Abstract:
An intraluminal prosthesis (20) comprises a tubular member having at least one end (21) which is an oblique angle to the lumen (2). The prosthesis is inserted into a body lumen, such as a blood vessel, while compressed. The prosthesis is expanded within the lumen, and the oblique end of the prosthesis contacts the lumen at an oblique angle. This oblique angle reduces the stenotic effect of hyperplasia (23) which generally occurs at the ends of intraluminal prostheses.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a blood vessel treating assembly comprising: an artificial blood vessel inner layer such as an artificial tunica-intima or the like for replacing a section of blood vessel inner layer previously removed from a blood vessel and/or for covering a predetermined length of damaged blood vessel inner layer, wherein said artificial blood vessel inner layer is associated with the existing blood vessel in such a way as to substantially stop any loose parts of the blood vessel from obstructing the stream of blood through said blood vessel; and introducing means for introducing the artificial blood vessel inner layer into the blood vessel.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods and apparatus for determining cross-sectional dimensions of body lumens, such as the diameter of a blood vessel. According to one exemplary method, the diameter of a blood vessel is measured by first inflating a balloon catheter (10) within the lumen until the balloon (20) diameter matches the lumen diameter. The balloon (20) includes at least one measurement element (26) which indicates the expanded balloon cross-sectional area, circumference or diameter.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an instrument for treating a blood vessel, comprising: loosening means of such a form as to pass between the wall of the blood vessel and the intima or tunica, which lines the inside of a blood vessel wall, for loosening the intima or tunica from the inside of the blood vessel wall; cutting through means for cutting through and severing the loose intima at a predetermined distance within the blood vessel; and support means for supporting the loosening and cutting means.