Patent ID: 6508252
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method for installing a tubular graft between first and second spaced locations in a patient's tubular body structure comprising:piercing a wall of the tubular body structure at the first location with a distal portion of a first elongated structure inserted into and along a lumen of the tubular body structure to the first location; piercing a wall of the tubular body structure at the second location with a distal portion of a second elongated structure inserted into and along a lumen of the tubular body structure to the second location; providing a surgical access opening in the patient adjacent one of the first and second locations; passing an elongated guide member along the lumen of the tubular body structure, through the wall at one of the first and second locations to the other of the first and second locations; passing the graft along the lumen of the tubular body structure and over the elongated guide member, through the wall at one of the first and second locations to the other of the first and second locations; and attaching axially spaced portions of the graft to the tubular body structure adjacent the first and second locations.