Patent ID: 6585760
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method for enhancing the finction of an AV fistula comprising:selecting an endoluminal prosthesis comprising a generally helically-extending coiled body and a graft material at least partly covering the coiled body to create a coiled stent graft with generally helically-extending turns, said turns having an average width; placing the stent graft within an AV fistula and within at least one blood vessel to which the AV fistula is connected, the placing step being carried out so the stent graft extends across the junction between the AV fistula and the at least one blood vessel; and the selecting and placing steps being carried out so that the turns of the stent graft at the junction are spaced-apart from one another so as to not block fluid flow through the blood vessel.