Abstract: An intravascular stent assembly for implantation in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, is designed to treat a lesion with vulnerable plaque by reducing the fibrous cap stresses. A polymeric sleeve having first and second ends interconnects a first metallic stent and a second metallic stent. The first end is bonded to a distal end region of the first stent and the second end to a proximal end region of the second stent. The polymeric sleeve can be loaded with a therapeutic drug or agent to further control local thrombosis and/or induce healing if the plaque fibrous cap ruptures during or after implantation. Methods of making an intravascular stent assembly for the treatment of vulnerable plaque are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a self-expanding stent graft within a segment of a body vessel having a branch vessel extending therefrom. The graft includes one or more self-expanding stents for anchoring the graft to the vessel wall and has a stent-free body portion positionable across the branch vessel. The graft delivery system includes an expandable fenestration support structure at the distal end thereof that is positioned within the graft during delivery. Once the graft has been delivered and expanded into apposition with the vessel wall, the support structure may be expanded therein to press the unsupported body portion of the graft against the branch vessel such that a separate puncture device may be delivered to create a fenestration in the graft for perfusion of the branch vessel. In addition, the expanded fenestration support structure reduces any wrinkles in the graft without a secondary procedure.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system and method of use including a delivery system for a stent graft having a runner; a stent graft blank having at least one non-stented portion, the stent graft blank being positionable over the runner; and a stent graft cover having a stent graft cutter disposed in a distal end of the stent graft cover, the stent graft cover being slidably positionable over the stent graft blank. The stent graft cutter is heatable to cut the stent graft blank at the at least one non-stented portion to form the stent graft.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices and methods for the delivery of medical implants. A distal end portion of the implant is coupled with a delivery device by surface friction between the implant and an underlying surface such that the distal end portion is frictionally locked and maintained in the appropriate position and state prior to delivery. When positioned within the patient at the proper location, the state of frictional lock can be released to free the distal end portion of the implant from the delivery device.

Abstract: A method of delivering a tubular endoluminal graft through a body lumen in which the graft is expanded and temporarily held in place by an expandable support structure at the distal end of a graft delivery system until staples from an endovascular stapling device can be delivered to permanently secure the graft to the vessel wall. The support structure radially expands to radially expand the graft against a vessel wall. The support structure holds the graft in place while a stapling device is delivered between the outer shaft and the radially expanded graft. The stapling device delivers one or more staples for attaching the graft to the vessel wall. Once the graft is attached to the vessel wall, it is disconnected from the support structure so that the support structure may be radially contracted and the delivery system may be removed.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an implantable stented device to a lumen of a patient, the delivery system including an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a driver mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the elongated body, an elongated threaded rod located axially distal to the driver mechanism, and a sheath including an elongated tubular portion having a hollow interior portion with a first diameter that is sized for compression and retention of the implantable stented device in a compressed configuration for delivery to a body lumen.

Abstract: A stent and a delivery system for implanting the stent in a body lumen is disclosed. The stent is made from a superelastic alloy such as nickel-titanium or nitinol, and includes a ternary element in order to minimize the stress hysteresis of the superelastic material. The stress hysteresis is defined by the difference between the loading plateau stress and the unloading plateau stress of the superelastic material. The resulting delivery system has a small profile and includes a sheath covering the stent that has a thin wall.

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: The present invention relates to medical techniques, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for delivery of endovasular devices, such as grafts or stent-grafts, and their oversew fixation to the walls of blood vessels in direction from inside these vessels to their outer surface. There is proposed an apparatus for delivery and oversew fixation of grafts or stent-grafts. the apparatus comprises a tubular body with an expandable working head at the free end having eight cartridges, each of them being provided by one basic and at least one standby fastener means, substantially U-shaped staples, a control mechanism, as well as first and second connecting means. The apparatus is also provided with means for positioning inside a blood vessel. Besides, there is proposed a method for delivery and fixation of a graft or stent-graft to the wall of a blood vessel, substantially the aorta, from inside the latter.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery arrangement for a stent graft (50) has a proximal end to be deployed into a patient in use and a distal end to remain outside the patient. The stent graft (50) is a tubular body of a biocompatible graft material with a plurality of self expanding stents (54). The stent graft is releasably retained onto the delivery device (132) towards the proximal end thereof. A curve forming arrangement (56) on the stent graft is arranged to curve a portion of the stent graft towards its proximal end. A pulling arrangement (58) extends along the delivery device. The pulling arrangement releasably engages the curve forming arrangement such that pulling on the pulling arrangement causes the a curve forming arrangement on the stent graft to form a curve in a portion of the stent graft towards the proximal end.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided for releasing a medical device within a body cavity. The delivery system may be used in an intravascular procedure to implant a self-expandable stent. A helical structure on the shaft of the delivery system engages the inner surface of the stent. As a result, the stent may be released by rotating the shaft relative to the stent which pushes the stent forward from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A branch graft stent system includes a tubular primary graft having a branch graft opening which when deployed is located in alignment with a side branch vessel emanating from the primary vessel in which a branch graft is deployed. A connector (flange) member forms a perimeter of the branch graft opening and is constructed so that the connector member is substantially flush with the wall of the tubular primary graft. The tubular branch graft has a first expandable ring and a second expandable ring spaced apart from each other as part of a connection section located at a proximal end of the tubular branch graft.

Abstract: A method of deploying an implantable stented device in an anatomical location of a patient, including the steps of providing a delivery system with first and second stent engagement structures at its distal end, attaching a first structural element of the stented device to the first stent engagement structure and attaching a second structural element of the stented device to the second stent engagement structure, advancing the stented device to an implantation site, and sequentially disengaging the first structural element of the stented device from the first stent engagement structure of the delivery system and then disengaging the second structural element of the stented device from the second stent engagement structure.

Abstract: According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed an improved hot balloon catheter delivery system for shape memory tubular stents is disclosed. An outer sheath is provided on the delivery system that facilitates stent placement on a balloon during delivery through an endoscope. In one embodiment, the stent may be positioned between radiopaque markers/electrodes and the balloon may be heated. The stent may be prevented from moving proximally relative to the catheter as the delivery system is tracked through the patient's anatomical passageways. The outer sheath may be positioned to ride over the proximal cone of the hot balloon catheter and abut the proximal end of the stent to facilitate proper alignment of the balloon for deployment. Upon deployment of the stent in an appropriate position, the sheath may be pulled away from the stent to expose the proximal cone of the balloon and thereby allow balloon and stent expansion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dilatation and stent delivery device which tracks over two guidewires. One guidewire is disposed in each branch vessel of a bifurcation. The present invention provides a dilatation and stent delivery device which enables efficient and accurate stent deployment and dilatation of bifurcation lesions.

Abstract: Storage and loading systems for expandable intraluminal medical devices are described. The systems include a container that defines an opening that tapers from a relatively large first diameter to a relatively small second diameter. A neck region includes structure adapted to engage an outer sheath of a delivery system such that an intraluminal medical device within the chamber of the container can be advanced through the tapered opening to effect compression of the intraluminal medical device and, ultimately, loading of the device into the delivery system. Methods of preparing and intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described.

Abstract: A deployment system for introducing stent grafts which have a side arm or into which a side arm can be deployed. For instance the stent graft can be deployed into the thoracic arch of a patient. The deployment system including an introducer (1), an auxiliary catheter (13) disposed within the introducer and an auxiliary guide wire (14) disposed within the auxiliary catheter. The auxiliary guide wire extends to adjacent the proximal end (6) of the introducer and can be extended from the proximal end of the introducer so that it can be snared from a side branch artery (56) to assist with deployment of a side arm (23) of the stent graft into the side artery or for the deployment of a side arm stent graft into the stent graft.

Abstract: All metal stent grafts and covered stents having either a single structural supporting stent member with concentrically positioned graft members on the luminal and abluminal surfaces of the stent member or a single graft member with concentrically positioned structural supporting stent members on the luminal and abluminal surfaces of the graft member are provided.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a bifurcated intracorporeal device. The delivery system comprises a shaft having a distal section supporting a primary support member positioned to be disposed within at least a primary portion of the bifurcated intracorporeal device and a secondary support member extending within a secondary portion of the bifurcated intracorporeal device. At least one belt is configured to be circumferentially disposed about a portion of the secondary support member so to at least partially constrain the secondary portion of the bifurcated intracorporeal device. A tube defining a lumen is secured relative to the secondary support member. A release member is configured to engage and releasably secure the belt in a constraining configuration. The release member extends through at least a portion of the tube lumen such that the release member is accessible adjacent a proximal end of the tube.

Abstract: An anchoring balloon of an anchoring balloon catheter is advanced through the branch vessel to be adjacent to the main stent graft within a main vessel. The anchoring balloon is inflated to center an inner member of the anchoring balloon catheter within the branch vessel and to anchor the anchoring balloon within the branch vessel. A needle assembly is advanced to pierce the graft material of the main stent graft with a needle forming a needle hole in the graft material. A dilator assembly is advanced to dilate the needle hole with a dilator.

Abstract: A stent introducer has a delivery sheath positioned to restrain a self expandable stent. A pull wire is connected with the delivery sheath and extends through a pull wire lumen to enable remote retraction of the delivery sheath. The distal end of the pull wire lumen is associated with a region of weakness in the structure such that the region of weakness is torn on retraction of the delivery sheath.

Abstract: Delivery systems and methods for delivering modular endovascular graft devices that allow one portion of the repair device to be deployed while maintaining control of the other portions. One system includes an elongate inner member including an anchor stop ring, the anchor stop ring including a plurality of recesses, each sized to receive a portion of the trunk portion and embedding portion of a respective hook in the delivery configuration, each embedding portion extending radially outwardly at an acute angle relative to the trunk portion in the delivery configuration. The delivery systems are simpler to use, easier to manufacture and facilitate better packing of the repair device.

Abstract: A stent loading device may comprise a stent crimping device, a fluid source and a support device arranged to support and move a stent delivery device. The fluid source may provide chilled fluid capable of placing a shape memory material into a martensitic state. After stent crimping, as the crimping device opens, the fluid flow may advance at least a portion of the stent into the delivery device. A step procedure may be used to move the rest of the stent into the delivery device, wherein the delivery device may be moved away from the crimping device, the portion of the stent still in the crimping device may be crimped again, and the delivery device may be moved back to its original position, thereby stepping another portion of the stent into the delivery device. The step procedure may be repeated until the entire stent is oriented within the delivery device.

Abstract: A vascular conduit device and a delivery system for intraoperative repair damaged portion of an artery or vein and methods of use are provided. The device has a cylindrical body and may include a shaped member, such as a microbarb, configured to anchor into the tunica intima and the tunica media of the vessel wall, and not to the tunic adventitia and vasa vasorum. Various configurations and orientations of the microbarbs are provided, including microbarbs that are preferably aligned at an acute angle in the range of about 5 to 30 degrees and having a substantially parallel surface. The delivery system preferably has a translatable dilator tip that when retracted is configured to engage with the device during delivery. When the dilator tip is extended, the device can be implanted into the vessel wall. The vascular conduit device can be assembled during the emergency open surgical procedure.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent delivery assembly includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a distal region, a lumen, and a longitudinal axis. A retractable sheath having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end is co-axially disposed around the shaft distal region. A stent is disposed co-axially between the shaft and the retractable sheath. A tubular tapered tip is affixed to the retractable sheath distal end. The tubular tapered tip has an elongate region predisposed to fracturing. Methods of delivering a self-expanding stent are also described.

Abstract: A vascular graft includes an elongated main body portion, a first sewing ring, a second sewing ring, and a third sewing ring. The elongated main body portion includes a first end defining a first opening, a second end defining a second opening, and an aperture defined by a perimeter. The first sewing ring is securely attached to the perimeter of the aperture. The second sewing ring is securely attached to the first end of the main body portion adjacent the first opening. The third sewing ring is securely attached to the second end of the main body portion adjacent the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wire guide having a variable stiffness region that may be selectively adjusted to vary the stiffness along a portion of the wire guide. The wire guide generally comprises an outer core member and an inner core member, wherein the inner core member is disposed for longitudinal movement with respect to the outer core member. The outer core member is attached to a proximal end of a coiled member, while the inner core member is attached to the coiled member at an attachment region between proximal and distal ends of the coiled member. In operation, distal advancement of the outer core member with respect to the inner core member causes the coiled member to compress at a location between the proximal end of the coiled member and the attachment region, thereby selectively increasing the stiffness along a portion of the length of the wire guide.

Abstract: A prosthesis, introducer device and a method for repair of an aortic aneurysm which is positioned at least partially in the ascending aorta (62). The prosthesis (3) has a proximal end (15) and a distal end (5) and is formed from a biocompatible material, the proximal end is adapted to be surgically fastened adjacent and around the aortic heart valve (60) of a patient and the distal end is adapted to extend into the descending aorta (66). The distal end has a distally extending exposed self-expanding stent (9). The introducer device can be deployed through an incision (75) in the thoracic arch (64) and extend down the descending aorta to place the distal end of the prosthesis first and then removed so that the proximal end of the prosthesis can be sutured in place around the aortic heart valve (60).

Abstract: A endovascular graft having sensing devices attached thereto to facilitate measurement of pertinent parameters within the vasculature into which the graft is implanted. Power sources and transmitters may be attached to the graft to facilitate transmission of measurements to a receiving device outside the patient's body. The sensing devices, may be electrically passive or integrated devices with measurement and transmission capability. The sensing devices may be attached to specific locations on the graft material or attached to the lumen, thereby providing pertinent parameters from critical points inside the vasculature, or may be dispersed over the surface of the graft material or within the lumen to provide a profile of pertinent parameters. The sensing devices may be attached to the graft material with one or two sutures using a running stitch to minimize graft bulk and may be coated with a material to inhibit or control tissue growth.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the diameter of a mammalian hybrid coronary bypass graft. The system includes a controller having at least one input for receiving information and feedback information and an output for outputting control signals, including at least one steady flow system control signal; and a pressure/flow loop subsystem coupled to the controller. The pressure/flow loop subsystem includes a specimen holder, an external flow loop system coupled to the specimen holder, a steady flow system, and an output for outputting the feedback information. The pressure/flow loop subsystem receives the control signals and is capable of adjusting a diameter of a specimen in accordance with the control signals, when the specimen holder contains the specimen.

Abstract: A system for percutaneously introducing a prosthetic valve into a patient's vasculature comprises a balloon dilatation catheter, a prosthetic valve mounted coaxial to the dilatation balloon, and a pusher member comprising a longitudinally extending tubular member encompassing the shaft of the catheter. The distal end of the pusher member preferably corresponds to the proximal end of the stent component of the prosthetic valve. The pusher member provides enhanced longitudinal pushability for facilitating advancement of the prosthetic valve to a treatment site. The system is well-suited for advancing a prosthetic valve or other medical device through an introducer sheath having a relatively small inner diameter. The introducer sheath may be formed with a tapered proximal end portion for receiving the prosthetic valve and for reducing a diameter of the prosthetic valve during advancement therethrough.

Abstract: A method of temporarily reducing the diameter of a stent graft (10) and a stent graft with its diameter reduced. The stent graft has a tubular body and self expanding stents.

Abstract: A device, system and methods for a minimally invasive bypass procedure, includes a graft having a supporting segment, an extending segment and a bypass segment. The supporting segment includes a flexible portion and a supporting member, and the extending segment includes a flexible portion and a supporting member. The extending segment has an initial configuration wherein it is unextended and a final configuration wherein it is extended proximally into the vessel. The bypass segment is positioned outside of the vessel to be treated, and the supporting segment is positioned within the vessel and distal to the incision. Once the supporting segment and the supporting member are anchored in place, the extending segment is extended proximally past the incision site. Thus, the supporting segment and the extending segment are substantially aligned, and allow for blood flow through the vessel while also providing blood flow around an obstruction via the bypass segment.

Abstract: A stent graft for animal or human implantation and method of delivery thereof. The device stent graft employs a first component having an axial passage communicating with the axial cavities of a second leg and longer first leg. A separate leg extension is engageable to the second leg. A first catheter engages the first component for translation to the implantation site and a second catheter engaged with the first is provided with a pre-positioned guide wire inside the second leg which may be employed to easily position a guide wire for engagement of the second leg with the leg extension.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic conduit delivery device (1) comprises first and second separately manipulable introducers (3, 5) with a laparoscopic conduit (80) having first and second ends (83, 84) and an intermediate portion being mounted onto the introducers in a substantially U shape. The first end and a first portion of the laparoscopic conduit is retained onto the first introducer and the second end and a second portion of the laparoscopic conduit is retained on the second introducer and the intermediate portion extends between the first and second introducers. A main sheath (42) is over the first and second introducers. The endoscopic or laparoscopic conduit delivery device is introduced to a body cavity through an endoscopic or laparoscopic port (50).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an endoluminal graft which is both expandable and supportive is provided in a form suitable for use in a branched body vessel location. The graft expands between a first diameter and a second, larger diameter. The support component is an expandable stent endoprosthesis. A liner is applied to the endoprosthesis in the form of a compliant wall material that is porous and biocompatible in order to allow normal cellular invasion upon implantation, without stenosis, when the expandable and supportive graft is at its second diameter. The supportive endoluminal graft is preferably provided as a plurality of components that are deployed separately at the branching body vessel location, one of which has a longitudinal seam defining leg portions within which the other components fit in a telescoping manner.

Abstract: A method of deploying a prosthesis includes engaging a hub assembly of a handle to a threaded outer surface of a slide shaft of the handle; rotating the hub assembly to cause axial translation of the hub assembly and a sheath coupled to the hub assembly to initiate deployment of the prosthesis; disengaging the hub assembly from the threaded outer surface by pivoting a thread tooth of the hub assembly out of threaded engagement with the threaded outer surface; and sliding the hub assembly on the slide shaft to further retract the sheath and complete deployment of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A medical device system includes a catheter, an expandable prosthesis over the catheter, and a holding material between the catheter and the prosthesis. The holding material initially holds the prosthesis over the catheter.

Abstract: A primary and branch graft deployment delivery system (70) comprises a primary graft (72) having a branch port opening or member (75), a retractable primary sheath containing the primary graft, an outer tube (60) within the retractable primary sheath and within the primary graft, an inner tube (61) within the outer tube, a cap (54 or 71) coupled to the inner tube and configured to retain at least a portion of a proximal area (73) of the primary graft in a radially compressed configuration. The system further comprises a branch graft (89) advanceable through the branch graft port member and further comprising a snap connector member (90) associated with the branch graft, the snap connector member being configured to frictionally engage the port member, the engagement of the snap connector to the port member forms a connection between the proximal end of the branch graft and the primary graft.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus, tissue-engineered vessel and a method of using the tissue-engineered vessel are provided for the connection of two adjacent blood vessels. In some embodiments, the tissue engineered vessel may be affixed to a stent, or a stent may be inserted into an area to be treated first, and then the tissue-engineered vessel may be affixed to the stent. The tissue-engineered vessel may include a living adventitia, a decellularized internal membrane, and/or an endothelium.

Abstract: A surgical delivery system that has particular application for providing bone graft material to an interbody device that restores disc space height during spinal fusion surgery. The bone graft delivery system includes a body portion and a shaft coupled thereto. An auger extends through a bore in the shaft and into the body portion. An end of the shaft opposite to the body portion is configured to be coupled to the interbody device, where the auger extends through a channel in the interbody device. Bone graft material is placed in a hopper coupled to the shaft, where the auger is manually or automatically rotated to deliver the bone graft material through the shaft and into the interbody device where it is dispersed into the disc space.

Abstract: A modular aortic stent graft and a modular branched stent graft, expandable between a compressed condition and an expanded condition, for assembling with each other at the treatment area of an aneurysm. The aortic stent graft includes at least one axial opening for receiving a branched segment of the branched stent graft. The branched stent graft includes a branched segment extending from an aortic segment thereof. The aortic segment of the branched stent graft is disposed inside the aortic stent graft, while the branched segment is disposed through the opening of the aortic stent graft in the expanded condition. A set of aortic stent grafts and branched stent grafts are provided in various dimensions to cater the needs for different patients.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating securement of a vascular graft within a blood vessel, includes a shaft dimensioned for passage within a blood vessel and having an expansion member movable between a contracted condition and an expanded condition and a fastener array comprising at least one fastener disposed about a peripheral portion of the expansion member. The one fastener is deployable into a wall of the blood vessel upon movement of the expansion member to the expanded condition thereof, to thereby engage the vascular graft to secure the vascular graft to a wall of the blood vessel. The fastener array preferably includes a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners may be operatively connected to each other and releasably secured to the peripheral portion of the expansion member.

Abstract: A retention system for retaining a stent graft (13) onto a deployment device (1) in which the stent graft has an exposed stent (11) at at least one end. The deployment device has a capsule (7) to receive the exposed stent during deployment and an arrangement to move the capsule to release the exposed stent when required. A release wire (17) associated with the deployment device engages a portion (19) of the exposed stent within the capsule to retain the exposed stent in the capsule. At least one retention loop (25) on the stent graft is connected around the release wire to prevent removal of the capsule from the exposed stent until the release wire has been removed from its engagement with the exposed stent within the capsule and the retention loop is released.

Abstract: An articulated device for advancing a medical implant along a catheter comprises a plurality of segments (1, 12) arranged one after the other in line, each segment being hingeably connected to a single adjacent segment if it is at the end of the line and otherwise to two adjacent segments, whereby a medical implant mounted at one end of the device can be advanced through a catheter by pushing on the other end of the device, the hinged connections allowing the device to follow a curved path through the catheter.

Abstract: A delivery system for endoluminal deployment of a stent inside of a biocompatible graft cover minimizes obstruction of endoluminal fluid flow during deployment. The delivery system includes a stent sheath, a compressed stent underlying the stent sheath, and a graft overlying the stent sheath and releasably retained in a compressed state surrounding the sheath. The graft distal end is attached to the stent at or proximal the stent distal end, and the graft outer surface is exposed to the interior space of the lumen during deployment. The proximal end of the graft may be attached to the stent sheath by a releasable attachment adapted for release during deployment of the stent, or may be otherwise constrained, such as by heat deformation, to remain adjacent the outer circumference of the stent prior to deployment. The releasable attachment may be a suture that is severed by a pusher having a cutter therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel, wherein a vascular filter is disposed on a guide wire, the vascular filter having a support hoop disposed from a suspension strut so as to permit lateral eccentric displacement of the support hoop relative to a longitudinal axis of the guide wire. A blood permeable sac is affixed to the support hoop to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The support hoop is disposed obliquely relative to the guide wire and is capable of being properly used in a wide range of vessel diameters. The support hoop collapses the mouth of the blood permeable sac during removal of the vascular filter to prevent material from escaping from the sac. A delivery sheath and introducer sheath for use with the vascular filter of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical tool or applier facilitates laparoscopic or endoscopic implantation through a single bodily tissue lumen of an anastomotic ring device for forming a hollow rivet type of attachment between tissue lumens. In addition to forming a puncture between apposite tissue walls at the anastomosis site, the applier assists or wholly actuates the anastomotic ring device and is retracted to deploy the actuated ring device. Illumination incorporated into a distal portion of a cannula enables confirmation of deployment.

Abstract: A controlled stent-graft deployment delivery system (10 50 or 900) includes a stent-graft (30 or 63), a retractable primary sheath (40) containing the stent-graft in a first constrained diameter configuration, an outer tube (18) within the retractable primary sheath and within the stent-graft, and an inner tube (20) within the outer tube, where the inner tube and the outer tube both axially move relative to the retractable primary sheath and to each other. The system further includes a cap (15) coupled to a distal end of the inner tube and configured to retain at least a portion of a proximal area of the stent-graft in a radially compressed configuration. A distal assembly (100) provides controlled relative axial movement between the outer tube and the inner tube enabling the release of the proximal end (65, 67, 68, and 69) of the stent-graft from the cap and from the radially compressed configuration.