US Patent 6994724 Soft-tissue tubular prostheses with seamed transitions

Single tubular woven or bifurcated prostheses are disclosed having varying diameters and tapered transitions. The prostheses comprise a seam along the tapered edges, thereby providing a substantially fluid-tight transition between sections or extents of the prostheses. The seam may be located at an edge where fabric of the prosthesis tapers from one diameter to a different diameter and/or at a point where the prosthesis splits such as a bifurcation. The seamed crotch may be used for tapered and non-tapered bifurcated grafts. The seam may be woven directly on a weaving loom or joined together after weaving is completed.