PERCUTANEOUS STENT GRAFT AND METHOD FOR VASCULAR BYPASS

摘要

A prosthetic vessel graft assembly (10) has a tube of synthetic graft material(5) surrounding a stent (8) at its distal end, together with a plurality ofcollapsible anchors (9) projecting radially from the stent. The assemblymounts on an introducer (30) that may be tunneled through skin or inserted inan opening and pushed down to a vessel for introducing the graft through thevessel side wall. The introducer (30) is configured to follow a guide wire(35) which is inserted via a needle through an opening in the side wall of thevessel. A peel-away sheath (33) covers the stent, graft, and anchor members atthe distal end keeping them collapsed against the tubular body. The proximalend of the graft tube may have a blood compatible fitting or connector, or mayhave a reinforced band or collar suitable for suturing or other surgicaljoining technique.