Importance

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Abstract

A porous graft is provided with a non-porous coating or sheath which does not adhere to the graft. After the graft is implanted into the patient, circulation is restored through the graft. The sheath is left in place temporarily while blood works its way through the wall of the porous graft to the non-porous sheath, where it is prevented from leaking. Clots form in the graft, sealing it. After a few minutes, the sheath is removed. The graft or the inside surface of the sheath can be pre-treated with a coagulant to accelerate clotting. The sheath is applied to the graft as a coating, e.g. by dipping or spraying, or as a separate sleeve, e.g. heat-shrinkable tubing. The sheath can be removed by cutting. Preferably, the sheath incorporates a string, strip, or ribbon of material which is attached to the sheath. For removal, the string is pulled, tearing the sheath which is removed with the string.

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First Claim