U.S. patent application number 09/920347 was filed with the patent office on 2002-01-31 for endovascular prosthesis.
Invention is credited to Marotta, Thomas R., Penn, Ian M., Ricci, Donald R., Shukov, George A..
Application Number | 20020013618 09/920347 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22120006 |
Filed Date | 2002-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020013618 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marotta, Thomas R. ; et
al. |
January 31, 2002 |
Endovascular prosthesis
Abstract
A novel endovascular approach useful in the treatment of
aneurysms, particularly saccular aneurysms. The present
endovascular prosthesis comprises a leaf portion capable of being
urged against and blocking the opening of the aneurysm thereby
leading to obliteration of the aneurysm. The leaf portion is
attached to, and independently moveable with respect to, a body
comprising at least one expandable portion. Thus, the body serves
the general purpose of fixing the endovascular prosthesis in place
at a target body passageway in the vicinity at which the aneurysm
is located and the leaf portion serves the purpose of blocking the
aneurysmal opening thereby leading to obliteration of the aneurysm.
A method of delivering and implanting the endovascular prosthesis
is also described.
Inventors: |
Marotta, Thomas R.; (North
Vancouver, CA) ; Shukov, George A.; (Los Altos Hills,
CA) ; Ricci, Donald R.; (Vancouver, CA) ;
Penn, Ian M.; (Vancouver, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT ADMINSTRATOR
KATTEN MUCHIN ZAVIS
SUITE 1600
525 WEST MONROE STREET
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
22120006 |
Appl. No.: |
09/920347 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09920347 |
Aug 1, 2001 |
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09854695 |
May 15, 2001 |
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09920347 |
Aug 1, 2001 |
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PCT/CA99/00100 |
Feb 12, 1999 |
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60074521 |
Feb 12, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/1.15 ;
623/1.37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/823 20130101;
A61F 2002/91566 20130101; A61F 2002/821 20130101; A61F 2230/0095
20130101; A61F 2002/9155 20130101; A61F 2002/91525 20130101; A61F
2/82 20130101; A61F 2/856 20130101; A61F 2/915 20130101; A61F 2/91
20130101; A61F 2002/91541 20130101; A61F 2002/91533 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/1.15 ;
623/1.37 |
International
Class: |
A61F 002/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A prosthesis for endovascular blocking of an aneurysmal opening,
the prosthesis comprising: a body having a promixal end, a distal
end and at least one expandable portion disposed therebetween, the
at least one expandable portion being expandable from a first,
unexpanded state to a second, expanded state with a radially
outward force thereon to urge the first expandable portion against
a vascular lumen, and a leaf portion attached to the body, the leaf
portion being independently moveable with respect to the body.
2. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the leaf portion
comprises a substantially non-porous section.
3. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one
tubular expandable portion is porous.
4. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the body comprises at
least a pair of opposed tubular expandable portions.
5. The prosthesis defined in claim 4, wherein the opposed tubular
expandable portions are connected to one another by connection
means.
6. The prosthesis defined in claim 4, wherein the opposed tubular
expandable portions are connected to one another by at least one
wire.
7. The prosthesis defined in claim 4, wherein the leaf portion is
connected to one of the opposed tubular expandable portions.
8. The prosthesis defined in claim 4, wherein the opposed tubular
expandable portions comprise a porous surface.
9. The prosthesis defined in claim 4, wherein the opposed tubular
expandable portions, the connection means and the leaf portion are
integrally formed.
10. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the body is a
tube.
11. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the body is a porous
tube.
12. The prosthesis defined in claim 12, wherein the tube is
constructed from a plastically deformable material.
13. The prosthesis defined in claim 12, wherein the tube is
constructed from a self-expanding material.
14. The prosthesis defined in claim 11, wherein the leaf portion is
a cut-out of the tube to define an opening in the body in the
second position.
15. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the leaf portion
comprises a head.
16. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the leaf portion
comprises a neck which interconnects the head and the body.
17. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the head is wider
than the neck.
18. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the leaf portion
further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable adhesive on a
surface thereof.
19. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the leaf portion
further comprises mechanical adjustment means to adjust the
position of the leaf portion with respect to the body.
20. The prosthesis defined in claim 19, wherein the adjustment
means comprises a wire attached to the leaf portion.
21. The prosthesis defined in claim 20, wherein the wire is
attached to the leaf portion at a point distal to the point at
which the leaf portion is connected to the body.
22. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the leaf portion
further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable compound capable of
expanding and entering an opening in the aneurysm.
23. The prosthesis defined in claim 28, wherein the
pharmaceutically acceptable compound expands upon activation.
24. The prosthesis defined in claim 28, wherein the
pharmaceutically acceptable compound expands upon electrical
activation.
25. The prosthesis defined in claim 1, wherein the leaf portion
comprises an aperture for receiving guide means for navigating the
prosthesis to a target location.
26. A method for endovascular blocking of an aneurysmal opening
with a prosthesis comprising: a body having a promixal end, a
distal end and at least one expandable portion disposed
therebetween, and a leaf portion attached to the body, the method
comprising the steps of: disposing the prosthesis on a catheter;
inserting the prosthesis and catheter within a body passageway by
catheterization of the body passageway; translating the prosthesis
and catheter to a target body passageway at which the aneurysm
opening is located; exerting a radially outward expansive force on
the at least one expandable portion such that the at least one
expandable portion is urged against the target body passageway;
urging the leaf portion against the aneurysmal opening thereby
blocking the aneurysmal opening.
27. A prosthesis for endovascular blocking of an aneurysmal
opening, the prosthesis comprising: a body having a longitudinal
axis comprising at least one expandable portion, the at least one
expandable portion being expandable from a first, unexpanded state
to a second, expanded state with a radially outward force thereon
to urge the first expandable portion against a vascular lumen, and
a leaf portion attached to the body, the body being flexible
between: (i) a first position in which the at least one expandable
portion and the leaf portion are aligned along the longitudinal
axis, and (ii) a second position in which the at least one
expandable portion and the leaf are unaligned along the
longitudinal axis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to an
endovascular prosthesis. In another of its aspects, the present
invention relates to a method of treating an aneurysm in a
patient.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] As is known in the art, an aneurysm is an abnormal bulging
outward in the wall of an artery. In some cases, the bulging may be
in the form of a smooth bulge outward in all directions from the
artery--this is known as a "fusiform aneurysm". In other cases, the
bulging may be in the form of a sac arising from an arterial
branching point or from one side of the artery--this is known as a
"saccular aneurysm".
[0005] While aneurysms can occur in any artery of the body, those
which occur in the brain can lead to the occurrence of a stroke.
Most saccular aneurysms which occur in the brain have a neck which
extends from the cerebral blood vessel and broadens into a pouch
which projects away from the vessel.
[0006] The problems caused by such aneurysms can occur in several
different ways. For example, if the aneurysm ruptures, blood enters
the brain or the subarachnoid space (i.e., the space closely
surrounding the brain)--the latter is known as aneurysmal
subarachnoid hemorrhage. This followed by one or more of the
following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, double vision, neck stiffness
and loss of consciousness. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is an
emergency medical condition requiring immediate treatment. Indeed,
10-15% of patients with the condition die before reaching the
hospital for treatment. More than 50% of patients with the
condition will die within the first thirty days after the
hemorrhage. Of those patients who survive, approximately half will
suffer a permanent stroke. It is typical for such a stroke to occur
one to two weeks after the hemorrhage itself from vasospasm in
cerebral vessels induced by the subarachnoid hemorrhage. Aneurysms
also can cause problems which are not related to bleeding although
this is less common. For example, an aneurysm can form a blood clot
within itself which can break away from the aneurysm and be carried
downstream where it has the potential to obstruct an arterial
branch causing a stroke. Further, the aneurysm can also press
against nerves (this has the potential of resulting in paralysis or
abnormal sensation of one eye or of the face) or the adjacent brain
(this has the potential of resulting in seizures).
[0007] Given the potentially fatal consequences of the aneurysms,
particularly brain aneurysms, the art has addressed treatment of
aneurysms using various approaches.
[0008] Generally, aneurysms may be treated from outside the blood
vessels using surgical techniques or from the inside using
endovascular techniques (the latter falls under the broad heading
of interventional (i.e., non-surgical) techniques).
[0009] Surgical techniques usually involve a craniotomy requiring
creation of an opening in the skull of the patient through which
the surgeon can insert instruments to operate directly on the
brain. In one approach, the brain is retracted to expose the
vessels from which the aneurysm arises and then the surgeon places
a clip across the neck of the aneurysm thereby preventing arterial
blood from entering the aneurysm. If there is a clot in the
aneurysm, the clip also prevents the clot from entering the artery
and obviates the occurrence of a stroke. Upon correct placement of
the clip the aneurysm will be obliterated in a matter of minutes.
Surgical techniques are the most common treatment for aneurysms.
Unfortunately, surgical techniques for treating these conditions
are regarded as major surgery involving high risk to the patient
and necessitate that the patient have strength even to have a
chance to survive the procedure.
[0010] As discussed above, endovascular techniques are non-surgical
techniques and are typically performed in an angiography suite
using a catheter delivery system. Specifically, known endovascular
techniques involve using the catheter delivery system to pack the
aneurysm with a material which prevents arterial blood from
entering the aneurysm--this technique is broadly known as
embolization. One example of such an approach is the Guglielmi
Detachable Coil which involves intra-aneurysmal occlusion of the
aneurysm via a system which utilizes a platinum coil attached to a
stainless steel delivery wire and electrolytic detachment. Thus,
once the platinum coil has been placed in the aneurysm, it is
detached from the stainless steel delivery wire by electrolytic
dissolution. Specifically, the patient's blood and the saline
infusate act as the conductive solutions. The anode is the
stainless steel delivery wire and the cathode is the ground needle
which is placed in the patient's groin. Once current is transmitted
through the stainless steel delivery wire, electrolytic dissolution
will occur in the uninsulated section of the stainless steel
detachment zone just proximal to the platinum coil (the platinum
coil is of course unaffected by electrolysis). Other approaches
involve the use of materials such as cellulose acetate polymer to
fill the aneurysm sac. While these endovascular approaches are an
advance in the art, they are disadvantageous. Specifically, the
risks of these endovascular approaches include rupturing the
aneurysm during the procedure or causing a stroke due to distal
embolization of the device or clot from the aneurysm. Additionally,
concern exists regarding the long term results of endovascular
aneurysm obliteration using these techniques. Specifically, there
is evidence of intra-aneurysmal rearrangement of the packing
material and reappearance of the aneurysm on follow-up
angiography.
[0011] One particular type of brain aneurysm which has proven to be
very difficult to treat, particularly using the surgical clipping
or endovascular embolization techniques discussed above occurs at
the distal basilar artery. This type of aneurysm is a weak
outpouching, usually located at the terminal bifurcation of the
basilar artery. Successful treatment of this type of aneurysm is
very difficult due, at least in part, to the imperative requirement
that all the brainstem perforating vessels be spared during
surgical clip placement.
[0012] Unfortunately, there are occasions when the size, shape
and/or location of an aneurysm make both surgical clipping and
endovascular embolization not possible for a particular patient.
Generally, the prognosis for such patients is not good.
[0013] Accordingly, while the prior art has made advances in the
area of treatment of aneurysms, there is still room for
improvement, particularly in endovascular embolization since it is
such an attractive alternative to major surgery. Specifically, it
would be desirable to have an endovascular prosthesis which could
be used in the embolization of aneurysms which are difficult or not
possible to treat otherwise. It would be further desirable if such
an endovascular prosthesis could be used to treat aneurysms
currently treated endovascularly while mitigating or obviating the
disadvantages associated with current endovascular embolization
techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel
endovascular prosthesis which obviates or mitigates at least one of
the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
novel method for endovascular blocking an aneurysmal opening which
obviates or mitigates at least one of the above-mentioned
disadvantages of the prior art.
[0016] Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention
relates to a prosthesis for endovascular blocking of an aneurysmal
opening, the prosthesis comprising:
[0017] a body having a promixal end, a distal end and at least one
expandable portion disposed therebetween, the at least one
expandable portion being expandable from a first, unexpanded state
to a second, expanded state with a radially outward force thereon
to urge the first expandable portion against a vascular lumen,
and
[0018] a leaf portion attached to the body,
[0019] the leaf portion being independently moveable with respect
to the body.
[0020] In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to
a prosthesis for endovascular blocking of an aneurysmal, the
prosthesis comprising:
[0021] a body having a promixal end, a distal end and at least one
expandable portion disposed therebetween, the at least one
expandable portion being expandable from a first, unexpanded state
to a second, expanded state with a radially outward force thereon
to urge the first expandable portion against a vascular lumen,
and
[0022] a leaf portion attached to the body,
[0023] the body being flexible between: (i) a first position in
which the proximal end, the distal end and the leaf portion are
aligned along a longitudinal axis of the body, and (ii) a second
position in which the leaf portion is aligned with only one of the
distal end and the proximal end along the longitudinal axis.
[0024] In yet another of its aspects, the present invention relates
to a prosthesis for endovascular blocking of an aneurysmal opening,
the prosthesis comprising:
[0025] a body having a longitudinal axis comprising at least one
expandable portion, the at least one expandable portion being
expandable from a first, unexpanded state to a second, expanded
state with a radially outward force thereon to urge the first
expandable portion against a vascular lumen, and
[0026] a leaf portion attached to the body,
[0027] the body being flexible between: (i) a first position in
which the at least one expandable portion and the leaf portion are
aligned along the longitudinal axis, and (ii) a second position in
which the at least one expandable portion and the leaf are
unaligned along the longitudinal axis.
[0028] In yet another of its aspects, the present invention relates
to a method for endovascular blocking of an aneurysmal opening with
a prosthesis comprising: a body having a promixal end, a distal end
and at least one expandable portion disposed therebetween, and a
leaf portion attached to the body, the method comprising the steps
of:
[0029] disposing the prosthesis on a catheter;
[0030] inserting the prosthesis and catheter within a body
passageway by catheterization of the body passageway;
[0031] translating the prosthesis and catheter to a target body
passageway at which the aneurysm opening is located;
[0032] exerting a radially outward expansive force on the at least
one expandable portion such that the at least one expandable
portion is urged against the target body passageway.
[0033] urging the leaf portion against the aneurysmal opening
thereby blocking the aneurysmal opening.
[0034] Thus, the present inventors have discovered a novel
endovascular approach useful in blocking of an aneurysmal opening,
particularly those in saccular aneurysms, leading to obliteration
of the aneurysm. The approach is truly endovascular in that, with
the present endovascular prosthesis, there is no requirement to
pack the aneurysmal sac with a material (e.g., such is used with
the Guglielmi Detachable Coil). Rather, the present endovascular
prosthesis operates on the basis that it serves to block the
opening to the aneurysmal sac thereby obviating the need for
packing material. Thus, a novel endovascular prosthesis has been
discovered which obviates or mitigates many of the disadvantages of
the prior art. The present endovascular prosthesis comprises a leaf
portion capable of being urged against the opening of the aneurysm
thereby closing the aneurysm. The leaf portion is attached to, and
independently moveable with respect to, a body comprising at least
one expandable portion. The tubular portion is expandable from a
first, unexpanded state to a second, expanded stated with a
radially outward force thereon to urge the first expandable portion
against a vascular lumen. Thus, the body serves the general purpose
of fixing the endovascular prosthesis in place at a target vascular
lumen body passageway in the vicinity at which the aneurysmal
opening is located and the leaf portion serves the purpose of
sealing the aneurysmal opening thereby leading to obliteration of
the aneurysm. Thus, as will be developed further hereinbelow, the
leaf portion functions and is moveable independently of the body of
the endovascular prosthesis.
[0035] Preferably, and as will be further developed hereinbelow,
the at least one expandable portion is generally tubular in
structure. Indeed, throughout this specification, reference will be
made to an expandable portion which is generally tubular in
structure. However, such reference is for illustrative purposes
only and those of skill in the art will recognize that it is
possible to utilize a non-tubular structure (e.g., a claw-like
design which opens upon expansion) as the at least one expandable
portion.
[0036] The body of the present endovascular prosthesis has a
generally longitudinal axis and is flexible. The leaf portion is
independently moveable between at least a first position and a
second position with respect to the body, expanded or unexpanded.
Thus, in the first position, the distal end and the proximal end of
the body are aligned with the leaf portion. In the second position,
while securing the distal end and the proximal end of the body, the
leaf portion maintains a degree of independent movement. In this
manner, the leaf portion is "independently moveable" with respect
to the body. In one embodiment, it is preferred that this
independent movement is achieved by disposing the leaf portion such
that it may pivot with respect to the remainder of the endovascular
prosthesis. It should be understood that, while the leaf portion is
independently moveable with respect to the body, the final
alignment of the distal end, the proximal end and leaf portion
(i.e., the alignment after blockage of the aneurysmal opening) is
not particularly restricted and depends on factors such as the size
and location of the aneurysm and the anatomy of the particular
patient. The key point is that the leaf portion is capable of being
independently moved with respect to the body.
[0037] In one preferred embodiment, the body is in the form of a
flexible tube, preferably a flexible, porous tube. In this
embodiment, the leaf portion may be a cut-out along the length of
the tube and at least one, preferably both, ends of the tube are
expandable upon application of a radially outward force thereon to
fix the tube in place in the target body passageway. The leaf
portion is capable of moving out of the plane of the tube upon
flexure of the tube and/or expansion of the tube in a radially
outward direction to be urged against an opening of and thereby
blocking the aneurysmal opening.
[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the body is in the form of
a pair of opposed tubular or ring-like sections which are connected
to one another. The leaf portion is connected to one or both of the
tubular or ring-like sections. The ring-like sections are
expandable upon exertion (e.g., applied by a catheter-mounted
balloon or inherent in a self-expanding device) of a radially
outward force thereon to urge fix the body in place in the target
body passageway. As is known in the art, it is possible to confer
expandability to the ring-like sections by designing these sections
to have a porous surface (e.g., comprising a plurality of
interconnecting struts). For materials such as stainless steel,
this allows the ring-like structures to expand prior to reaching
the point of plastic deformation. The leaf portion is capable of
moving out of the plane of the tube upon flexure of the tube and/or
expansion of the tube in a radially outward direction.
[0039] The present endovascular prosthesis is believed to provide a
significant alternative the conventional surgical techniques
described hereinabove. Additionally, it is envisaged that the
present endovascular prosthesis may used in the treatment of
certain aneurysms which are diagnosed as being inoperable. The
present endovascular prosthesis also is believed to provide a
significant advantage of current endovascular approaches such as
the Guglielmi Detachable Coil described hereinabove. Specifically,
since the present endovascular prosthesis does not rely on
insertion into the aneurysm of a metal packing material (e.g.,
platinum coil), the risk of rupturing the aneurysm is mitigated as
is the risk of intra-aneurysmal rearrangement of the metal packing
material and subsequent reappearance of the aneurysm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like elements and in which:
[0041] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a perspective view, partially cut away,
of the terminal bifurcation of the basilar artery into which the a
first embodiment of the present endovascular prosthesis is being
delivered and implanted;
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of a modification to the
first embodiment of the present endovascular prosthesis illustrated
in FIGS. 1-5;
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of another modification
to the first embodiment of the present endovascular prosthesis
illustrated in FIGS. 1-5;
[0044] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate various embodiments of the shape of
the leaf portion of the present endovascular prosthesis;
[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a second
embodiment of the present endovascular prosthesis;
[0046] FIGS. 12-15 illustrate a perspective view, partially cut
away, of the terminal bifurcation of the basilar artery into which
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 is being delivered and
implanted;
[0047] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment
of the present endovascular prosthesis;
[0048] FIGS. 17-18 illustrate a perspective view, partially cut
away, of the terminal bifurcation of the basilar artery into which
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 is being delivered and
implanted; and
[0049] FIG. 19 illustrates an enlarged view of a modification to
the embodiment of the present endovascular prosthesis illustrated
in FIGS. 16-18;
[0050] FIGS. 20-22 illustrate a perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the present endovascular prosthesis shown in
schematic;
[0051] FIG. 23 illustrates an enlarged two-dimensional
representation of one embodiment encompassed by the endovascular
prosthesis illustrated in FIGS. 20-22; and
[0052] FIG. 24 illustrates an enlarged two-dimensional
representation of another embodiment encompassed by the
endovascular prosthesis illustrated in FIGS. 20-22.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a first embodiment of the
present endovascular prosthesis will be described with particular
reference to implantation of same at the terminal bifurcation of
the basilar artery.
[0054] Thus there is illustrated a basilar artery 10 which
terminates at a junction 15 which bifurcates into pair of secondary
arteries 20,25. Located at junction 15 is an aneurysm 30. Aneurysm
30 has an opening 35 (shown enlarged for illustrative purposes
only) through blood enters and sustains aneurysm 30.
[0055] An endovascular prosthesis 100 is mounted on a catheter
50.
[0056] Catheter 50 comprises an inflatable balloon 55 and a
guidewire 60. Catheter 50, inflatable balloon 55 and guidewire 60
are conventional. As is known in the art, inflatable balloon 55 is
moveable along guidewire 60.
[0057] Endovascular prosthesis 100 is constructed of a body 105.
Body 105 comprises a proximal end 110 and a distal end 115.
Endovascular prosthesis 100 further comprises a leaf portion 120
attached to body 105. As illustrated, leaf portion comprises a neck
125 and a head 130. Head 130 is wider than neck 125. In the
illustrated embodiment, head 130 of leaf portion 120 points away
from distal end 115 (i.e., head 130 of leaf portion 120 points
toward proximal end 110).
[0058] Body 105 is a generally tubular element and should be
constructed to be sufficiently flexible such that it can be
navigated to the target body passageway yet be sufficiently
expandable such that it can be fixed at the proper location in
target body passageway.
[0059] One approach to achieve this is to construct endovascular
prosthesis 100 from a structure resembling a stent. As is known in
the art, a stent is an expandable prosthesis which is generally
used to obtain and maintain the patency of a body passageway (e.g.,
blood vessels, respiratory ducts, gastrointestinal ducts and the
like). The two general design requirements of a stent are: (i) it
must be sufficiently flexible in the unexpanded state such that it
may be navigated to the target body passageway intact, and (ii) it
must be sufficiently radially rigid in the expanded state to avoid
the occurrence of restenosis and/or stent recoil. The present
endovascular prosthesis is not a stent, per se, since design
requirement (ii) need not be met--i.e., the aim of the present
endovascular prosthesis is not to maintain patency of blocked body
passageway. Rather, the present endovascular prosthesis comprises
one or more expandable elements for the purposes of securing the
prosthesis in the correct position.
[0060] Thus, in this approach body 105 may be a porous tube having
a porosity defined by a plurality of intersecting members (for
clarity, the porosity of body 105 is not illustrated in FIGS. 1-5).
The precise pattern of the intersecting members is not particularly
restricted and should be chosen to achieve sufficient flexibility
of the porous tube in the unexpanded state while having the
potential to achieve at least some degree of expansion with
radially outward forces on the tube. Typically, the plurality of
intersecting members will be arranged to define a regular repeating
pattern. See, for example, the various repeating patterns disclosed
in the following copending patent applications:
[0061] Canadian patent application number 2,134,997 (filed Nov. 3,
1994);
[0062] Canadian patent application number 2,171,047 (filed Mar. 5,
1996);
[0063] Canadian patent application number 2,175,722 (filed May 3,
1996);
[0064] Canadian patent application number 2,185,740 (filed Sep. 17,
1996);
[0065] Canadian patent application number 2,192,520 (Dec. 10,
1996);
[0066] International patent application PCT/CA97/00151 (filed Mar.
5, 1997);
[0067] International patent application PCT/CA97/00152 (filed Mar.
5, 1997); and
[0068] International patent application PCT/CA97/00294 (filed May
2, 1997);
[0069] the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by
reference (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Divysio
patent applications") and the various references cited therein.
While the repeating patterns disclosed in the in the Divysio patent
applications are suited for use in stent designs, they may be
modified to increase the flexibility of the tubular structure
(e.g., by altering the polygonal design taught in the Divysio
patent application applications) to be useful in the present
endovascular prosthesis notwithstanding that the resultant tube may
not be useful as a stent.
[0070] Body 105 may be constructed of any suitable material. In one
preferred embodiment, body 105 is constructed of a plastically
deformable material such as a metal, alloy or polymer. Non-limiting
examples of suitable metals and alloys may be selected from the
group comprising stainless steel, titanium, tantalum and the like.
In this embodiment, the radially outward force used to expand body
105 may be applied by expansion of a catheter-mounted balloon, as
will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow. In another preferred
embodiment, body 105 is constructed of "shape memory" metal alloy
(e.g., nitinol) capable of self-expansion at a temperature of at
least about 30.degree. C., preferably in the range of from about
30.degree. to about 40.degree. C. In this embodiment, it will be
appreciated that an inherent radially outward force causes
expansion of body 105 when it is exposed to an environment at the
programmed self-expansion temperature. In yet another preferred
embodiment, body 105 may be construct of a biodegradable material.
As is known in the art, a biodegradable material will degrade upon
prolonged contact with body fluids and would be useful in the
present endovascular prosthesis since aneurysm obliteration may
occur within minutes after closing of the aneurysmal opening.
[0071] The manner by which body 105 is manufactured is not
particularly restricted. Preferably, the body 105 is produced by
laser cutting techniques applied to a tubular starting material.
Thus, the starting material could be a thin tube of a metal, alloy
or polymer as described above which would then have sections
thereof cut out to leave the desired repeating pattern discussed
above. By using such a technique, it is then possible to produce
leaf portion 120 simply by laser machining a cut in the outline of
neck 125 and head 130 of leaf portion 120.
[0072] Alternatively, it is possibly to construct body 105 having
the desired porous repeating pattern from one or more pre-formed
wires. In another alternate embodiment, it is possible to construct
body 105 having the desired porous repeating pattern using a flat
bed laser cutting technique, optionally combined was a welding
technique.
[0073] Since endovascular prosthesis 100 functions by blocking
opening 35 to aneurysm 30, it is important that leaf portion 120 be
designed accordingly. Specifically, leaf portion 120 should be
design such that it may occlude opening 35 to aneurysm 30. This may
be achieved in a number of ways. In one embodiment, head 130 of
leaf portion 120 is designed to be non-porous. In another
embodiment, head 130 of leaf portion 120 is designed to be porous
(e.g., for ease of manufacture of body 105) and thereafter covered
with a suitable non-porous coating material. The non-porous coating
material may be active (e.g., a pharmaceutical, an adhesive and the
like to a non-porous surface and an additional benefit) or inactive
(e.g., an inert coating material which serves the sole purpose of
providing a non-porous surface). In yet another embodiment, the
entire surface of leaf portion 120 (i.e., the combination of neck
125 and head 130) may be non-porous by original design or
originally porous and subsequently covered with a non-porous
coating.
[0074] Endovascular prosthesis 100 may further comprise a coating
material thereon. The coating material may be disposed continuously
or discontinuously on the surface of the prosthesis. Further, the
coating may be disposed on the interior and/or the exterior
surface(s) of the prosthesis. The coating material can be one or
more of a biologically inert material (e.g., to reduce the
thrombogenicity of the prosthesis), a medicinal composition which
leaches into the wall of the body passageway after implantation
(e.g., to provide anticoagulant action, to deliver a pharmaceutical
to the body passageway and the like) and the like.
[0075] Endovascular prosthesis 100 is preferably provided with a
biocompatible coating in order to minimize adverse interaction with
the walls of the body vessel and/or with the liquid, usually blood,
flowing through the vessel. The coating is preferably a polymeric
material, which is generally provided by applying to the prosthesis
a solution or dispersion of preformed polymer in a solvent and
removing the solvent. Non-polymeric coating material may
alternatively be used. Suitable coating materials, for instance
polymers, may be polytetraflouroethylene or silicone rubbers, or
polyurethanes which are known to be biocompatible. Preferably,
however, the polymer has zwitterionic pendant groups, generally
ammonium phosphate ester groups, for instance phosphoryl choline
groups or analogues thereof. Examples of suitable polymers are
described in International application numbers WO-A-93/16479 and
WO-A-93/15775. Polymers described in those specifications are
hemo-compatible as well as generally biocompatible and, in
addition, are lubricious. It is important to ensure that the
surfaces of the prosthesis are completely coated in order to
minimize unfavourable interactions, for instance with blood, which
might lead to thrombosis in the parent vessel.
[0076] This good coating can be achieved by suitable selection of
coating conditions, such as coating solution viscosity, coating
technique and/or solvent removal step.
[0077] With further reference to FIG. 1, once it is desired to
implant endovascular prosthesis 100, it is mounted on balloon 55 of
catheter 50. Catheter 50 is then translated through basilar artery
10 in the direction of arrow A.
[0078] With reference to FIG. 2, endovascular prosthesis 100
mounted on balloon 55 of catheter 50 is navigated to the location
of aneurysm 30 using conventional guidewire and fluoroscopy
techniques. In the illustrated embodiment, distal end 115 of body
105 enters secondary artery 20. In practice, the secondary arteries
at the bifurcation of the basilar artery are asymmetric and distal
end 115 of body 105 is navigated into the larger of the two
secondary arteries. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, as body
105 is flexed on navigation into secondary artery 20, leaf portion
120 lifts or moves out of alignment with respect to the tubular
plane of body 105 to define an opening 135.
[0079] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, once endovascular
prosthesis 100 is in the correct position, balloon 55 is expanded
thereby exerting radially outward forces on body 105. Initially,
this results in expansion of body 105 such that a portion of it is
urged against the walls of both of basilar artery 10 and secondary
artery 20. With reference to FIG. 4, as expansion of balloon 55
continues, a portion of balloon 55 urges against neck 125 and head
130 of leaf portion 120 resulting in urging of leaf portion 120
against the walls of secondary arteries 20,25 in a manner which
results in blocking of opening 35 of aneurysm 30.
[0080] With reference to FIG. 5, balloon 55 is deflated and,
together with guidewire 60, withdrawn from endovascular prosthesis
100 in the direction of arrow B. In the illustrated embodiment,
endovascular prosthesis 100 is secured in position by body 105
being urged against the walls of basilar artery 10 and secondary
artery 20. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, leaf portion 120
is secured in position by a combination forces against it by the
flow of the blood in the direction of arrow C and the inherent
forces open flexure of body 105 to navigate distal end 115 into
secondary artery 20. Once leaf portion 120 blocks opening 35,
aneurysm 30 is obliterated thereafter.
[0081] With reference to FIG. 6, there is illustrated an enlarged
view of a modification to the endovascular prosthesis illustrated
in FIGS. 1-5. In FIG. 6, like numerals are used to designate like
elements in FIGS. 1-5 and modified or new elements in FIG. 6 are
denoted with the suffix "a". Specifically, leaf portion 120a has
been modified such that neck 125a is made of an electrically
non-conductive material whereas head 130a is made of an
electrically conductive material. Additionally, a pharmaceutically
acceptable adhesive 132a is disposed on the aneurysmal side of head
130a and a positioning wire 140a is secured to head 130a at a
connection point 145a. In use, positioning wire 140a may be
utilized to orient leaf portion 120a such that head 130a correctly
closes opening 35 of aneurysm 30. Once leaf portion 120a is in the
correct position, an electric current is passed through positioning
wire 140a thereby resulting in detachment thereof from head 130a at
connection point 145a. Additionally, depending on the nature of
adhesive 132a, the electric current which is passed through
positioning wire 140a may serve the additional purpose of
activating adhesive 132a. Of course, it is possible to modify the
specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, to: (i)
omit adhesive 132a so that the electric current serves to seal head
130a to the periphery of opening 35; (ii) omit positioning wire
140a so that the seal of head 130a to the periphery of opening is
achieved via adhesive 132a; or (iii) to construct head 130a from
the same material (electrically conductive or non-conductive) so
that the principal purpose of positioning wire 140a is alignment of
leaf portion 120a.
[0082] A preferred modification to the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 1-6 involves modifying positioning wire 140a to a
supplementary (or second) guidewire to guidewire 60 illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5. Specifically, whereas guidewire 60 is navigated in
secondary artery 20, the supplementary guidewire would pass through
an aperture in the leaf portion (e.g., near the location of
connection point 145a in FIG. 6) and be navigated into secondary
artery 25 during implantation of the endovascular prosthesis. By
passing the supplementary guidewire through the leaf portion in
this fashion, delivery of the prosthesis is greatly facilitated
and, importantly, enhanced control is achieved of the orientation
of the leaf portion to seal the aneurysmal opening.
[0083] With reference to FIG. 7, there is illustrated yet another
modification to the endovascular prosthesis illustrated in FIGS.
1-5. In FIG. 7, like numerals are used to designate like elements
in FIGS. 1-5 and modified or new elements in FIG. 7 are denoted
with the suffix "b". Specifically, leaf portion 120b has been
modified such that head 130b is coated on the aneurysmal side
thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable expandable compound
132b. In use, once leaf portion 120b is orientated such that head
130b correctly closes opening 35 of aneurysm 30, expandable
compound 132b chemically reacts with bodily fluids expands to fill
aneurysm 30 as an expanded compound 134b. Alternatively, expandable
compound 132b be electrically activated using a positioning wire
such as illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0084] With reference to FIGS. 8-10, there are illustrated various
modifications to the shape of the head of the leaf portion. In
FIGS. 8-10, like numerals are used to designate like elements in
FIGS. 1-5 and modified elements in FIGS. 8-10 are denoted with the
suffix "c", "d" and "e", respectively. It will be clear to those of
skill in the art that head 130c, 130d or 130e illustrated in FIGS.
8-10, respectively, may be cut out of or overlap with respect to
body 105.
[0085] With reference to FIG. 11 there is illustrated a second
embodiment of the present invention in the form of endovascular
prosthesis 200. Endovascular prosthesis 200 is constructed of a
body 205. Body 205 comprises a proximal end 210 and a distal end
215. Endovascular prosthesis 200 further comprises a leaf portion
220 attached to body 205. As illustrated, leaf portion 220
comprises a neck 225 and a head 230. Head 230 is wider than neck
225. In the illustrated embodiment, head 230 of leaf portion 220
points away from distal end 215 (i.e., head 230 of leaf portion 220
points toward proximal end 210).
[0086] Body 205 further comprises a pair of rings 235,240 which are
interconnected by a pair of wires 245,250. In the illustrated
embodiment leaf portion 220 is connected to ring 235. Wires 245,250
preferably are dimensioned to confer to prosthesis 200 sufficient
integrity while maximizing flexibility to provide enhanced
navigation. The purpose of wires 245,250 is to interconnect rings
235,240 while allowing prosthesis 200 to be sufficiently flexible
such that it can be navigated to the target body passageway yet be
sufficiently expandable such that it can be fixed at the proper
location in target body passageway. Wires 245,250 are not
particularly important during expansion of prosthesis 200 (i.e.,
after the point in time at which prosthesis 200 is correctly
positioned). Further, as will be apparent to those of skill in the
art, leaf portion 220 is independently moveable with respect to
proximal end 210 and distal end 215 of prosthesis 200 (in the
illustrated embodiment, leaf portion 220 is independently moveable
with respect to rings 235,240).
[0087] With reference to FIGS. 12-15, prosthesis 200 is mounted on
a catheter 50 and delivered and implanted in the manner described
above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. In this embodiment, it is
preferred to implant prosthesis 200 in a manner such that wires
245,250 are adjacent basilar artery 10 and secondary artery 20 (in
the illustrated embodiment).
[0088] This embodiment of the invention is useful in illustrating
the difference between the present endovascular prosthesis and a
conventional stent. Specifically, in this embodiment of the present
prosthesis, the expansible elements are rings 235,240. Rings
235,240 comprise a porous structure of interconnecting struts
which, for the purpose of clarity is not illustrated in the
drawings. The precise nature of the porous structure of
interconnecting struts is not particularly restricted and is within
the purview of a person skilled in the art. The principal purpose
of expanding rings 235,240 is to secure prosthesis 200 in place and
not necessarily to alter the flow of blood through that portion of
the artery in which the rings are expanded--i.e., this is the
purpose of a stent.
[0089] With reference to FIG. 16 there is illustrated a third
embodiment of the present invention in the form of endovascular
prosthesis 300. Endovascular prosthesis 300 is constructed of a
body 305. Body 305 comprises a proximal end 310 and a distal end
315. Endovascular prosthesis 300 further comprises a leaf portion
320 attached to body 305. Body 305 comprises a pair of rings
335,340 which are interconnected by a pair of wires 345,350. Again,
rings 335,340 comprise a porous structure of interconnecting struts
which, for the purpose of clarity is not illustrated in the
drawings. The precise nature of the porous structure of
interconnecting struts is not particularly restricted and is within
the purview of a person skilled in the art. As illustrated, leaf
portion 320 is connected to rings 335,340 by a pair of wires
322,324. Further, each of wires 345,350 each contains a pair of
undulating sections 355, and each of wires 322,324 contains a
single undulating section 355. Undulating section 355 improves
flexibility and navigation of prosthesis 300.
[0090] Again, wires 322,324,345,350 preferably are dimensioned to
confer to prosthesis 300 sufficient integrity while maximizing
flexibility to provide enhanced navigation. The purpose of wires
345,350 is to interconnect rings 335,340 while allowing prosthesis
300 to be sufficiently flexible such that it can be navigated to
the target body passageway yet be sufficiently expandable such that
it can be fixed at the proper location in target body passageway.
Wires 345,350 are not particularly important during expansion of
prosthesis 300 (i.e., after the point in time at which prosthesis
300 is correctly positioned). The purpose of wires 322,324 is to
allow for more independent movement of leaf portion 230 with
respect to proximal end 310 (in the illustrated embodiment this
would in include ring 335) and distal end 315 (in the illustrated
embodiment this would in include ring 340) of prosthesis 300. With
reference to FIGS. 17-18, prosthesis 300 is mounted on a catheter
50 and delivered and implanted in the manner described above with
reference to FIGS. 1-5. With further reference to FIG. 18, it will
be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, for optimal
effect, wires 322,324,345,350 should be positioned on rings 335,340
such that wire 324 does not cross secondary artery 25 after
implantation of the endovascular prosthesis.
[0091] With reference to FIG. 19, there is illustrated a
modification to the endovascular prosthesis illustrated in FIGS.
16-18. In FIG. 19, like numerals are used to designate like
elements in FIGS. 16-18 and new elements in FIG. 19 are denoted
with the suffix "f". In FIG. 19, an undulating wire 326f has been
added to interconnect leaf portion 320 and wires 345,350.
Additionally, there is no interconnecting wire between leaf portion
320 and ring 340. In this embodiment, omission of an
interconnecting wire between leaf portion 320 and ring 340 obviates
a connecting wire crossing the lumen of secondary artery 25 after
implantation of the endovascular prosthesis while addition of
undulating wire 326f improves the physical integrity of the
prosthesis.
[0092] FIGS. 20-22 illustrate how the various elements of an
endovascular prosthesis 400 may be cut out of a tubular starting
material (again, for clarity, the specific porosity of prosthesis
400 and the balloon catheter delivery system are not illustrated in
FIGS. 20-22).
[0093] Endovascular prosthesis 400 is constructed of a body 405.
Body 405 comprises a proximal end 410 and a distal end 415.
Endovascular prosthesis 400 further comprises a leaf portion 420
attached to body 405. As illustrated, leaf portion 420 comprises a
blocking portion 425 for blocking aneursymal opening 35. In the
illustrated embodiment, the free end of leaf portion 420 points
away from distal end 415 (i.e., the free end of leaf portion 420
points toward proximal end 410).
[0094] Body 405 further comprises a pair of expandable tubular
sections 435,440 which are interconnected by a spine 450. In the
illustrated embodiment leaf portion 420 is connected to tubular
section 435. Spine 450 is preferably dimensioned to confer to
prosthesis 400 sufficient integrity while maximizing flexibility to
provide enhanced navigation. The purpose of spine 450 is to
interconnect tubular sections 435,440 while allowing prosthesis 400
to be sufficiently flexible such that it can be navigated to the
target body passageway. As will be apparent to those of skill in
the art, leaf portion 420 is independently moveable with respect to
proximal end 410 and distal end 415 of prosthesis 400 (in the
illustrated embodiment, leaf portion 420 is independently moveable
with respect to tubular sections 435,440).
[0095] FIG. 23 illustrates a two-dimensional representation of one
embodiment of expandible prosthesis 400. In the illustrated
embodiment, blocking portion 425 comprises a series of generally
longitudinal, meandering struts 426,427,428 independently
connecting to tubular section 435 at one end and interconnected at
the opposite end via a transverse strut 429.
[0096] The porous structure created by struts 426,427,428,429 is
covered with a material suitable to: (i) withstand expansion of
prosthesis 400, and (ii) block the opening 35 of aneurysm 30 after
deployment. The nature of the material used for this purpose is not
particularly restricted. Preferably, the material comprises
Cardiothane 51.TM. (Kontron Instruments, Inc., Everett, Mass.), a
medical grade polyurethane/silcone polymer which is known to be
useful in intravascular devices (e.g., as a balloon material for
intra-aortic cardiac assist devices). Thus, a "bare" blocking
portion 425 may be initially coated with a 5.7% weight:volume (w:v)
solution of Cardiothane 51.TM. dissolved in an organic solvent
(e.g., 2:1 tetrahydrofuran: 1,4-dioxane). The initially coated
blocking portion 425 may then be further covered with an 11.7% w:v
solution of Cardiothane 51.TM. dissolved in the same solvent. When
the polymer is dry, the struts of blocking portion are
substantially embedded within the polyurethane-silicone cover. The
covered blocking portion 425 may then be sterilized with
ethylene-oxide. For more information about this approach, see "In
Vivo Evaluation of Porous Versus Skinned Polyurethane-Polydimethy-
lsiloxane Small Diameter Vascular Grafts" by Okoshi et al, ASAIO
Transactions 1991; 37: M480-M481, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0097] FIG. 24 illustrates a two-dimensional representation of one
embodiment of expandible prosthesis 400. In the illustrated
embodiment, blocking portion 425 comprises a tab 470 connected to
tubular section 435 at a connection point 475. As illustrated, a
portion of tab 470 contains a series of tightly spaced microcuts
480. The selection of dimension, number and disposition of
microcuts 480 is within the purview of a person skilled in the art
and is chosen to optimize flexibility of tab 470 while limiting
porosity therethrough of bodily fluids.
[0098] Other variations and modifications of the specific
embodiments described hereinabove which do not depart from the
scope and spirit of the invention will be immediately apparent to
those of skill in the art having this specification in hand. For
example, while in various of the illustrated embodiments, the leaf
portion is shown pointing toward the proximal end of the prosthesis
during delivery, this is not essential and, in some cases, a
reverse orientation may be preferred. Further, while in various of
the illustrated embodiments, the leaf portion comprises a head and
a neck, the presence of the neck is not essential in all cases.
Still further, while in various of the illustrated embodiments, a
pair of expandable, annular rings is shown, it is possible to
construct the prothesis using a single expandable anchoring means
(e.g., annular ring, etc.) or 3 or more expandable anchoring means
(e.g., annular rings, etc.). Still further, while in various of the
illustrated embodiments, the leaf portion is substantially elongate
and disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the prosthesis,
it is possible to dispose the leaf portion such that it is
orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the prosthesis. Still
further, while in various of the illustrated embodiments, the
expansible portion of the body comprises a pair of rings having a
porous structure, it is possible to use rings having a non-porous
structure by folding down the rings and maintaining them in this
state using a removable mechanical restraint which, when removed,
allows the rings to unfold into a deployed state (in this
embodiments, the rings would be dimensioned to their final
implanted diameter and then folded down--see for example,
WO-A-95/26695, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference). Other modifications which do not deviated from the
spirit and scope of the invention will be immediately apparent to
those of skill in the art having the present specification in
hand.
* * * * *