HINGED ENDOVASCULAR DEVICE

1 . A hinged stent comprising:

a first stent portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end;

a second stent portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end; and

a hinge assembly coupling the first distal end and the second proximal end to each other.

2 . The hinged stent according to claim 1 , further comprising a first graft coupled to the first stent portion.

3 . The hinged stent according to claim 1 , further comprising a second graft coupled to the second stent portion.

4 . The hinged stent according to claim 1 , wherein the hinge assembly comprises first and second hinges diametrically opposed from each other.

5 . A method of inserting a hinged prosthesis into a body lumen having a main lumen with first and second lumens extending therefrom at a bifurcation, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) inserting a prosthesis having a first portion, a second portion, and a hinged portion coupling the first portion to the second portion into the first lumen distally of the bifurcation;

(b) advancing the first portion of the prosthesis toward the bifurcation;

(c) pivoting the first portion of the prosthesis into the second lumen at the bifurcation;

(d) advancing the first portion into the second lumen while advancing the hinged portion toward the bifurcation; and

(e) advancing the hinged portion in a proximal direction away from the bifurcation.

6 . The method according to claim 5 , wherein step (e) comprises advancing the hinged portion to a location in the main lumen proximal of the aneurysm.

7 . A hinged stent graft assembly comprising:

a first stent portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end;

a first graft portion at least partially covering the first stent portion;

a second stent portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end;

a second graft portion at least partially covering the second stent portion; and

a hinge coupling the first graft portion and the second graft portion to each other.