Stent

Abstract

An elongate device ( 19 ), arcuate in cross-section, for placement around a vessel ( 4 ), comprises an essentially non-porous outer layer and a biodegradable inner layer. An alternative device comprises a tubular portion ( 3 ) for placement around a graft and a portion ( 2 ), arcuate in cross-section that can straddle a native vessel, at the site of an end-to-side anastomosis.

1 . An elongate device, arcuate in cross-section, for placement around a vessel, comprising an essentially non-porous outer layer and a biodegradable inner layer. 
   
   
       2 . A device comprising a tubular portion for placement around a graft and a portion, arcuate in cross-section, that can straddle a native vessel, at the site of an end-to-side anastomosis. 
   
   
       3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the tubular portion has an internal diameter of up to 8 mm. 
   
   
       4 . The device according to  claim 2 , which is substantially Y- or T-shaped. 
   
   
       5 . The device according to  claim 2  which comprises two layers of material of which the inner layer is biodegradable. 
   
   
       6 . The device according to  claim 2  wherein the arcuate portion includes an angle of up to 270°. 
   
   
       7 . The device according to  claim 1 , which is essentially tubular. 
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 7 , which includes an elongate slit. 
   
   
       9 . The device according to  claim 1 , which includes an active agent. 
   
   
       10 . A method for arteriovenous bypass grafting wherein said method utilizes a device of  claim 1 . 
   
   
       11 . A method for arteriovenous bypass grafting wherein said method utilizes a device of  claim 2 . 
   
   
       12 . The device according to  claim 2 , which includes an active agent.