Abstract: A manipulation tool is disclosed for producing cell material having multiple biological cells, which have a predefined geometrical arrangement. The tool includes a tool body, whose surface at least partially contacts the cell material, and a setting device for adjusting the tool body by a continuous expansion, so that geometrical properties of the surface change and an interior of the tool body is enlarged. The setting device is adapted to expand the tool body at an advance velocity in a range from 0.1 ?m/h to 1 mm/h.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a catheter system comprising an introducer having a main body, an introducer sheath projecting from the main body, and a first seal supported within the introducer and a catheter having a main body, an outer sheath projecting from the main body, a second seal supported within the catheter, and an inner core configured to be advanced axially through the main body, the second seal, and the outer sheath. The introducer can be configured to be selectively engageable with the catheter so that the catheter can be selectively and removably linked with the introducer in the axial direction. The catheter system can also be configured such that, when the introducer and the catheter are linked, the catheter can be rotatable relative to the introducer. The introducer can be configured to radially restrain an endoluminal prosthesis.

Abstract: A stent delivery system which is inserted into an endoscope and is for placing a stent inside a body cavity, this stent delivery system being provided with a long pusher catheter which is flexible; a guide catheter which can pass through the lumen of the pusher catheter in a freely advancing and retracting manner; and a stent which is disposed to the front end of the pusher catheter, and has a cylindrical stent main body into which the guide catheter can be inserted, and a grip piece that is attached so as to extend from the main body and consists of a long narrow member that is pliable and can be disposed in the space between the guide catheter when it is inserted into the lumen of the pusher catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices for allowing a user to deploy a stent in an anatomical lumen of a patient. For example, one embodiment is directed to a device including a longitudinally extending inner tubular member and a longitudinally extending outer tubular member that are longitudinally and axially displaceable relative to one another. The outer tubular member includes at least one longitudinally extending channel formed between the exterior and interior diameter of the outer tubular member. In addition, the device includes a handle configured to displace the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to each other in response to user intervention and a stop configured to coaxially engage the handle to form a safety mechanism. Displaceability of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member relative to each other is limited by the safety mechanism to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method includes covering an ostium of a branch vessel emanating from a main vessel with a proximal landing zone of a high metal to vessel ratio landing zone stent-graft, wherein a metal to vessel ratio of the proximal landing zone when deployed is sufficiently high to encourage tissue ingrowth around the proximal landing zone yet is sufficiently low to ensure perfusion of the branch vessel through the proximal landing zone. The method further includes covering an aneurysm of the main vessel with an exclusion zone of the high metal to vessel ratio landing zone stent-graft, the exclusion zone being formed of graft material. By forming the exclusion zone of graft material, excellent exclusion of the aneurysm is achieved.

Abstract: An introducer system and method for introducing a prosthesis for repair of two vessel portions of a transected body vessel is provided. The system can include one or more retaining members fitted over the ends of the prosthesis to retain the ends radially compressed. The retaining member can include an elongated body for insertion into the vessel opening and a gripping member, which both can be rigid. A splittable region can be formed in the elongated body and the gripping member. Application of a force to the gripping member can separate or fracture the gripping member and the elongated body along the splittable region to permit radial expansion of the prosthesis for engagement with the vessel. A sleeve may at least partially surround an intermediate portion of the prosthesis. The sleeve can be configured to retain the intermediate portion of the prosthesis in the radially compressed configuration.

Abstract: An assembly comprising: a protective sheath and a loading device for loading a self-expandable prosthesis into said sheath, the loading device having a conical distal section, which radially compresses the prosthesis and an annular lip that engages with the interior of the distal end of said sheath to guide the prosthesis into the sheath whilst protecting the sheath from damage.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for delivery or implantation of prostheses within hollow body organs and vessels or other luminal anatomy are disclosed. The subject technologies may be used in the treatment of atherosclerosis in stenting procedures or be used in variety of other procedures. The systems may employ a self expanding stent restrained by one or more members released by an electrolytically erodable latch. Such release means do not connect directly to the implant, though one or more portions may contact it.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system (50) has a stent graft (74) retained on it. The stent graft has an exposed proximally extending self expanding stent (76) which is retained in a distally opening capsule (78) at the distal end of a nose cone dilator (58) on the delivery system. A trigger wire (80) extends from a release mechanism (82) the distal end of the delivery system into a first aperture (84) in the capsule, around a proximal bend (86) of the exposed stent and out of the first aperture in the capsule and extending proximally into a second aperture (88). The trigger wire prevents premature release of the exposed stent.

Abstract: An expandable prosthetic device and method of delivery that allows the initial placement of multiple guidewires into selected target sites. The prosthesis includes a main body device. This main body device has a separate side branch guidewire lumen that passes through the main body device and through a side opening in the main body device. As the main body device is advanced, the side opening is self guided (by the side branch guidewire) and self-aligns to the side branch vessel ostium. The main body device is then deployed, leaving the side branch guidewire in place. A side branch device is then advanced along the side branch guidewire through the main body device, through the side wall opening and into the native side branch vessel. The side branch device can then be deployed to engage the main body device and the native side branch vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned.

Abstract: A stent for facilitating flow between a branch of a bifurcated lumen and an interior region of the stent is provided. The stent includes proximal and distal ends and an interior region defined therethrough. The stent typically includes scaffolding having a cover applied thereto. The stent also includes at least one drainage region having at least one drainage hole defined between the scaffolding and through the cover such that fluid is capable of flowing through the drainage holes. The drainage region is typically offset from the proximal and/or distal end to facilitate fluid flow between the branch of the bifurcated lumen and the interior region of the stent.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and techniques are described for reducing the profile of a stent. In one example, a stent having a reduced state and an expanded state includes a plurality of interconnected annular rings arranged about a longitudinal axis, each of the plurality of annular bands comprising a plurality of peaks and a plurality of troughs, wherein in the reduced state, at least one of the plurality of peaks of at least one of the plurality of rings is positioned a first distance from the longitudinal axis, another one of the plurality of peaks being positioned a second distance from the longitudinal axis, the first distance being less than the second distance, and wherein in the expanded state, the plurality of peaks of the stent being positioned at substantially the same distance from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for percutaneous valve delivery systems with continuous blood flow. By providing a temporary perfusion channel in balloon-expandable stent and/or valve replacement systems, blood flow during the deployment of the stent or valve, when the inflation of the balloon may interrupt the blood flow, is ensured. The perfusion channel may be formed employing an elongated braided structure, which may be expanded radially and outwards upon being longitudinally compressed. One-way blood flow through the channel may be accomplished by providing a temporary check valve.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a delivery member, a frictional interfacing member disposed on a distal region of the delivery member, the frictional interfacing member comprising a plurality of perfusion channels, a self-expanding stent disposed over the respective frictional interfacing member and delivery member in a radially contracted configuration, and a sheath defining disposed over the respective self-expanding stent, frictional interfacing member, and delivery member, wherein the frictional interfacing member resists axial and/or rotational movement of the stent relative to the delivery member while the stent is in its radially contracted configuration, and wherein the perfusion channels permit fluid to flow from an interior region of the sheath proximal of the frictional interfacing member to an interior region of the sheath distal of the frictional interfacing member.

Abstract: A modular catheter system including a sheath projecting distally from a delivery catheter having a main body module An inner core module carrying a stent thereon, the inner core being axially movable through the main body of the delivery catheter and the delivery catheter sheath, a handle member supported by the main body of the delivery catheter, the handle member being selectively axially engageable with the inner core such that the handle member and the inner core move together in an axial direction when the handle member is engaged with the inner core; and an adjustment member supported by the main body, the adjustment member being configured such that rotation of the adjustment member causes the adjustment member to move axially along the main body by either axially sliding the handle member relative to the main body or by rotating the adjustment member.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned.

Abstract: A stent delivery system and method for implanting a stent are provided. The stent delivery system includes an elongate shaft including a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, and a stent receiving portion on the distal portion of the shaft. It also includes a stent positioned at the stent receiving portion of the elongate shaft, the stent having a constrained configuration and an expanded configuration. A proximal constraining member and a distal constraining member releasably connected to the stent and having a first position and a second position are also included. The proximal constraining member and the distal constraining member cooperatively apply longitudinal tensile force to at least a portion of the stent with the proximal and distal constraining members each in the first position. A cog and rack mechanism is included to provide mechanical advantage and efficiency during stent deployment.

Abstract: A stent graft (10) has a tubular body with a side aperture (16) covered by a valve arrangement (18) and an arrangement to hold the valve open (32) with a release wire (30). Retraction of the release wire closes the valve. The stent graft can have a tubular body with a first bifurcation (134) with first and second legs (130, 132) extending from the bifurcation. The side aperture and valve arrangement can be in one of the legs. One of the legs (132) has a further bifurcation (142) to define a side arm (140). The stent graft can be deployed into the vasculature of a patient with the tubular body being in an aorta of the patient, a first leg extending down an iliac artery, a second leg being directed towards a contralateral iliac artery and the side arm directed to an internal artery of the contralateral iliac artery.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing access to a body lumen includes a tubular proximal portion and an expandable distal portion, which extends distally from a distal end of the proximal portion. The expandable distal portion includes an expandable sheath and a stiffening member. The proximal portion has a first lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, and the expandable sheath defines a second lumen that is in fluid communication with the first lumen and extends distally from the proximal portion to a distal terminal opening of the second lumen. The stiffening member is attached directly to the expandable sheath so as to extend alongside the second lumen, and the distal terminal opening of the second lumen is defined by a portion of a perimeter of a distal terminal end of the expandable sheath that becomes spaced apart from the stiffening member when the sheath is expanded.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a prosthesis delivery system comprising a delivery catheter having an expandable member and a prosthesis carried over the expandable member. The prosthesis includes a radially expandable scaffold section and at least two anchors extending axially from an end thereof; and means for capturing at least the anchors to prevent the anchors from divaricating from the expandable member as the catheter is advanced through a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprises a stent having a first connector disposed on a stent proximal end, and a pusher wire having a second connector disposed on a pusher wire distal end, wherein the first and second connectors are configured to releasably attach to each other.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include a guide member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A stent may be disposed about the distal portion of the guide member. The stent may have a wall having an opening formed therein. A pusher member may be disposed about the guide member and positioned proximal of the stent. A holding filament may be disposed at the opening and may extend to the proximal portion of the guide member. The holding filament may be configured to releasably secure the position of the stent relative to the pusher member. The holding filament may be releasable from the stent independently of movement of the guide member.

Abstract: A device and method for treating pathological narrowing of fluid-carrying conduits of the human body (such as blood vessels) in an area of a bifurcation is disclosed. In particular, a stent system carries a self expandable noncylindrical stent, which is particularly suited for treating a widened portion of a blood vessel immediately proximal to a bifurcation. A stent delivery system is also disclosed, for delivering the stent such that a larger expanded diameter end of the stent faces the bifurcation, and a smaller expanded diameter end of the stent faces proximally in the main vessel.

Abstract: A stent for placement in a body lumen is fabricated by forming a tube having an un-deployed diameter sized for the tube to be placed on a deployment balloon and advanced through a body lumen to a deployment site. The tube is expandable upon inflation of the balloon to an enlarged diameter sized for the tube to be retained within the lumen at the site upon deflation and withdrawal of the balloon. The tube has a stent axis extending between first and second axial ends of the tube. The tube has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The tube is polished to polish the exterior surface to a smooth surface finish and with at least a portion of the interior surface having a rough surface finish rougher than the surface finish of the exterior surface.

Abstract: A system and method for deploying an occluding device that can be used to remodel an aneurysm within the vessel by, for example, neck reconstruction or balloon remodeling. The system comprises an introducer sheath and an assembly for carrying the occluding device. The assembly includes an elongated flexible member having an occluding device retaining member for receiving a first end of the occluding device, a proximally positioned retaining member for engaging a second end of the occluding device and a support surrounding a portion of the elongated flexible member over which the occluding device can be positioned.

Abstract: A tether guided bifurcated stent having a generally tubular main body extending along a longitudinal axis connected to a side branch assembly. Both the main stent body and the side branch assembly are capable of forming an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The bifurcation's expansion is facilitated by a force exerted by the tether. When the side branch assembly is expanded it forms a secondary tubular region defining a generally tubular shape extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the main tubular body.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed in part to endovascular prostheses and methods of deploying same. Embodiments may be directed more specifically to stent grafts and methods of positioning and deploying such devices within the body of a patient.

Abstract: A fenestrated stent graft with a tubular side arm extending there from in which the side arm can be turned inside out to extend into the stent graft during deployment of the stent graft and extended out during deployment. Also disclosed is a deployment device for such a side arm stent graft which has a deployment catheter and a side arm guide, the side arm guide is releasably fastened at a proximal end to the branch tube and is able to be moved independently of the deployment catheter such that the branch tube can be extended from the tubular body of the stent graft while it is fastened onto the side arm guide. The side arm guide can be formed from a side arm catheter and a side arm guide wire carried in the side arm catheter.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery and deployment device includes an elongate and flexible outer catheter. The outer catheter has a tubular wall of layered construction, including a translucent inner liner running the complete catheter length, and three outer layers including a translucent distal layer, an opaque medial layer and an opaque proximal outer layer. The outer layers are adjacent one another and are bonded to the liner. A braid composed of helically wound metal filaments is disposed between the liner and the proximal and medial outer layers, and includes a distal portion between the liner and a proximal portion of the distal outer layer. The liner and distal outer layer provide a translucent distal region of the catheter that is adapted to constrain a radially self-expanding prosthesis in a radially reduced, axially elongated state. Because the stent constraining region is translucent, an endoscope can be used to visually monitor the stent when so constrained.

Abstract: An endoluminal support structure includes strut members interconnected by swivel joints to form a series of linked scissor mechanisms. The structure can be remotely actuated to compress or expand its shape by adjusting the scissor joints within a range of motion. In particular, the support structure can be repositioned within the body lumen or retrieved from the lumen. The support structure can be employed to introduce and support a prosthetic valve within a body lumen.

Abstract: A vascular band (1) comprises a biocompatible flexible material (2) and a plurality of radiopaque bars (4) extending transversely across the width of the material and spaced apart along the length of the biocompatible material. The bars provide some rigidity to the flexible material in the width direction thereby preventing buckling of the band in use and the radiopaque nature of the bars enable visualisation of a landing zone for a stent graft during deployment thereof. The bars can be crimped or woven, into the material. The band can be stitched, stapled, or hooked around a vessel.

Abstract: A stent delivery system and a method for implanting a stent are provided. The system includes an elongate shaft including a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending at least partially therethrough, and a stent-receiving portion on the distal shaft portion. The system also includes a stent positioned at the stent-receiving portion of the elongate shaft, the stent having a constrained configuration and an expanded configuration. Proximal and distal constraining members releasably connected to the stent and having a first position and a second position are also included. The proximal and distal constraining members cooperatively apply longitudinal tensile force to at least a portion of the stent with the proximal and distal constraining members each in the first position. A drive system configured to simultaneously move the proximal and distal constraining members is provided, including a threaded drive shaft in mechanical communication with a rotatable handle.

Abstract: A flared strain relief member for medical device delivery systems for stents, prosthetic valve devices, and other implantable articles inside a patient's body are provided. An elongate outer sheath has proximal and distal end portions defining a passageway, and the proximal end portion having an outer layer including melt bonding material. A strain relief member has a tubular first end portion of a first outer diameter and a flared second end portion of a greater second outer diameter. The strain relief member has an inner engaging surface that includes melt bonding material, at least a portion of which disposes concentrically about, and melt bonded to, the outer sheath proximal end portion melt bonding outer layer. The strain relief member second end portion is operatively coupled between a handle first connector and handle second connector. Methods of making a flared strain relief member for medical device delivery systems are also provided.

Abstract: A flexible shaft (28) to be inserted into a channel of a living body provided with a plurality of adjacently abutting cells (26), the walls (30) of which are formed from wall sections. For this reason the flexible shaft (28), which is particularly cost-effective to produce and which demonstrates high flexibility paired with ample stability, is constructed such that in at least one cell (26) in the cross-section of the wall (30) a concave wall section (44, 46, 48) is circumferentially alternated with a corresponding neighboring convex wall section (50, 52, 54).

Abstract: The invention is directed a delivery system for implantation a self-expanding medical device in a body which includes a control handle and a catheter portion. The catheter portion includes an outer restraining member which covers the collapsed, medical device, an inner catheter member having a distal end including a region upon which the medical device is mounted, and an outer sheath which is removably attached to the control handle. The outer sheath creates a conduit for the catheter portion to prevent the inner catheter member from moving axially when the outer restraining member is retracted. The control handle has a rotatable thumbwheel to actuate a retraction mechanism attached to the proximal end of the outer restraining member which moves the restraining member in a proximal direction to deploy the medical device.

Abstract: A delivery system may include a stent-graft, a locking member, and one or more diameter reducing members. The stent-graft may include a tubular graft comprising first and second longitudinally extending sides disposed opposite each other and connected at a tangent line. When the locking member is in a locked position, the locking member restrains a surface of the graft against the cannula. The first diameter reducing member may be slidably connected to a first portion of the graft that is disposed proximate the tangent line and may be slidably connected to a second portion of the graft that is spaced circumferentially away from the tangent line. When the first diameter reducing member is in a restrained position, the second portion of the graft is drawn toward the first portion of the graft and the proximal portion of the stent-graft has a reduced diameter configuration with at least two lobes.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing emboli from a vessel during an interventional procedure comprising a catheter. The catheter includes: an elongate member having a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a dilation element disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member, the dilation element having a contracted state and an expanded state; an occlusion element disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member, the occlusion element being disposed proximal of the dilation element, and the occlusion element having a contracted state and an expanded state; and one or more aspiration ports disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member, the one or more aspiration ports being in fluid communication with the lumen, and one or more of the aspiration ports being disposed proximal of the dilation element and distal of the occlusion element.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a self-expanding stent, an inner tube body which has a guide wire lumen, and a sheath which has the stent contained within the tip section thereof. The stent can be discharged by moving the sheath to the base end side relative to the inner tube body. The inner tube body is provided at a position within the base end section of the stent and is provided with an elastic member for pressing the stent in the direction to the sheath. The stent is gripped by the elastic member and the sheath and is adapted to be slidable relative to the sheath.

Abstract: A stent loading and delivery system, the delivery system comprising an inner elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, an intermediate elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end in sliding relationship to said inner elongate tubular member and an external elongate tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end in sliding relationship to said intermediate elongate tubular member, said intermediate elongate tubular member comprising a stop mechanism at its proximal end, wherein the stop mechanism prevents the external elongate tubular member from being slid past the stop mechanism when the external elongate tubular member is slid in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system comprises an inner tube, a medical device disposed about a portion of the distal region of the inner tube, a medical device sheath disposed about the medical device, a medical device sheath retraction device extending proximally from the medical device sheath and an outer sheath disposed about a portion of the medical device sheath retraction device. The distal end of the outer sheath terminates at least one medical device length proximal of the medical device. The medical device sheath is movable relative to the outer sheath and relative to the inner tube.

Abstract: A stent graft introducer (1) which includes a handle arrangement which by telescopic movement of a slide or slide portions (104, 106) into a handle portion (100) causes controlled sequential deployment of a stent graft (14). Stops (218,217, 218, 219) ensure actions are carried out in a selected order. A sheath (116) of the introducer is fixed to a slide portion such that with retraction of the slide portion the sheath is withdrawn from a stent graft retained on the introducer and at a selected position trigger wires retaining the stent graft onto the introducer are also released. Interconnections between the slides and the handle are provided to prevent relative rotation and re-extension after full retraction.

Abstract: A method for assembling a stent graft onto a balloon delivery catheter is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: assembling a graft over a stent with attached security rings and inserting the ends of the graft between the stent and the rings; placing the assembled stent graft on the delivery balloon of the delivery catheter; and crimping the stent graft onto the balloon. The stent may include a plurality of axially aligned belts that include a plurality of mid belts, and first and second end belts, where each of the mid belts includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced struts having first and second ends adjoining first sinusoidal-shaped elements, and each of the first and second end belts includes at least about twice the number of circumferentially spaced struts adjoining second sinusoidal-shaped elements. Also disclosed is a stent graft for use in practicing the method.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a catheter with an axially extending inner core and outer sheath. Axially spaced rings extending from a relatively narrow diameter portion of the inner core proximate the distal end thereof. The rings engage proximal portions of a compacted stent disposed within the sheath and over the core and rings. A proximal handle of the system has a first portion that supports the sheath and a second portion that supports the core for relative displacement of the core and the sheath. Retraction of the sheath relative to the core uncovers the stent engaged by the rings which tends to remain stationary relative to the core so that upon partial retraction of the sheath a distal end of the stent expands to its expanded form. Further retraction of the sheath deploys the stent, retracting the core returns the distal portion of the stent into the sheath.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant, a method and a device for determining the position of the implant. To improve the accuracy of determining the position it is proposed to provide a transponder on the implant suitable for determining the position.

Abstract: A stent delivery system which includes a stent delivery catheter, the stent delivery catheter having a stent mounting region, the stent mounting region having an inflatable portion. A stent is disposed about the stent mounting region, the stent having an unexpanded position and an expanded position. At least one stent retaining sleeve is also included having first and second ends, the first end being attached to the stent delivery catheter, the at least one stent retaining sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the stent in the unexpanded position, the stent retaining sleeve being constructed and arranged to retract toward the attached first end when the stent is expanded.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems, clip members for use with stent delivery systems, and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner shaft having a distal region. A stent may be disposed about the distal region. A deployment sheath may be slidably disposed about the inner shaft. A handle may be coupled to the inner shaft. The handle may include a clip member having a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The inner shaft may extend through the first holding portion and the second holding portion. A holding cuff may be thermally bonded to the inner shaft. The holding cuff may be positioned between the first holding portion and the second holding portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoluminal prosthesis to be deployed at a vessel bifurcation, comprising a one-piece graft sleeve with a branching portion, defining a first prosthesis lumen and having, in its deployed state, a first diameter, said branching portion being reinforced by stent elements, and a trunk portion, defining a second prosthesis lumen in fluid communication with said first prosthesis lumen and having, in its deployed state, a second diameter. Said trunk portion is essentially free from reinforcing stent-material (FIG. 4).

Abstract: An endovascular sealing stent-graft is configured to initially be positioned in a delivery catheter in a radially-compressed state, and to assume a radially-expanded state upon being deployed from the delivery catheter. The stent-graft includes a structural member, which includes a plurality of structural stent elements, and which, when the stent-graft assumes the radially-expanded state, has a generally tubular shape, and is shaped so as to define at least two elongated indentations, each of which extends rostrally to a rostral end of the structural member, and is tapered in a caudal direction until the indentation converges with the generally tubular shape of the structural member, and each of which has an axial length of at least 2 cm. The stent-graft further includes a fluid flow guide, which is coupled to at least a portion of the structural member, and covers at least a portion of each of the elongated indentations.