Radiopaque Markers for Visualizing an Edge of an Endovascular Graft

摘要

An endovascular prosthesis is disclosed that includes a tubular graft and a radiopaque marker attached to envelop or enfold an edge of the tubular graft. A first segment of the radiopaque marker extends against an interior surface of the tubular graft and a second segment of the radiopaque marker extends against an exterior surface of the tubular graft such that the first and second segments sandwich or straddle the edge of the tubular graft. The radiopaque marker may include a living hinge that demarcates the first and second segments and aligns with the tubular graft edge when the radiopaque marker is attached thereto. The radiopaque marker may have a substantially U shape with the first and second segments biased toward each other by an end segment such that the end segment aligns with the tubular graft edge when the radiopaque marker is attached thereto.

主权项

1. An endovascular prosthesis comprising:
a tubular graft of a graft material having a proximal end, a distal end, an interior surface and an exterior surface; and a radiopaque marker having a first segment and a second segment with a living hinge therebetween, the radiopaque marker being attached to one of the proximal and distal ends of the tubular graft such that the radiopaque marker straddles a portion of a true edge of the graft material such that the living hinge lays along the true edge of the graft material with the first segment of the radiopaque marker being positioned to extend from the living hinge against the interior surface of the tubular graft and the second segment of the radiopaque marker being positioned to extend from the living hinge against the exterior surface of the tubular graft, wherein the living hinge permits the first and second segments to swing relative to each other when the radiopaque marker is unattached from the tubular graft.