Importance

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Abstract

Endoluminal stent-grafts include several features which restrict dilation subsequent to installation but which allow the stent-grafts to be installed in the same manner as a conventional stent-graft. According to one embodiment, sutures are attached to an expanded stent-graft. The suture material is preferably braided PET or polypropylene and sutures are interwoven into the stent at substantially regular intervals. A second embodiment utilizes a band material in lieu of suture material. A third embodiment utilizes a warp knit tubular sheath with inlay yarn. The warp knit tubular sheath with inlay yarn may also act as the graft material. The invention includes a method of using these stent-grafts to prevent the dislodgment of an endoluminal stent-graft after deployment. The method includes the step of determining the maximum stent-graft diameter and related size of dilation restriction means to prevent excessive stent-graft shortening after initial deployment.

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First Claim