Methods and apparatus for intraluminal placement of a bifurcated intraluminal graft

摘要

An aortic graft is provided with a unique combination of self-expanding and balloon expandable wires. The graft is bifurcated and includes ipsilateral and contcalaterel-legs. Two extension grafts are provided for frictional engagement with the legs of the aortic graft. For placement, an introducer assembly including a dilator and a sheath assembly provides access for the introduction of a main catheter and a directional catheter. A balloon is provided on the main catheter for expanding the wires. The directional catheter, which includes a deflecting spring portion, permits placement of a guidewire through the ipsilateral leg and into the contralateral leg. In turn, a second introducer sheath and a second catheter assembly are provided contralaterally for introduction of a graft extension- Upon halloon-expansion, the graft extension is frictionally engaged with the rontralateral leg of the aortic graft. A third catheter assembly including a second extension graft is provided for introduction of the extension graft and balloon-expansion thereof for frictional engagement with the ipsilateral leg.