US Patent 7998189 Curvable stent-graft and apparatus and fitting method

A stent-graft (100) is provided with a tightenable loop element (122) having a first end terminated in a self-tightening knot (142) and a second end (138) which is received in and can slide in the knot (142). The loop (122) is fitted to the stent-graft (100) in a manner as to cause curvature of the stent-graft (100) upon tightening of the loop. An introducer assembly is also disclosed which includes a cannula (132, 150) within which a pull cord (136) and release wire (134) are located.