Abstract: The invention relates to a manifold for mixing biomedical fluids having superior stability and minimal susceptibility to clotting.

Abstract: A graft deployment system, comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body, having a proximal end and a distal end and comprising an outer sheath and an inner core that is axially moveable with respect to the outer sheath. A main vessel graft restraint comprising a first peelable cover for restrains a main vessel portion of a graft. In a bifurcated graft, a first branch vessel graft restraint restrains a first branch vessel portion of the graft. A second branch vessel graft restraint restrains a second branch vessel portion of the graft. The first peelable cover is coupled to a main branch release element and wherein each of the main vessel graft restraint, first branch vessel graft restraint, and the second branch vessel graft restraint are positioned within the catheter body in a graft loaded condition.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon occlusion device according to the invention is shown. The device is ideally suited for use in a coronary artery bypass graft procedure. The device includes a body having at least one selectively inflated balloon provided on the distal end thereof. Preferably, the body is a closed end body so that fluid can only flow from the proximal end of the body into the balloon. In use, the distal end of the body and the balloon are inserted into an aperture provided in the aorta. The balloon is inflated and then the device is retracted until the balloon seats against the incision or aperture in the aorta, thereby effectively sealing the aperture from the blood flow through the aorta, but not occluding blood flow through the body of the aorta itself. Next, the graft vessel is telescopically positioned on the occlusion device and mounted to the aorta. Once the vessel is secured thereto, the balloon is deflated and then the occlusion device is retracted from both the aorta and the graft vessel.

Abstract: A first balloon catheter having a tip extends through the stem portion and first leg portion of a first expandable tubular member and a second balloon catheter having a tip through said stem portion and extends out of a branch aperture such that its tip is longer than that of the first balloon catheter. The first, expandable tubular member, first balloon catheter and second balloon catheter are delivered to a bifurcated vessel having a first lumen and a second lumen with the tip of the second balloon catheter leading the rest of the elements so that the tip of said second balloon catheter can be aligned with and enter into the second lumen before the first expandable tubular member and the tip of said first balloon catheter reach the area of said second lumen and interfere with the second balloon catheter.

Abstract: A self-expanding stent delivery system and method is provided where the self-expanding stent is loaded in a catheter and is held in a collapsed position over a balloon. The stent is deployed and then the balloon may be used for post-dilitation. After the stent is released the balloon is substantially aligned in position for post-dilitation. In one embodiment, the balloon working length is substantially the same as the deployed stent length so that balloon dilitation outside the length of the stent and potential healthy tissue damage is minimized. In another embodiment, the balloon working length is shorter than the deployed stent length and the post dilitation is accomplished by positioning and inflating the balloon in a plurality of iterations.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying a graft having attachment means in the vessel of an animal body. The system contains a proximal capsule means and a distal capsule means, wherein the graft is disposed within the two capsule means and a removable sheath covers the graft and capsule means. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having superior and inferior ends, having attachment means with wall engaging members secured thereto. The balloon catheter is disposed within the capsule catheter to provide relative movement between the balloon catheter and the capsule catheter, whereby the graft can be removed from the capsule means. The balloon is inflated to firmly implant the graft and attachment means within the vessel. The graft and attachment means remain in the vessel after the intraluminal grafting system is withdrawn.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning an article, such as a graft or catheter, in a subcutaneous tunnel between skin and muscle tissue of a patient. The system comprises a tunneling tool, a pair of nested tubes coupleable to a trailing end of the tunnel tool, and a flexible article which can be slidably received within the pair of nested tubes. The nested tubes each have a leading end, a trailing end, and a longitudinal opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to removable, essentially cylindrical implants which are characterized in that they can be reduced in diameter and are wrapped once or several times at one or more levels by one or more elastic, thin wire-shaped structure(s) (2a, 2b) which include(s) a catch device (3a, 3b) at least on one end thereof.

Abstract: A two-layered fenestrated vascular graft is provided for repair of diseased, damaged or aneurismal blood vessels. The fenestrated vascular graft is configured to be delivered transluminally and implanted within the lumen of a native blood vessel using catheter-based minimally-invasive surgical techniques. The vascular graft is fenestrated or perforated to facilitate making a fluid connection or anastomosis with one or more of the sidebranches of the vessel into which it is implanted. The vascular graft is adapted for implantation into blood vessels, such as the aorta, having tributary vessels or sidebranches along the section of the blood vessel to be repaired without occluding or obscuring the sidebranches. Methods are described for implanting the vascular graft into a patient's aorta for repairing thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms and for making a fluid connection or anastomosis with the tributary vessels or sidebranches of the aorta, such as the renal, hepatic and mesenteric arteries.

Abstract: A low profile, abdominal aortic aneurysm exclusion device with iliac vessel extensions. A sectional, bifurcated stent forms part of an endoluminal prosthesis to eliminate or reduce the risk of rupture of aortic aneurysms. An apparatus and a method for introducing the bifurcated stent in sections into the vasculature and assembling the sections in situ to form a “scaffold” for introduction of material to re-endothelialize and/or occlude the aneurysm cavity. After trans-stent embolization of the aneurysm cavity with thrombogenic material, laminar flow stimulates endothelialization of the stent lumen. Subsequent organization and fibrosis of the persistent thrombus reinforces the wire-mesh or etched metal tubular scaffold comprising the stent and serves to stabilize and shrink the aneurysm. A single stent deployed with the same method may be used in non-bifurcated vessels.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a catheter and a method for delivering a stentless bloprosthesis in a body channel, the method comprising percutaneously introducing a catheter into the body channel, wherein the catheter contains said stentless bloprosthesis at a retracted state; and disengaging said stentless bioprosthesis out of a distal opening of the catheter by a pulling mechanism associated with the catheter structure.

Abstract: A system and method for exclusion of an aneurysm of an aortic arch region using a graft delivery system capable of maneuvering around an aortic arch, an aortic arch graft, and an occluder system for isolating an aneurysm while occluding one or more corresponding arteries, and with bypass of those arteries being performed using one or more selected bypass grafts. The graft may be branched or branchless. The graft delivery system has a flexible sheath that is manipulated manually with the aid of a guidance system. A hoist delivery system may also be provided. The occluder system may comprise independent occluders with one or more anchor members adjacent to one end. Alternatively, the occluders can be provided as part of the aortic arch graft, either as a built-in singular self-deploying occluder or as built-in multiple occluders. A kit is also provided containing a graft, stents, occluders, and optional delivery system.

Abstract: A liner is advanced through a narrowed region in a vessel such as the internal carotid artery. The liner is advanced through the narrowed region in a collapsed position. A stent is then advanced through the liner and expanded to open the narrowed region. The liner may also have an anchor which expands an end of the liner before the stent is introduced.

Abstract: An implantable valve having a valve element or leaflet and a base that is attachable to a vessel wall using a connector such as a screw, pin or a staple. The valve can be implanted using a catheter to position the valve in a desired location and drive the connector into the vessel wall. The valve can be used as a venous valve to control blood flow within the veins, arteries, heart or the aorta of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are a blood vessel graft and a graft introducer, the graft having a main body and first and second stents each mounted on an end of the main body, the graft introducer including an insertion tube member in which the blood vessel graft main body and the first stent member are inserted in a state where they are contracted, a first pusher member into which the second stent member is inserted in a state where it is contracted, the first pusher member being movably inserted into the insertion tube member to push the first stent member and the blood vessel graft main body out of the insertion tube member, and a second pusher member in which a catheter passing through the introducer is inserted, the second pusher member being movably inserted into the pusher member to push the second stent member inserted in the first pusher member out of the insertion tube member, thereby disposing the blood vessel graft in the blood vessel.

Abstract: A device is provided for endoluminal delivery of a luminal graft. As applied in the vascular system, the device comprises a catheter configured to be advanced endovascularly to a graft location. A generally tubular temporary stent having a distal end and a proximal end is tapered and attached to the catheter at the proximal end. The temporary stent comprises helically braided thread members that expand radially outwardly to a maximum diameter in a resting state. The temporary stent terminates in discrete ends temporarily affixed to the graft at the distal end. A tubular sheath selectively and reversibly radially constrains the temporary stent. The sheath is configured to be longitudinally moveable relative the temporary stent to constrain and reconstrain the temporary stent when positioned over the temporary stent, and to release the temporary stent when withdrawn from over the temporary stent.

Abstract: A stent and a method of making it from a wire, which method includes winding the wire on a mandrel, heating to form a coiled spring, and reversing the winding direction of the coiled spring to form the reversed coiled spring stent. The stent so formed may be reheated over a special mandrel so as to partly relax the outer portion of some or all of the stent coils. The stent may be made up of two or more sections, with adjoining section wound in opposite senses. Such a stent may be deployed by winding the stent onto a catheter, immobilizing the two ends of the wire and one or more intermediate points, bringing the stent to the location where it is to be deployed, and releasing first the intermediate point or points and then the end points. The release of the wire may be accomplished by heating the thread immobilizing the wire so that the thread breaks and releases the wire.

Abstract: A stent/graft deployment catheter which deploys a stent/graft by pulling it out of its delivery sheath rather than pushing it out. The stent/graft deployment catheter comprises a tip capable of positively engaging a distal end of a stent/graft. Said tip houses a pair of ball bearings which engage a notch in the inner surface of the stent/graft when the inner lumen is occupied by a guide wire.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying in the vessel of an animal body a bifurcated graft having a plurality of attachment systems. The deployment catheters contain an ipsilateral capsule assembly, a contralateral capsule assembly and a distal capsule assembly, wherein the attachment systems of the bifurcated graft are disposed within the three capsule assemblies. A removable sheath of the capsule jacket assembly covers the bifurcated graft and capsule assemblies to provide a smooth transition along the length of the deployment catheters. The bifurcated graft is comprised of a main tubular member and two tubular legs, having attachment systems with wall engaging members secured to the superior end of the main tubular member and the inferior ends of the tubular legs. An inflatable membrane configured on the balloon catheter is used to firmly implant the attachment systems within the vessel.

Abstract: An instrument for introducing a vascular aid into a vessel during surgery comprises two L-shaped elements, first releasable means for locking the two L-shaped elements so as to form a T-shaped element having a stem and two oppositely directed arms, and second releasable means for connecting said vascular aid along said arms. The free ends of the arms each have a notch and the second releasable means comprises a thread to be passed through each of said notches and around said vascular aid and the adjacent arm. As a result, the vascular aid may be introduced into the vessel through a longitudinal incision therein. The first and second releasable means may then be released and the two L-shaped elements may be retracted from the vessel.

Abstract: A method for relining a blood vessel. A tubular liner of biocompatible material, having an anchoring device connected to a distal end thereof, is inserted into a blood vessel using a delivery system. The delivery system may include a removable hub that is initially attached to the tubular liner and a hollow tip that is positioned over the anchoring device. The tip is positioned at a predetermined location and the anchoring device is removed from the tip, contacting a wall of the blood vessel. The liner is attached to the blood vessel following separation from the hub and removal of the delivery system from the blood vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for relining a blood vessel, including a tubular liner of biocompatible material and an anchoring device connected to a distal end thereof. The proximal end of the tubular liner is configured for attachment to a blood vessel following delivery of the apparatus to the blood vessel. The apparatus can include a delivery system, preferably having a removable hub that is initially attached to the tubular liner and a hollow tip that is positioned over the anchoring device.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to facilitate the natural formation of a connection between tissue structures within the body. Certain of the subject methods provide for the formation on an anastomotic site between a graft vessel and a native vessel, such as vessels of the cardiovasculature, peripheral vasculature and neurovasculature, angiogenic, by means of facilitating angiogenic and/or arteriogenic processes at one or more selected points of contact or close proximity between the vessels. The subject devices include a mechanism for positioning or situating one vessel adjacent to another vessel, in situ, wherein a selected portion of each vessel is in contact or in close proximity with the other vessel such that a natural bond is formed between the outer tissue surfaces of the vessels at the point of contact or close proximity followed by the naturally occurring angiogenic and/or arteriogenic processes of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deployment catheter for deploying a tubular endoluminal vascular prosthesis, useful in treating, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The deployment catheter includes a proximal tubular section and a distal tubular section which are axially movable in opposite directions to deploy a prosthesis. A central core extends throughout the proximal tubular section and into the distal tubular section. A reinforcing structure is carried by the central core, spanning the junction between the proximal tubular section and distal tubular section, to improve flexibility characteristics of the catheter. In one embodiment, the proximal tubular section and/or distal tubular section are rotationally linked to the central core.

Abstract: A two-layered fenestrated vascular graft is provided for repair of diseased, damaged or aneurismal blood vessels. The fenestrated vascular graft is configured to be delivered transluminally and implanted within the lumen of a native blood vessel using catheter-based minimally-invasive surgical techniques. The vascular graft is fenestrated or perforated to facilitate making a fluid connection or anastomosis with one or more of the sidebranches of the vessel into which it is implanted. The vascular graft is adapted for implantation into blood vessels, such as the aorta, having tributary vessels or sidebranches along the section of the blood vessel to be repaired without occluding or obscuring the sidebranches. Methods are described for implanting the vascular graft into a patient's aorta for repairing thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms and for making a fluid connection or anastomosis with the tributary vessels or sidebranches of the aorta, such as the renal, hepatic and mesenteric arteries.

Abstract: An aneurysm filling system includes a guide catheter, a delivery tubing containing a plurality of embolizing units of an embolizing material, and a pushrod within said delivery tube. The pushrod pushes the embolizing units out of the delivery tubing once the delivery tube has been guided through the guide catheter to a delivery position. A method for treating an aneurysm includes deploying an endoluminal prosthesis and an embolizing material adjacent the aneurysm. The embolizing material is expanded to fill a portion of the aneurysm. The endoluminal prosthesis retains the expanded embolizing material within the aneurysm. A vascular implant system for treating an aneurysm includes an endoluminal prosthesis, a guide catheter including a delivery tubing slidably carried therein, and an embolizing material positioned within the delivery tubing. The embolizing material expands and fills a portion of the aneurysm when deployed from the delivery tubing.

Abstract: A connector for use in providing an anastomotic connection between two tubular body fluid conduits in a patient. The connector is preferably a single, integral, plastically deformable structure that can be cut from a tube. The connector has axial spaced portions that include members that are radially outwardly deflectable from other portions of the connector. The connector is annularly enlargeable so that it can be initially delivered and installed in the patient in a relatively small annular size and then annularly enlarged to provide the completed anastomosis. The radially outwardly deflected members of the first and second portions respectively engage the two body fluid conduits connected at the anastomosis and hold those two conduits together in fluid-tight engagement. Apparatus for use in delivering and deploying a connector is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is a medical device and a method of using it. The device is a foldable stent or stent-graft which may be percutaneously delivered with (or on) a catheter, typically an endovascular catheter, to a body cavity or lumen and then expanded. The stent's configuration allows it to be folded or otherwise compressed to a very small diameter prior to deployment without changing the length of the stent. The deployment procedures may involve the use of an outer sleeve to maintain the stent or stent-graft at a reduced diameter or may involve one or more external or internal “slip-lines” or “tether wires” to hold and then to release the device. A removal slip line for holding the stent in the deployable configuration can be woven along longitudinal fold line using the sack knot.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying a graft having attachment means in the vessel of an animal body. The system contains a proximal capsule means and a distal capsule means, wherein the graft is disposed within the two capsule means and a removable sheath covers the graft and capsule means. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having superior and inferior ends, having attachment means with wall engaging members secured thereto. The balloon catheter is disposed within the capsule catheter to provide relative movement between the balloon catheter and the capsule catheter, whereby the graft can be removed from the capsule means. The balloon is inflated to firmly implant the graft and attachment means within the vessel. The graft and attachment means remain in the vessel after the intraluminal grafting system is withdrawn.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a delivery catheter assembly for advancing a surgical device to a desired location within a vessel during a surgical procedure. The delivery catheter assembly includes an inner sheath assembly through which the surgical device is advanced to the desired location within the vessel. The delivery catheter assembly further includes an outer sheath assembly surrounding the inner sheath assembly. In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the inner sheath assembly and the outer sheath assembly has an angular configuration at a predetermined time during the surgical procedure. The present invention further includes an adjusting assembly for creating the angular configuration of at least one of the inner sheath assembly and the outer sheath assembly. The adjusting assembly may include at least one pull wire positioned within one of the inner sheath and the outer sheath. Furthermore, the inner sheath assembly is movable with respect to the outer sheath assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for repair of AAA uses a graft that is introduced intraluminally and secured through laparoscopic and percutaneous access to the repair site. The arterial graft is a flexible, tubular sleeve that is free of any stent structure. A catheter assembly for delivering the graft includes a removable mechanical expansion assembly that is temporarily expanded to impinge the graft ends against the arterial wall to enable fixation of the graft ends. The fastener assembly for securing the graft includes an inner retention member and a pair of deformable wires extending from the inner retention member. The inner retention member is inserted via needle through the arterial wall and the graft and tension is applied to the wires and the inner retention member pulls the graft end into close impingement with the intimal surface of the vessel.

Abstract: A device for trapping plaque against the vascular wall includes a tubular-shaped net which is made from a blood-permeable and biocompatable material having expandable members attached to each end of the tubular net. The expandable members are placed in their expanded position within a blood vessel to maintain the tubular net against the area of plaque to be treated with an interventional procedure. A balloon angioplasty procedure or stenting procedure is subsequently performed within the inner lumen formed in the tubular net. The tubular net prevents any emboli which may be created during the interventional procedure from entering into the bloodstream.

Abstract: A delivery system and device for re-lining bodily vessels. A stent is attached to a distal end of a tubular lining made of biocompatible material and loaded into a hollow atraumatic tip. A semi-rigid shaft connects the atraumatic tip to a stopper and runs through the center of the tubular lining. The proximal end of the tubular lining is attached to a sliding hub. Optionally, a balloon is positioned near the stent in fluid communication with the shaft. The assembled device is introduced into a bodily vessel following an endarterectomy or atherectomy procedure. The atraumatic tip is delivered to a predetermined location and upon reaching that destination, the stent is released from the tip to expand against the vessel wall. If a balloon is utilized, it is inflated to ensure that the stent is fully deployed within the vessel. The balloon is then deflated arid the tip and shaft are pulled through the expanded stent and tubular lining.

Abstract: A membrane applied to the ostium of an atrial appendage for blocking blood from entering the atrial appendage which can form blood clots therein is disclosed. The membrane also prevents blood clots in the atrial appendage from escaping therefrom and entering the blood stream which can result in a blocked blood vessel, leading to strokes and heart attacks. The membranes are percutaneously installed in patients experiencing atrial fibrillations and other heart conditions where thrombosis may form in the atrial appendages. A variety of means for securing the membranes in place are disclosed. The membranes may be held in place over the ostium of the atrial appendage or fill the inside of the atrial appendage. The means for holding the membranes in place over the ostium of the atrial appendages include prongs, stents, anchors with tethers or springs, disks with tethers or springs, umbrellas, spiral springs filling the atrial appendages, and adhesives.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for transvascular interstitial interventions, including transvascular, catheter based vascular bypass, transmyocardial revascularization, bypass grafting of blood vessels, and interstitial surgical/interventional procedures wherein a catheter is advanced translumenally through the vasculature to a desired location and an operative instrument is passed through the wall of a blood vessel and to a target location (e.g. another blood vessel, an organ, a tumor, another anatomical structure) such that one or more operative devices may be advanced to the target location to perform the desired operative or interventional procedure.

Abstract: The inventive expansion catheter has a catheter tube (11) and a perfusion tube (12) which can be moved inside the catheter tube (11). The perfusion tube (12) is connected to a stent (13) formed of a wire-type material. The stent (13) is constricted by the catheter tube (11). When, the catheter tube (11) is withdrawn, the stent (13) expands, hereby taking up two expansion areas, (16, 18) which border an area (26) to be protected from the pressure of the blood. A bypass (28) can be fixed in this area (26) by means of an anastomosis (27). The perfusion tube (26) ensures that the blood vessel (21) is supplied behind the obturation point so that the operation can be carried out as non-invasively as possible while the heart is beating.

Abstract: A graft (1) which is in the form of an inflatable member adapted to be formed into a predetermined and/or selected shape when deployed in situ by filling with a filler material (6) which can be made rigid in situ and deployed on a balloon catheter (12). The deployment balloon (13) is formed from a non-compliant material.

Abstract: An embodiment of a placement catheter assembly (2) comprises an inner shaft (10) movably housed within a hollow outer shaft (8). A radially-expansible endoluminal prosthesis (6) is mounted about the inner shaft between the distal ends of the inner and outer shafts. Distal and proximal end release elements (22/28, 16/34), such as pull wires, are carried by the inner and outer shafts and releasably secure the prosthesis to the inner and outer shafts. The prosthesis in the radially contracted state and the distal and proximal end release elements together have a maximum diameter which is at most about equal to the diameter of the distal part (48) of the outer shaft to facilitate placement of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A vascular implant formed of a compressible foam material has a compressed configuration from which it is expansible into a configuration substantially conforming to the shape and size of a vascular site to be embolized. Preferably, the implant is formed of a hydrophilic, macroporous foam material, having an initial configuration of a scaled-down model of the vascular site, from which it is compressible into the compressed configuration. The implant is made by scanning the vascular site to create a digitized scan data set; using the scan data set to create a three-dimensional digitized virtual model of the vascular site; using the virtual model to create a scaled-down physical mold of the vascular site; and using the mold to create a vascular implant in the form of a scaled-down model of the vascular site. To embolize a vascular site, the implant is compressed and passed through a microcatheter, the distal end of which has been passed into a vascular site.

Abstract: A vascular implant formed of a compressible foam material has a compressed configuration from which it is expansible into a configuration substantially conforming to the shape and size of a vascular site to be embolized. Preferably, the implant is formed of a hydrophilic, macroporous foam material, having an initial configuration of a scaled-down model of the vascular site, from which it is compressible into the compressed configuration. The implant is made by scanning the vascular site to create a digitized scan data set; using the scan data set to create a three-dimensional digitized virtual model of the vascular site; using the virtual model to create a scaled-down physical mold of the vascular site; and using the mold to create a vascular implant in the form of a scaled-down model of the vascular site. To embolize a vascular site, the implant is compressed and passed through a microcatheter, the distal end of which has been passed into a vascular site.

Abstract: A multilayer ingrowth matrix is constructed within well-defined porosity of a prosthetic material. The matrix consists of either proteinaceous or synthetic layers or gradients, or a combination of proteinaceous and synthetic layers or gradients. Each layer within the matrix is designed to achieve a specific function, such as facilitation of ingrowth of a particular cell type or release of a particular growth factor. The well-defined porosity is in the form of either helically oriented, interconnected transmural ingrowth channels, or a porous wall structure containing uniformly shaped pores (i.e. voids) in a very narrow size range, or a combination of channels and pores. This invention allows for uninterrupted ingrowth of connective tissue into walls of a synthetic graft prosthesis made from the prosthetic material. Furthermore, this invention can produce small diameter prostheses having an internal diameter of 6 mm or less.

Abstract: Graft delivery systems and methods for performing a cardiac by-pass procedure using a graft or a mammary artery are described. A combination of catheters and guide devices through the aorta, coronary artery, and the thoracic region can be used to accomplish these procedures.

Abstract: An prosthesis for the repair of thoractic or abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and a method for utilizing the prosthesis. Furthermore, an arrangement and method is provided for the repair of aortic aneurysms incorporating a device for the placement of the prosthesis in the corporeal lumen or body vessel of a patient, and wherein the prosthesis comprises a graft facilitating the exclusion of the aneurysm, and also provides for anastomotic structure for the attachment of the prosthesis in a laparoscopic surgical procedure.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying a graft having attachment means in the vessel of an animal body. The system contains a proximal capsule means and a distal capsule means, wherein the graft is disposed within the two capsule means and a removable sheath covers the graft and capsule means. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having superior and inferior ends, having attachment means with wall engaging members secured thereto. The balloon catheter is disposed within the capsule catheter to provide relative movement between the balloon catheter and the capsule catheter, whereby the graft can be removed from the capsule means. The balloon is inflated to firmly implant the graft and attachment means within the vessel. The graft and attachment means remain in the vessel after the intraluminal grafting system is withdrawn.

Abstract: An implant valve for implantation in a blood vessel, comprising a flexible tube and a hollow, substantially cylindrical support with a casing, expandable in diameter from an initial position to an implantation position. The support extends substantially coaxially over a part of the length of the tube along the inner wall of the tube. The casing of the support cooperates with the inner wall of the tube such that, in the implantation position, a first part of the tube can be formed into a rigid shell, which can be clamped substantially coaxially along the inner wall of a blood vessel. A second, axially contiguous part of the tube can then form a flexible, tubular valve body, which can extend substantially clear in the blood vessel. In an advantageous embodiment, the flexible tube comprises a vein turned inside out and the ends of the tube are connected to form a ring embracing the support.

Abstract: A graft delivery system (302), having a tubular element for delivering a graft (510) through a bore (320) thereof and having a delivery end (410) and the end being prone to distortion and at least one collar (300) removably encircling the delivery end, which collar prevents the distortion.

Abstract: A device for guiding a branched artificial blood vessel 1 having a tubular main body 5 with collapsible/restorable elasticity and a branch portion 6 with collapsible/restorable elasticity which branches from a part of the main body 5 with its internal space communicating with the main body 5, which artificial blood vessel 1 has been transferred as collapsed in a main blood vessel 2 to a branched part 4 branching a branch blood vessel 3 from the main blood vessel 2, the device being utilized in inserting the branch portion 6 of the artificial blood vessel 1 into the branch blood vessel 3, the device comprising an operating rod 9a inserted into the main body 5 from a trailing open end thereof and operable for rotation by hand, a guiding rod 9b continuously connected to the operating rod 9a so as to be capable of turning around with rotation of the operating rod 9a and having a leading end extending to an open end of the branch portion, and mooring means 9c for releasably mooring the branch portion by a portion

Abstract: A resilient tubular graft is delivered into place within a body passage by elongating the graft to reduce its diameter and then directing the graft to the desired position while in the elongated condition. The graft is carried into position by a pair of elongate members mounted for longitudinal movement relative to one other. Flexible lines secure opposite ends of the graft to the respective elongate members whereby relative longitudinal movement of the members functions to elongate the graft and reduce its diameter. The lines extend around the graft to impart radial compression thereto simultaneously with elongation of the graft. Upon placement of the graft at the desired location within a body passage, the lines are released to permit the graft to expand into engagement with the passage. Barbs on the graft provide for secure engagement of the graft with a body passage.

Abstract: A bilateral intra-aortic bypass graft and method and apparatus for repairing an abdominal aortic aneurysm includes two tubular grafts which are intraluminally delivered to the aorta and secured to the aorta by the expansion and deformation of two expandable and deformable tubular members.