| abstract |
A stent assembly ( 2 ) includes a stent capable of assuming a contracted and an expanded configuration. A membrane of a biocompatible material impermeable to molecular transport across the membrane is wrapped around the stent more than one full turn. There is also disclosed a device for performing anastomosis, including a stent assembly ( 2 ) in a contracted state and a holding and gripping device ( 12 ). The handle has a handle portion ( 14 ) and a support structure ( 16, 18 ) for accommodating the stent assembly. There is a locking loop ( 20 ) that can be tightened around the stent assembly when it is positioned on the support structure, and released to allow the stent assembly to expand to a nominal size. |