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Abstract

Methods and apparatus for placing a bifurcated aortic graft, with extensions, into a body lumen. An aortic graft is provided with a unique combination of self-expanding a balloon expandable wires. The aortic graft is bifurcated and includes ipsilateral and contralateral legs. Two extension grafts are provided for frictional engagement with the legs of the aortic graft. For placement of the bifurcated aortic graft with extensions, an introducer assembly including a dilator and a sheath assembly provides access for the introduction of a main catheter and a directional catheter. The main catheter is provided for deployment of the bifurcated aortic graft within the lumen of a vessel. A balloon is provided on the main catheter for expanding the balloon-expandable wires of the aortic graft. The directional catheter, which includes a deflecting spring portion, permits placement of a guidewire through the ipsilateral leg and into the contralateral leg of the aortic graft. In turn, a second introducer sheath and a second catheter assembly are provided contralaterally for introduction of a graft extension. Upon balloon-expansion, the graft extension is frictionally engaged with the contralateral leg of the aortic graft. A third catheter assembly including a second extension graft is provided for introduction of the extension graft and balloon-expansion thereof for frictional engagement with the ipsilateral leg of the graft.

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