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Abstract

A surgical stapler and method for implanting an aortic graft with staples to treat an aortic aneurysm. A prosthetic graft is implanted within the aorta to functionally replace the segment of the aorta damaged by an aneurysm. The stapler would typically be used where the graft is to be attached to an area of the aorta which lacks sufficient healthy tissue to ensure secure attachment by conventional fasteners such as when an aneurysm develops near the iliac arteries. The graft is implanted with staples fired from the surgical stapler. The stapler consists of a stapling device attached to the end of a modified catheter by a hinge. In order to allow greater flexibility in positioning the staples, a mechanism may be used to move the stapling device into the desired angle or position to implant the staple. The stapler may be positioned and fired by remote control. The staples consist of a base member, posts located at both ends of the base member and radiating away from the base member, and a hook attached to the distal end of each shank. The hook may also consist of several barbs. The barbs may be orientated inward to minimize injury to surrounding tissue.

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First Claim