| abstract |
A device and technique for percutaneous placement of a tubular prosthesis involves gripping the leading end of the prosthesis by an expandable member inserted into the lumen of the prosthesis from the trailing end of the prosthesis. The expandable member grips the prosthesis at its leading end so that when the member is pushed to advance it into and through the patient, it will tension the prosthesis. The prosthesis has radially extending portions which will serve to retain the prosthesis in place once implanted. During insertion, the tensioning of the prosthesis causes the radial projections to be drawn into a collapsed configuration to define a substantially continuous tubular shape along the full length of the prosthesis. |