APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR TREATING THE AORTA
An endovascular stent and an aortic valve replacement can be used to treat the aorta. An endovascular stent suitable for treating the ascending aorta includes a circumferential wall with one or more portions configured to allow blood to flow therethrough, and one or more portions configured to be substantially impermeable. In one version, the blood-permeable portion is defined by bare metal with fenestrations defined therein, and the impermeable portion is formed from polymeric material. The permeable and impermeable portions of the stent are sized, shaped, and located so that, when positioned in the blood vessel to be treated, the impermeable portion is in operative proximity to an aneurysm, dissection, or other area to be treated, and the permeable, bare metal portion is in operative proximity to other blood vessels which need to receive blood from the blood vessel being treated. An aortic valve replacement includes multiple flanges that can be seated in the sinuses of valsalva. The stent or aortic valve replacement may be included in a suitable apparatus for treatment of the aorta. The apparatus for treating the aorta may include a delivery system adapted to be inserted through the apex of the left ventricle of the heart.