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Abstract

A stent graft for transluminal implantation includes a resilient tubular interbraided latticework of metal or polymeric monofilaments, a tubular interbraided sleeve of polymeric multifilament yarns, and an adhesive layer between the sleeve and latticework for bonding them together. The monofilaments and multifilament yarns are arranged in respective sets of axially spaced apart and oppositely directed helices, concentric on a common axis of the stent graft. The respective braid angles of the monofilaments and multifilament yarns are carefully matched to ensure that the latticework and sleeve behave according to substantially the same relationship governing the amount of radial reduction that accompanies a given axial elongation. According to a process for fabricating the stent graft, the latticework and sleeve are braided and thermally set independently, then bonded to one another by a silicone polymer adhesive applied evenly to the latticework in a liquid spray that also incorporates an organic solvent. Especially preferred yarns are composed of essentially untwisted filaments that define non-circular yarn cross sections. Alternative stent graft constructions feature exterior and interior sleeves on opposite sides of the latticework, two or more sleeves axially spaced from one another on the same latticework, a latticework formed of a recovery metal, and a plastically deformable latticework.

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