Patent ID: 8016870
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for delivering a separable prosthesis of selectable length in a vessel, the method comprising: positioning a flexible shaft in the vessel, the shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and the separable prosthesis releasably coupled thereto, wherein the separable prosthesis is separable into a first working length for expansion and a first remaining length uncoupled from the first working length; selecting the first working length of the separable prosthesis; axially separating the first working length from the first remaining length such that an axial gap is formed therebetween while both the first working length and the first remaining length are in unexpanded configurations; radially expanding the first working length such that the first working length expands into engagement with a first portion of a wall of the vessel and the first working length decouples from the first remaining length of the separable prosthesis, the first remaining length remaining unexpanded and releasably coupled with the flexible shaft; repositioning the flexible shaft in the vessel; selecting a second working length of the separable prosthesis without removing the shaft from the vessel; and radially expanding the second working length such that the second working length expands into engagement with a second portion of the wall of the vessel.