U.S. patent application number 10/693255 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-26 for multi-lumen prosthesis systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aptus Endosystems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bolduc, Lee, Chiang, Andrew L..
Application Number | 20050113906 10/693255 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34573197 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050113906 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Bolduc, Lee ; et
al. |
May 26, 2005 |
MULTI-LUMEN PROSTHESIS SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
Systems and methods introduce and deploy a multi-lumen
prosthesis into a blood vessel or hollow body organ. The prosthesis
has a trunk divided by an internal septum, which defines, within at
least a portion of the trunk interior, a multi-lumen flow channel
configuration. A lumen extension component can be sized and
configured to be fitted within at least one of the interior lumens
to define an extended lumen.
Inventors: |
Bolduc, Lee; (Sunnyvale,
CA) ; Chiang, Andrew L.; (Fremont, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RYAN KROMHOLZ & MANION, S.C.
POST OFFICE BOX 26618
MILWAUKEE
WI
53226
US
|
Assignee: |
Aptus Endosystems, Inc.
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 0021132 A1 |
January 27, 2005 |
|
|
Family ID: |
34573197 |
Appl. No.: |
10/693255 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10693255 |
Oct 24, 2003 |
|
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10271334 |
Oct 15, 2002 |
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60489011 |
Jul 21, 2003 |
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60333937 |
Nov 28, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
623/1.35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/07 20130101; A61F
2002/065 20130101; A61F 2220/0075 20130101; A61F 2/89 20130101;
A61F 2002/075 20130101; A61F 2002/067 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/001.35 |
International
Class: |
A61F 002/06 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A prosthesis for a blood vessel or hollow body organ comprising
a trunk including a prosthetic material defining having an interior
including a seam joining opposing surfaces of the prosthetic
material together to form an internal septum sized and configured
to define, within at least a portion of the trunk interior, a
multi-lumen flow channel configuration.
2. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the multi-lumen flow
channel configuration comprises two interior lumens.
3. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the multi-lumen flow
channel configuration is symmetric with respect to a mid-line axis
of the trunk.
4. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the multi-lumen flow
channel configuration includes a first interior lumen and a second
interior lumen, at least one of the interior lumens being sized and
configured to receive a lumen extension component to define an
extended lumen.
5. A prosthesis according to claim 4 wherein the extended lumen
includes a portion that is joined by the septum to the other
interior lumen and another portion that is not joined by the septum
to the other interior lumen.
6. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the multi-lumen flow
channel configuration includes a first interior lumen and a
truncated second interior lumen that is shorter than the first
interior lumen.
7. A prosthesis according to claim 6 wherein the truncated second
interior lumen is sized and configured to receive a lumen extension
component to define an extended lumen.
8. A prosthesis according to claim 7 wherein the extended lumen
includes a portion that is joined by the septum to the first
interior lumen and another portion that is not joined by the septum
to the first interior lumen.
9. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein a region of the trunk
is sized and configured to receive a fastening element to secure
the trunk to body tissue.
10. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the prosthetic
material includes a fabric.
11. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the trunk includes
support scaffolding.
12. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the trunk includes at
least one stent structure.
13. A prosthesis according to claim 12 wherein the stent structure
includes a self-expanding stent ring.
14. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the trunk includes
spaced apart stent structures.
15. A prosthesis according to claim 14 wherein the spaced apart
sent structures include first and second adjacent stent structures
that are not mutually attached one to the other.
16. A prosthesis according to claim 14 wherein the spaced apart
sent structures include first and second adjacent stent structures
that are mutually attached one to the other.
17. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the trunk extends
along an axis, wherein the septum comprises a seam formed along the
axis of the trunk.
18. A prosthesis according to claim 1 wherein the seam is formed by
weaving.
19. A prosthesis assembly for a blood vessel or hollow body organ
comprising, a trunk including a prosthetic material defining having
an interior including a seam joining opposing surfaces of the
prosthetic material together to form an internal septum sized and
configured to define, within at least a portion of the trunk
interior, a multi-lumen flow channel configuration comprising at
least a first interior lumen and a second interior lumen, and a
lumen extension component sized and configured to be fitted within
at least one of the interior lumens to define an extended
lumen.
20. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the extended lumen
includes a portion that is joined by the septum to the other
interior lumen and another portion that is not joined by the septum
to the other interior lumen.
21. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the multi-lumen flow
channel configuration includes a first interior lumen and a
truncated second interior lumen that is shorter than the first
interior lumen.
22. An assembly according to claim 21 wherein the lumen extension
is sized and configured to be fitted within the truncated second
lumen to define the extended lumen.
23. An assembly according to claim 22 wherein the extended lumen
includes a portion that is joined by the septum to the first
interior lumen and another portion that is not joined by the septum
to the first interior lumen.
24. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein a region of the trunk
is sized and configured to receive a fastening element to secure
the trunk to body tissue.
25. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the prosthetic
material includes a fabric.
26. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the lumen extension
includes a prosthetic material.
27. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the trunk and the
lumen extension each includes a prosthetic material.
28. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein at least one of the
trunk and the lumen extension includes scaffolding.
29. An assembly according to claim 28 wherein the scaffolding
includes at least one stent structure.
30. An assembly according to claim 28 wherein the scaffolding
includes a self-expanding stent ring.
31. An assembly according to claim 28 wherein the scaffolding
includes spaced apart stent structures.
32. An assembly according to claim 31 wherein the spaced apart sent
structures include first and second adjacent stent structures that
are not mutually attached one to the other.
33. An assembly according to claim 31 wherein the spaced apart sent
structures include first and second adjacent stent structures that
are mutually attached one to the other.
34. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the trunk extends
along an axis, wherein the septum comprises a seam formed along the
axis of the trunk.
35. An assembly according to claim 19 wherein the seam is formed by
weaving.
36. A method for deploying a prosthesis comprising the steps of
introducing a prosthesis as defined in claim 1 into a targeted site
comprising a blood vessel or hollow body organ, and locating the
prosthesis in contact with body tissue at the targeted site.
37. A method according to claim 36 further including the step of
fastening the prosthesis to body tissue at the targeted site.
38. A method for deploying a prosthesis comprising the steps of
introducing a prosthesis assembly as defined in claim 19 into a
targeted site comprising a blood vessel or hollow body organ,
locating the trunk of the prosthesis assembly in contact with body
tissue at the targeted site, and fitting the lumen extension of the
prosthesis assembly to the trunk.
39. A method according to claim 38 further including the step of
fastening the trunk of the prosthesis assembly to body tissue at
the targeted site.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/489,011, filed Jul. 21, 2003, and
entitled "Bifurcated Prosthesis Systems and Methods."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to prostheses, and in
particular, to prostheses used in the repair of diseased and/or
damaged sections of a hollow body organ and/or a blood vessel.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] The weakening of a vessel wall from damage or disease can
lead to vessel dilatation and the formation of an aneurysm. Left
untreated, an aneurysm can grow in size and may eventually
rupture.
[0006] For example, aneurysms of the aorta primarily occur in
abdominal region, usually in the infrarenal area between the renal
arteries and the aortic bifurcation. Aneurysms can also occur in
the thoracic region between the aortic arch and renal arteries. The
rupture of an aortic aneurysm results in massive hemorrhaging and
has a high rate of mortality.
[0007] Open surgical replacement of a diseased or damaged section
of vessel can eliminate the risk of vessel rupture. In this
procedure, the diseased or damaged section of vessel is removed and
a prosthetic graft, made either in a straight of bifurcated
configuration, is installed and then permanently attached and
sealed to the ends of the native vessel by suture. The prosthetic
grafts for these procedures are usually unsupported woven tubes and
are typically made from polyester, ePTFE or other suitable
materials. The grafts are longitudinally unsupported so they can
accommodate changes in the morphology of the aneurysm and native
vessel. However, these procedures require a large surgical incision
and have a high rate of morbidity and mortality. In addition, many
patients are unsuitable for this type of major surgery due to other
co-morbidities.
[0008] Endovascular aneurysm repair has been introduced to overcome
the problems associated with open surgical repair. The aneurysm is
bridged with a vascular prosthesis, which is placed intraluminally.
Typically these prosthetic grafts for aortic aneurysms are
delivered collapsed on a catheter through the femoral artery. These
grafts are usually designed with a fabric material attached to a
metallic scaffolding (stent) structure, which expands or is
expanded to contact the internal diameter of the vessel. Unlike
open surgical aneurysm repair, intraluminally deployed grafts are
not sutured to the native vessel, but rely on either barbs
extending from the stent, which penetrate into the native vessel
during deployment, or the radial expansion force of the stent
itself is utilized to hold the graft in position. These graft
attachment means do not provide the same level of attachment when
compared to suture and can damage the native vessel upon
deployment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention provides apparatus and methods for repairing
diseased and/or damaged sections of a hollow body organ and/or a
blood vessel.
[0010] One aspect of the invention provides a prosthesis for a
blood vessel or hollow body organ. The prosthesis comprises a trunk
having an interior. An internal septum in the interior is sized and
configured to define, within at least a portion of the trunk
interior, a multi-lumen flow channel configuration. In one
embodiment, the multi-lumen flow channel configuration includes a
first interior lumen and a second interior lumen. At least one of
the interior lumens is sized and configured to receive a lumen
extension component to define an extended lumen.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for
deploying a prosthesis. The method introduces a prosthesis as
above-described into a targeted site comprising a blood vessel or
hollow body organ. The method locates the trunk of the prosthesis
in contact with body tissue at the targeted site. The method can
also fit the lumen extension to the trunk. In one embodiment, the
method fastens the trunk to body tissue at the targeted site.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention shall be
apparent based upon the accompanying description, drawings, and
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention will be understood from the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a multi-lumen prosthesis assembly
that embodies features of the invention, the prosthesis assembly
comprising two components prior to assembly.
[0015] FIG. 2A is a side view of the multi-lumen prosthesis
assembly shown in FIG. 1 in an assembled condition.
[0016] FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the multi-lumen prosthesis
assembly shown in FIG. 2A, showing the telescopic fitment within
the interface region between the extension component and the second
lumen of the main trunk.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first component of the
multi-lumen prosthesis assembly shown in FIG. 1 positioned within
an abdominal aortic aneurysm, with a main trunk of the first
component being located within the aorta and a leg of the first
component being located in an iliac.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first and second
components of the multi-lumen prosthesis assembly after their
assembly within an abdominal aortic aneurysm, showing the first
component being located within the aorta, with one leg in an iliac,
and the second component being located telescopically within the
first component with a leg extending into a contralateral
iliac.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an endovascular graft
delivery catheter carrying the first component of the multi-lumen
prosthesis assembly in a radially compressed condition into a
desired location within an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the first
component, upon deployment by the catheter, radially expanding to
the condition shown in FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an endovascular graft
delivery catheter carrying the second component of the multi-lumen
prosthesis assembly in a radially compressed condition into
association with the previously deployed first component, the
second component, upon deployment by the catheter, radially
expanding to the condition shown in FIG. 4.
[0021] FIG. 7A is a section view of the distal end of the trunk
component of the multi-lumen prosthesis assembly taken generally
along line 7A-7A of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 7B is a section view of the proximal end of the trunk
component of the multi-lumen prosthesis assembly taken generally
along line 7B-7B of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] I. Multi-Lumen Prosthesis Assembly
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a multi-lumen prosthesis assembly 10 that
embodies features of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment,
the multi-lumen prosthesis assembly 10 comprises a trunk component
12 and at least one extension component 26.
[0025] The trunk component 12 is sized and configured to fit within
a hollow body organ and/or a blood vessel. As described in this
specification, the targeted site of deployment is within the aorta
adjacent the renal arteries, as will be described in greater detail
later. However, this targeted site of deployment is selected for
purposes of illustrating the features of the assembly 10, and is
not intended to be limiting.
[0026] The trunk component 12 includes an interior communicating
with a proximal opening 14 for fluid flow into or from the
prosthesis. The trunk component 12 includes a septum 16 within its
interior. The length of the septum 16 within the prosthesis can
vary. In the illustrated embodiment, the septum 16 does not extend
along the entire length of the trunk component 12, but is spaced a
distance from the proximal opening 14. In the illustrated
arrangement, the septum 16 comprises a longitudinal seam. The seam
can be formed, e.g., by sewing, heat bonding, or weaving opposing
surfaces (i.e., the front and back) of the material 36 (which is
typically a fabric) of the trunk component 12 together, thereby
creating a septum or shared, common wall between two lumens 18 and
20 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B).
[0027] The septum 16 transforms at least a portion of the interior
of the trunk component 12 into a multi-lumen flow channel
configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-lumen flow
channel configuration comprises dual first and second interior
lumens 18 and 20. Due to the septum 16, the dual first and second
interior lumens 18 and 20 of the multi-lumen flow channel
configuration do not form branched or divergent legs (as FIGS. 7A
and 7B show). The shared common wall (the septum 16) prevents
divergence and maintains the lumens 18 and 20 in a non-divergent,
generally parallel flow relationship (as FIGS. 7A and 7B show).
[0028] In the illustrated arrangement, the septum 16 runs generally
along the mid-line of the trunk component 12, making the
multi-lumen flow channel configuration within the trunk component
12 essentially symmetric. However, it should be appreciated that
the septum 16 could form a non-symmetric multi-lumen flow channel
configuration. It should also be appreciated that multiple septums
can be present within the interior, transforming the interior of
the trunk component 12 into a several flow lumens. The length of
the septum can vary. In a representative embodiment, the septum is
typically greater than 10 mm in length and not less than 5 mm in
length.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the second lumen 20 is
truncated along at least a portion of the septum 16. As a result,
the distal opening 22 of the first lumen 18 can be said to extend
beyond the distal opening 24 of the second lumen 20. Still, the
shared common wall (the septum 16) prevents divergence and
maintains the lumens 18 and 20 in a non-divergent, generally
parallel flow relationship.
[0030] The first lumen 18 defines a flow channel sized and
configured to reach a targeted destination or source spaced a
defined distance from the proximal opening 14, while the truncated
second lumen 20 communicates with generally the same targeted
destination as the proximal opening 14 of the trunk component 12
itself. Furthermore, the septum 16 is sized and configured to
accommodate the coupling of a flow channel extension to the
truncated second lumen 20, to likewise extend its reach to another
targeted source or destination spaced from the distal opening 24,
if desired.
[0031] In this arrangement (see FIG. 2A), the multi-lumen
prosthesis assembly 10 includes a flow channel extension component
26. The extension component 26 includes a proximal end 32 that is
sized and configured to be telescopically fitted within the
truncated second lumen 20 of the trunk component 12. The distal end
34 of the extension component 26 is sized and configured to extend
the reach of the truncated second lumen 20 to another targeted
destination or source spaced a defined distance from the proximal
opening 14. As a result, a portion of the extended second lumen 20
is joined to the first lumen 18 by the septum 16, and a portion of
the extended second lumen 20 is not joined by the septum 16 to the
first lumen 18.
[0032] The truncated second lumen 20 of the trunk component 12,
which is joined by the septum 16 to the first lumen 18, provides an
interface region or socket that, like the second lumen 18, is fully
enclosed within the body of the trunk component 12 itself. The
truncated second lumen 20 is therefore not prone to kinking or
twisting or other kinds of movement independent of the trunk
component 12. Passage of a guide wire through the second lumen 20
can occur unimpeded.
[0033] Being telescopically fitted within the interface region or
socket and enclosed within the trunk component 12, the mechanical
properties of the extension component 26 are supplemented by the
structural support and integrity of the trunk component 12 itself,
and vice versa. Coupled together, the trunk component 12 and the
extension component 26 provide enhanced resistance to migration
and/or separation of the extension component 26 from the trunk
component 12. Seated within the enclosed interface region, the
extension component 26 is peripherally sealed within the trunk
component 12 to resist leaks or seepage of fluids around the
extension component 26. The septum 16 can be tapered, curved, wavy,
or otherwise non-linear to enhance the connection between the
extension component and the trunk component 12.
[0034] In one illustrated use (see FIG. 3), the trunk component 12
can be deployed in the aorta in the region of the bifurcation of
the first and second iliac. When properly deployed, the first lumen
18 can be sized to reach into the first iliac of the bifurcation,
while the second lumen 20 remains in communication with the aorta.
After the trunk component 12 is deployed (see FIG. 4), the
extension component 26 can be fitted within the opening 24 of the
second lumen 20, so that the distal end 34 of the second lumen 20
can reach into the second iliac of the bifurcation. In this
arrangement, the first lumen 18 serves as a first leg L1 of the
prosthesis, and the extension component 26 serves as a
contralateral leg L2.
[0035] As described, both trunk and extension components 12 and 26
desirably utilize a prosthetic material 36 carrying individual
self-expanding, zigzag type stent rings 38. The stent rings 38 need
not be attached to one another throughout the prosthesis. However,
it may be desirable in certain locations within the prosthesis
structure to have attachments between the individual stent rings 38
to provide stability and/or additional radial support. As before
stated, the septum 16 is formed by sewing, heat bonding, or weaving
opposing surfaces (i.e., the front and back) of the prosthetic
material 36 of the trunk component 12 together. In the region of
the septum 16, the stent rings 38 extend from the septum 16 about
the formed lumen, but do not enter or otherwise interrupt the
septum 16 itself. The septum 16 is continuous and is formed
separate from the supporting structure of stent rings 38.
[0036] The individual stent rings 38 allow for longitudinal
prosthesis compliance while maintaining radial support of the
prosthesis lumens. This technical features allows the prosthesis to
more readily accommodate changes in vessel/aneurysm morphology.
[0037] The stent rings 38 can be made, e.g., from Nitinol.RTM.
wire. Still, other materials, manufacturing methods and designs can
be used. Each of the stent rings 38 is sewn onto prosthetic
material 36. In certain locations it is desired to have the stent
rings 38 attached to the outer diameter of the prosthetic material
36. Still, it is also contemplated that the stent rings 38 could be
attached to the inner diameter of the prosthetic material 36.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the prosthetic material 36 is
woven polyester, and the attachment of the stent rings 38 is made
with polyester suture. However, it is also contemplated that other
attachment means could be utilized to secure the stent rings 38 to
the prosthetic material 36. These means include bonding; capturing
the stent rings 38 between two layers of prosthetic material 36;
and incorporating the stent rings 38 directly into the woven
prosthetic material 36.
[0039] The trunk component 12 may include a supra-renal stent 40 at
its proximal end, which extends beyond the prosthetic material 36.
When deployed within the aorta, this stent would extend above the
level of the renal arteries. The supra-renal stent orients the
prosthesis within the lumen and aids in maintaining the position of
the prosthesis in the aorta without obstructing the normal blood
flow into the renal arteries.
[0040] In the trunk component 12, the proximal end of the
prosthesis (distal to the supra-renal stent 40) typically has one
or more stent rings 38. The purpose of the stent rings 38 is to
provide a seal between the vessel wall and the graft so that blood
does not flow outside of the prosthesis and to help maintain the
position of the prosthesis in the aorta. Typically, this region of
the aorta (proximal neck of the aneurysm just below the renal
arteries) is also where one or more fasteners may desirably be
introduced by a fastener attachment assembly to anchor the
prosthesis in place. Further details of the fastener attachment
assembly can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/307,226, filed Nov. 29, 2002, which is incorporated herein by
reference. It is desirable that this region of the trunk component
12 be sized and configured for the receipt and retention of
fasteners, e.g., the size and spacing of ring stent patterns to
specially accommodate the placement of fasteners; and/or the use of
woven fibers with an "X-pattern" or a "sinusoidal pattern" to
specially accommodate placement of fasteners; and/or to fold over
the prosthetic material to form multiple layers, to reinforce the
prosthesis in the region where fasteners are placed; and/or the use
of denser weave patters or stronger fibers from, e.g., Kevlarw
material or Vectran.TM. material or metallic wire woven alone or
interwoven with typical polyester fibers in the region were
fasteners are placed. It may also be desirable to fluoroscopically
indicate this region of the prosthesis with radiopaque markers 42
on the prosthetic material 36 or stent rings 38 to aid in
positioning the fastening staples.
[0041] Additional stent rings 38 may be utilized throughout the
main trunk of the first component 12. Desirably, a minimal number
of stent rings 38 would be utilized within the trunk component 12.
Typically, however, a stent ring 38 would be attached just proximal
to the longitudinal seam 16 in the main trunk.
[0042] The longitudinal seam 16 in the main trunk can be created by
methods such as sewing, heat bonding, or possibly weaving the front
and the back of the prosthetic material 36 together. Typically the
seam 16 would be located along the midline of the main trunk to
create two equally sized lumens 18 and 20. However, the location of
the seam 16 could be moved, if different sized lumens were
desired.
[0043] The multiple lumens 18 and 20 in the trunk component 12 may
typically be supported with stent rings 38 on the inside of the
prosthetic material 36. Ideally, the stent rings 38 in one lumen 18
are staggered in position with the stent rings 38 in the other
lumen 20, so that they do not overlap each other when the first
component 12 is radially compressed prior to deployment. Typically,
stent rings 38 would be attached to the outside of the first lumen
18 of the trunk component 12.
[0044] Rotational orientation of the trunk component 12 within the
vessel lumen or hollow body organ is accomplished with additional
radiopaque markers 44 attached to the prosthesis for visualization
under fluoroscopy. Typically, these markers 44 may be attached to
the prosthetic material 36. Still, the markers 44 may be attached
to stent rings 38 instead of or in addition to the prosthetic
material 36. The radiopaque markers 44 typically are in the form of
marker bands, tight wound coils, or wire made from radiopaque
materials such as platinum, platinum/iridium, or gold. The
radiopaque markers 44 may be attached to the prosthetic material 36
or stent rings 38 to help fluoroscopically determine the location
of all prosthesis openings and to indicate the insertion depth for
the extension component 26 into the second lumen 20 of the trunk
component 12. Desirably, two markers 44, one longer than the other,
are attached on opposite sides of the main trunk of the first
component 12 with the longer marker aligned on the side with the
leg L1. The two markers 44 enable the user to determine the proper
rotational orientation of the prosthesis in the delivery system so
that, upon deployment, the second distal opening 20 is aligned with
the contralateral iliac artery.
[0045] The extension component 26 has stent rings 38 attached to
the outside of prosthetic material 36 along its entire length, with
some spacing between the stent rings 38. However, as in the trunk
component 12, it is contemplated that the stent rings 38 could also
be placed on the inside of the prosthetic material 36. Furthermore,
as previously discussed, the stent rings 38 need not be attached to
one another throughout the prosthesis. However, it may be desirable
in certain locations within the prosthesis structure to have
attachments between the individual stent rings 38 to provide
stability and/or additional radial support. The addition of the
stent rings 38 to the extension component 26 aids in the deployment
of the extension component 26 and allows for longitudinal
compliance while maintaining radial support of the lumen within the
extension component 26. Typically, radiopaque markers 42 are used
on each end of the prosthesis to aid in the visualization of the
placement of the extension component 26 within the lumen of the
second distal opening 24 of the first component 12.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the stent rings 38 in the
extension component 26 can be sized, configured, and arranged to
engage the stent rings 38 in the second lumen 20 of the main trunk
12. This engagement prevents the extension component 26 from moving
or migrating longitudinally in relating to the second lumen 20
after the extension component 26 has been deployed.
[0047] II. Use of the Multilumen Prosthesis Assembly
[0048] During use (see FIG. 5), a first catheter 46 is navigated
over a guide wire 48 through an iliac to the desired location
within the aorta near the renal arteries. The catheter 46 carries
the trunk component 12 of the multi-lumen prosthesis system 10 in a
radially reduced configuration. At the targeted site, the catheter
46 releases the trunk component 12, which expands radially into the
position shown in FIG. 3.
[0049] As FIG. 6 shows, the extension component 26 is carried in a
radially compressed condition by another over-the-wire catheter 50
coming from the contralateral iliac. The catheter 50 deploys the
extension component 26, such that the proximal end of the extension
component 26 is telescopically received within the second lumen 20
of the trunk component 12 and the distal end extends into the
contralateral iliac, as FIG. 4 shows. Only when the extension
component 26 is telescopically received within the second lumen 20
of the trunk component 12, a bifurcated prosthesis is formed with
divergent legs.
[0050] The preferred embodiments of the invention are described
above in detail for the purpose of setting forth a complete
disclosure and for the sake of explanation and clarity. Those
skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the
scope and sprit of the present disclosure.
[0051] The above described embodiments of this invention are merely
descriptive of its principles and are not to be limited. The scope
of this invention instead shall be determined from the scope of the
following claims, including their equivalents.
* * * * *