Patent ID: 6102918
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A collapsible low-profile vascular graft implanation combination for endovascular placement of a stent-reinforced graft in a blood vessel comprising:a tubular vascular graft having opposing axial ends;a flexible guidewire having a distal end bent to define u-shaped portion with a body extending therefrom to a proximal end, a portion of said body extending through said graft;a thread securely connected to said distal end of said guidewire and in proximity to one said end of said graft;an introducer catheter having a first lumen extending the length thereof, wherein at least a portion of said body of said guidewire is disposed within said first lumen with said introducer catheter being slidable relative to said guidewire;a dilator having a second lumen extending the length thereof, wherein at least a portion of said body of said guidewire is disposed within said second lumen with said dilator being slidable relative to said guidewire, and wherein at least a portion of said dilator is disposed in said first lumen with said introducer catheter being slidable relative to said dilator; anda tubular self-expanding stent, said self-expanding stent having an inner surface defining a passage extending the length thereof, wherein a portion of said body of said guidewire is disposed to pass through said passage, wherein said self-expanding stent generates a circumferential pressure to hold said graft in place when disposed therein, whereby allowing said combination to be assembled in said blood vessel for low-profile insertion thereof.