Multi-component stent-graft system for implantation in a blood vessel with multiple branches

A method for assembling a multi-component stent-graft system, the method comprising:

• providing (a) a first generally tubular stent-graft, which (i) when unconstrained in a radially-expanded state:
• (i) defines a first lateral opening having a first lateral opening perimeter, and (ii) has a first perimeter of a first end thereof that equals at least 200% of a second perimeter of a second end thereof, and (b) a second generally tubular stent-graft, and (ii) is configured for positioning the first end thereof in a descending aorta, and the second end thereof in one of the branches of an aortic arch, with the first lateral opening disposed in the aortic arch facing upstream;
• and
• while the first stent-graft is in its radially-expanded state and the second stent-graft is in a radially-compressed state, disposing the second stent-graft through the first lateral opening, and causing the second stent-graft to transition to a radially-expanded state, such that the second stent-graft forms a blood-impervious seal with the first stent-graft around the first lateral opening.

Apparatus comprising a multi-component stent-graft system, which comprises:

• a first generally tubular stent-graft, which, when unconstrained in a radially-expanded state:
• (a) has a first perimeter of a first end thereof that equals at least 200% of a second perimeter of a second end thereof, and (b) defines a first lateral opening having a first lateral opening perimeter that equals at least 75% of the first perimeter of the first end;
• and
• a second generally tubular stent-graft, which is configured to assume a radially-expanded state, wherein the first and the second stent-grafts are configured such that the second stent-graft forms a blood-impervious seal with the first stent-graft around the first lateral opening when the second stent-graft is disposed therethrough, and the first and second stent-grafts are in their radially-expanded states.