U.S. patent application number 12/321132 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-17 for transmyocardial revascularization system and method of use.
Invention is credited to Douglas G. Evans, John E. Nash.
Application Number | 20090234327 12/321132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25501300 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090234327 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evans; Douglas G. ; et
al. |
September 17, 2009 |
Transmyocardial revascularization system and method of use
Abstract
A transmyocardial revascularization system including a plurality
of inserts formed of a material to elicit a healing response in
tissue of the myocardium and deployment instruments and associated
components for deploying the inserts into the wall of the
myocardium. The inserts are arranged to be disposed within
respective lumens or channels in the wall of the myocardium. The
inserts can take various forms, e.g., be solid members, tubular
members, or porous members, and may be resorbable, partially
resorbable or non-resorbable. In some embodiments the inserts are
arranged to be left in place within the channels in the wall of the
myocardium to result in plural lumens which enable blood to flow
therethrough and into contiguous capillaries. The deployment
instruments are arranged to pierce the tissue of the myocardium
from either the endocardium or the epicardium to insert the inserts
into the myocardium, depending on the particular deployment
instrument used. The deployment instruments may make use of a
stabilizing device to stabilize them during the procedure of
inserting the inserts into the myocardium. A controller may also be
provided as part of the system to coordinate the operation of the
deployment instrument with the cardiac cycle. The formation of the
lumens can be achieved either by the inserts or by some other
means, such as a piercing tip or an energy applicator forming a
portion of the instrument. The inserts may include one or more of
pharmaceuticals, biologically active agents, radiopaque materials,
etc.
Inventors: |
Evans; Douglas G.;
(Downingtown, PA) ; Nash; John E.; (Chester
Springs, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENSEY NASH CORPORATION
735 PENNSYLVANIA DRIVE
EXTON
PA
19341
US
|
Family ID: |
25501300 |
Appl. No.: |
12/321132 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11076500 |
Mar 9, 2005 |
7476234 |
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12321132 |
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10301007 |
Nov 21, 2002 |
6955681 |
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11076500 |
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09773855 |
Feb 1, 2001 |
6514271 |
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10301007 |
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09369107 |
Aug 5, 1999 |
6203556 |
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09773855 |
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08958788 |
Oct 29, 1997 |
5980548 |
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09369107 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/522 ; 604/48;
604/500; 604/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/82 20130101; A61F
2/2493 20130101; A61B 2018/00392 20130101; A61B 2017/00247
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/522 ;
604/500; 604/507; 604/48 |
International
Class: |
A61B 18/18 20060101
A61B018/18; A61M 31/00 20060101 A61M031/00 |
Claims
1. A system for vascularizing the myocardium and/or associated
tissue of a living being to produce at least one lumen in
communication with the being's arterial system, said system
comprising a plurality of inserts and a delivery system, said
inserts comprising cells, said delivery system comprising channel
producing means arranged for creating at least one channel in the
myocardium and/or associated tissue, said delivery system arranged
to deposit said inserts into the at least one channel.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one lumen is a new
blood carrying vessel and wherein said cells deposited in the at
least one channel are operative to produce the new blood carrying
vessel.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein said inserts effect
revascularization of the myocardium and/or associated tissue by the
formation of a new blood carrying vessel.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said cells are coated on said
insert.
5. The system of claim 2 wherein said inserts serve to elicit a
healing response in the myocardium and/or associated tissue.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of at least one
of said inserts additionally comprises one or more of drugs,
pharmaceuticals, biologically active materials, growth factors,
radio-opaque materials and antioxidants.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of at least one
of said inserts is at least partially resorbable.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said portion of said at least one
of said inserts comprises polyglycolic acid, polydiaxonone,
polycaprolactone, collagen, hyaluronic acid, oxidized regenerated
cellulose, or polymer composites.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said channel producing means
comprises piercing means.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein said piercing means comprises a
mechanical means.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said mechanical means comprises
rotational cutting, boring, puncturing, or slicing.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein said piercing means comprises
energy application means.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein said energy application means
provides energy selected from the group consisting of one or more
of electrical, thermal, electromagnetic, vibratory, hydraulic,
pneumatic, and radiation.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein said channel producing means is
arranged for creating plural channels in the myocardium and/or
associated tissue and wherein said delivery system is arranged to
deposit said inserts into the plural channels.
15. The system of claim 1 additionally comprising depth limitation
means.
16. The system of claim 1 additionally comprising stabilizing
means.
17. The system of claim 1 additionally comprising controller means
to coordinate deployment of said inserts with the cardiac
cycle.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein said delivery system is arranged
to introduce said inserts via a transthoracic route.
19. The system of claim 1 wherein said delivery system is arranged
to introduce said inserts via a percutaneous transvascular
route.
20. A method of revascularizing the myocardium and/or associated
tissue of a living being comprising: (a) providing at least one
insert comprising cells; (b) providing a delivery system for said
at least one insert, said delivery system comprising channel
producing means; (c) operating said channel producing means to
create at least one channel in the myocardium and/or associated
tissue; and (d) introducing said at least one insert into said at
least one channel.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein said delivery system creates
plural channels in the myocardium and/or associated tissue, said
method comprising providing plural inserts, each insert of which
comprising cells, and introducing said inserts into respective ones
of said plural channels.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein said introduction of said insert
into said channel results in the formation of a new blood carrying
vessel coupled to the being's arterial system.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein said at least one insert serves
to elicit a healing response in said myocardium and/or associated
tissue.
24. The system of claim 23 wherein said at least one insert
comprises cells which cause revascularization of the myocardium,
and/or associated by forming a new blood carrying vessel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of our earlier filed U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/076,500, filed on Mar. 9, 2005,
entitled Transmyocardial Revascularization System And Method Of
Use, which is a Continuation of our earlier filed U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/301,007, filed on Nov.21, 2002, entitled
Transmyocardial Revascularization System And Method Of Use, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,955,681, which is in turn a Divisional of our
earlier filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/773,855, filed on
Feb. 1, 2001, entitled Transmyocardial Revascularization System And
Method Of Use, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,514,271, which is in turn a
Continuation of our earlier filed U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/369,107, filed on Aug. 5, 1999 entitled Transmyocardial
Revascularization And Method Of Use, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,556,
which in turn is a Continuation of our earlier filed U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/958,788, filed on Oct. 29, 1997, entitled
Transmyocardial Revascularization System, now U.S. Pat. No.
5,980,548, all of whose disclosures are incorporated by reference
herein, and which are assigned to the same assignee as the subject
invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to medical systems and
procedures and more particularly to systems and procedures for
effecting revascularization of the myocardium of a living
being.
[0003] Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the
industrial world today. During the disease process, atherosclerotic
plaques develop at various locations within the arterial system of
those affected. These plaques restrict the flow of blood through
the affected vessels. Of particular concern is when these plaques
develop within the blood vessels that feed the muscles of the
heart. In healthy hearts, cardiac blood perfusion results from the
two coronary arterial vessels, the left and right coronary arteries
which perfuse the myocardium from the epicardial surface inward
towards the endocardium. The blood flows through the capillary
system into the coronary veins and into the right atrium via the
coronary sinus. When atherosclerosis occurs within the arteries of
the heart it leads to myocardial infarctions, or heart attacks, and
ischemia due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
[0004] Over the past few years numerous methods for treating
cardiovascular disease have become available. Traditional methods
utilize open surgical procedures to access the heart and bypass
blockages in the coronary blood vessels. In these procedures, the
patient's heart is surgically exposed and one or more coronary
arteries are replaced/bypassed with synthetic or natural bypass
grafts. During conventional cardiac surgery, the heart is stopped
using cardioplegia solutions and the patient is put on
cardiopulmonary bypass which uses a heart-lung machine to maintain
circulation throughout the body during the surgical procedure. A
state of hypothermia is induced in the heart tissue during the
bypass procedure to preserve the tissue from necrosis. Once the
procedure is complete, the heart is resuscitated and the patient is
removed from bypass. There are great risks associated with these
surgical procedures such as significant pain, extended
rehabilitation times, and high risk of mortality for the patient.
The procedure is time-consuming and costly to perform. This surgery
also requires that the patient have both adequate lung and kidney
function in order to tolerate the circulatory bypass associated
with the procedure and a number of patients which are medically
unstable are thus not a candidate for bypass surgery. As a result,
over the past few years minimally invasive techniques for
performing bypass surgery have been developed and in some instances
the need for cardiopulmonary bypass and extended recovery times are
avoided. In addition, as an alternative to surgical methods,
non-surgical procedures, such as percutaneous transluminal coronary
angioplasty, rotational atherectomy, and stenting have been
successfully used to treat this disease in a less invasive
non-surgical fashion.
[0005] In balloon angioplasty a long, thin catheter containing a
tiny inflatable balloon at its distal end is threaded through the
cardiovascular system until the balloon is located at the location
of the narrowed blood vessel. The balloon is then inflated to
compress the obstructing plaque against the arterial wall, thereby
restoring or improving the flow of blood to the local and distal
tissues. Rotational atherectomy utilizes a similarly long and thin
catheter, but with a rotational cutting tip at its distal end for
cutting through the occluding material. Stenting utilizes a balloon
tipped catheter to expand a small coil-spring-like scaffold at the
site of the blockage to hold the blood vessel open. While many
patients are successfully relieved of their symptoms and pain, in a
significant number of patients, the blood vessels eventually
reocclude within a relatively short period of time. In addition,
for a large number of patients that are in the later stages of
ischemic heart disease, the current technology offers little hope
for long term cure. In these patients even extending the patient's
life for several months provides a significant benefit to the
patients and their families.
[0006] Although these non-surgical procedures are much less costly
and less traumatic to the patient than coronary bypass surgery
there are a number of patients for which these procedures are not
suitable. For certain types of patients the presence of extremely
diffuse stenotic lesions and total occlusion in tortuous vessels
prohibits them from being candidates. In addition to these
procedures which attempt to reopen or bypass the coronary vessels,
direct myocardial revascularization has been performed by inducing
the creation of new channels, other than the coronary arteries
themselves, to supply oxygenated blood and remove waste products
from the heart tissue. Myocardial revascularization is a technique
used to supplement the blood supply delivered to the heart by
providing the ischemic inner surface of the heart, known as the
endocardium, with direct access to the blood within the ventricular
chamber. Typically the endocardium receives its nutrient blood
supply entirely from the coronary arteries that branch through the
heart wall from the outer surface known as the epicardium.
[0007] In an article entitled "New Concepts In Revascularization Of
Myocardium" by Mirhoseini et al. in Ann. Thor. Surg., 45: 415-420,
April, 1988 the work of investigators exploring several different
approaches for direct revascularization of ischemic myocardium is
discussed. One revascularization technique utilizes "myoepexy",
which consists of roughening of the myocardial surface to enhance
capillarization. Another technique, known as "omentopexy", consists
of sewing the omentum over the heart to provide a new blood supply.
Another approach involves implanting the left internal mammary
artery directly into heart muscle so that blood flowing through the
side branches of the artery will perfuse the muscle.
[0008] Similar revascularization techniques have involved the use
of polyethylene tubes, endocardial incisions, and the creation of
perforated or bored channels with various types of needles, and
needle acupuncture. For example, T-shaped tubes have been implanted
in the muscle, with the leg of the T-tube extending into the
ventricular cavity as reported by Massimo et al. in an article
entitled "Myocardial Revascularization By A New Method of Carrying
Blood Directly From The Left Ventricular Cavity Into The Coronary
Circulation" appearing in J. Thorac. Surg., 34: 257-264, August,
1957. In an article entitled "Experimental Method For Producing A
Collageral Circulation To The Heart Directly From The Left
Ventricle" by Goldman et al. in the Journal of Thoracic and
Cardiovascular Surgery, 31: 364-374, March, 1965, several
experimental methods for myocardial revascularization are
described. One method involved the implantation of excised
perforated carotid arteries into the left ventricular wall. Goldman
et al. also examined the use of implanted perforated polyethylene
tubing in a similar fashion.
[0009] Needle acupuncture approaches to direct myocardial
revascularization have been made and were based upon the premise
that the heart of reptiles achieve myocardial perfusion via small
channels between the left ventricle and the coronary arterial tree
as described by Sen et al. in their article entitled
"Transmyocardial Acupuncture: A New Approach To Myocardial
Revascularization" in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular
Surgery, 50: 181-187, August, 1965. In that article it was reported
that researchers attempted to duplicate the reptilian anatomy to
provide for better perfusion in human myocardium by perforating
portions of the ventricular myocardium with 1.2 mm diameter needles
in 20 locations per square centimeter. It has been shown that the
perfusion channels formed by mechanical methods such as acupuncture
generally close within two or three months due to fibrosis and
scarring. As a result these types of mechanical approaches have
been abandoned in favor of the use of lasers to effect the
transmyocardial revascularization (TMR).
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,159 (Taheri) describes a device for
effecting myocardial perfusion that utilizes slit needles to
perforate the myocardium. The needles may also utilize a laser beam
directed through the lumens of the needles. The device uses a
trans-femoral approach to position the device into the left
ventricle of the patient. A plunger is activated to cause the
needles to enter the myocardium several times. Perforation of the
myocardium may be effected by means of a laser beam through the
lumen of the needle or high velocity drill.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,548 (Nelson et al.) describes a method
for perfusing the myocardium using a conduit disposed between the
left ventricle and the coronary sinus. In one method, an opening is
formed between the left ventricle and the coronary sinus, and the
coronary ostium is partially occluded using a stent that prevents
the pressure in the coronary sinus from exceeding a predetermined
value. Blood ejected from the left ventricle enters the coronary
sinus during cardiac systole. The apparatus limits the peak
pressure in the coronary sinus to minimize edema of the venous
system. The system utilizes retroperfusion via the coronary since
of the venous system.
[0012] Previous researchers had explored long term retroperfusion
via the coronary sinus but found that it leads to edema of the
cardiac veins which are incapable of sustaining long-term pressures
above about 60 mm Hg. The procedure basically places a stent-like
plug in the left ventricle so that blood flows into the coronary
sinus and then into the myocardium via the venous system using
retroperfusion, not into the myocardium directly. In the
aforementioned Nelson et al. patent there is disclosed the use of a
cutting instrument, such as a cannulated needle, a rotating blade,
or medical laser to provide the required opening for the conduit.
It is believed that when implanted in the heart, the plug and stent
will result in long-term retrograde perfusion of the myocardium
using the cardiac venous system and will cause a redistribution of
the flow within the venous system so that a greater fraction of the
deoxygenated blood will exit through the lymphatic stem and the
Thebasian veins. The inventors also describe the use of a conduit
which takes the place of the coronary sinus.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,817 (Hardy) describes a surgical carbon
dioxide laser with a hollow needle mounted on the forward end of
the handpiece. The needle is used to perforate a portion of the
tissue, for instance the epicardium, to provide the laser beam
direct access to distal tissue of the endocardium for lasering and
vaporization. The device does not vaporize the tissue of the outer
wall instead it separates the tissue which recoils to its native
position after the needle's removal. This technique eliminates
surface bleeding and the need for suturing the epicardium as is
done with other techniques.
[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,421 (Jeevanandam) discloses that
laser channels remain open because carbonization associated with
the laser energy inhibits lymphocyte, macrophage, and fibroblast
migration. Thus, in contrast to channels created by needle
acupuncture, laser channels heal more slowly and with less scar
formation which allows endothelialization and long term
patency.
[0015] It has been reported by Moosdorf et al. in their article
entitled "Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization--Morphologoic
Pathophysiologic And Historical Principles Of Indirect
Revascularization Of The Heart Muscle" in Z Kardiol, 86(3):
147-164, March, 1997 that the transmyocardial laser
revascularization results in a relevant reduction of clinical
symptoms such as angina and an increase of exercise capacity in
approximately two thirds of the patients treated. Objective data of
enhanced myocardial perfusion as assessed by positron emission
tomography, thallium scans, and stress echocardiography has also
been presented in other studies. Some researchers have found that
TMR channels created by CO.sub.2 lasers are surrounded by a zone of
necrosis with an extent of about 500 microns. In heart patients who
died in the early postoperative period (1 to 7 days) almost all
channels were closed by fibrin clots, erythrocytes, and
macrophages. At 150 days post procedure, they observed a string of
cicatricial tissue admixed with a polymorphous blood-filled
capillary network and small veins, which very rarely had continuous
links to the left ventricular cavity. At the 2 week post procedure
point a granular tissue with high macrophage and monocyte activity
was observable. See for example, the article by Krabatsch et al.
entitled "Histological Findings After Transmyocardial Laser
Revascularization" appearing in J. Card. Surg. 11: 326-331, 1996,
and the article by Gassler et al. entitled "Transmyocardial Laser
Revascularization. Historical Features in Human Nonresponder
Myocardium" appearing in Circulation, 95(2): 371-375, Jan. 21,
1997.
[0016] In summary, there are a number of potential mechanisms which
individually or in combination may be responsible for the
improvements seen in patients subject to the previously described
myocardial revascularization techniques including: (1) new blood
flow through created channels, (2) angiogenesis (stimulation of the
creation of new blood vessels), (3) cardiac denervation, (4) the
placebo effect, and (5) ablation of ischemic myocardium.
[0017] Currently it is believed that cardiac denervation and
angiogenesis are the primary causes for post procedure angina
relief and improved perfusion respectively. The injury stimulates
vasculargenesis and the laser energy damages nerves thereby
minimizing the pain sensation. The lasers are however very
expensive to purchase.
[0018] While the aforementioned techniques and methods for
revascularizing the myocardium offer some promise they nevertheless
suffer from one disadvantage or another.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Accordingly, it is a general object of this invention to
provide a transmyocardial revascularization system which overcomes
the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0020] It is a further object of this invention to provide a system
and methodology for providing relief from ischemic myocardium.
[0021] It is a further object of this invention to provide
apparatus and methods for providing myocardial perfusion that
reduce the level of ischemia in a patient.
[0022] It is a further object of this invention to provide methods
and apparatus for myocardial revascularization to reduce the level
of discomfort associated with angina in a patient.
[0023] It is a further object of this invention to provide a device
and method to enable patients that suffer from the later stages of
ischemic heart disease to experience reduced pain and improved
emotional well-being.
[0024] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
transmyocardial revascularization system and methodology which is
simple and cost effective.
[0025] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
apparatus and method for myocardial revascularization to increase
blood flow to the myocardium from the endocardium without using the
native diseased coronary arteries.
[0026] It is a further object of this invention to provide an
apparatus and method for myocardial revascularization to be used
with patients having extensive coronary atherosclerosis in whom a
bypass surgery is not indicated.
[0027] It is a further object of this invention is to provide a
device and technique for endovascular myocardial
revascularization.
[0028] It is another object of the present invention to provide
methods and apparatus which can be utilized either in open
surgical, minimally invasive surgical, or transluminal techniques
to perfuse the myocardium.
[0029] It is a further object of this invention to provide direct
myocardial revascularization without the need for opening the chest
cavity.
[0030] It is a further object of this invention to provide direct
endovascular myocardial revascularization without having to utilize
a laser (although a laser may be used, if desired in some
applications as part of the procedure).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0031] These and other objects of this invention are achieved by
providing a cardiac vascularization system and methods of
revascularizing the myocardium. The system basically comprises at
least one, and preferably a plurality of elongated small diameter
inserts for introduction at spaced locations from one another in
the wall of the myocardium. The inserts are formed of a material to
elicit a foreign body or healing response to cause the formation of
lumens in communication with the arterial system. The inserts may
be totally resorbable, partially resorbable or non-resorbable, and
in the case of the latter may be removable from the myocardium
after the formation of the lumens.
[0032] In accordance with various preferred embodiments of the
invention the system also includes various deployment instruments
for deploying the inserts into the wall of the myocardium. Some
instruments are arranged to introduce the inserts into the
myocardium via either the pericardium, while other instruments are
arranged to introduce the inserts into the myocardium via the
endocardium.
[0033] The deployment instruments maybe configured to form the
lumens by mechanical action or by the application of energy, e.g.,
electrical, thermal, sonic, radiation, etc., or some biological
agent to the myocardium. The inserts themselves or in combination
with deployment instrument can be used to form the lumens.
[0034] In accordance with one aspect of the invention the system
may include means to stabilize the deployment instrument during the
formation and/or insertion of the inserts into the myocardium. In
addition control means may be provided to coordinate the operation
of the deployment instrument with the cardiac cycle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0035] Other objects and many attendant features of this invention
will become readily appreciated as the same becomes better
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:
[0036] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the heart of a living human
being showing one embodiment of a deployment instrument forming a
portion of the myocardial revascularization system of the subject
invention being used to deploy plural inserts constructed in
accordance with this invention into the myocardium via the
pericardium;
[0037] FIG. 2 is an illustration similar to that of FIG. 1, but
showing another embodiment of a deployment instrument forming a
portion of the myocardial revascularization system of the subject
invention being used to deploy those inserts into the myocardium
via the epicardium;
[0038] FIG. 3 is an enlarged illustration of the heart of a living
human being showing the inserts of the system of FIG. 1 in place
fully embedded in the wall of the myocardium;
[0039] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of
an alternative embodiment of an insert and an alternative
deployment instrument forming an alternative embodiment of a system
constructed in accordance with this invention;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, partially in section,
showing another portion of the deployment instrument of the
embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 4;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, partially in section,
showing the deployment of the insert of FIG. 4 into the wall of the
myocardium by the deployment instrument of FIGS. 4 and 5;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view, partially in section,
showing the insert of FIGS. 4-6 when fully deployed in the wall of
the myocardium;
[0043] FIG. 8 is an enlarged isometric view of the distal end of
the insert shown in FIGS. 4-7;
[0044] FIGS. 9A-9S are each isometric views of respective
alternative embodiments of inserts constructed in accordance with
this invention;
[0045] FIGS. 10A-10D are each side elevation views, partially in
section, of various exemplary inserts of the subject invention
shown in place within the wall of the myocardium;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a block and schematic diagram showing one
embodiment of the system of the subject invention and including
means to control the operation thereof in accordance with the
cardiac cycle;
[0047] FIG. 12 is a diagram like that of FIG. 11 but showing the
addition of a mechanism, e.g., a vacuum hood, for use with a
deployment instrument of this invention to stabilize the deployment
instrument with respect to the myocardium;
[0048] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a portion of the wall of a
healthy heart showing its vascularity;
[0049] FIG. 14 is an illustration, like that of FIG. 13, but
showing a wall whose vasculature has been reduced over time by
atherosclerosis, e.g., the branches of its coronary arteries are
fully or partially occluded and many of the capillaries in the
myocardium have atrophied;
[0050] FIG. 15 is an illustration, like that of FIG. 14, but
showing the wall of the heart immediately after deployment of an
insert of the system of this invention in the myocardium to
increase the flow of blood from the ventricle via the lumen in
which the insert is located to tissue and capillaries contiguous
with the lumen;
[0051] FIG. 16 is an illustration, like that of FIG. 15, but
showing the wall of the heart some time after the deployment of an
insert so that the insert has elicited a foreign body response in
the myocardium tissue to stimulate angiogenesis and
revascularization, whereupon the increased flow of blood in one
portion of a vessel can provide added blood to neighboring tissues
and capillaries; and
[0052] FIG. 17 is an illustration, like that of FIG. 16, but
showing the wall of the heart at some later time (i.e., after the
insert has been absorbed or has been removed from its lumen),
whereupon the lumen may shrink in diameter but may remain patent to
carry blood to contiguous tissue and capillaries, including the
recently grown vasculature, to thereby provide a beneficial blood
supply to the myocardium.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] Referring now to the drawing where like reference numerals
refer to like parts there is shown in FIG. 1 a transmyocardial
revascularization system 20 constructed in accordance with this
invention shown in the process of revascularizing the myocardium of
a living, e.g., human, being. In FIG. 13 there is shown, by way of
an illustration (not to scale), a section of the wall of the left
ventricle of a healthy human heart 1. As can be seen therein the
wall includes the epicardium 2, the myocardium 3, the endocardium
4, two unoccluded branches 5 and 6 of a coronary artery and
extensive associated vasculature, e.g., capillaries 7. In FIG. 14
the illustration is of the same portion of the wall of the
ventricle, but showing the effects of atherosclerosis, i.e.,
lesions or plaque deposits 8, in the branch vessels 5 and 6 and
atrophied vasculature 7.
[0054] The revascularization systems of this invention are
particularly suitable for revascularizing the myocardium whose
blood supply has been diminished by atherosclerosis (like that
shown in FIG. 14) or by other disease processes. Moreover, the
subject invention contemplates various different systems and
preferred ones of those systems will be described in detail later.
Suffice it for now to state that each system constructed in
accordance with this invention includes at least one, and
preferably, a plurality of elongated inserts 22 (designated by the
general reference number 22 in FIG. 1) and a deployment instrument
(e.g., instrument 24 of FIG. 1) for deploying the insert(s) into
the myocardium. Various alternative inserts 22A-22S are shown in
FIGS. 9A-9S, respectively.
[0055] In accordance with one preferred embodiment of a system the
deployment instrument 24 utilizes a piercing member (to be
described later) located adjacent its distal end to create plural
channels or lumens 9 (FIGS. 1 and 15) in the wall of the myocardium
3 at spaced locations from one another and into which respective
inserts (e.g., inserts 22 of FIG. 1) are deployed. Other means can
be utilized to form the channels or lumens 9. For example the
system may include means, e.g., as part of the deployment
instrument or some other device, for providing a suitable
biological agent to the myocardium and associated tissue (e.g.,
endocardium or epicardium) to produce or form a lumen in the
myocardium. Alternatively, the deployment instrument can provide
one or more of various types of energy to that tissue to create the
lumen(s) and then the insert(s) can be deployed therein. Examples
of various types of energy contemplated for such a procedure are
thermal energy, mechanical energy (e.g., rotational cutting or
boring, slicing, etc.), electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency
energy), hydraulic energy, pneumatic energy, vibratory energy
(e.g., sonic, ultrasonic, etc.) radiation energy, laser or other
light energy, or other types of electromagnetic energy, etc. It
should be pointed out at this juncture that the application of
energy to the cardiac tissue not only serves to create the lumen(s)
9 for the insert(s) 22 and 22A-22S, but can also disable local
nerves (denervation) to minimize patient pain resulting from
angina.
[0056] It should also be pointed out that the formation of the
channels or lumens 9 in the myocardium and associated tissue can be
accomplished by means other than the insert-deployment instrument
24. In this regard the subject invention contemplates that the
inserts themselves can be constructed so that they can be used to
pierce or otherwise penetrate into the wall of the myocardium to
form the lumens. In such applications the formation of the lumens
is accomplished at the same time that the inserts are deployed
therein.
[0057] Irrespective of how the lumens 9 are formed, the inserts can
be inserted into the wall of the myocardium 3 and into the lumens
(or to form the lumens), via either a transthoracic approach to the
epicardium 2 (see FIG. 1) or by a percutaneous transvascular, e.g.,
transfemoral, approach to the endocardium 4 (see FIG. 2). When the
lumens are formed by transthoracic approach they are preferably
made sufficiently deep to communicate with the interior of the
ventricle. However, for some type of myocardial revascularization
procedures communication of the lumen with the ventricular chamber
is not necessary, as will be described later.
[0058] When the lumen(s) is(are) in communication with the
ventricular chamber and the insert(s) is(are) in place within those
lumens, the insert(s) serve(s) to hold the lumen(s) open and allow
blood to flow into the lumen(s) from the ventricular chamber,
whereupon that blood can nourish tissue and capillaries in the
myocardium contiguous with the lumen.
[0059] In accordance with a preferred aspect of this invention, the
inserts are formed of a material so that when they are in place
they serve to initiate a "foreign body" or "healing response" in
the local (i.e., contiguous) tissue, whereupon the inserts can be
removed or absorbed thereafter, leaving the lumens patent to supply
blood to contiguous tissue, capillaries and additional vasculature
(e.g., new capillaries) which have grown over time by virtue of the
process of angiogenesis. This action ensures that the myocardium
receives an increased blood supply over that which it received
prior to the subject transmyocardial revascularization (TMR)
procedure.
[0060] Even where the lumen(s) formed do not communicate with the
interior of the ventricular chamber, its (their) formation and the
deployment of the insert(s) therein still has an advantageous
effect insofar as providing beneficial blood flow to the myocardium
is concerned. In this regard the formation of a lumen and the
deployment of an insert therein serves to bridge those capillaries
which are contiguous with the lumen. Thus, blood can be carried
from capillaries in one portion of the myocardium to capillaries in
a remote portion thereof by the lumen bridging those capillaries.
In addition, over time the healing response and resultant
angiogenesis induced by the presence of the inserts in the lumen
will increase the myocardial vasculature, thereby further
benefiting the patient.
[0061] In some applications it may be desirable to stabilize the
deployment instrument against the endocardium or epicardium during
the revascularization procedure. For such applications the system
makes use of some releasable securement or attachment means, such
as a suction hood (to be described later) to stabilize or otherwise
hold the deployment instrument in place. Once positioned, the
instrument can be activated to advance the piercing member or to
direct energy into the cardiac tissue to create the lumen and to
introduce an insert therein.
[0062] In some applications, depth control means (also to be
described later) may be provided to limit the depth of penetration
of the insert(s) into the myocardium. The depth control means may
comprise means to limit the depth of the lumen(s) created by the
instrument, or may comprise means on the insert itself to limit its
depth of penetration into the lumen or may be a combination of
both.
[0063] In some applications, e.g., where the deployment instrument
applies electrical energy to the cardiac tissue to form the
lumen(s) or where formation of the lumen(s) and/or deployment of
the insert(s) therein is best accomplished during a particular
portion of the cardiac cycle, the system may also include some
control and sensing means (also to be described later) that
synchronizes the operation of the deployment instrument to a
specific portion of the cardiac cycle.
[0064] As will also be described later, the inserts 22 and 22A-22R
are of various shapes, e.g., solid, tubular, trough-like, helical
(spring-shaped), filament, or ribbon-like members, etc. They may be
of any suitable biocompatible material, and may be formed of one or
more resorbable materials so as to be either partially or totally
resorbable. Examples of suitable resorbable materials are
polyglycolic acid, polydiaxonone, polycaprolactone, collagen,
hyaluronic acid, a polymer composite and/or oxidized regenerated
cellulose.
[0065] Referring again to FIG. 1 the details of the system 20 as
shown therein will now be discussed. As mentioned earlier that
system comprises a deployment instrument 24 and plural inserts 22.
The instrument 24 itself basically comprises an elongated central
wire 26 having pointed or otherwise sharp distal end or piercing
tip 28. A flange 30 projects outward from the periphery of the wire
26 a short distance proximally of the tip 28. The insert 22 is a
tubular member which is arranged to be disposed and frictionally
held on the wire 28 between the flange 30 and the tip 28 so that it
can be carried by the wire 26 into the epicardium and underlying
myocardium by the application of a force in the distal direction on
the wire. In this regard the proximal end (not shown) of the wire
28 is coupled to means (also not shown) arranged to have a pushing
force applied thereto by either manual action or by some component,
e.g., a motor or other actuator, under control of a control system
52, like that shown in FIG. 11. This pushing action causes the tip
28 of the wire 26 to pierce through the epicardium and underlying
myocardium to form a lumen 9 with further advancement of the wire
26 in the distal direction carrying the insert into the lumen
9.
[0066] As mentioned above, the embodiment of the insert shown in
FIG. 1 and designated by the reference number 22 basically
comprises a small diameter, elongated tubular member. That member
is similar to the insert shown in FIG. 9A, and as best seen therein
has a central channel or passageway 32 through which the wire 26
may pass when the insert is mounted thereon. The insert also
includes plural apertures 34 in the wall forming it and which are
in fluid communication with the passageway 32, for the reasons to
be described later. An optional flange may be provided about the
periphery at the proximal end 36 of the tubular insert as shown in
FIG. 9A. The flange serves as a stop to engage cardiac tissue to
preclude the insert from being inserted too deep into the
myocardium. Insert 22 does not include the flange. The distal end
38 of insert 22 is open and is in communication with the passageway
32.
[0067] The insert 22 may be formed of any of the aforementioned
resorbable materials so that it will be absorbed over time leaving
a lumen 9 like that shown in FIG. 17. Alternatively it may be
formed of a non-resorbable material. In that case it may be
preferable that the insert be removable after some time to leave a
lumen 9 like shown in FIG. 17.
[0068] When the insert 22 is located on the deployment instrument's
wire 26 its proximal end 36 (FIG. 9) is in abutment with the flange
30 on the wire and with the piercing tip 28 of the wire extending
out of the distal end 38 of the insert as shown in FIG. 1. As
mentioned above, the proximal end of the wire 26 is coupled to
means to have a pushing force applied thereto manually or under
control of a control system 52 like that shown in FIG. 11 or 12.
This pushing action causes the tip 28 of the wire 26 to pierce
through the epicardium and underlying myocardium to start to form a
lumen 9. At the same time the flange 30 on the wire abuts the
proximal end 36 of the insert to push the insert along with it to
carry the insert into the lumen 9 as it is formed. The stop on the
insert (if incorporated into the insert) or the flange 30 of the
wire 26 is arranged to enable the proximal end of the insert to
pass through the epicardium and just slightly into the underlying
myocardium and with the length of the insert 22 being selected so
that the open distal end 38 of the insert just enters the
ventricle. To that end, the length of the insert is preferably
selected to be consistent with the thickness of the myocardium into
which it is implanted. In order to accommodate various thicknesses
of myocardia, the inserts of the subject invention may be pre-cut
to any length in the range of approximately 0.6 cm to 2.0 cm in
length. Moreover, for typical application the inserts preferably
have an outside diameter in the range of approximately 1.5 mm to
2.5 mm and an inside diameter in the range of approximately 1.0 to
2.0 mm.
[0069] In order to stabilize the deployment instrument 24 during
the lumen forming-insert deployment procedure, the device 24 of the
system maybe constructed like shown in FIGS. 1 and 12 to include a
releasably securable attachment mechanism in the form of a suction
hood 40 and associated components. The suction hood 40 basically
comprises an elongate tube 42 having a central passageway 44 for
accommodating the insert deployment wire 26 with the insert 22
mounted on the distal end thereof. An enlarged flange 46 extends
about the periphery of the distal end of the tube 42 for engagement
with the epicardium. A source of vacuum 48 (FIG. 12) is coupled to
the proximal end of the tube 42. The vacuum source is arranged to
be actuated by operation of the operator control 50 (FIG. 12). This
action couples the vacuum source 48 to the interior of the tube 42
to produce suction at the distal end of the hood to hold the hood
in place on the pericardium centered over the location at which an
insert is to be deployed. The operator control 50 can then be
activated to cause the control system 52 and its various components
to operate to effect the pushing of the deployment instrument's
wire 26 (with the insert 22 mounted thereon) distally into the
epicardium and underlying myocardium, as discussed above.
[0070] If it is desired to time the introduction of the insert 22
into the myocardium to any particular portion of the cardiac cycle,
e.g., during diastole, then the system may include use of a cardiac
cycle monitor 54 and an associated cardiac sensor 56. The cardiac
sensor 56 can be any suitable conventional device for providing an
electrical signal indicative of the cardiac cycle. The cardiac
cycle monitor is responsive to the sensor for providing signals to
the control system 52, which controls the operation of the
deployment instrument in coordination with the sensed cardiac
cycle. Thus, the control system initiates the operation of means in
the system, coupled to the wire 26 to push the wire distally at a
predetermined point in the cardiac cycle.
[0071] After each of the inserts 22 has been deployed into the
myocardium, the instrument is removed, i.e., the wire 26 extracted,
and the insert 22 left in place. Thus, since the distal end 38 of
the insert 22 is open and in fluid communication with the interior
of the left ventricle blood from the left ventricular chamber can
flow into the distal end of the insert and be carried down its
central passageway 32 and out through the apertures 34 into the
adjacent myocardial tissue and capillaries. Since the proximal end
of the insert is preferably located just under the epicardium, when
the insertion wire 26 is withdrawn the puncture in the epicardium
through which the insertion wire passed will close off and
hemostasis will occur shortly thereafter. This action will prevent
the leakage of blood out of the lumen 9 through the epicardium.
[0072] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art the shape
of the insert 22 (as well as all of other inserts of this
invention) will keep the lumen 9 in which it is located open to the
flow of blood therethrough. Over time the body's natural healing
response to the "foreign" insert deployed within the lumen 9 will
result in increased vasculature contiguous with the lumen, like
shown in FIG. 17. It should be noted that in FIG. 17 the relevant
cardiac portion is shown after the insert has either been absorbed
or removed, but the result is the same, namely, the formation of
new capillaries and vessels as a result of the body's natural
healing response and angiogenesis caused by the one-time presence
of the insert within the lumen.
[0073] In FIGS. 15-17 the revascularization of the myocardium of an
atherosclerotic diseased heart is illustrated. In particular, in
FIG. 16 there is shown the same portion of the heart shown in FIG.
14, and described earlier, but after a lumen 9 has been formed in
the myocardium and an alternative embodiment of an insert located
within that lumen. The alternative insert is the embodiment of the
insert shown in FIG. 9M and designated by the reference number 22M.
The details of this insert will be described later. Suffice it for
now to state that insert 22M is in the form of a cylindrical coil
or helix and has been inserted a lumen 9 formed in the same manner
as described earlier. Since the insert 22M is a helix, it will hold
the lumen 9 open and in communication with the interior of the
ventricle at its distal end. Moreover, blood can flow into the
lumen through the center of the insert 22M and out through the
spaces between contiguous coils to feed the contiguous myocardial
tissue and capillaries. On the short term any capillaries which
receive blood from the lumen 9 can carry that blood to remote
locations, thereby nourishing the tissue at such remote locations
by the delivery of more blood thereto than prior to the procedure.
Over time the body's natural healing response and angiogenesis will
result in increased vasculature, such as shown in FIG. 16.
[0074] FIG. 17 shows the condition after angiogenesis has occurred
to create significant new vasculature, e.g., capillaries 7, and the
insert 22 either has been removed or resorbed by the body. The
resorption or removal of the insert from the lumen, so that the
insert is no longer present to hold the lumen open, may permit the
lumen to shrink or otherwise decrease somewhat in diameter, as
illustrated in FIG. 17, or eventually close. Even if the lumen 9
eventually closes there will still be some beneficial effect since
the tissue contiguous with the lumen 9 will be more highly
vascularized than prior to the insertion of the insert due to the
elicited angiogenesis.
[0075] As should be appreciated from the foregoing whether the
system 20 makes use of non-resorbable or resorbable inserts is of
little relevance from the standpoint of immediately increased blood
flow to the myocardium tissue and capillaries contiguous with the
lumens so long as the inserts are constructed to enable blood to
flow therethrough or therearound in the lumens from the interior of
the ventricular chamber. If, however, the inserts are constructed
so that they do not allow blood to flow therethrough or therearound
within the lumens, then the beneficial effects, e.g., increased
vasculative, of the inserts will not likely arise until after they
have induced the natural healing response in the myocardium and
have been absorbed or otherwise removed from the myocardium.
[0076] It should be pointed out at this juncture that for some
applications the inserts may be constructed so that they do not
extend into communication with the ventricular chamber to permit
blood to flow from the ventricle into the lumen. One such
alternative arrangement is shown in FIG. 3. In that illustration
the inserts 22 are shown as being fully located (embedded) within
the myocardium. Since there will be no blood flow into the lumens
from the ventricular chamber, this arrangement will not serve to
immediately increase the amount of blood available to the
myocardium tissue in which the inserts 22 are located. However, if
the inserts are constructed so that blood can flow either through
them (e.g., the include a longitudinal passageway and sidewall
apertures like those described earlier, or are porous, etc.) or
around them within the lumen, then blood from tissue and/or
capillaries contiguous with one portion of the lumen 9 can be
carried to other portions of the lumen and the tissue and
capillaries contiguous therewith. Thus, the presence of the inserts
in the lumens may serve to bring blood from one portion of the
myocardium to other portions. Moreover, the angiogenesis action
resulting by the location of the inserts within the lumens over
time will further revascularize the myocardium.
[0077] In FIG. 2, a system 100 constructed in accordance with this
invention is shown during the process of revascularizing the
myocardium via a transvascular access to the endocardium and
myocardium. The system 100 comprises a small diameter, flexible
deployment instrument 102 and one or more inserts constructed like
those described heretofore. In particular, in the example shown in
FIG. 2, the inserts used are the inserts 22. The instrument 102
comprises an outer tube or catheter 104, an inner tube 106, and a
flexible wire 108. The wire 108 has a pointed distal end or
piercing tip 110. The catheter 104 includes a central passageway
112 extending down its length and terminating at a free end in the
form of a rounded or non-sharp tip 114. The inner tube 106 is
disposed within the passageway 112 and is movable longitudinally
with respect to the catheter 104. The inner tube 106 includes a
central passageway through which the wire 108 extends, with the tip
110 of the wire extending beyond the free end 116 of the inner tube
by a distance just slightly greater than the length of an insert
22.
[0078] The insert 22 is located on the extending portion of the
wire 108 as shown in FIG. 2. When introduced through the vascular
system and into the heart the inner tube 106 and wire 108 are fully
retracted within the catheter 104 but located adjacent its tip 114.
The rounded tip 114 of the catheter serves as the end of the
instrument 102 to facilitate its safe guidance to the operative
position shown in FIG. 2. At that time the inner (pusher) tube 106
with the 108 extending therethrough is pushed distally by some
means, e.g., manually or by some activator forming a portion of the
control system 52, so that the wire's tip 110 penetrates through
the endocardium and into the myocardium. The continued pushing
action forms the lumen and carries the insert into the lumen 9 in a
similar manner as described earlier. When the insert is in the
desired position within the myocardium the wire 108 is retracted
with respect to the inner tube 106 until it no longer is within the
insert, thereby depositing the insert within the lumen 9. The
instrument can then be used to deploy other inserts 22 in the same
manner, and once all have been deployed the instrument is retracted
as a unit from the heart and out of the associated vascular access
path.
[0079] In FIGS. 4-8 there is shown another alternative system 200
(FIG. 5) for effecting the revascularization of the myocardium. The
system 200 is of manual type and basically comprises at least one
insert 22R, like that shown in FIG. 9R, and a manually operated
deployment instrument 202 for deploying the insert in a lumen in
the myocardium. The insert 22R basically comprises a resorbable
suture 204 or other flexible filament having a distal end at which
a barbed resorbable anchor 206 is fixedly secured. The anchor
includes a rounded distal end 208 (FIG. 8) from which plural
fingers 210 project backward. The fingers may be somewhat flexible
to facilitate the disposition of the insert within the instrument
202 (as will be described later).
[0080] The instrument 202 basically comprises a pusher member 212
and a piercer member 214. The pusher member 212 is in the form of a
small diameter tube having a tapered distal end 216, a flanged
proximal end 218 forming a cap, and a central passageway 220
extending therebetween. The suture or filament portion 204 of the
insert 22R is located within the passageway 220, with the anchor
206 being located immediately distally of the tapered distal end
216 of the pusher as shown in FIG. 4.
[0081] The piercer member is a small diameter tube having a
bias-cut distal end to form a piercing tip 224, a flanged proximal
end forming a handle 226, and a central passageway 228 extending
therebetween. The entrance to the passageway 228 is flared at 230.
The inside diameter of the passageway 228 is slightly greater than
the outside diameter of the pusher member 204 so that the pusher
member can be located therein, with the fingers 210 of the anchor
position 206 of the insert 22R flexed radially inward to enable the
anchor to fit within the passageway 228 as shown in FIG. 5.
[0082] The instrument 202 is particularly suitable for
transthoracic introduction into the myocardium 3. To that end the
instrument 202 is assembled as shown in FIG. 5 and manipulated
(i.e., pushed distally) such that the needle's piercing tip 224
pierces the epicardium 2 and enters to a desired depth into the
myocardium 3 to form a lumen 9. As shown in FIG. 6 the depth of
penetration is less than the thickness of the myocardium so that
the lumen 9 is not in communication with the interior of the
ventricular chamber (although it could extend therein, if desired).
Stop means (not shown) forming a portion of the instrument 202 can
be provided to establish the desired depth of cardiac
penetration.
[0083] Once the piercer member is at the desired depth, the cap 218
of the pusher member is pushed distally with respect to piercer
member's handle 226 to extend the insert's anchor 206 into the
lumen tract, whereupon the freeing of the anchor's fingers 210
allows them to flex outwardly as shown in FIG. 6. The pusher member
212 and the piercer member 214 are then withdrawn as a unit
proximally, so that the filament portion 204 is freed leaving the
insert in place like shown in FIG. 7. The anchor or the insert
serves to secure it within the lumen 9 resistant to accidental
dislodgment during the deployment procedure. It should be pointed
out that the anchor can take various forms, e.g., be a rigid
barb-like member lacerated on the outer portion of the insert or it
can be an activatable pivoting member (not shown) similar in
construction to that used on a conventional clothing label tag, or
any other suitable construction.
[0084] The filament portion 204 may consist of a solid filament,
such as a PGA suture, or a strip of material, such as collagen or
Gelfoam, or may be non-resorbable, like Gortex. In any case the
material for the filament portion 204 is selected to initiate a
foreign body reaction to stimulate arteriogenesis in a manner
similar to that described earlier.
[0085] It must be pointed out at this juncture that each insert of
this invention is preferably configured such that its, presence in
the myocardial tissue does not significantly limit the
contractility of the cardiac muscle, although as will be described
later some embodiments provide less resistance to cardiac
contractility than others. Moreover, the inserts may be coated with
or contain growth factors, anti-oxidants, seeded cells, or other
drug biologically active components depending upon the result
desired.
[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 9A to 9S, the details of other
inserts constructed in accordance with this invention will be
described. These inserts are merely exemplary of many other inserts
which can be constructed to accomplish the ends of this
invention.
[0087] The embodiment of the insert 22A shown in FIG. 9A is a
tubular structure with axial perforations 34 for allowing blood to
pass through the longitudinal passageway 32 and to pass through the
lateral perforations 34 into the adjacent myocardium.
[0088] The embodiment of the insert 22B shown in FIG. 9B is a
trough-like structure 60 with slots 62 in the marginal edges to
form fins for holding the lumen 9 open. The slots 62 allow more
contact of the blood to the neighboring myocardium. The tip 64 is
sharpened to facilitate the deployment, e.g., it helps pierce the
cardiac tissue during deployment.
[0089] The embodiment of the insert 22C shown in FIG. 9C is a
simple trough-like structure 66, that is relatively easy to
manufacture, e.g., can be made by die cutting a rectangular sheet
and forming the sheet around a pin.
[0090] The embodiment of the insert 22D shown in FIG. 9D comprises
a porous walled tube 68, with a longitudinal passage 70 extending
down its center and whose distal end 72 is open.
[0091] The embodiment of the insert 22E shown in FIG. 9E is a
series of tubular cylindrical sections 74 that are connected by
flexible filaments 76. This structure effectively stents the lumen
opening and allows the insert to freely contract and expand along
the longitudinal axis and therefore conform to the contraction of
the myocardium during the cardiac cycle.
[0092] The embodiment of the insert 22F shown in FIG. 9F is formed
of several spherical beads 78 spaced on a flexible filament 76. The
filament also incorporates a T-shaped distal end in the form of
anchor member 82 to aid in placement or securement. This insert
also effectively stents the lumen and allows the insert to freely
contract and expand along the longitudinal axis and therefore
conform to the contraction of the myocardium during the cardiac
cycle.
[0093] The embodiment of the insert 22G shown in FIG. 9G is similar
to that shown in FIG. 9F except that the periodically spaced barb
structures 82 extend outward from the filament 80 at spaced
locations. This arrangement may better anchor the insert in the
myocardium and may also allow for better fluid communication past
each barb structure along the length of the lumen 9 than the
embodiment 22F of FIG. 9F.
[0094] The embodiment of the insert 22H shown in FIG. 9H is a
cylindrical porous material tube 68 with a proximal end in the form
of a shoulder 84 to limit penetration. This particular embodiment
appears best suited for insertion from the endocardium into the
myocardium, whereupon the shoulder 84 anchors the opening of the
insert at the ventricle.
[0095] The embodiment of the insert 22I in FIG. 9I is a flexible
woven tube 86 having plural equidistantly spaced reinforcing rings
88. The woven portions of the tube are porous to allow blood to
pass from the inner passageway 90 for communication with the blood
vessels and capillaries contiguous with the other lumen 9. The
reinforcing rings 88 support the insert and the adjacent myocardium
to keep the lumen from collapsing.
[0096] The embodiments of the inserts 22J, 22K, and 22L shown in
FIGS. 9J, 9K and 9L, respectively, consist of flexible ribbon-like
structures 22 with anchors 94, 96, and 98, respectively, on the
distal end for locating and securing the inserts into the
myocardium. The ribbon-like material can be formed of materials
such as woven dacron, polyglycolic acid, cotton, silk, and
collagen. The ribbon-like tail of these embodiments can be made
extra long and after implantation during a surgical approach
whatever portion extends from the epicardium can be trimmed off
(see FIG. 10B). The anchor portion can be formed by insert molding
the anchor component onto the filament structure. The main feature
of these constructions is to stimulate a foreign body reaction and
a healing response which results in the formation of capillaries at
the site of the implant. As such, these structures will provide
less of a short term improvement to vascularization, but instead
will lead to a long term improvement.
[0097] The embodiment of the inserts 22M, 22N, and 22O shown in
FIGS. 9M, 9N, and 9O, respectively, consists of helical coil-like
structures 120. The implants can be formed of such materials as
stainless steel, nitinol, titanium or such material as polyglycolic
acid or polylactic acid. The embodiments are flexible, particularly
with respect to their longitudinal axis and as such will readily
deform longitudinally in conjunction with the cardiac cycle of the
myocardium. These structures serve to stent the lumen 9 and allow
for excellent fluid communication between the lumen 9 and the
adjacent blood vessels. The embodiments shown in 9N and 9O have
anchoring portions at their respective distal ends which can be
used to locate and secure the inserts in the myocardium. In
particular, the insert 22N includes a hook-like member 122 at its
distal end, whereas the insert 220 includes a plate-like anchor 124
at its distal end.
[0098] The embodiment of the insert 22P shown in FIG. 9P is a
flexible filament-like member 126 with a stiffened distal end
portion bent back over itself for anchoring the insert into the
myocardium. This insert functions in a similar manner to the
inserts of embodiments 22J, 22K and 22L.
[0099] The embodiment of the insert 22Q shown in FIG. 9Q is a
perforated cylinder member, similar to insert 22A but with
tongue-like member 130 at the proximal end of the cylinder to form
a shoulder. The shoulder serves to limit the depth of placement of
the insert into the myocardium. This particular embodiment is
particularly suited to being placed through the epicardium into the
myocardium. The bulbous portion of the shoulder limits the depth of
penetration into the myocardium and the epicardium seals around it
to prohibit leakage from the channel past the epicardium like shown
in FIG. 10D.
[0100] The embodiment of the insert 22R shown in FIG. 9R has been
described earlier. This insert 22R functions in a similar manner to
inserts 22J, 22K and 22L. Moreover, the filament-like tails of
these embodiments can be made extra long to be trimmed off in a
similar manner to that described earlier with reference to inserts
22J, 22K and 22L. The filament can be formed of Dacron, polyester,
silk, polyglycolic acid, collagen, or some other such suitable
material. The main feature of these constructions is to stimulate a
foreign body reaction and a healing response which results in the
formation of capillaries at the site of the implant. As such, these
structures will provide less of a short term improvement to
vascularization, but instead will lead to a long term
improvement.
[0101] The embodiment of the insert 22S shown in FIG. 9S is a
"flowable" insert comprised of a flowable material 132, such as
collagen paste, cyanoacrylate (glue/adhesive), thrombin glue,
growth factor gelatin, etc. The flowable material can be stored in
a tube (not shown) and dispensed into the puncture tract by a
needle-like device, such as a syringe (not shown). The flowable
material can be designed to harden slightly after placement, like
an epoxy or silicon caulking material, so that it is not extruded
from the puncture during the cardiac contraction cycle. A main
feature of this construction is to stimulate a foreign body
reaction and a healing response which results in the formation of
capillaries at the site of the implant. As such, the insert 22S
will provide less of a short term improvement to vascularization,
but instead will lead to a long term improvement.
[0102] In FIGS. 10A to 10D various of the inserts described above
are shown in place in the myocardium to cause the body to initiate
a healing response in tissue contiguous with the lumen, as
described heretofore. The tissue at which the foreign healing
response occurs at initially is designated by the reference number
11 in those figures. While not shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, additional
or new vasculature results in the myocardial tissue as a result of
angiogenesis.
[0103] Without further elaboration the foregoing will so fully
illustrate our invention that others may, by applying current or
future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions
of service.
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