Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for engrafting a blood vessel are disclosed. The apparatus includes a tubular graft having radially compressible annular spring portions for biasing proximal and distal ends of the graft into conforming fixed engagement with an interior surface of the vessel, with bifurcated and adjustable length embodiments being disclosed. Apparatus for deploying the graft includes an insertion catheter having a nitinol core wire, a controllable tip balloon-at a remote end thereof for dilation and occlusion of the vessel, and a controllable graft balloon in the vicinity of the tip balloon for fixedly seating the spring portions into conformance with the interior surface of the vessel. A spool apparatus for adjusting or removing an improperly placed graft, and a micro-emboli filter tube, are usable with the deployment apparatus. A method of percutaneously implanting a graft, including a single-entry method for percutaneously implanting a bifurcated graft, are also disclosed.

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First Claim