Importance

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Abstract

A fluoroscopically-visible graft structure is provided. The graft structure may be formed from a tubular metal wire mesh coated with an elastomeric material. The graft structure is flexible and distensible like natural body organ tubing and is suitable for repairing or replacing body organ tubing such as vascular tubing (e.g., arteries and veins). A radiopaque filler compound may be provided throughout a substantial portion of the graft structure or throughout the entire graft structure, so that a physician can determine the size and location of the graft structure during implantation of the graft structure in the body of a patient. The radiopacity of the graft structure also allows the physician to monitor status of the graft structure after installation. The radiopacity of the graft structure is preferably sufficient to allow the graft structure to be clearly viewable on a fluoroscope, but is not so great that the radiopacity of the graft obscures radiopaque dyes introduced into the patient and passed through the graft.

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First Claim