Abstract: Vascular filters and deflectors and methods for filtering bodily fluids. A blood filtering assembly can capture embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature. A blood deflecting assembly can deflect embolic material dislodged or generated during an endovascular procedure to inhibit or prevent the material from entering the cerebral vasculature.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a mitral or tricuspid heart valve prosthesis that includes. An expansible tubular frame and a prosthetic valve mounted on the frame. The frame includes an atrial portion, a ventricular portion, and an annular portion located between said atrial and ventricular portions, wherein: the atrial portion is made up of three or four metal-wire extensions, regularly distributed on the circumference of said atrial portion and projecting from said annular portion, each extension being made up of a single upside-down U-shaped or V-shaped wire and the various extensions being substantially part of an imaginary truncated sphere placed above said annular portion. The annular portion is made up of diamond meshes which comprise anchoring points; and said ventricular portion is made up of three or four extensions equivalent to the extensions, substantially contained inside an imaginary ovoid shape placed under said annular portion.

Abstract: A sheath used to protect a medical device has one or more strips formed over a portion thereof. The medical device is a scaffold crimped to a balloon and mounted to a catheter. The sheath is two-piece, including a protecting and constraining sheath part. The strips facilitate removal of the constraining sheath from the scaffold in manner that reduces instances of damage caused by improper removal of the sheath from the medical device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to numerous devices and methods for transcatheter stented prosthetic heart valve loading and delivery. Such devices and methods reduce suture tangling and also provide the ability to adjust the stented prosthetic heart valve expansion and contraction prior to the final release of the stented prosthetic heart valve from the delivery device.

Abstract: A product comprising a stent for a human blood vessel which comprises (i) a scaffold which is impregnated with, adsorbed with, or coated with an inhibitor of a Wnt/p-catenin pathway, or (ii) a scaffold coated with a polymer, which polymer is impregnated with, adsorbed with, or coated with an inhibitor of a Wnt/p-catenin pathway, and methods of use to reduce the risk of restenosis.

Abstract: A delivery device according to principles described herein includes a catheter having three concentric shafts including an inner core, an outer sheath over the inner core and an outer support shaft at least partially extending over the inner core and the outer sheath. A timing belt having a plurality of belt teeth on a surface of the timing belt is coupled to an outer sheath over a medical device or stent on the inner core such that movement of the timing belt link causes movement of the outer sheath from its position over the medical device or stent. The delivery device is actuated by rotation of a thumbwheel a thumbwheel coupled to a barrel having a plurality of teeth such that rotation of the thumbwheel causes movement of the barrel such that the barrel teeth engage the belt teeth to cause movement of the timing belt causing movement of the outer sheath.

Abstract: An introducer for an endoluminal prosthesis and a methods for delivering a prosthesis within a body vessel are described. The introducer comprises pusher catheter having a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen being in communication with an opening formed in the sidewall of the pusher. A sheath is disposed over the pusher catheter and also has an opening formed in its sidewall. The sheath is longitudinally movable relative to the pusher catheter between a prosthesis delivery position and a prosthesis deployment position. When the sheath is in the deployment position, the opening formed in the sidewall of the pusher catheter is at least partially longitudinally aligned with the opening formed in the sidewall of the sheath. A wire may extend though the opening in the sheath, the opening in the pusher, through the lumen of the pusher and through a fenestration in a prosthesis to cannulate a branch vessel.

Abstract: Delivery systems with tethers for prosthetic heart valve devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. A delivery system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an elongated catheter body, a capsule carried by the elongated catheter body and carrying a prosthetic heart valve device, and a cinching member slidably disposed within the capsule. The delivery system can further include a plurality of tether elements coupled to the prosthetic device and extending through the cinching member and the catheter body. Retraction of the tether elements can urge at least a portion of the prosthetic device into a distal end portion of the cinching member to resheathe at least a portion of the prosthetic device and allow repositioning of the prosthetic device relative to the native valve after a portion of the prosthetic device has contacted tissue of a native valve.

Abstract: A sheath used to protect a medical device has one or more strips formed over a portion thereof. The medical device is a scaffold crimped to a balloon and mounted to a catheter. The sheath is two-piece, including a protecting and constraining sheath part. The strips facilitate removal of the constraining sheath from the scaffold in manner that reduces instances of damage caused by improper removal of the sheath from the medical device.

Abstract: A delivery system for deploying a medical device includes a first attachment member configured to selectively couple to and radially constrain a first end portion of the medical device. The delivery system also includes a second attachment member configured to selectively couple to and radially constrain a second end portion of the medical device. The first attachment member is configured to move relative to the second attachment member such that the first attachment member applies a first tensile force to the first end portion of a medical device in a first direction and the second attachment member applies a second tensile force to the second end portion of a medical device in a second direction substantially opposite from the first direction.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for implanting a self-expanding implant such as a cardiovascular implant. An outer catheter shaft is formed as an implant capsule for encasing the implant during delivery. A flexible distal support element having a substantially truncated cone-shaped portion, which tapers in the proximal direction, is attached, directly proximally of the implant, in a fixed position to a first, inner catheter shaft, and/or a flexible proximal support element having a substantially truncated cone-shaped portion, which tapers in the proximal direction, is inserted at the proximal end of the implant capsule into the second, outer catheter shaft in a fixed position.

Abstract: A tool is configured for transluminal delivery of an implant. The tool has a proximal part and a distal part, and comprises a shaft, a nosepiece, a sheath, and a balloon. The nosepiece is fixed to the shaft, and is arranged with respect to the implant such that the implant extends proximally away from the nosepiece and over the shaft. The sheath houses the implant. The balloon is disposed at the distal part of the tool, and is in fluid communication with the proximal part of the tool. When maximally inflated, the balloon has (i) a widest part that has an inflated diameter that is less than the diameter of the sheath or at most 10 percent greater than the diameter of the sheath, and (ii) a tapered portion that tapers longitudinally away from the widest part and from the nosepiece.

Abstract: Telescoping catheters are provided that include an outer tubular member and an inner member slidably received within a lumen of the outer member. The outer and inner members include cooperating magnetic elements on their distal ends. The magnetic elements may be mounted at locations to secure the inner member at a first axial position, e.g., a retracted position, using a magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements. The inner member may be moved axially from the first position by overcoming the magnetic attraction such that a predetermined axial force may disengage the magnetic elements to allow the first elongate member to directed from the first position to one or more other axial positions.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments and methods provide solutions for coupling and decoupling of a delivery device from a stented prosthetic heart valve with one or more release mechanisms. In situations when one or more sutures get tangled or caught upon attempted retraction of the delivery device and sutures after deployment of the stented prosthetic heart valve, a secondary release mechanism can be provided to sever the suture(s) or release the suture(s) from the delivery device. Exemplary secondary release mechanisms include high resistance inserts, cutters and balloon expandable devices. Methods of releasing the sutures from the delivery device or severing the suture(s) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A deployment device for deploying a self-expanding branched stent graft. The device includes a branched stent graft retained on an introducer. The introducer includes a main catheter and an auxiliary catheter preloaded within the introducer and extending from distal the distal end of the stent graft, into the lumen of the stent graft and through an internal branch in the graft and out of the fenestration.

Abstract: Cannula devices and related methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a cannula ring includes a body portion having a substantially cylindrical member defining an opening therethrough. A plurality of anchor arms coupled with the body portion and configured to be positioned in a first, collapsed state and a second, deployed state, wherein the anchor arms each include a free end that is radially displaced from the body portion while in the second, deployed state relative to their positions while in the first, collapsed state. Suture rings and other associated structures and devices are also described.

Abstract: A surgical implant is configured to reinforce a sphincter to transition between an occluded state and an opened state. The surgical implant includes an openable occlusion mechanism and a plurality of magnets. The openable occlusion mechanism includes an absorbable component and a non-absorbable component. The plurality of magnets are configured to encourage the sphincter toward the occluded state. An apparatus is operable to deploy the implant. The implant is placed on the distal end of the apparatus. An endoscope along with the implant and the apparatus are inserted in a biological lumen.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a prosthesis includes a housing, a sheath extending from within the housing, a first rotatable knob, a first pulley coupled to the first rotatable knob so as to be rotatable therewith, a second rotatable knob, a second pulley coupled to the second rotatable knob so as to be rotatable therewith, and a cable coupled to the first pulley and to the second pulley. The cable is coupled to a proximal portion of the sheath. Rotation of the first rotatable knob causes the first pulley to rotate while the second pulley remains stationary thereby causing the first pulley to wind up a portion of the cable and retract the sheath at a first speed. Rotation of the second rotatable knob causes both the first and second pulleys to rotate, thereby causing both the first and second pulleys to wind up a portion of the cable and retract the sheath at a second speed being faster than the first speed.

Abstract: A robotic control system for a surgical system includes a control system, a control circuit, and a proportional, integral, derivative (PID) feedback control system. The control circuit determines actual closure force of a closure member, compares the actual closure force to a threshold, determines a set point velocity to displace the closure member based on the comparison, and controls the actual velocity of the closure member based on the set point velocity. A force sensor measures the closure force. A threshold closure force includes upper and lower thresholds. The set point velocity is configured to advance the closure member distally when the actual closure force is less than the lower threshold. The set point velocity is configured to retract the closure member proximally when the actual closure force is greater than the lower threshold.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition, the stent having a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of commissure features. The heart valve further includes a valve assembly secured to the stent, the valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets, each of the leaflets having a free edge having a first end and a second end, and a second edge secured to the cuff, the second edge having a first end, a second end, a first folded portion adjacent the first end, a second folded portion adjacent the second end, and an unfolded portion between the first and second folded portions. The first and second folded portions couple the leaflet to ones of the commissure features.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis and delivery systems are provided for replacing a cardiac valve. The heart valve prosthesis includes a self-expanding frame includes a portion having a crimp that provides additional flexibility to the self-expanding frame in the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis delivery device and to a handle assembly located at the distal end of the delivery device. The handle assembly has a main handle and a nut disposed on the main handle. The nut has a first configuration in which the nut is engaged with the outer surface of the main handle and a second configuration in which the nut is disengaged from the outer surface of the main handle. Disengaging the nut from the main handle facilitates quick sheath retraction and deployment of at least the distal end of the prosthesis as well as recapturing the proximal end of the device within the sheath.

Abstract: A stent coupler for use with a medical device delivery system is disclosed. A stent delivery system includes a core member having a distal segment and a coupler positioned about the core member distal segment. the coupler is rotatably coupled to the core member and includes a rigid plate having a first end surface, a second end surface, and a side surface extending between the first and second end surfaces, the side surface comprising one or more projections separated by recesses. The delivery system further includes a stent extending along the core member distal segment such that an inner surface of the stent is engaged by the one or more projections of the engagement member.

Abstract: An occlusion catheter system includes an inflation catheter member and an occlusion balloon. The proximal and distal balloon ends are connected to the inflation catheter between the proximal and distal catheter ends. A distal pressure sensor is attached to the inflation catheter member between the proximal balloon end and the atraumatic tip. An inflatable spine is connected to the inflation catheter. The proximal spine end is connected to the inflation catheter near the proximal balloon end and the distal spine end is connected to the inflation catheter near the distal balloon end. The occlusion balloon and the inflatable spine are configured to define blood flow channels with the internal surface and the external balloon surface when the occlusion catheter system is at least partially positioned in the vessel and the occlusion balloon and the inflatable spine are in a partially inflated configuration.

Abstract: A system for deploying a stent-graft within a body vessel is provided. The system includes an expandable stent-graft having expandable stent rings attached thereto and a cannula extending through the stent-graft. The system includes a plurality of diameter reducing connectors extending around the circumference of the graft for reducing the diameter of the graft. The system further includes a plurality of trigger wires extending longitudinally along the perimeter of the graft. The trigger wires extend through the diameter reducing connectors to constrain the connectors for reducing the diameter of the stent-graft. The trigger wires are also releasably attached to the apices of a bare stent portion extending from the proximal end of the graft body. The trigger wires can be sequentially retracted to release the bare stent and the diameter reducing connectors to expand the stent-graft radially into engagement with the wall of the body vessel.

Abstract: A balloon coating method for forming a coating layer containing a water-insoluble drug on the outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method includes applying a first rotation force to the balloon catheter proximal to the balloon of the balloon catheter and applying a second rotation force to the balloon catheter distal to the balloon of the balloon catheter. The first rotation speed is the same as the second rotation speed. The method includes applying a coating solution containing the drug to the outer surface of the balloon from a dispensing tube while gradually moving the dispensing tube in the axial direction and simultaneously applying the first and second rotation forces to rotate the balloon catheter around the longitudinal axis of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for an implantable medical device which is degradable over a clinically relevant period of time. The medical devices may have the form of implants, graft implants, vascular implants, non vascular implants, wound closure implants, sutures, drug delivery implants, biologic delivery implants, urinary tract implants, inter-uterine implants, organ implants, bone implants including bone plates, bone screws, dental implants, spinal disks, or the like. In preferred embodiments, the implantable medical device comprises an implantable luminal prosthesis, such as vascular and non-vascular stents and stents grafts.

Abstract: To provide a stent delivery system configured to prevent twisting of a strut during expansion of a stent. A balloon has a plurality of limb portions folded at a plurality of folding pleats in a deflated state. The limb portions are folded in a first circumferential direction to surround the shaft as seen from a proximal end side of an axial direction of the shaft. The strut of the stent has helical portions formed in a helical shape extending along a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction as seen from the proximal end side of the axial direction with being centered on an axis extending along the axial direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly is provided. A polymeric stent is disposed over a balloon in an inflated configuration. The stent is crimped over the inflated balloon to a reduced crimped configuration so that the stent is secured onto the balloon. The balloon wall membrane is wedged or pinched between the strut elements of the stent for increasing the retention of the stent on the balloon.

Abstract: A vascular intervention device delivery system includes a catheter with a proximal end attached to a handle, and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device thereon. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position retracted proximally uncovering the distal carrier segment. A pull is attached to the retractable sheath and extends proximally from the retractable sheath toward the handle. A majority of the length of the pull has a cross sectional shape with a concave side that faces the longitudinal axis and is opposite to a convex side that faces away from the longitudinal axis. The cross sectional shape has a width that is greater than a thickness.

Abstract: Catheter including a pressure chamber defined by proximal and distal seals and inner and outer tubular members. An actuator member, moveable between first and second positions, is disposed within the pressure chamber. Fluid introduced into the pressure chamber applies a force on the actuator member to move the actuator member toward the second position. A lock mechanism, disposed between inner and outer tubular members, includes a latch having an engaged condition preventing movement of the outer tubular member relative the inner member and a disengaged condition allowing movement the outer member. The latch is shifted to the disengaged condition when the actuator member is moved to the second position. With the actuator member in the second position and the latch in the disengaged condition, fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force on the proximal seal to urge the outer tubular member proximally.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pusher assembly for an insertion system for a vascular implant. The pusher assembly has a catheter tube. The catheter tube has a tubular cavity for accommodating a guide wire and has a proximal catheter tube segment and a distal catheter tube segment adjoining the proximal catheter tube segment. The distal catheter tube segment is provided at least partially for movably accommodating a vascular implant on the distal catheter tube segment. The catheter tube also has a pusher unit for releasing the vascular implant, said pusher unit being proximally adjacent to a vascular implant loaded onto catheter tube. The pusher assembly is characterized in that the pusher unit is formed by individual, segment-like elements, which are arranged on behind the other and adjacent to each other and are arranged on the catheter tube in order to proximally adjoin the vascular implant.

Abstract: Medical systems and related methods are described. In some embodiments, the medical systems include an outer member defining a slot. In certain embodiments, the outer member at least partially surrounds an inner member, and the outer and inner members are configured so that an implantable medical endoprosthesis can be disposed between the outer and inner members.

Abstract: A paravalvular leak resistant prosthetic heart valve system including a stent frame, a valve structure and a sealing mechanism. The stent frame has a surface. The valve structure is associated with the stent frame. The sealing mechanism at least partially extends over the surface of the stent frame. The sealing mechanism includes at least one semi-permeable membrane and an osmotic gradient driving material.

Abstract: A medical implant delivery system maintains an orientation between a guidewire lumen of an inner member of the system and a rapid-exchange port in an outer member. The medical device is disposed intermediate the inner and outer members and in friction or pressure-fit contact with the outer member. Once the guidewire lumen of the inner member and the rapid exchange port of the outer member are oriented, the friction or pressure-fit operates to maintain the orientation until deployment of the medical implant. Orientation is further maintained by a telescoping coupling of the guide wire lumen with the rapid exchange port.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods, devices and systems relating to applying drugs or therapeutic agents to biological conduits, e.g., vascular lumens. More specifically, the present invention comprises enhancing the uptake of drugs or therapeutic agents encapsulated in microbubbles in combination with ultrasound energy as well as applying drugs or therapeutic agents in a cyclic manner using a pulse generator that may be matched in frequency with a patient's blood pulsing.

Abstract: The stent delivery device includes a pistol shaped handle with a barrel portion extending atop a grip portion. A trigger actuator is pivotably mounted to the pistol shaped handle and defines an angle with respect to the grip portion. A carrier is slidably mounted to the barrel portion of the pistol shaped handle. A mechanical linkage, which includes a roller clutch, interconnects the trigger actuator to the carrier. The angle is reduced responsive to pivoting the trigger actuator in an actuation direction toward the grip portion, and the angle is increased responsive to pivoting the trigger actuator in a re-set direction. The roller clutch is oriented in the mechanical linkage to rotate responsive to the trigger pivoting in the re-set direction, but the roller clutch is held against rotation responsive to pivoting the trigger in the actuation direction.

Abstract: A tack device for holding plaque against blood vessel walls in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease can be formed as a thin, annular band of durable, flexible material. The tack device may also have a plurality of barbs or anchoring points on its outer annular periphery. The annular band can have a length in the axial direction of the blood vessel walls that is about equal to or less than its diameter as installed in the blood vessel. A preferred method is to perform angioplasty with a drug eluting balloon as a first step, and if there is any dissection to the blood vessel caused by the balloon angioplasty, one or more tack devices may be installed to tack down the dissected area of the blood vessel surface, in order to avoid the need to install a stent and thereby maintain a ‘stent-free’ environment.

Abstract: Methods for delivering a vascular prosthesis to a treatment site of a subject include advancing the vascular prosthesis, rotating a proximal handle in a first direction about a handle body, shifting the position of a first locking component securing the proximal handle to the push rod from a first position to a second position, rotating the proximal handle in a second direction, releasing the proximal end of the prosthesis from the apex delivery device, shifting the second locking component to disengage the push rod from the handle body; and withdrawing the push rod and the guidewire catheter from within the prosthesis, thereby delivering the vascular prosthesis to the treatment site.

Abstract: A personalized prosthetic valve for implantation at a native valve treatment site includes a self-expanding mesh and a plurality of valve leaflets coupled to the mesh. The mesh may be delivered to the native valve in a collapsed configuration, and in an expanded configuration the mesh engages the native valve. The mesh in the expanded configuration is also personalized to match the treatment site, such that the outer mesh surface substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to pass therethrough. In the open configuration, blood passes through the prosthetic valve, and in the closed configuration, the plurality of leaflets are closer together and blood is prevented from flowing upstream through the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A system for deploying a stent graft includes a stent graft. The stent graft has a tubular structure and includes first and second end stents and at least one stent between the first and second end stents. The system also includes a plurality of constraining mechanisms arranged along the length of the stent graft constraining the stents of the stent graft, and an actuation mechanism configured to release the plurality of constraining mechanisms in order from the first end to the second end of the stent graft and circumferentially sequentially from about the stents.

Abstract: A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating incontinence. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for distracting and/or retracting the urethra or tissues proximate thereto, or to maintain a position of a urethra in response to intra-abdominal pressures.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral valve with a frame comprises at least one arm shaped to deploy among a region of chordae tendineae of the native mitral valve to deflect these chords in order to pull the native valve leaflets around the frame to avoid paravalvular leaks. The frame may be made from two parts that are connected by sutures. The prosthetic valve may be deployed by a catherer comprising a deployment clamp attached to the valve frame where the deployment clamp is actuable to induce rotation of the frame.

Abstract: A highly retractable intravascular stent delivery system, including a tube assembly and a rotation driving assembly. The tube assembly includes an outer tube 5, an intermediate tube 6, and inner tube 7, wherein an intravascular stent 3 and a stent retaining block 4 are provided within the outer tube 5. The rotation driving assembly includes a housing 9, an outer screw 19, and an intermediate screw 14 located within the housing 9, as well as a driving member. The driving member allows two screws to rotate at opposite directions, so as to drive the outer tube 5 to move toward the proximal end, and the intermediate tube 6 pushes the stent retaining block 4 and the intravascular stent 3 to move toward the distal end. The system uses three-lay tube structure and uses driving gear to drive two screws to move at directions opposite to each other, such that the intermediate tube 6 and the outer tube 5 are driven to move to directions opposite to each other.

Abstract: Making a balloon catheter includes increasing a temperature of material forming an elongate body positioned within a cavity in an adjustable molding iris, and increasing a fluid pressure within a lumen extending through the elongate body. A segment of the elongate body is plastically deformed in response to the increased fluid pressure, and limited in outward expansion via contacting movable blade members forming the adjustable molding iris.

Abstract: A plaque tack can be used for holding plaque against blood vessel walls such as in treating atherosclerotic occlusive disease. The plaque tack can be formed as a thin, annular band for holding loose plaque under a spring or other expansion force against a blood vessel wall. Focal elevating elements and/or other features, such as anchors, can be used to exert a holding force on a plaque position while minimizing the amount of material surface area in contact with the plaque or blood vessel wall and reducing the potential of friction with the endoluminal surface. This approach offers clinicians the ability to perform a minimally invasive post-angioplasty treatment and produce a stent-like result without using a stent.

Abstract: A surgical implant deployment system for deploying and removing an implant into a vertebral body. Upon insertion of the implant into the vertebral body, the actuator handle is turned causing the actuation rod to expand or compress the implant.

Abstract: An expandable element having a distal anchor member at a distal end, a proximal anchor member at a proximal end, and a braided intermediate portion can be delivered to a treatment site through a catheter by a delivery wire having a first, distal bump that can be translated distally to push the distal anchor distally and release the distal anchor upon exiting a distal end of the catheter, a shaped segment that can be moved to apply a radial force from within the braided intermediate portion to expand the braided intermediate portion, and a second, proximal bump that can be translated distally to push the proximal anchor distally and expel the expandable element from the catheter. The delivery wire can also have a third, recapture bump positioned between the proximal and distal bumps that can be translated proximally to retract a partially implanted expandable element into the catheter.

Abstract: A stent device delivery system and method of making. The stent device delivery system includes a stent device and an outer sheath overlaying the stent device in a radially compact, delivery configuration of the stent device. The system also includes a pull member for pulling proximally on to retract the outer sheath, wherein a portion of the outer sheath is heat shrunk radially onto a relatively heat shrink resistant support member in order to capture a distal portion of the pull member radially between the outer sheath and the heat shrink resistant support member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removing air from a medical device, such as a stent-graft and/or its delivery device. In an exemplary embodiment, the stent-graft or its delivery system or both are exposed to perfluorocarbon, by immersing the stent-graft or flushing the delivery device to remove air from the stent-graft. Optionally, the stent-graft and/or delivery system may be flushed multiple times, e.g., with perfluorocarbon before or after flushing with carbon dioxide, saline, a bio-inert gas, and the like. Thereafter, the stent-graft may be introduced into a patient's body and deployed at a target location, such as the site of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.