Abstract: An implant for occluding a passage in a circulatory system is provided. The implant in one form includes a plurality of thin wire-like members each having a proximal and a distal end and a first holder to which the distal ends of the members are attached. The proximal ends of the members are attached to a second holder. The implant includes an expansible occluding body attached to the members at a point intermediate the first and second holders. A carrier rod is releasably attached to the first holder and upon which the second holder is slidably received. A driving implement is located on the carrier rod, the driving implement contacting the second holder and movable toward the first holder along the carrier rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring system for heart valve prostheses which can be implanted by introduction via the aorta without any major surgical operation. With the heart valve prosthesis according to the invention it shall be achieved that this can be safely and quickly guided through the aorta toward the heart, and can be fixed there. With this, hook-shaped elements are secured to the commissures of the heart valve prosthesis the hooks of which are guided in an outward direction through the heart valve prosthesis material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, apparatus, and method for treating, repairing, and/or replacing an aneurysm, preferably an aortic aneurysm, and; most preferably, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The systems devices, and methods of the present invention include a first prosthesis, and at least one second prosthesis for bypassing the aneurysm, the first prosthesis having a partition or the like adapted and configured to receive the second prosthesis, the first prosthesis optionally further comprising a fiber or the like for releasably positioning the second prosthesis in place until full deployment of the system.

Abstract: The present invention is a system, apparatus, and method for treating, repairing, an aneurysm, preferably an aortic aneurysm, and most preferably, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention include a first prosthesis or stent gasket, and at least one second prosthesis for bypassing the aneurysm. The first prosthesis of the present invention is configured and adapted to accommodate a section of artery upstream of the aneurysm, wherein the section is unsuitable for anchoring a typical first prosthesis.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis (50) comprises a tube (52) of material other than autologous vascular tissue, the tube having an end formation for surgical connection direct to an opening formed in an artery, the formation comprising an enlarged chamber (54) having a heel (56) and a toe (58) at opposite ends of a first longer diameter parallel to the axis of the tube and a second shorter transverse diameter the enlarged chamber serving to promote localised movement of blood having a non-laminar nature with a shear stress inducing relationship to receiving arterial wall.

Abstract: A flanged prosthesis (10) comprises a tubular body (18) equipped at one end with an external flange (19) designed for the anastomosis of the prosthesis to a tubular duct equipped with an opening. The flange (19) is made of a textile material and comprises at least one seam (324, 360, 362) shaping it at the end of the tubular body (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable prosthesis having a membrane and a fluid channel that are inserted into a body lumen to maintain fluid flow and support the lumen wall. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a mesh membrane or filter attached to a covered stent. The membrane can be mounted on a frame formed with a shape memory material that can be delivered through a catheter into a body lumen. The membrane and the frame can expand from a delivery state into an expanded state.

Abstract: This invention is a system for the treatment of body passageways; in particular, vessels with vascular disease. The system includes an endovascular graft with a low-profile delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which it conforms to the morphology of the vessel or body passageway to be treated as well as various connector members and stents. The graft is made from an inflatable graft body section and may be bifurcated. One or more inflatable cuffs may be disposed at either end of the graft body section. At least one inflatable channel is disposed between and in fluid communication with the inflatable cuffs.

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: A tubular anvil sleeve is defined by at least two sleeve portions pivoted to each other for movement about an axis radially outwardly offset from an axis of the tubular anvil sleeve in its closed position. A tubular graft is inserted into the tubular anvil sleeve and a projecting end portion of the graft is folded over an exterior of the tubular annular sleeve. The tubular annular sleeve and the overfolded portion of the graft is inserted into an excised end of a blood vessel after which staples are ejected in a conventional manner. The tubular annular sleeve is removed by axial motion followed by relatively pivoting the sleeve portions about the pivot axis of the sleeve portions to open the tubular annular sleeve and effect the withdrawal/removal thereof.

Abstract: A graft (1) having a band of fibrous material (13) on an outer surface thereof adjacent its proximal end (9). The band of fibrous material extends circumferentially around the graft to promote adhesion. The band can be continuous around the proximal end of the graft. The band can be formed from a patch of fibrous material, cut or loop pile velour, by fibres woven or knitted into the material of the graft or by brushing of material of the graft to raise fibres of the material of the graft. The band of fibrous material has a length of from 5 mm to 15 mm along the length of the graft.

Abstract: This invention is a system for the treatment of body passageways; in particular, vessels with vascular disease. The system includes an endovascular graft with a low-profile delivery configuration and a deployed configuration in which it conforms to the morphology of the vessel or body passageway to be treated as well as various connector members and stents. The graft is made from an inflatable graft body section and may be bifurcated. One or more inflatable cuffs may be disposed at either end of the graft body section. At least one inflatable channel is disposed between and in fluid communication with the inflatable cuffs.

Abstract: ENDOVASCULAR PROSTHESIS WITH SUTURE HOLDER. Said prosthesis comprises prosthetic body (b) on the internal surfaces (2) of which a number of connectors (4) are distributed and attached that, on the one hand, connect respective semi-flexible cables (b) ending in external rotary control ends (9′), while, on the other hand, they are passed through by respective spiral sutures (6) controlled by said semi-flexible cables (b). Once prosthetic body (b) is expanded, its external surfaces (3) are in contact with vascular walls (1). With this arrangement, the rotary actuation of semi-flexible cables (c) permits penetration ends (6′) of spirals (6) to pass through vascular walls (5). This penetration continues until anchoring ends (7) of above-cited spirals (6) stop against bases (4′) of respective connectors (4). In this manner, a firm union is created between vascular channel (a) and prosthetic body (b).

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: The present invention provides implantable devices and associated methods for interconnecting human vessels in a side-to-side or an end-to-side arrangement rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The devices comprise a vessel connector and a intravascular support mechanism for establishing fluid communication between two vessels. Certain embodiments further include a sealing member for further sealing the openings in the vessels created for inserting the subject devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making an anastomotic connection between first and second tubular fluid conduits are provided. For example, a connector may be configured for attachment to the first and second tubular fluid conduits and have an interior thereof substantially accessible to the interior of the first tubular fluid conduit. The connector may be configured for annular enlargement. An expandable structure is provided having a first portion configured to annularly enlarge the connector by engaging the interior of the connector. A second portion may be configured to extend through an opening in the medial portion of the first tubular fluid conduit.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A system and method employs collar stents to implant an endoluminal device, such as a stent-graft, in a lumen. The system comprises at least one collar stent adapted to precondition a portion of the lumen for anchoring an endoluminal device having at least a portion adapted to be deployed radially within the collar stent. The method comprises first deploying one or more collar stents, and then deploying the endoluminal device radially within the one or more collar stents. In various embodiments, the collar stent may be radiopaque, may have inwardly protruding barbs for engaging the endoluminal device, and may have a region having a relatively low percentage of open area for bridging a portion of the main lumen having an intersecting lumen. The preconditioning step of implanting the collar stent may change the morphology of the lumen to more favorable morphology, such as from a non-circumferential geometry to a circumferential geometry.

Abstract: A stent/graft assembly includes a tubular graft having an upstream end, a downstream end and a tubular passage between the ends. The assembly also includes a tubular stent having an upstream end, a downstream end and a tubular passage. The upstream end of the tubular graft is affixed in substantially end-to-end relationship with the downstream end of the tubular stent. The affixation may employ sutures, bonding, hooks or the like. The end-to-end connection may also require a slight overlapping to ensure an adequate affixation. The end-to-end disposition of the tubular graft and tubular stent reduces the cross-sectional profile of the stent/graft assembly. One or more wires may extend from the tubular stent through the tubular graft for anchoring near the downstream end of the tubular graft. The wire prevents axial collapsing of the tubular graft and provide radial support for the tubular graft.

Abstract: A method for implanting a medical set in a human blood vessel, the medical set comprising a prosthesis adapted to be introduced in the vessel, the prosthesis having a first end and a second end, and being adapted to be disposed against an inner wall of the vessel at least at one of the ends, the prosthesis comprising a tubular sleeve and a strap adapted to be disposed against the vessel at a location adjacent one of the ends of the tubular sleeve, the strap having a hemostatic covering for reducing any blood leakage at the location of the strap.

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: 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 device is provided for piercing a graft and artery wall in order to retain the graft on the artery. The device has a central section with an abutment surface for contacting the inner wall of the graft and two elongate members with distal ends for contacting the outer wall of the artery when the device is pierced through the graft and artery. The elongate members are biased so as to urge the abutment surface into the graft and retain the graft on the artery.

Abstract: An improved hook provides for the attaching of endoluminal prosthesis within corporeal lumens. The hook is integrally formed with framing structure and is preset into an outward bend, but is resiliently flexible so as to form a substantially straight profile when compressed. The hook is capable of impinging upon the corporeal lumen and thereby securing the prosthesis. The hook may be configured for intraluminal delivery and deployment. A novel method of manufacturing said hook is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prosthesis for implantation within a body lumen. The prosthesis includes a biocompatible elongate intraluminal liner in the form of a graft, with a biocompatible adhesive being disposed on an exterior surface of the graft. The adhesive is active in an intraluminal environment so as to bond the exterior surface of the graft to an intraluminal surface of said body lumen, such as the interior of a blood vessel.

Abstract: A method for implanting a medical set in a human blood vessel, the medical set comprising a prosthesis adapted to be introduced in the vessel, the prosthesis having a first end and a second end, and being adapted to be disposed against an inner wall of the vessel at least at one of the ends, the prosthesis comprising a tubular sleeve and a strap adapted to be disposed against the vessel at a location adjacent one of the ends of the tubular sleeve, the strap having a hemostatic covering for reducing any blood leakage at the location of the strap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is installed at the operative site primarily by providing at least one graft location with instrumentation inserted through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. Assistance in installing the new tubing may be provided by minimally invasive surgical access openings in the patient's chest. The tubing may be delivered through the patient's existing tubular body structure or, alternatively, through the surgical access openings.

Abstract: A device for improving fixation and sealing of a prosthetic component when implanted in a body lumen during laparoscopic, endovascular, or open surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the prosthetic component comprises a graft having a hem defining an interior space. Enclosed within the space is an absorbent cord. The cord expands as it comes in contact with body fluids. The expansion due to the absorbed fluids forms a seal closely following the irregular shape of the lumen and improves fixation at the junction of the body lumen and the prosthetic component. Hem and cord arrangement also used to improve fixation of one prosthetic component to another in a modular graft. In another embodiment, an attachment tab has one part affixed to the outer periphery of the graft and another part attached to an area adjacent to the body lumen upon implantation, to resist forces tending to move the implant.

Abstract: A prosthetic vessel graft assembly has a tube of synthetic graft material surrounding a stent at its distal end, together with a plurality of collapsible anchors projecting radially from the stent. The assembly mounts on an introducer that may be tunneled through skin or inserted in an opening and pushed down to a vessel for introducing the graft through the vessel side wall. The introducer is configured to follow a guide wire which is inserted via a needle through an opening in the side wall of the vessel. A peel-away sheath covers the stent, graft, and anchor members at the distal end keeping them collapsed against the tubular body.

Abstract: A prosthesis that resiliently engages a body passage includes an annular clamping ring which may be folded along a diametric axis for insertion into the body passage. The clamping ring is adapted to resiliently spring outwardly, once in position inside the body passage, and to be continually resiliently biased against the interior surface of the body passage. One or more of the clamping rings may be attached to opposed ends of a tubular graft. The rings and connected graft may be positioned in the body passage using a applicator which selectively permits expansion and/or in some embodiments contraction of the annular ring in position within a body passage. Alternatively a retaining member may be used to retain the annular ring in a compressed condition until it is in a desired position within a body passage. Among other potential uses, the present invention may be useful as a vascular stent for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract: A body tissue graft for use in a patient includes a frame structure made of a first elastic material, a covering of a second elastic material on the frame structure, the covering substantially filling openings in the frame structure, and a connector connected to the frame structure. Projections are secured to the connector structure. The projections facilitate attachment of the tubular graft in a patient by securing the graft to the body tissue with which the graft is employed. The connector selectively circumferentially expands and the projections selectively circumferentially expand. This may be done using an inflatable balloon to circumferentially expand the projections. A restraining member may be provided to restrain the projections in a cone shape so that an end of the graft may be used to open an aperture through a side wall of existing body organ tubing and a portion of the projections may enter the aperture.

Abstract: Anastomosis systems include fittings and compression mechanisms for effecting end-end or end-side couplings of biological or synthetic bypass grafts to vessel locations. The fittings are tubular and surround end regions of the graft. In some applications an end region of the graft is everted and surrounds an exterior of the fitting, in which case the preferred compression mechanism is a retaining ring. A tool is used to evert the graft end region. In other applications, the fitting has an interior groove that receives an expandable retaining ring that urges the graft end region radially outwardly against the fitting. A graft deploying and securing system includes a needle for puncturing vessel tissue, a dilator, and a sheath adapted for containing a graft/fitting combination and guiding the combination into the vessel through an opening formed by the needle and dilator.

Abstract: A support at the distal end of a bypass vein of either a synthetic material or of a saphenous vein for deployment inside an artery and the like to bypass a blockage in the artery, is described. The bypass vein is secured to a perimeter of the support with at least two protrusions extending from the support. The support and associate bypass vein are deployed inside the artery and then the support is pulled up against the artery wall by strings connected thereto to provide the bypass vein extending from the artery distal to the blockage. The other end of the bypass vein is then secured to artery proximate the occlusion to thereby establish blood flow.

Abstract: The invention consists of an endoluminal prosthesis adapted for placement at a bifurcation site within the body. The stent or stent-graft may be constructed to have segments of differing structural properties. A section of the stent-graft may be constructed to have a single-lumen tubular stent member covering a multilumen graft member. The stent-graft may comprise at least two modular components adapted for in situ assembly. An extended cylindrical interference fit may be used to seal the modular components.

Abstract: The tubular endoprosthesis (10) comprises a flexible tubular skirt (12) designed to channel a body fluid. It comprises a collar (14) for connection of said skirt (12) through a lateral wall (110) of a tubular conduit (108). The connection collar (14) is initially joined to one end of said skirt (12) and has, at its periphery, elements (34) for securing it to said wall (110). The securing elements (34) are deformable between an initial docking position and a final connection position.

Abstract: Connector structures are provided for attaching elongated flexible tubular grafts to the body organ tubing of a patient. The connector structures are formed from wire. A first set of connector wires may be disposed around the periphery of one end of an elongated flexible tubular graft. A second set can be disposed around the periphery of the elongated flexible tubular graft spaced sufficiently from the first set of connector wires to define a gap. The portion of body organ tubing to which the elongated flexible tubular graft is to be attached is received in the gap and engaged by the first and second sets of connector wires. The wires may be formed in the shape of loops. If desired, hooks may be provided on the ends of the wires. The wires may be curved to accommodate attachment of the graft to tubular body organ tubing. The wires may also be formed in annular shapes. The connector structures may be formed as stand-alone ring-shaped connectors.

Abstract: Anastomotic stents for connecting a graft vessel to a target vessel, and methods of use thereof. The anastomotic stents of the invention are suitable for use in a variety of anastomosis procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting. One embodiment of the invention comprises a large vessel anastomotic stent for use with large diameter target vessels such as the aorta or its major side branches. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a small vessel anastomotic stent for use on a target vessel which has a small diameter such as a coronary artery. Another aspect of the invention involves applicators for use with the stents of the invention.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for treating aneurysms, occlusive disease of vessels and body organs, and arterio-venous fistulas, occurring in single and bifurcated lumens. The prosthesis comprises an expandable coiled sheet portion having a biocompatible graft, either a sheet or tube, affixed thereto along part or all of the circumference of the coiled sheet portion. The prosthesis has a small delivery profile, making it suitable for use in a variety of body vessels. Methods of making and deploying the prosthesis in single and bifurcated lumens are also provided.

Abstract: A bifurcated vascular graft having a tubular trunk with an inner diameter. Tubular limbs having respective inner diameters extend longitudinally from the trunk, and the diameter of at least one of the limbs is unequal to half the trunk diameter. In one embodiment, the graft is flared such that the combined diameters of the limbs exceed the diameter of the trunk. In another embodiment, the graft is tapered such that the diameter of the trunk exceeds the combined diameters of the limbs. In a third embodiment, the limb diameters are unequal to one another.

Abstract: A bifurcated or straight intravascular folded tubular member is deliverable percutaneously or by small cutdown to the site of a vascular lesion. Its inserted state has a smaller nondeployed diameter and a shorter nondeployed length. The intravascular tubular member has a folded tubular section that is unfolded following insertion into the blood vessel. The length of the intravascular folded tubular member is sized in situ to the length of the vessel lesion without error associated with diagnostic estimation of lesion length. The folded tubular member is self-expandable or balloon-expandable to a larger deployed diameter following delivery to the lesion site. An attachment anchor can be positioned at the inlet or outlet ends of the intravascular folded tubular member to prevent leakage between the tubular member and the native vessel lumen and to prevent migration of the tubular member. The attachment anchor has a short axial length to provide a more focal line of attachment to the vessel wall.

Abstract: Connector structures are provided for attaching elongated flexible tubular grafts to the body organ tubing of a patient. The connector structures are formed from wire. A first set of connector wires may be disposed around the periphery of one end of an elongated flexible tubular graft. A second set can be disposed around the periphery of the elongated flexible tubular graft spaced sufficiently from the first set of connector wires to define a gap. The portion of body organ tubing to which the elongated flexible tubular graft is to be attached is received in the gap and engaged by the first and second sets of connector wires. The wires may be formed in the shape of loops. If desired, hooks may be provided on the ends of the wires. The wires may be curved to accommodate attachment of the graft to tubular body organ tubing. The wires may also be formed in annular shapes. The connector structures may be formed as stand-alone ring-shaped connectors.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sealingly joining a graft vessel, such as a coronary bypass graft, to the side wall of a target vessel, such as the aorta or a coronary artery, in an anastomosis.

Abstract: Novel intraluminal devices that include a plurality of engagement members to minimize graft migration and vessel wall damage are described. Applications of the instant teachings for AAA and TAA issues wherein proximal neck attachments are critical are featured, in addition to general usages with stenotic disease. Further, an enhanced engagement member is described for preventing the migration of a prosthetic device through a body lumen.

Abstract: An extracorporeal vascular conduit for circulating blood outside a patient's body over an extended period of time in a manner that minimizes risk of thrombosis and complement activation and maximizes the ability of a patient to be ambulatory during recovery stages. The inventive vascular conduit comprises a first biocompatible material and a second synthetic material that is employed over a portion of the biocompatible material that extends outside the patient's body when is use. The majority of the portion that extends within the patient's body remains uncoated. A third synthetic material is applied around the conduit near the distal end of the second coating material of the catheter to permit a physician to secure the catheter to the patient's skin to minimize relative movement.

Abstract: A woven vascular graft having a texturized outer surface to promote tissue ingrowth into the graft. The outer surface of the graft is equipped with a plurality of threads that are woven into, and extend from, the outer surface. The threads may be arranged in rows, lines or a geometric pattern. Alternatively, the threads may be towel-like. Such towel-like threads may be arranged in the form of a cuff at each end of the graft, or may cover larger portions of the exterior of the graft. The graft may be equipped with only one texture, or with a plurality of different textures.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a blood processing device to vascular tissue includes a vascular tissue connecting element that is suturable to a portion of the cardiovascular system for providing a flow connection. A junction ring is affixed to the vascular tissue connecting portion in order to form a substantially shape retaining connecting element. A locking ring for locking the junction ring to a blood processing device includes a coupling element configured to engage a port on the blood processing device so that rotation of the locking ring draws the junction ring to the port and locks the junction ring into a sealing relationship with the port. The locking ring is freely rotatable about the junction ring so that the locking ring can be rotated to lock the junction ring to the port without twisting the vascular tissue connecting element.

Abstract: A transmyocardial implant for establishing a blood flow path through a myocardium between a heart chamber and a lumen of a coronary vessel residing at an exterior of said wall includes a hollow conduit having a vessel portion and a myocardial portion. The vessel portion is sized to be received within the lumen. The said myocardial portion is sized to extend from the vessel through the myocardium and into the chamber. The conduit has an open first end and an open second end on respective ones of the vessel and myocardial portions to define a blood flow pathway within an interior of the conduit between the first and second end. At least the myocardial portion of the conduit is formed of a conduit material sufficiently rigid to resist deformation and closure of the pathway in response to contraction of the myocardium. The conduit material is resistant to thrombus formation.

Abstract: A delivery catheter having an inner catheter assembly, an inferior capsule catheter, and a capsule jacket assembly for use in deploying a graft having a compressible and expandable attachment systems in the thoracic region of an aorta. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having superior and inferior ends, each having an attachment system with wall engaging members secured thereto and is crimped along its midsection to resist kinking and elongation. The delivery catheter includes an inferior capsule assembly for releasably retaining the inferior attachment system of the graft and a superior capsule assembly for releasably retaining the superior attachment system of the graft as well as a releasing system for maintaining the attachment systems in a compressed configuration and for facilitating expansion of the attachment systems.

Abstract: An intravascular prosthetic graft is provided which includes a flexible tubular body having a first end defining at least one opening and a second end defining at least one opening. The flexible tubular body may be elongated and define a longitudinal axis. A first ring member is connected to the first end adjacent to the at least one opening of the first end. A second ring member is connected to the second end adjacent to the at least one opening of the second end. The flexible tubular body can be fabricated from a flexible material, such as, for example, DACRON®, TEFLON®, or other suitable material. The first and second ring members may be fabricated from a rigid material, such as metals or polymerics. A method of repairing at least a portion of an arterial system, such as, for example, treatment of an aortic aneurysm is disclosed.