| abstract |
A method and apparatus for engrafting a blood vessel (34) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tubular graft (15) of a preselected cross section having a proximal (11) and distal (12) end containing compressible and expandable nitinol springs (11, 12) and connecting bars (13) to facilitate physical communication between both springs (11, 12). Furthermore, the apparatus contains a transport and deployment means for delivering said hollow tubular graft (15) to an engrafting site within a blood vessel (34). The transport and deployment apparatus is comprised of an insertion catheter (31) having a graft balloon (32) and a tip balloon (32a), as well as multiple inner tracks for injection of fluid into said balloons (32, 32a) and the blood vessel (34) interior. The method includes transport and deployment of said graft (15) as well as non surgical movement and removal of said graft (15) in the event of misplacement. |