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Abstract

An intralumenal graft for the repair of damaged or weakened sections of the vascular system. The graft consists of a semi-rigid, resilient tube made of a material suitable for long-term residence inside a vessel. The tube has a relaxed, smaller diameter and is expandable to a larger diameter which is maintained by a retaining ledge or teeth on the inside of the graft. Repair of a vessel is attained by insertion of the graft in its relaxed condition into the vessel at a site which may be remote from the damaged section. The graft is positioned and expanded to its larger diameter by a balloon catheter. Once expanded, the graft is retained in position by friction with the inner wall of the vessel.

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First Claim