U.S. patent application number 16/365373 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-18 for devices and methods for assisting valve function, replacing venous valves, and predicting valve treatment success.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3DT Holdings, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is 3DT Holdings, LLC. Invention is credited to Ghassan S. Kassab.
Application Number | 20190216590 16/365373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47881375 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-18 |
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20190216590/US20190216590A1-20190718-D00009.png)
United States Patent
Application |
20190216590 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kassab; Ghassan S. |
July 18, 2019 |
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING VALVE FUNCTION, REPLACING VENOUS
VALVES, AND PREDICTING VALVE TREATMENT SUCCESS
Abstract
Devices and methods for assisting valve function, replacing
venous valves, and predicting valve treatment successes. In at
least one embodiment of an endograft valve device of the present
disclosure, the device comprises an endograft body configured for
expansion from a collapsed configuration to an expanded
configuration within a luminal organ and comprising a first portion
having a proximal end defining a proximal end aperture and a distal
end defining a distal end aperture, the first portion tapering
toward the distal end so that the distal end aperture has a
relatively smaller cross-sectional area than the proximal end
aperture when the valve device is expanded, and a valve portion
positioned at or near the distal end of the first portion, the
valve portion configured to receive fluid flowing through the
distal end aperture of the first portion.
Inventors: |
Kassab; Ghassan S.; (La
Jolla, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3DT Holdings, LLC |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
3DT Holdings, LLC
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
47881375 |
Appl. No.: |
16/365373 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13539607 |
Jul 2, 2012 |
10238483 |
|
|
16365373 |
|
|
|
|
61547378 |
Oct 14, 2011 |
|
|
|
61535689 |
Sep 16, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/06 20130101; A61B
17/12013 20130101; A61F 2240/002 20130101; A61F 2002/068 20130101;
A61F 2/2475 20130101; A61B 2017/00557 20130101; A61F 2/2433
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/06 20060101
A61F002/06; A61B 17/12 20060101 A61B017/12; A61F 2/24 20060101
A61F002/24 |
Claims
1. An endograft valve device comprising: a first portion having a
proximal end, a distal end, an outer portion wall surface and an
inner portion wall surface, wherein a tapered wall thickness is
defined between the inner and outer portion wall surfaces, and
wherein the inner portion wall surface further defines a lumen
therethrough; and wherein the first portion has a tapered wall
thickness that has a greater wall thickness at the distal end than
at the proximal end.
2. The endograft valve device of claim 1, further comprising: a
second portion comprising a second portion outer portion wall
surface and a second portion inner portion wall surface, wherein a
tapered wall thickness is defined between the second portion inner
wall surface and second portion outer portion wall surfaces; the
second portion inner wall surface further defining the lumen
therethrough, the lumen extending from a second portion distal end
to a second portion proximal end; wherein the second portion has a
tapered wall thickness that has a greater wall thickness at the
second portion distal end than at the second portion proximal end;
and wherein the distal end of the first portion is adjacent to the
second portion proximal end.
3. The endograft valve device of claim 1, wherein the first portion
comprises a distal end aperture and a proximal end aperture and the
distal end aperture has a relatively smaller cross-sectional area
than the proximal end aperture.
4. The endograft valve device of claim 2, wherein a valve is
coupled to a portion of the endograft body selected from the group
consisting of the first portion at or near the distal end of the
first portion and the second portion at or near the second portion
proximal end.
5. The endograft valve device of claim 2, wherein the second
portion comprises a second portion distal end aperture and a second
portion proximal end aperture, where the second portion distal end
aperture has a relatively smaller cross-sectional area than the
second portion proximal end aperture.
6. The endograft valve device of claim 2, wherein the first portion
comprises a distal end aperture and a proximal end aperture and the
distal end aperture has a relatively smaller cross-sectional area
than the proximal end aperture.
7. The endograft valve device of claim 6, further comprising: the
second portion having a second portion proximal end aperture in
fluid communication with the distal end aperture of the first
portion, and the second portion having a second portion distal end
aperture wherein the second portion distal end aperture has a
relatively smaller cross-sectional area than the second portion
proximal end aperture.
8. An endograft valve device, comprising: a first portion having a
proximal end and a distal end; a second portion comprising a second
portion outer portion wall surface and a second portion inner
portion wall surface, wherein a tapered wall thickness is defined
between the second portion inner wall surface and second portion
outer portion wall surfaces; the second portion inner wall surface
further defining the lumen therethrough, the lumen extending from a
second portion distal end to a second portion proximal end; wherein
the second portion has a tapered wall thickness that has a greater
wall thickness at the second portion distal end than at the second
portion proximal end; and wherein the distal end of the first
portion is adjacent to the second portion proximal end.
9. The endograft valve device of claim 8, wherein the first portion
comprises a distal end aperture and a proximal end aperture; and
the distal end aperture has a relatively smaller cross-sectional
area than the proximal end aperture.
10. The endograft valve device of claim 9, wherein the second
portion comprises a second portion distal end aperture and a second
portion proximal end aperture; and the second portion distal end
aperture has a relatively smaller cross-sectional area than the
second portion proximal end aperture.
11. The endograft valve device of claim 8, wherein the second
portion comprises a second portion distal end aperture and a second
portion proximal end aperture; and the second portion distal end
aperture has a relatively smaller cross-sectional area than the
second portion proximal end aperture.
12. The endograft valve device of claim 8, wherein a valve is
coupled to a portion of the endograft body selected from the group
consisting of the first portion at or near the distal end of the
first portion and the second portion at or near the second portion
proximal end.
13. A system comprising an endograft valve device comprising: an
endograft body comprising: a first portion having a proximal end, a
distal end, a first outer portion wall surface and a first inner
portion wall surface, wherein a tapered wall thickness is defined
between the first inner portion wall surface and first outer
portion wall surface, and wherein the first inner portion wall
surface further defines a lumen therethrough; wherein the first
portion has a tapered wall thickness that has a greater wall
thickness at the distal end than at the proximal end; a second
portion comprising a second portion inner portion wall surface,
further defining the lumen therethrough, the lumen extending from a
second portion distal end to a second portion proximal end; wherein
the distal end of the first portion is adjacent to the second
portion proximal end; and a valve coupled to a portion of the
endograft body selected from the group consisting of the first
portion at or near the distal end of the first portion and the
second portion at or near the second portion proximal end.
14. The system comprising an endograft valve device of claim 13
wherein the first portion comprises a distal end aperture and a
proximal end aperture and the distal end aperture has a relatively
smaller cross-sectional area than the proximal end aperture.
15. The system comprising an endograft valve device of claim 13
wherein the second portion comprises a second portion distal end
aperture and a second portion proximal end aperture; and the second
portion distal end aperture has a relatively smaller
cross-sectional area than the second portion proximal end
aperture.
16. The system comprising an endograft valve device of claim 14
wherein the second portion comprises a second portion distal end
aperture and a second portion proximal end aperture; and the second
portion distal end aperture has a relatively smaller
cross-sectional area than the second portion proximal end
aperture.
17. The system comprising an endograft valve device of claim 13
wherein the second portion proximal end is in fluid communication
with the distal end of the first portion.
18. The system comprising an endograft valve device of claim 13
wherein the endograft body is configured for expansion from a
collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration within a
luminal organ.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the collapsed configuration is
sized so that the endograft body fits within the luminal organ, and
wherein the expanded configuration is sized so that the endograft
body is securely positioned within the luminal organ upon
expansion.
20. The system comprising an endograft valve device of claim 13
further comprising: a cuff configured to fit around a blood vessel
and further configured to periodically compress the blood vessel;
and a processor operably coupled to the cuff, the processor
configured to control a compression rate and a relaxation rate; and
wherein when the cuff is positioned around the blood vessel at a
first location, operation of the processor causes the cuff to
compress the blood vessel and relax compression of the blood
vessel, whereby relaxation at the relaxation rate causes blood to
move through the blood vessel at the first location.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is related to, claims the priority
benefit of, and is a U.S. continuation patent application of, U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/539,607, filed Jul. 2, 2012 and
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,238,483 on Mar. 26, 2019, which is
related to, and claims the priority benefit of, U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/547,378, filed Oct. 14, 2011, and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/535,689, filed Sep.
16, 2011. The contents of each of these applications are
incorporated by reference in their entirety into this
disclosure.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It has been known for several years that the three
contributing factors to venous thrombosis are stasis (slow blood
flow), changes in blood composition, and changes in vessel wall.
These three contributing factors are known as Virchow's triad.
[0003] Venous insufficiency is a complex disease that involves
thrombosis (blood clot abnormalities and/or endothelial
dysfunction), venous hypertension, reverse flow (reflux), and
venous remodeling, amongst others. The two major contributors to
venous insufficiency are venous occlusion and valve incompetence
(reflux).
[0004] Blood stasis promotes a thrombogenic response through
various biochemical activators. Attempts have been made to create
percutaneous venous valve stent systems to replace a prolapsed or
otherwise dysfunctional venous valve, but no attempt has previously
been proven successful. In order for such a system to work, one of
the contributing factors to venous blood thrombosis, namely stasis,
must be overcome in order for the valve to remain patent and to
avoid thrombosis/clotting
[0005] A valve device or system, operable to replace a prolapsed or
otherwise dysfunctional venous valve that effectively operates and
overcomes the stasis contributing factor, would be well-received in
the marketplace. In addition, a device useful to assist blood flow
through a blood vessel, methods of using the same, and methods for
predicting a potential success for an individual patient in
connection with a potential valve treatment procedure, would also
be well-received in the marketplace.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] In at least one exemplary embodiment of an endograft valve
device of the present disclosure, the endograft valve device
comprises an endograft body configured for expansion from a
collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration within a
luminal organ, the endograft body comprising a first portion having
a proximal end defining a proximal end aperture and a distal end
defining a distal end aperture, the first portion tapering toward
the distal end so that the distal end aperture has a relatively
smaller cross-sectional area than the proximal end aperture when
the valve device is expanded, and a valve portion positioned at or
near the distal end of the first portion, the valve portion
configured to receive fluid flowing through the distal end aperture
of the first portion. In another embodiment, the endograft valve
device further comprises a second portion having a second portion
proximal end defining a second portion proximal end aperture and a
second portion distal end defining a second portion distal end
aperture, the second portion tapering toward the second portion
distal end so that the second portion distal end aperture has a
relatively smaller cross-sectional area than the second portion
proximal end aperture when the valve device is expanded, wherein
the distal end of the first portion is adjacent to the second
portion proximal end, and wherein the valve portion is positioned
at or near the second portion proximal end.
[0007] In at least one exemplary embodiment of an endograft valve
device of the present disclosure, the endograft valve device
comprises an endograft body configured for expansion within a
luminal organ, the endograft body comprising a first portion having
a proximal end defining a proximal end aperture and a distal end
defining a distal end aperture, the first portion tapering toward
the distal end so that the distal end aperture has a relatively
smaller cross-sectional area than the proximal end aperture when
the valve device is expanded, a second portion having a proximal
end defining a proximal end aperture and a distal end defining a
distal end aperture, the second portion tapering toward the distal
end so that the distal end aperture has a relatively smaller
cross-sectional area than the proximal end aperture when the valve
device is expanded, wherein the distal end of the first portion is
adjacent to the proximal end of the second portion, and a valve
portion positioned at or near the proximal end of the second
portion, the valve portion configured to receive fluid flowing
through the distal end aperture of the first portion. In another
embodiment, the endograft body is configured to expand from a
collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. In yet
another embodiment, the endograft body has a first configuration,
the first configuration sized so that the endograft body may fit
within the luminal organ. In an additional embodiment, the
endograft has a second configuration, the second configuration
sized so that the endograft body may be securely positioned within
the luminal organ upon expansion.
[0008] In at least one exemplary embodiment of an endograft valve
device of the present disclosure, the valve portion is coupled to
the first portion. In an additional embodiment, the valve portion
is coupled to the second portion. In yet an additional embodiment,
the endograft body is sized and shaped to fit around a guidewire.
In another embodiment, the endograft body is sized and shaped to
fit around a catheter. In yet another embodiment, the endograft
body is capable of expanding due to inflation of a balloon coupled
to the catheter.
[0009] In at least one exemplary embodiment of an endograft valve
device of the present disclosure, when the endograft body is
expanded within the luminal organ, an outer portion of the
endograft body contacts the luminal organ, an inner portion of the
endograft body is configured to permit fluid to flow therethrough.
In another embodiment, the outer portion defines an outer portion
wall, and the inner portion defines an inner portion wall. In yet
another embodiment, the outer portion defines an outer portion
relative surface, and the inner portion defines an inner portion
relative surface. In at least one exemplary embodiment of an
endograft valve device of the present disclosure, when the
endograft body is expanded within the luminal organ, fluid flowing
through the first portion increases in velocity as the fluid
approaches the valve portion. In an additional embodiment, when the
endograft body is expanded within the luminal organ, fluid flowing
through the first portion increases in velocity as the fluid
approaches the valve portion and increases shear stresses at the
valve portion. In yet an additional embodiment, the valve portion
comprises leaflets.
In at least one exemplary embodiment of an endograft valve device
of the present disclosure, the endograft valve device further
comprises an anti-clotting agent positioned upon at least a portion
of the endograft valve device. In another embodiment, the
anti-clotting agent is positioned upon at least an inner portion of
the endograft valve device. In yet another embodiment, the
anti-clotting agent is positioned upon at least an outer portion of
the endograft valve device. In an additional embodiment, the
anti-clotting agent is selected from the group consisting of
heparin, thrombomodulin, and/or endothelial cell protein C. In yet
an additional embodiment, the endograft body is comprises of a
biologically-compatible material selected from the group consisting
of polytetrafluoroethylene, Gore-Tex.RTM., and/or a nickel titanium
alloy, such as nitinol. In an additional embodiment, the endograft
valve device further comprises a guidewire and a catheter, wherein
the catheter is configured to fit around the guidewire, and wherein
the endograft valve device is configured to fit around the
catheter. In yet an additional embodiment, the endograft valve
device comprises a venous endograft valve device configured to fit
within a vein.
[0010] In at least one exemplary embodiment of a valve system of
the present disclosure, the valve system comprises an exemplary
endograft valve device of the present disclosure, a guidewire, and
a catheter, wherein the catheter is configured to fit around the
guidewire, and wherein the endograft valve device is configured to
fit around the catheter. In another embodiment, the catheter
comprises a balloon catheter.
[0011] In at least one exemplary embodiment of a method of using an
exemplary endograft valve device of the present disclosure, the
method comprises the steps of introducing a guidewire into a
luminal organ of a patient, advancing an endograft valve device of
the present disclosure along the guidewire to a desired location
within the luminal organ, and expanding the endograft valve device
within the luminal organ. In another embodiment, the method further
comprises the step of withdrawing the guidewire from the luminal
organ. In yet another embodiment, the luminal organ is a vein, and
the endograft valve device is configured as a venous endograft
valve device.
[0012] In at least one exemplary embodiment of a method of
determining whether a patient is suitable for a valve procedure of
the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of obtaining
data indicative to a patient's venous geometry at a first location,
obtaining data indicative of a flow velocity of blood within a vein
of the patient at or near the first location, preparing a digital
model of the vein of the patient using the data indicative to the
patient's venous geometry and/or the data indicative of the flow
velocity to obtain patient venous data, and determining whether the
patient is suitable for a valve procedure based at least in part on
the patient venous data. In another embodiment, the steps of
obtaining data are performed using duplex ultrasonography. In yet
another embodiment, the steps of obtaining data are performed using
an impedance device selected from the group consisting of an
impedance wire and an impedance catheter. In an additional
embodiment, the steps of obtaining data are performed using an
impedance device comprising a device body and at least four
electrodes positioned thereon, the at least four electrodes
comprising two electrodes configured to excite an electric field
and two electrodes configured to obtain a conductance measurement
within the electric field.
[0013] In at least one exemplary embodiment of a method of
determining whether a patient is suitable for a valve procedure of
the present disclosure, the step of preparing the digital model of
the vein of the patient is performed using the data indicative to
the patient's venous geometry and the data indicative of the flow
velocity to obtain patient venous data. In an additional
embodiment, the step of preparing the digital model of the vein of
the patient is performed using the data indicative to the patient's
venous geometry to prepare a first digital model and the data
indicative of the flow velocity to prepare a second digital model,
wherein the patient venous data is indicative of the first digital
model and the second digital model. In yet an additional
embodiment, the method further comprises the step of incorporating
data indicative of at least one valve into the digital model.
[0014] In at least one exemplary embodiment of a method of
determining whether a patient is suitable for a valve procedure of
the present disclosure, the step of determining whether the patient
is suitable for a valve procedure based at least in part on the
patient venous data and the data indicative of at least one valve.
In another embodiment, the step of determining whether the patient
is suitable for a valve procedure is based upon at least patient
venous data indicative of flow and shear stress, and an ultimate
determination is based upon a comparison of the patient venous data
indicative of flow and shear stress to at least one threshold.
[0015] In at least one exemplary embodiment of a method of
preparing a digital model of a vein of the present disclosure, the
method comprising the steps of obtaining data indicative to a
patient's venous geometry at a first location within the patient,
obtaining data indicative of a flow velocity of blood within a vein
of the patient at or near the first location, preparing at least
one digital model of the vein of the patient using the data
indicative to the patient's venous geometry and/or the data
indicative of the flow velocity to obtain patient venous data, and
using the patient venous data for at least one test purpose, the at
least one test purpose selected from the group consisting of i)
determining whether the patient is suitable for a valve procedure
based at least in part on the patient venous data and ii) testing
one or more virtual valve device configurations in at least one
simulation using the digital model. In another embodiment, the
steps of obtaining data are performed using a device selected from
the group consisting of a duplex ultrasound device, an impedance
wire, and impedance catheter, an impedance device comprising a
device body and at least four electrodes positioned thereon, the at
least four electrodes comprising two electrodes configured to
excite an electric field and two electrodes configured to obtain a
conductance measurement within the electric field. In an additional
embodiment, the step of using the patient venous data is performed
by using the patient venous data for the at least one test purpose
of determining whether the patient is suitable for the valve
procedure based at least in part on the patient venous data. In yet
an additional embodiment, the method further comprises the step of
incorporating data indicative of at least one valve into the
digital model. In another embodiment, the determination of whether
the patient is suitable for the valve procedure based at least in
part on information selected from the group consisting of i) the
patient venous data and the data indicative of at least one valve,
and ii) patient venous data indicative of flow and shear stress,
and wherein an ultimate determination is based upon a comparison of
the patient venous data indicative of flow and shear stress to at
least one threshold.
[0016] In at least one exemplary embodiment of a method of
preparing a digital model of a vein of the present disclosure, the
step of using the patient venous data is performed by using the
patient venous data for the at least one test purpose of testing
one or more virtual valve device configurations in at least one
simulation using the digital model. In an additional embodiment,
the method further comprises the step of adjusting the one or more
virtual valve device configurations and retesting the adjusted one
or more virtual valve device configurations. In yet an additional
embodiment, the method further comprises the step of preparing a
physical valve device based upon at least one of the adjusted one
or more virtual valve device configurations.
[0017] In at least one exemplary embodiment of an external assist
device of the present disclosure, the device comprises a cuff
configured to fit around a blood vessel and further configured to
periodically compress the blood vessel, and a processor operably
coupled to the cuff, the processor configured to control a
compression rate and a relaxation rate, wherein when the device is
positioned around the blood vessel at a first location, operation
of the processor causes the cuff to compress the blood vessel and
relax compression of the blood vessel, whereby relaxation at the
relaxation rate causes blood to move through the blood vessel at
the first location. In another embodiment, the compression rate is
slower than the relaxation rate. In yet another embodiment, the
device further comprises a power source operably coupled to the
cuff, the power source configured to provide power to the cuff
and/or the processor to facilitate compression and relaxation of
the cuff. In an additional embodiment, the device further comprises
a connector coupled to the power source and to the cuff, the
connector configured to allow power from the power source to be
transmitted therethrough to the cuff. In yet an additional
embodiment, the connector comprises a wire.
[0018] In at least one exemplary embodiment of an external assist
device of the present disclosure, the processor is configured so
that the compression rate and the relaxation rate can be changed to
a different compression rate and a different relaxation rate. In an
additional embodiment, when the device is positioned distal to a
blood vessel valve, operation of the device causes blood to flow
through the vessel valve toward the device. In yet an additional
embodiment, the blood vessel valve is selected from the group
consisting of a native valve and a prosthetic valve. In another
embodiment, when the device is positioned around the blood vessel
at a first location, the blood flows through the blood vessel at
the first location a first rate without operation of the device,
and the blood flows through the blood vessel at the first location
at a second rate during operation of the device, wherein the second
rate is faster than the first rate. In yet another embodiment, when
the device is positioned around the blood vessel at a first
location, the blood flows through the blood vessel at the first
location a first rate range without operation of the device, and
the blood flows through the blood vessel at the first location at a
second rate range during operation of the device, wherein the
second rate range has a faster top rate than the first rate
range.
[0019] In at least one exemplary embodiment of a method of
facilitating blood flow through a blood vessel of the present
disclosure, the method comprises the steps of positioning an
exemplary external assist device of the present disclosure around a
blood vessel, and operating the external assist device to
alternately compress the blood vessel and relax compression of the
blood vessel, wherein relaxation of compression causes blood to
flow through the blood vessel. In another embodiment, relaxation of
compression causes blood to flow through the blood vessel at a
faster rate than a native blood flow rate. In yet another
embodiment, the step of operating the external assist device
comprises operating the external assist device to alternative
compress the blood vessel at a first rate and to relax compression
of the blood vessel at a second rate, wherein the second rate is
faster than the first rate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The disclosed embodiments and other features, advantages,
and disclosures contained herein, and the matter of attaining them,
will become apparent and the present disclosure will be better
understood by reference to the following description of various
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a portion of a guidewire used to position an
exemplary endograft valve device into a luminal organ, according to
at least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2 shows an endograft valve device in a first
configuration positioned over a guidewire, according to at least
one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3 shows an endograft valve device in a second
configuration positioned over a guidewire, according to at least
one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 4 shows an endograft valve device in a second
configuration, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 5 shows fluid velocities (represented by position and
length of arrows) when a valve portion of an endograft valve device
is open, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 6 shows fluid velocities (represented by position and
length of arrows) when a valve portion of an endograft valve device
is partially closed, according to at least one exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of components of a valve
system, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of method steps, according to at
least one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 9 shows steps of a method of determining whether a
patient is suitable for a valve procedure, according to at least
one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 10A shows an external assist device positioned around a
blood vessel, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 10B shows an external assist device positioned around
and constricting a blood vessel, according to at least one
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 11 shows an external assist device positioned around a
blood vessel and an endograft valve device positioned within a
vessel, according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure; and
[0033] FIG. 12 shows steps of a method of facilitating blood flow
through a blood vessel, according to at least one exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] An overview of the features, functions and/or configurations
of the components depicted in the various figures will now be
presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of
the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of
these non-discussed features, such as various couplers, etc., as
well as discussed features are inherent from the figures
themselves. Other non-discussed features may be inherent in
component geometry and/or configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to
the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language
will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be
understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is
thereby intended.
[0036] With respect to patient treatment for valve and/or venous
insufficiency, the disclosure of the present application includes a
strategy based on the following three pillars, namely (1) that
valve insufficiency must be treated, (2) that no particular therapy
can apply to the entire patient population given the various stages
of venous insufficiency and the complex etiology thereof, and (3)
that no valve can function long-term in the absence of flow (and
more specifically shear stress). The present disclosure addresses
each pillar.
[0037] The first pillar (namely that valve insufficiency must be
treated) is addressed by way of one or more exemplary endograft
valve devices.
Shear Enhancing Valve
[0038] An exemplary endograft valve device 100 of the present
disclosure is described as follows. As shown in FIG. 3, for
example, an exemplary valve device 100 of the present disclosure
comprises an endograft body 102 having a first portion 104, a
second portion 106, and a valve portion 108. Endograft body 102, in
various embodiments, is configured to fit within a luminal organ
and further configured for expansion within the luminal organ. The
first portion 104 of the endograft body 102, as shown in FIG. 3 in
an expanded configuration, has a proximal end 110 defining a
proximal end aperture 112 and a distal end 114 defining a distal
end aperture 116, the first portion 104 tapering toward distal end
114 so that distal end aperture 116 has a relatively smaller
cross-sectional area than proximal end aperture 112. Second portion
106 of the endograft body 102, as shown in FIG. 3 in an expanded
configuration, also has a proximal end 118 defining a proximal end
aperture 120 and a distal end 122 defining a distal end aperture
124, the second portion 106 tapering toward distal end 122 so that
distal end aperture 124 has a relatively smaller cross-sectional
area than proximal end aperture 120. As shown in FIG. 3, and in
various embodiments of the present disclosure, distal end 114 of
first portion 104 is positioned adjacent to (and/or coupled to)
proximal end 118 of second portion 106. Valve portion 108, as
referenced above and shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 for example, is
positioned at or near proximal end 118 of second portion 106 (or
coupled to first portion 104 or second portion 106), wherein valve
portion 108 is configured to receive fluid flowing through distal
end aperture 116 of first portion 104.
[0039] An exemplary endograft valve device 100 of the present
disclosure may be positioned within a luminal organ of a patient as
follows. In at least one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 1, a
guidewire 200 having an optional compliant end 202 may be inserted
into a lumen 250 of a luminal organ 252 of a patient. In at least
one embodiment, luminal organ 252 comprises a patient's vein, and
an exemplary endograft valve device 100 of the present disclosure
is configured to fit within the patient's vein and configured to
operate in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0040] Upon insertion and placement of a portion of a guidewire 200
within a luminal organ 252, an exemplary endograft valve device 100
of the present disclosure may be advanced over guidewire 200 to a
desired location within luminal organ 252 as shown in FIG. 2. As
shown in FIG. 2, endograft valve device 100 is in a first, or
collapsed, configuration, and as shown in FIG. 3, endograft valve
device 100 is in a second, or expanded, configuration. Endograft
valve device 100 may be positioned around and/or coupled to an
optional catheter 260, as shown in FIG. 2, to facilitate
positioning of endograft valve device 100 within luminal organ 252.
Expansion of endograft valve device 100 may be due to movement of
guidewire 200, movement of optional catheter 260, inflation of a
balloon 702 (as shown in FIG. 7, for example) positioned upon
catheter 260, or other mechanisms/procedures known to facilitate
expansion of an endograft and/or stent.
[0041] A side view of an exemplary endograft valve device 100 is
shown in FIG. 2, while a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary
endograft valve device 100 is shown in FIG. 3. Expansion of
endograft valve device 100 (from FIG. 2 to FIG. 3) causes at least
a portion of endograft valve device 100 to physically contact
luminal organ 252 as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, an outer
portion 300 of endograft valve device 100 contacts luminal organ
252, while an inner portion 302 of endograft valve device 100 is
configured so that fluid may flow therethrough and through valve
portion 108. Outer portion 300 may generally define an outer
portion wall 310, and inner portion 302 may generally define an
inner portion wall 312, as shown in FIG. 3. In at least one
embodiment, outer portion wall 310 and/or inner portion wall 312
may be relative walls, as endograft body 102 may itself comprise a
mesh that does not create a formal wall. In such an embodiment, for
example, outer portion 300 may define an outer portion relative
surface 320, and inner portion 302 may define an inner portion
relative surface 322, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown in each of FIGS.
3 and 4, the interior portion of an exemplary endograft valve
device 100 is generally referred to as a lumen 350, whereby lumen
350 tapers toward distal end 114 of first portion 104 and again
tapers toward distal end 122 of second portion 106.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary endograft valve device 100
positioned within a lumen 250 of a luminal organ 252 with guidewire
200 and optional catheter 260 withdrawn. FIG. 4 shows "CSA1" and
"CSA2," which are indicative of a first cross-sectional area and a
second cross-sectional area, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, CSA1
is relatively larger than CSA2, with CSA1 being indicative of a
proximal end aperture 112 of first portion 104, and with CSA2 being
indicative of a distal end aperture 116 of first portion 104. As
shown therein, first portion 104 tapers inward toward valve portion
108.
[0043] Valve portion 108, as generally referenced above, is
configured in at least one embodiment as a venous valve system. In
at exemplary embodiment, valve portion 108 is configured as an
effective bicuspid valve system for a vein, noting that the
arterial system has substantially higher shear stresses than the
venous system. In view of the same, exemplary valve portions 108 of
the present disclosure are configured to increase shear stress at
the leaflets 500 of valve portion 108 as shown in FIG. 5 so that
they effectively operate as venous valves.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 3-6, exemplary endograft valve devices 100
are provided for potential use within a patient's body instead of a
traditional stent that may carry a valve. As generally referenced
above and shown in FIGS. 3-6, endograft valve devices 100 are
configured to taper endoluminally, either linerally as shown in the
figures or in some other fashion, so that blood flowing
therethrough will increase in velocity and hence increase the shear
stress at valve portion 108.
[0045] Conservation of mass requires that volumetric flow rate (Q)
to remain constant throughout the graft (i.e., Q=constant=V*CSA,
where V and CSA represent the velocity of blood and luminal
cross-sectional area of the endograft). Since the CSA is made, by
novel design of the various endograft valve devices 100 of the
present disclosure, to decrease towards valve portion 108 (i.e.,
CSA2<CSA1 as shown in FIG. 4), the velocity will be much larger
at valve portion 108. The wall shear stress (WSS, referring to the
stresses of inner portion 302 of endograft valve device 100) is
related to the CSA as WSS.about.1/CSA3/2 (Poiseuille's law) and
hence any decrease in CSA will amplify the WSS. For example, a 10%
decrease in diameter (CSA.about.D2) is expected to increase the WSS
by 33%.
[0046] The increase in WSS and the corresponding reduction in
thrombogenecity at the valve is weighted against the potential
increase in the pressure drop (.DELTA.P, as shown in FIG. 5) to
overcome the resistance to flow. A 50% decrease in CSA, for example
is non-flow limiting (i.e., only a minimal pressure drop). Hence,
even at this level of CSA design, the WSS can be nearly tripled
(.about.2.8.times.). A reverse tapering on the distal portion of
the valve, in at least one embodiment and as shown in FIG. 6, is
considered to ensure flow recirculation and hence the establishment
of a negative pressure drop to close valve portion 108.
[0047] The present disclosure considers various hemodynamic
variables to ensure a correct design that prevents stasis. The
third point of the triad, namely changes in the vessel wall as
referenced herein, can be considered as various endograft valve
devices 100 can be coated similarly to a luminal organ (such as a
biological vein, for example) at least acutely until the endograft
valve device 100 endothelializes. Such considerations may require
that the inner portion 302 (such as inner portion wall 312 or inner
portion relative surface 322, for example) of the endograft valve
device 100 be at least partially covered or coated one or more
anti-clotting agents, such as, for example, heparin,
thrombomodulin, endothelial cell protein C, and/or another
anti-clotting agent. FIG. 5 shows agent 510 positioned upon
endograft valve device 100. In addition to providing an
anticoagulant endoluminal surface (such as inner portion wall 312
or inner portion relative surface 322, for example), the same can
also be provided to the endograft outer portion 300 (such as outer
portion wall 310 or outer portion relative surface 320, for
example) to dissolve any existing clots in the luminal organ upon
deployment of the endograft valve device 100.
[0048] Various embodiments of endograft valve devices 100 of the
present disclosure may be made of one or more standard
biologically-compatible materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE), Gore-Tex.RTM., etc., containing, for example, a nickel
titanium alloy such as nitinol and/or another memory metal in the
endograft body 102 so that the desired memory shape of the
endograft valve device 100, in an open or a closed configuration,
is accomplished while maintaining the desired hemodynamic effects
noted above.
[0049] At least one exemplary embodiment of a valve system 700 of
the present disclosure is shown in the block diagram of FIG. 7. As
shown in FIG. 7, an exemplary valve system 700 comprises a number
of components of an exemplary endograft valve device 100 of the
present disclosure, such as endograft body 102, valve portion 108,
etc. In addition, an exemplary valve system 700 may comprise one or
more components useful to deliver and/or position an exemplary
valve device 100 of the present disclosure, including a guidewire
200, a catheter 260, and an optional balloon 702 coupled to or
positioned adjacent to catheter 260.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of steps of an exemplary method of
using an endograft valve device 100 and/or valve system 700 of the
present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary method 800
comprises the steps of introducing a guidewire into a luminal organ
(such as a vein) of a patient (an exemplary guidewire insertion
step 802) and advancing an endograft valve device 100 along
guidewire 200 to a desired location within a patient (an exemplary
advancement step 804). Endograft valve device 100 is then expanded
as referenced herein (an exemplary expansion step 806), and the
guidewire 200 and/or any other device used to deliver endograft
valve device 100 (such as a catheter 260, for example), is
withdrawn from the area of the endograft valve device 100 (an
exemplary removal step 808).
[0051] The second pillar, namely that no particular therapy can
apply to the entire patient population given the various stages of
venous insufficiency and the complex etiology thereof, is addressed
as follows.
Patient-Specific Virtual Venous Valve Simulation
[0052] An analogy can be drawn with mitral valve and heart failure
(HF) whose etiology may be of ischemic, electrical, or valvular
origin. A number of therapies for HF exist such as
revascularization (such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)
surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)), valve
replacement, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), use of a left
ventricular assist device (LVAD), and the like. Each of these
therapies has guidelines for patient selection (inclusion/exclusion
criterion). A similar paradigm for patient selection must be
established for venous insufficiency in order for a therapy to be
effective.
[0053] The disclosure of the present application includes a
patient-specific, physics-based approach to determine whether or
not the patient is suitable for a potential vein valve procedure.
Such an approach, in at least one embodiment, may be useful to
develop a validated, patient-specific, physics-based computational
model to predict the clinical function of a prosthetic valve
replacement device. Existing clinical imaging modality, such as
duplex ultrasonography (US) may be used in connection therewith to
provide both the venous geometry and flow velocity of a
patient.
[0054] An exemplary patient selection method of the present
disclosure uses one or more computer models of various venous
valves, whereby said valves can be virtually implanted into a model
of the specific patient's geometry. Various laws of physics, such
as the conservation of mass and momentum, can be used in
conjunction with the patient-specific boundary condition (flow
velocity) to simulate the entire shear field on the valve leaflets
as well as the mechanical stresses and strains in the leaflets
and/or other functional surfaces of the devices. Various sample
prototype devices may also be tested in said simulations, providing
data indicative of the temporal and spatial distributions of the
stresses. These simulations would then provide the physical
predictions of the expected levels of the mechanical environment of
the prototype valves and their propensities for success or failure
based, in part, on the various intramural stresses and strains in
the valve device materials.
[0055] By way of example, patients that have low shear stresses
(i.e., stasis) on the valve leaflets can be excluded since these
patients are likely to have a poor outcome. The relation between
the cutoff for the various mechanical forces, deformations, and
biological responses can be determined through in vivo experiments
that include realistic models of venous hypertension and
insufficiency (e.g., venous hypertension using an arteriovenous
(AV) fistula and occlusion models to perturb flow and shear stress
and evaluate the biological response of the valve implant). Hence,
various guidelines and criterion for acceptable mechanical regimes
in animal studies and from the published literature can be
established and used to guide the initial patient experience.
[0056] Exemplary computational platforms for both fluid and solid
mechanics of a valve can be obtained using duplex US, an impedance
device (as referenced below), or another mechanism useful to obtain
geometric and flow data of a valve within a vessel. Such a computer
simulation of a flow field and wall stress can be generated for an
idealized valve with idealized geometries and flows, and said
platforms can then be repeated for specific patients, so that flows
and stresses representative of a specific patient can be
provided.
[0057] As can be identified by such a platform, idealized valves
prominently show regions of stagnant flow in the base region of the
valve under the provided flow conditions, as well as showing flow
alterations at the hinge region of leaflets. Flow rates and
direction can then be indicated using a series of arrows to show
direction of flow (via arrow point) within a vessel and rate of
flow (as given by the overall length of the arrows). A longer arrow
denotes a faster flow rate. Wall stresses can be shown using, for
example, various colors or pixel concentrations to show areas with
higher stresses (generally at or near the valve leaflets) and areas
of lower stresses (generally away from the valve leaflets).
[0058] To minimize ad hoc assumptions in the simulations, accurate
data would be established based upon the anatomy (geometry) and
material properties of both the potentially-used prosthetic valve
and the vein itself. Furthermore, and in addition to duplex US,
additional technologies (such as impedance wires and catheters, for
example) can be leveraged to determine both the size of the vein to
match the prosthesis (to prevent migration) as well as compliance
of the vessel (for accurate simulation of vein wall motion and
coupling to blood flow).
[0059] As such, the various virtual simulations used to test
various device/valve designs would allow researchers to design and
redesign such devices until the devices/valves have the desired
functionality. Specific devices/valves, including those specific to
venous diseases, can be optimized so that their use in vivo would
be effective for any number of luminal organ needs.
[0060] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes disclosure of a
method of determining whether a patient is suitable for a valve
procedure. In at least one embodiment of a method 900, as indicated
by the method steps shown in FIG. 9, method 900 comprises the steps
of obtaining data indicative to a patient's venous geometry at a
first location (an exemplary first data obtaining step 902) and
obtaining data indicative of a flow velocity of blood within a vein
of the patient at or near the first location (an exemplary second
data obtaining step 904), wherein steps 902 and 904 can be
performed in either order. Method 900, in various embodiments,
further comprises the steps of preparing a digital model of the
vein of the patient using the data indicative to the patient's
venous geometry and/or the data indicative of the flow velocity to
obtain patient venous data (an exemplary digital model preparation
step 906), and determining whether the patient is suitable for a
valve procedure based at least in part of the patient venous data
(an exemplary determination step 908).
[0061] In at least one embodiment, steps 902 and/or 904 is/are
performed using duplex ultrasonography. In various embodiments,
steps 902 and/or 904 is/are performed using an impedance device,
such as an impedance wire and an impedance catheter. An exemplary
impedance device may comprise a device body and at least four
electrodes positioned thereon, wherein the at least four electrodes
comprising two electrodes configured to excite an electric field
and two electrodes configured to obtain a conductance measurement
within the electric field.
[0062] In various embodiments of methods 900 of the present
disclosure, digital model preparation step 906 is performed using
the data indicative to the patient's venous geometry and the data
indicative of the flow velocity to obtain patient venous data. In
other embodiments, digital model preparation step 906 is performed
using the data indicative to the patient's venous geometry to
prepare a first digital model and the data indicative of the flow
velocity to prepare a second digital model, wherein the patient
venous data is indicative of the first digital model and the second
digital model.
[0063] In at least one embodiment of a method 900 of the present
disclosure, and as shown in FIG. 9, method 900 further comprises
the step of incorporating data indicative of at least one valve
into the digital model (an exemplary valve data incorporation step
910). Step 910 may be performed by incorporating native valve data
or prosthetic valve data therein. Upon performance of step 910, in
at least one embodiment, determination step 908 can be performed
based at least in part on information including the patient venous
data and the data indicative of at least one valve and/or patient
venous data indicative of flow and shear stress. Further and in at
least one embodiment, an ultimate determination can be made based
upon a comparison of the patient venous data indicative of flow and
shear stress to at least one threshold.
[0064] An exemplary method 900, as shown in FIG. 9, may comprise
the step of testing one or more virtual valve device configurations
in at least one simulation using the digital model prepared in
digital model preparation step 906 (an exemplary valve testing step
912). In at least one embodiment, the device configurations can be
incorporated into the digital model such as by valve data
incorporation step 910 referenced above. Valve testing step 912, as
shown in FIG. 9, may be performed after digital model preparation
step 906 and optionally after valve data incorporation step 910,
and involves performing at least one simulation using the digital
model. Determination step 908 and valve testing step 912 may be
generally referred to herein as a test purpose.
[0065] Valve testing step 912, in various embodiments, may be
performed to determine whether or not a virtual valve model is
suitable for the patient that the digital model is based upon. For
example, if a virtual valve model is tested in valve testing step
912 and it does not perform optimally, the virtual valve model can
be modified and retested. In view of the same, an exemplary method
900 of the present disclosure may further comprise the steps of
adjusting one or more virtual valve device configurations and
retesting the adjusted one or more virtual valve device
configurations (an exemplary adjustment step 914). Should steps 912
or 914 yield satisfactory results (indicative of a suitable virtual
valve for the patient), a physical valve device based upon at least
one of the adjusted virtual valve device configurations may be
prepared (an exemplary valve preparation step 916), whereby the
prepared valve (such as an endograft valve device 100 and/or valve
system 700 of the present disclosure) may be positioned within the
patient consistent with an exemplary method 800 of the present
disclosure, for example.
[0066] Steps 912, 914, and/or 916 may be performed, as referenced
above, to test, optimize, and produce a valve (such as a vein valve
device) best suited for the modeled patient. The virtual testing,
as referenced herein, allows for dozens, if not hundreds or
thousands or more, of virtual devices to be tested, saving
significant time and money over traditional physical valve
manufacture and testing. In addition, such a method, as referenced
above, is patient-specific, allowing for an optimized valve device,
specifically tailored for the patient in need of the valve
procedure (such as a valve replacement or valve insertion where no
valve is present), resulting in optimal patient treatment. Such
valve optimization (by way of performing steps 912 and/or 914) may
be done to change one or more parameters, such as valve length,
width, wall thickness, leaflet size, leaflet configuration, leaflet
number(s), materials, curvatures, and/or a combination of the
foregoing, for example, to optimize a valve for that particular
patient. Such an optimized valve (ultimately produced in step 916,
for example), may have one or more of the desired hemodynamic,
mechanical, and/or functional properties sufficient for that
particular patient's needs. For example, such an optimized valve
may have two or more leaflets instead of one leaflet, and may be
optimized so that a minimum amount of energy (or a reduced amount
of energy) is needed to open and/or close the valve. Other valve
configurations may be preferred based upon a different patient
digital model.
[0067] In various embodiments, determination step 908 is based at
least in part on the patient venous data and the data indicative of
at least one valve. In other embodiments, determination step 908 is
based upon at least patient venous data indicative of flow and
shear stress, and wherein an ultimate determination is based upon a
comparison of the patient venous data indicative of flow and shear
stress to at least one threshold.
[0068] Such a tailored approach defines the range of in vivo
performance of the valve in a patient-specific mechanical
environment. Although there are factors beyond mechanics that can
be considered, a mechanical approach, and the data emanating
therefrom, allows a practitioner to potentially identify
non-mechanical factors. For example, if the valve fails in a
percentage of the patients that satisfy mechanically-based
inclusion criteria, then additional, non-mechanical biomarkers may
be identified (such as blood chemistry, risk factors,
co-morbidities, etc.). This data will then form the basis of a
systematic and rigorous approach to embracing this complex patient
population.
[0069] The third pillar, namely that no valve can function
long-term in the absence of flow (and more specifically shear
stress, is addressed as follows.
Venous Return Assist Device
[0070] Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been
successful, in large part, because the aortic valve prosthesis is
coupled with the heart, namely that the heart pump ensures
sufficient flow through the prosthetic. However, this is limited to
aortic valves, and does not apply to venous valves, as the heart
pump cannot ensure sufficient flow through a venous valve.
[0071] No valve can function without flow. The disclosure of the
present application includes methods to generate venous blood flow
(propulsion) through various assist devices (compression) and
suction (release) within the vein, such as within the abdominal
vena cavae. As discussed in further detail herein, said devices and
methods can be used with our without valve implants, as if a native
valve is functional, said devices and methods can be used to
facilitate blood flow therethrough.
[0072] Under physiologic conditions, the peripheral pump (skeletal
muscle), as well as the respiratory and abdominal phasic pressures,
work in conjunction with the compliant veins to assist venous
return in the presence of valves. Unfortunately, in patients of
interest, venous hypertension-induced remodeling, thrombosis or
fibrosis reduces the compliance of the veins (thicker and stiffer)
and compromises the normal venous assist mechanisms. In such
patients, an active assist mechanism for venous return is
needed.
[0073] The present disclosure includes disclosure of an exemplary
external assist device operable to impose a force directly on the
external surface of the vein to overcome the increased stiffness of
the vein. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, an exemplary assist device
1000 of the present disclosure comprises a cuff 1002 configured to
fit around a blood vessel and further configured to periodically
compress the blood vessel. Devices 1000, in various embodiments,
are operably by way of a power source 1004 operably coupled to cuff
1002, so that power from power source 1004 can control the
compression and relaxation of cuff 1002. Power source 1004 may
comprise, for example, an implanted battery, which may be
rechargeable, and/or a power source 1004 positioned external to the
patient's body. A processor 1006, operably coupled to power source
1004, is configured to control the rates of compression and
relaxation of cuff 1002. In at least one embodiment, processor 1006
is configured so that the compression rate and the relaxation rate
can be changed to a different compression rate and a different
relaxation rate. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, an optional
connector 1008, such as a wire, may be used to connect power source
1004 to cuff 1002, wherein connector 1008 configured to allow power
from power source 1004 to be transmitted therethrough to cuff
1002.
[0074] FIG. 10A shows an exemplary assist device 1000 of the
present disclosure positioned around an abdominal vena cava (an
exemplary blood vessel 1010). Blood flowing from an iliac vein
1012, for example, would flow through the vena cava and be assisted
using an exemplary assist device 1000. Device 1000 is shown in FIG.
10A as positioned around, but not compressing, the vena cava, while
an exemplary device 1000 of the present disclosure is shown in FIG.
10B positioned around and compressing the vena cava. Devices 1000
of the present disclosure are not limited to being configured
around a vena cava, as said devices 1000 may be configured to fit
around any number of blood vessels within a mammalian body.
[0075] In at least one embodiment of a device 1000 of the present
disclosure, when device 1000 is positioned around a blood vessel at
a first location, operation of processor 1006 causes cuff 1002 to
alternately compress the blood vessel and relax compression of the
blood vessel. Processor 1006 controls a compression rate and a
relaxation rate (which may be the same or different), whereby
relaxation at the relaxation rate causes blood to move through the
blood vessel at the first location. In at least one embodiment, the
compression rate is slower than the relaxation rate, as a
relatively faster relaxation rate allows the blood vessel to open
quicker and effectively pull blood through the blood vessel at the
first location. A power source 1004 operably coupled to cuff 1002
would be configured to provide power to cuff 1002 and/or processor
1006 to facilitate compression and relaxation of cuff 1002.
[0076] In various embodiments of devices 1000, processor 1006 is
configured so that the compression rate and the relaxation rate can
be changed to a different compression rate and a different
relaxation rate. In at least one embodiment, when device 1000 is
positioned distal to a blood vessel valve (such as an endograft
valve device 100 as referenced herein), operation of device 1000
causes blood to flow through the vessel valve toward device 1000.
The blood vessel valve may be a native valve or a prosthetic valve,
as devices 1000 of the present disclosure are configured to
facilitate blood flow through both types of valves.
[0077] In at least one embodiment, when device 1000 is positioned
around the blood vessel at a first location, the blood flows
through the blood vessel at the first location a first rate without
operation of device 100, and the blood flows through the blood
vessel at the first location at a second rate during operation of
device 1000, wherein the second rate is faster than the first rate.
Furthermore, and in various embodiments, when device 1000 is
positioned around the blood vessel at a first location, the blood
flows through the blood vessel at the first location a first rate
range without operation of device 100, and the blood flows through
the blood vessel at the first location at a second rate range
during operation of device 1000, wherein the second rate range has
a faster top rate than the first rate range. The two ranges include
the slowest relative flow rate, the fastest relative flow rate, and
potentially various flow rates in between.
[0078] FIG. 11 shows a larger view of an exemplary device 1000 of
the present disclosure positioned around a blood vessel 1010, and
further shows an exemplary endograft valve device 100 positioned
within a lumen 1100 of a blood vessel 1012 proximal to where device
1000 is positioned. As shown in FIG. 11, device 1000 is positioned
about a vena cava, while device 100 is positioned within an iliac
vein 1012 proximal to device 1000. Operation of device 1000, when
positioned as shown in FIG. 11 relative to device 100, causes blood
to be pulled through vessel 1010 at the location of device 1000,
and therefore causes blood to be pulled through device 100 proximal
to device 1000.
[0079] Use of various devices 1000 of the present disclosure
provides an assist mechanism where compression of the vein propels
the blood flow (in the presence of functional valve, either native
or prosthetic) towards the heart. A quick release of the
compression of device 1000 can create the effect of suction to
"pull" the blood from the periphery again in the direction of the
heart. Other devices, such as the devices disclosed within
US2010/0179376 of Kassab and Navia, may also be configured to fit
around a vessel (such as a vein, as referenced herein) and further
configured to compress and release the blood vessel so to, for
example, facilitate blood flow through a vein when the device is
positioned around the vein. Said devices are hereby incorporated
into the present disclosure by reference.
[0080] The present disclosure also includes disclosure of a method
of facilitating blood flow through a blood vessel. In at least one
embodiment of a method 1200 of the present disclosure, as shown by
the method steps in FIG. 12, the method comprises the steps of
positioning an exemplary external assist device 1000 of the present
disclosure around a blood vessel (an exemplary positioning step
1202), and operating external assist device 1000 to alternatively
compress the blood vessel and relax compression of the blood vessel
(an exemplary operating step 1204), wherein relaxation of
compression causes blood to flow through the blood vessel.
Relaxation of compression of device 1000, as referenced herein,
causes blood to flow through the blood vessel at a faster rate than
a native blood flow rate. In at least one embodiment of method 1200
of the present disclosure, operating step 1204 comprises operating
external assist device 1000 to alternative compress the blood
vessel at a first rate and to relax compression of the blood vessel
at a second rate, wherein the second rate is faster than the first
rate.
[0081] Various devices 1000 of the present disclosure may be
delivered minimally invasively through a laparoscopic approach to
induce a pumping action to propel the flow forward in opposition to
gravity.
[0082] While various embodiments of devices and methods for
assisting valve function, replacing venous valves, and predicting
valve treatment successes been described in considerable detail
herein, the embodiments are merely offered as non-limiting examples
of the disclosure described herein. It will therefore be understood
that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the
scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not
intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the content
thereof.
[0083] Further, in describing representative embodiments, the
present disclosure may have presented a method and/or a process as
a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the
method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps
set forth therein, the method or process should not be limited to
the particular sequence of steps described, as other sequences of
steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps
disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the
present disclosure. In addition, disclosure directed to a method
and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their
steps in the order written. Such sequences may be varied and still
remain within the scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *