Apparatus and method for implantation of a bifurcated endovascular prosthesis

A stent graft assembly formed of a first and second component which when engaged together define a fluid conduit through the engaged components, comprising:

• a first component having a trunk portion defined by a body wall and an axial passage communicating at a first end with a first aperture in said body wall;
• at least one secondary aperture communicating through said body wall;
• a second component having an axial passageway communicating between a first end and a distal end;
• said first end of said second component engageable with said secondary aperture to place said second component in an engaged position;
• said first component having a compressed state and an expanded state;
• a fluid passage communicating through said axial passage and said axial passageway when said second component is placed in said engaged position;
• an elongated guide having an engaged position extending from a first end inside said axial passage through said secondary aperture to a second end projecting from said secondary aperture;
• means for restraint of said first component in said compressed state with said elongated guide in said engaged position;
• said first component in said compressed state with said elongated guide in said engaged position, having a circumference adapted for translation through an axial conduit of lumen through an exit aperture at a distal end of said lumen, to an implantation position in a blood vessel;
• a secondary guide means, said secondary guide means employing a secondary guide wire communicating through a blood vessel, said secondary guide wire having a leading end;
• means to capture said leading end in a releasable frictional or a mechanical engagement, said means to capture said leading end in a translatable communication with said elongated guide;
• said first component translatable through said lumen to an implant position in a blood vessel and engaged therein through a release of said means for restraint of said first component in said compressed state;
• said means to capture said leading end while in a said engagement, translatable along a path defined by said elongated guide, to thereby position said leading end in an inserted position within said axial passage;
• means to translate said means to capture along said elongated guide;
• and
• said secondary guide wire in said inserted position providing a means to guide to said second component to said engaged position.