self-expanding conduit is disposed within and proximal to the end of the conventional ECMO cannula, while the distal end of the self-expanding conduit is disposed in a patient's thoracic aorta to improve cerebral oxygenation, maintain systemic arterial pulsatility, and reduce the potential for end-organ injury. The extension cannula and/or in-line connector may be used to permit delivery of additional interventional or vascular equipment using a single port of access, thereby avoiding complications associated with contemporary VA-ECMO.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a dual stent assembly useful in treating one or more bifurcation lesions in a subject. The dual stent assembly includes a first stent and a second stent. The first stent comprises a body, proximal and distal ends, and a flare positioned at the proximal end. The first stent translates between a compressed configuration and a deployed configuration. The second stent is defined by a body comprising a sidewall, proximal and distal ends, and an orifice positioned on the body that extends through the sidewall. The second stent is translatable between a compressed configuration and a deployed configuration. The orifice is sized and shaped to align with the proximal end of the first stent when the second stent is deployed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transforming a covered retrieval device from a deployed position to a delivery position for re-use are disclose herein. A retractor device may include, for example, a tubular structure defining a channel and configured to slidably receive a retrieval device. A method for transforming a retrieval device may include, for example, (a) positioning a retrieval device in a deployed position within a channel of a retractor device, (b) securing a part of the cover against a surface of the retractor, and (c) while securing the cover, advancing the retrieval device distally through the tubular structure to expose a capture structure of the retrieval device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope accessory assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope accessory assembly may comprise an accessory device comprising a first base, a plurality of flexible struts, and webbing connecting each of the flexible struts. The accessory device is configured to receive a distal end of an endoscope. The endoscope accessory assembly may further comprise a dimension-compensating component comprising a second base, a plurality of flexible arms extending radially out from the second base, and at least one chamber at a distal end of the flexible arms. The accessory device is configured to be over-molded onto the dimension-compensating component in order to form the endoscope accessory assembly.

Abstract: A catheter devices/systems and methods therefrom are described herein for treating acute kidney injury, especially the contrast-induced acute kidney injury wherein the devices prevent the contrast dyes from entering into kidney and/or facilitate blood flow of kidney by said catheter system.

Abstract: A positioning device configured for introduction within a body lumen. Some embodiments include a catheter shaft with a longitudinal axis; an expandable element coupled along a length of the shaft, the expandable element being substantially thin and flexible in an unexpanded state and exerting a gentle outward force in an expanded state; and a deflection mechanism located within the shaft, wherein the deflection mechanism is flexible when in a non-deflected state and wherein, in the deflected state, the deflection curves in a predetermined lateral direction such that the positioning device laterally deflects the body lumen. In some embodiments, the deflection is a lateral curve that moves the body lumen away from a surgical site, such as a cardiac ablation site.

Abstract: An improved medical device reduces the loss of longitudinal length during expansion of a stent-graft from a compressed state to an expanded state. For example, the stent-graft is placed over a cover that provides resistance to expansion of the balloon during inflation, which reduces longitudinal compressing forces exerted on the stent-graft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a steerable instrument for endoscopic and/or invasive type applications, the instrument including an elongated tubular body having a proximal end part, a distal end part and an intermediate part between proximal and distal end parts, the proximal end part having at least one actuation proximal zone. The distal end part has at least one flexible distal zone, and the elongated tubular body is configured such that a movement of an actuation proximal zone is transferred to a corresponding flexible distal zone for a corresponding movement thereof. The elongated tubular body includes an inner, outer, and intermediate cylindrical elements having longitudinal elements between the inner and outer cylindrical elements. Inner, outer and intermediate cylindrical elements are coupled so movement of an actuation proximal zone is transferred by the longitudinal elements of one of the intermediate cylindrical elements to a corresponding flexible distal zone.

Abstract: Tissue fasteners carried on a tissue piercing deployment wire fasten tissue layers of a mammalian body together include a first member, a second member, and a connecting member extending between the first and second members. One of the first and second members has an elongated slot permitting fastener deployment while avoiding excessive tissue compression.

Abstract: A delivery system for a transcatheter heart valve (THV) to a subject is provided, the delivery system includes a delivery catheter housing the THV therein; an elongated member for receiving the THV thereon and having an accessory extending from the distal portion thereof, the accessory comprising a plurality of components for alignment with commissures of the THV during delivery of the THV, and a rotational member connected to the elongated member to rotate the accessory and THV together to align with a native or bioprosthetic valve commissure or valve leaflet at a desired angle.

Abstract: A medical implant including an anchor portion including a plurality of arms adapted to engage an internal tissue wall of a body from two opposite faces, wherein the anchor portion is configured such that at least one of the arms does not have an entirely overlapping arm on the other side of the wall and an opening portion adapted to define an opening for blood flow through the internal tissue wall, when the anchor portion engages the wall.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes an elongate shaft including a proximal portion, a distal portion, at least one lumen extending at least partially therethrough, and a stent receiving portion on the distal portion of the elongate shaft. A stent is positioned on the stent receiving portion of the elongate shaft, the stent having a first configuration and a second configuration. A proximal constraining arrangement is engaged with a proximal end of the stent and a distal constraining arrangement is engaged with a distal end of the stent, the distal constraining arrangement including a first distal constraining member engaged with a first distal portion of the stent and a second distal constraining member engaged with a second distal portion of the stent. When the stent is in the first configuration, the proximal restraining assembly and the distal restraining assembly applies an axial mechanical force to the distal constraining member.

Abstract: A probe for ablating tissue comprises an electrosurgical working end configured to provide a first plasma about a first surface location and a second plasma about a second surface location, the first plasma having first ablation parameters and the second plasma having second ablation parameters. The probe has a working end with a thickness below 3 mm and produces a low temperature plasma.

Abstract: A prosthetic aortic valve intended for native or valve-in-valve within bioprostheses includes an expandable support scaffold and valve leaflets disposed within an upper leaflet portion of the support scaffold. The valve leaflets within the upper portion may be located within the annulus (intravalvular), above the annulus, or above the native or prosthetic leaflets (supravalvular). The valve within a previously implanted degenerated heart valve such that a base or lower portion of the replacement valve is within the previously implanted valve and the upper portion is expanded within the aorta, the internal area of the valve can be increased and the hemodynamics of the valve improved. Alternatively, the valve may include separate upper and lower portions allowing the portions to be implanted sequentially and the length and other characteristics of the valve to be adjusted based on patient anatomy and condition.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for insertion in a vessel includes a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon attached to the catheter shaft. Markings along a longitudinal axis of the catheter are provided in an interior of the balloon, such as for measuring a distance within the vessel. A first distance separating a first marking from a second adjacent marking may be different from a second distance separating the second marking from the third adjacent marking. The markings may also be used for ensuring the proper position of the balloon and, in particular, the working surface thereof, relative to the treatment area.

Abstract: A temporary diameter reduction constraint arrangement for a stent graft in combination with a stent graft is disclosed. The stent graft has a proximal end and a distal end and comprises a biocompatible graft material tube and a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart self-expanding stents fastened thereto, including at least an end stent and a plurality of intermediate stents. The constraint arrangement comprises: an elongate receiver extending longitudinally within the graft material tube; a first wire extending longitudinally along the graft material tube in a first serpentine pattern; and a second wire extending longitudinally along the graft material tube in a second serpentine pattern, wherein at least one of the first and second wires repeatedly loops over the receiver along a longitudinal length of the stent graft thereby securing the stent graft to the receiver. In one embodiment there is also a plurality of loops of thread to reduce the stent graft.