U.S. patent application number 17/025934 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for stent attachment and deployment mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to CARDINAL HEALTH SWITZERLAND 515 GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is CARDINAL HEALTH SWITZERLAND 515 GMBH. Invention is credited to James A. Fleming, III, David C. Majercak, Jin S. Park.
Application Number | 20210093472 17/025934 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005274079 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210093472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fleming, III; James A. ; et
al. |
April 1, 2021 |
STENT ATTACHMENT AND DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM
Abstract
A stent attachment and deployment mechanism is utilized to
prevent the distal end of an endoprosthesis comprising fixation
barbs or other fixation mechanism from deploying prior to the
remaining sections of the fixation device. With this stent
attachment and deployment mechanism accurate deployment may be
achieved.
Inventors: |
Fleming, III; James A.;
(Bethlehem, PA) ; Majercak; David C.;
(Stewartsville, NJ) ; Park; Jin S.; (Parsippany,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CARDINAL HEALTH SWITZERLAND 515 GMBH |
Bar Zag |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
CARDINAL HEALTH SWITZERLAND 515
GMBH
Bar Zug
CH
|
Family ID: |
1000005274079 |
Appl. No.: |
17/025934 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12109621 |
Apr 25, 2008 |
10813779 |
|
|
17025934 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/075 20130101;
A61F 2220/0075 20130101; A61F 2/954 20130101; A61F 2002/9505
20130101; A61F 2/07 20130101; A61F 2220/0066 20130101; A61F
2002/9511 20130101; A61F 2/91 20130101; A61F 2/848 20130101; A61F
2/89 20130101; A61F 2002/065 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/954 20060101
A61F002/954; A61F 2/07 20060101 A61F002/07 |
Claims
1. A stent attachment and deployment system comprising: an inner
member having a proximal end and a distal end; an endoprosthesis
having a proximal end and a distal end mounted coaxially about the
inner member; and a restraining mechanism mounted at least
partially coaxially about the inner member, the restraining
mechanism comprising a collar configured for engaging the distal
end of the endoprosthesis, a hold down wire for securing the distal
end of the endoprosthesis to the collar and an activation wire
releasably connected to the hold down wire, the activation wire
being configured to position the hold down wire such that the hold
down wire secures the distal end of the endoprosthesis to the
collar as long as the activation wire remains secured to the hold
down wire and wherein when the activation wire is moved in the
proximal direction it releases the hold down wire.
2. The stent attached and deployment mechanism according to claim
1, wherein the endoprosthesis comprises at least one extension
element.
3. The stent attachment and deployment mechanism according to claim
2, wherein the collar comprises at least one receptacle for
receiving and holding the at least one extension element from
moving in the longitudinal direction.
4. A stent attachment and deployment system comprising: an inner
member having a proximal end and a distal end; an endoprosthesis
having a proximal end and a distal end mounted coaxially about the
inner member; and a restraining mechanism mounted at least
partially coaxially about the inner member, the restraining
mechanism comprising a collar, having first and second end at least
one radially protruding member for engaging and holding the distal
end of the endoprosthesis, the at least one radially protruding
member being attached to the first end of the collar and an
activation wire attached to the second end of the collar, wherein
when the activation wire is moved in the proximal direction, the
collar moves in the proximal direction thereby causing the at least
one protruding member to release the distal end of the
endoprosthesis.
5. The stent attachment and deployment mechanism according to claim
4, wherein the endoprosthesis comprises at least one attachment
element having an opening at its distal end.
6. The stent attachment and deployment mechanism according to claim
5, wherein the at least one radially protruding member is
configured to releasably hold the at least one attachment element
by engaging the opening in the at least one attachment element.
7. A stent attachment and deployment system comprising: an inner
member having a proximal end and a distal end; an endoprosthesis
having a proximal end and a distal end mounted coaxially about the
inner member; and a restraining mechanism mounted at least
partially coaxially about the inner member, the restraining
mechanism comprising a first collar mounted on the inner member at
a first side of the distal end of the endoprosthesis, a second
collar mounted on the inner member at a second side of the distal
end of the endoprosthesis, and at least one hold down wire
releasably interconnected between the first and second collars and
to the distal end of the prosthesis for securing the distal end of
the prosthesis in an unexpanded state.
8. The stent attachment and deployment system according to claim 7,
wherein the endoprosthesis comprises at least one attachment
element having an opening at its distal end.
9. The stent attachment and deployment system according to claim 8,
wherein the at least one hold down wire runs through the opening in
the attachment element.
10. The stent attachment and deployment system according to claim
9, wherein the at least one attachment wire is operable to move in
the proximal direction and detach from the first and second collars
and the endoprosthesis.
11. The stent attachment and deployment system according to claim
1, wherein the restraining mechanism is configured to be moveable
longitudinally along the inner member between two fixed points.
12. The stent attachment and deployment system according to claim
4, wherein the restraining mechanism is configured to be moveable
longitudinally along the inner member between two fixed points.
13. The stent attachment and deployment system according to claim
7, wherein the restraining mechanism is configured to be moveable
longitudinally along the inner member between two fixed points
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to aneurismal repair devices,
and more particularly, to devices for restraining the cranial end
of an endoprosthesis of an aneurismal repair device until the
remaining portion of the endoprosthesis is deployed and fully
expanded and then deploying the cranial end.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0002] An aneurysm is an abnormal dilation of a layer or layers of
an arterial wall, usually caused by a systemic collagen synthetic
or structural defect. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an aneurysm
in the abdominal portion of the aorta, usually located in or near
one or both of the two iliac arteries or near the renal arteries.
The aneurysm often arises in the infrarenal portion of the diseased
aorta, for example, below the kidneys. A thoracic aortic aneurysm
is an aneurysm in the thoracic portion of the aorta. When left
untreated, the aneurysm may rupture, usually causing rapid fatal
hemorrhaging.
[0003] Aneurysms may be classified or typed by their position as
well as by the number of aneurysms in a cluster. Typically,
abdominal aortic aneurysms may be classified into five types. A
Type I aneurysm is a single dilation located between the renal
arteries and the iliac arteries. Typically, in a Type I aneurysm,
the aorta is healthy between the renal arteries and the aneurysm
and between the aneurysm and the iliac arteries.
[0004] A Type II A aneurysm is a single dilation located between
the renal arteries and the iliac arteries. In a Type II A aneurysm,
the aorta is healthy between the renal arteries and the aneurysm,
but not healthy between the aneurysm and the iliac arteries. In
other words, the dilation extends to the aortic bifurcation. A Type
II B aneurysm comprises three dilations. One dilation is located
between the renal arteries and the iliac arteries. Like a Type II A
aneurysm, the aorta is healthy between the aneurysm and the renal
arteries, but not healthy between the aneurysm and the iliac
arteries. The other two dilations are located in the iliac arteries
between the aortic bifurcation and the bifurcations between the
external iliacs and the internal iliacs. The iliac arteries are
healthy between the iliac bifurcation and the aneurysms. A Type II
C aneurysm also comprises three dilations. However, in a Type II C
aneurysm, the dilations in the iliac arteries extend to the iliac
bifurcation.
[0005] A Type III aneurysm is a single dilation located between the
renal arteries and the iliac arteries. In a Type III aneurysm, the
aorta is not healthy between the renal arteries and the aneurysm.
In other words, the dilation extends to the renal arteries.
[0006] A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is presently the
thirteenth leading cause of death in the United States. The routine
management of abdominal aortic aneurysms has been surgical bypass,
with the placement of a graft in the involved or dilated segment.
Although resection with a synthetic graft via a transperitoneal or
retroperitoneal procedure has been the standard treatment, it is
associated with significant risk. For example, complications
include perioperative myocardial ischemia, renal failure, erectile
impotence, intestinal ischemia, infection, lower limb ischemia,
spinal cord injury with paralysis, aorta-enteric fistula, and
death. Surgical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms is
associated with an overall mortality rate of five percent in
asymptomatic patients, sixteen to nineteen percent in symptomatic
patients, and is as high as fifty percent in patients with ruptured
abdominal aortic aneurysms.
[0007] Disadvantages associated with conventional surgery, in
addition to the high mortality rate, include an extended recovery
period associated with the large surgical incision and the opening
of the abdominal cavity, difficulties in suturing the graft to the
aorta, the loss of the existing thrombosis to support and reinforce
the graft, the unsuitability of the surgery for many patients
having abdominal aortic aneurysms, and the problems associated with
performing the surgery on an emergency basis after the aneurysm has
ruptured. Further, the typical recovery period is from one to two
weeks in the hospital and a convalescence period, at home, ranging
from two to three months or more, if complications ensue. Since
many patients having abdominal aortic aneurysms have other chronic
illnesses, such as heart, lung, liver and/or kidney disease,
coupled with the fact that many of these patients are older, they
are less than ideal candidates for surgery.
[0008] The occurrence of aneurysms is not confined to the abdominal
region. While abdominal aortic aneurysms are generally the most
common, aneurysms in other regions of the aorta or one of its
branches are possible. For example, aneurysms may occur in the
thoracic aorta. As is the case with abdominal aortic aneurysms, the
widely accepted approach to treating an aneurysm in the thoracic
aorta is surgical repair, involving replacing the aneurysmal
segment with a prosthetic device. This surgery, as described above,
is a major undertaking, with associated high risks and with
significant mortality and morbidity.
[0009] Over the past five years, there has been a great deal of
research directed at developing less invasive, endovascular, i.e.,
catheter directed, techniques for the treatment of aneurysms,
specifically abdominal aortic aneurysms. This has been facilitated
by the development of vascular stents, which can and have been used
in conjunction with standard or thin-wall graft material in order
to create a stent-graft or endograft. The potential advantages of
less invasive treatments have included reduced surgical morbidity
and mortality along with shorter hospital and intensive care unit
stays.
[0010] Stent-grafts or endoprostheses are now Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) approved and commercially available. Their
delivery procedure typically involves advanced angiographic
techniques performed through vascular accesses gained via surgical
cut down of a remote artery, which may include the common femoral
or brachial arteries. Over a guidewire, the appropriate size
introducer will be placed. The catheter and guidewire are passed
through the aneurysm. Through the introducer, the stent-graft will
be advanced to the appropriate position. Typical deployment of the
stent-graft device requires withdrawal of an outer sheath while
maintaining the position of the stent-graft with an
inner-stabilizing device. Most stent-grafts are self-expanding;
however, an additional angioplasty procedure, e.g., balloon
angioplasty, may be required to secure the position of the
stent-graft. Following the placement of the stent-graft, standard
angiographic views may be obtained.
[0011] Due to the large diameter of the above-described devices,
typically greater than twenty French (3F=1 mm), arteriotomy closure
typically requires open surgical repair. Some procedures may
require additional surgical techniques, such as hypogastric artery
embolization, vessel ligation, or surgical bypass in order to
adequately treat the aneurysm or to maintain blood flow to both
lower extremities. Likewise, some procedures will require
additional advanced catheter directed techniques, such as
angioplasty, stent placement and embolization, in order to
successfully exclude the aneurysm and efficiently manage leaks.
[0012] While the above-described endoprostheses represent a
significant improvement over conventional surgical techniques,
there is a need to improve the endoprostheses, their method of use
and their applicability to varied biological conditions.
Accordingly, in order to provide a safe and effective alternate
means for treating aneurysms, including abdominal aortic aneurysms
and thoracic aortic aneurysms, a number of difficulties associated
with currently known endoprostheses and their delivery systems must
be overcome. One concern with the use of endoprostheses is the
prevention of endo-leaks and the disruption of the normal fluid
dynamics of the vasculature. Devices using any technology should
preferably be simple to position and reposition as necessary,
should preferably provide an acute, fluid tight seal, and should
preferably be anchored to prevent migration without interfering
with normal blood flow in both the aneurysmal vessel as well as
branching vessels. In addition, devices using the technology should
preferably be able to be anchored, sealed, and maintained in
bifurcated vessels, tortuous vessels, highly angulated vessels,
partially diseased vessels, calcified vessels, odd shaped vessels,
short vessels, and long vessels. In order to accomplish this, the
endoprostheses should preferably be highly durable, extendable and
re-configurable while maintaining acute and long-term fluid tight
seals and anchoring positions.
[0013] The endoprostheses should also preferably be able to be
delivered percutaneously utilizing catheters, guidewires and other
devices which substantially eliminate the need for open surgical
intervention. Accordingly, the diameter of the endoprostheses in
the catheter is an important factor. This is especially true for
aneurysms in the larger vessels, such as the thoracic aorta. In
addition, the endoprostheses should preferably be percutaneously
delivered and deployed such that surgical cut down is
unnecessary.
[0014] Many aneurismal repair devices currently in the market
utilize a woven Dacron.RTM. graft material and a metallic stent or
scaffold. Typically, the stents are attached to the graft material
by sutures. Even though the stents are sutured in place, this does
not completely eliminate relative movement between the stent and
the graft material caused by the pulsatile movement of the blood in
the particular artery and the movement of the artery itself. This
relative motion between the stent and the graft causes wear and
potentially a separation or opening between the graft and the
stent. This potential separation or opening may in turn lead to
endo leaks. Accordingly, it would be highly advantageous to develop
a system for preventing this or substantially eliminating relative
movement between the stent and the graft.
[0015] During deployment of a typical device, the endoprosthesis is
held stationary while an outer catheter sheath is retracted and the
endoprosthesis expands into position due to the self-expanding
properties of the underlying stent structure. Due to the potential
tortuous nature of the human anatomy, the delivery catheter
containing the endoprosthesis generally lies up against one side of
the vessel prior to deployment. It has been observed in testing
that when a supra renal stent with barbs is the first portion of
the endoprosthesis to expand, the barbs closest to the vessel wall
may make premature contact with the wall before the stent has had a
chance to fully expand. This creates a situation where the portion
of the stent farthest away from the wall during expansion actually
accounts for a disproportionate amount of the expansion of the
stent in order for the entire stent to meet the internal diameter
of the vessel. The sections of the stent that are up against the
wall do not fully expand and the stent will not achieve full
opposition against the vessel wall. Accordingly, it would be highly
advantageous to have a device that delays the opening of the
cranial end until the remaining portions are deployed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages associated
with currently utilized aneurismal repair devices and their
associated deployment mechanisms.
[0017] In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention is
directed to a stent attachment and deployment system. The stent
attachment and deployment system comprises an inner member having a
proximal end and a distal end, an inner member having a proximal
end and a distal end, an endoprosthesis having a proximal end and a
distal end mounted at least partially coaxially about the inner
member, and a restraining mechanism mounted coaxially about the
inner member, the restraining mechanism comprising a collar
configured for engaging the distal end of the endoprosthesis, a
hold down wire for securing the distal end of the endoprosthesis to
the collar and an activation wire releasably connected to the hold
down wire, the activation wire being configured to position the
hold down wire such that the hold down wire secures the distal end
of the endoprosthesis to the collar as long as the activation wire
remains secured to the hold down wire and wherein when the
activation wire is moved in the proximal direction it releases the
hold down wire.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is
directed to a stent attachment and deployment system. The stent
attachment and deployment system comprises an inner member having a
proximal end and a distal end, an endoprosthesis having a proximal
end and a distal end mounted coaxially about the inner member, and
a restraining mechanism mounted at least partially coaxially about
the inner member, the restraining mechanism comprising a collar,
having first and second end at least one radially protruding member
for engaging and holding the distal end of the endoprosthesis, the
at least one radially protruding member being attached to the first
end of the collar and an activation wire attached to the second end
of the collar, wherein when the activation wire is moved in the
proximal direction, the collar moves in the proximal direction
thereby causing the at least one protruding member to release the
distal end of the endoprosthesis.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect, the present invention is
directed to a stent attachment and deployment system. The stent
attachment and deployment system comprises an inner member having a
proximal end and a distal end, an endoprosthesis having a proximal
end and a distal end mounted at least partially coaxially about the
inner member, and a restraining mechanism mounted coaxially about
the inner member, the restraining mechanism comprising a first
collar mounted on the inner member at a first side of the distal
end of the endoprosthesis, a second collar mounted on the inner
member at a second side of the distal end of the endoprosthesis,
and at least one hold down wire releasably interconnected between
the first and second collars and to the distal end of the
prosthesis for securing the distal end of the prosthesis in an
unexpanded state.
[0020] The present invention allows for staged radial deployment of
an endoprosthesis. The devices of the present invention are low
profile, simple to utilize and reliable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following, more particular
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the exemplary
anchoring and sealing prosthesis in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an exemplary
anchoring and sealing prosthesis with no graft material and/or
stitching in certain locations in accordance with the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an endovascular graft in
accordance with the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an expanded stent segment of
the endovascular graft in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 4A is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of
the stent segment of FIG. 4.
[0027] FIG. 4B is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of
the stent segment of FIG. 4.
[0028] FIG. 4C is an enlarged plan view of a section of the stent
segment of FIG. 4.
[0029] FIG. 4D is an enlarged plan view of a section of the stent
segment of FIG. 4.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another expanded stent
segment of the endovascular graft in accordance with the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of an endovascular graft in
accordance with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a stent segment
having a first modified apex design in accordance with the present
invention.
[0033] FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrammatic representations of a
portion of the modified apex as it is attached to the graft
material in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 9A is a diagrammatic presentation of a modified graft
in accordance with the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 9B is a diagrammatic representation of a modified
stent-graft in accordance with the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic representation of a stent segment
having a second modified apex design in accordance with the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a stent segment
having a third modified apex design in accordance with the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a stent segment
having a fourth modified apex design in accordance with the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a first diagrammatic representation of a modified
apex and fixation barb in accordance with the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a second diagrammatic representation of a
modified apex and fixation barb in accordance with the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 15 is a third diagrammatic representation of a modified
apex and fixation barb in accordance with the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic representation of a stent
deployment system for the modified apexes in accordance with the
present invention.
[0043] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic representation of a modified stent
in accordance with the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of a first
exemplary hold down mechanism in accordance with the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic representation of the opposite
side of the first exemplary hold down mechanism of FIG. 18 in
accordance with the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic representation of a second
exemplary hold down mechanism in accordance with the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a third
exemplary hold down mechanism in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an exemplary
embodiment of an anchoring and sealing component 100 of an aneurysm
repair system. The anchoring and sealing component 100 comprises a
trunk section 102 and a bifurcated section, including two legs 104,
106. Graft material 108, described in detail below, is affixed to
at least a portion of the trunk section 102 and to all of the legs
104, 106. The graft material may be attached via any number of
means. In the exemplary embodiment, the graft material 108 is
attached to various portions of the underlying structure by sutures
110. As illustrated, the graft material 108 is affixed with a
continuous stitch pattern on the end of the trunk section 102 and
by single stitches elsewhere. It is important to note that any
stitch pattern may be utilized, and other devices, such as staples,
may be utilized to connect the graft material 108 to the underlying
structure. The sutures 110 may comprise any suitable biocompatible
material that is preferably highly durable and wear resistant.
[0049] The underlying structure of the trunk section 102, as
illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises a substantially tubular stent
structure or lattice comprising multiple stent sections. The stent
or lattice structure comprises a single row of substantially
diamond shaped elements 112 on one end, multiple rows of
substantially diamond shaped elements 114 on the other end, a
plurality of longitudinal struts 116 and a single, substantially
zigzag shaped stent element 117. The plurality of longitudinal
struts 116 are connected to the apexes of the substantially diamond
shaped elements 114. The single, substantially zigzag shaped stent
element 117 comprises a number of barbs 119 protruding therefrom
for anchoring the device in the vessel to be repaired. This
exemplary embodiment may be utilized for anchoring and sealing in
positions wherein there are branches off the main artery. For
example, this exemplary embodiment may be utilized for supra-renal
anchoring. Accordingly, the graft material 108 is only attached
below the longitudinal struts 116 so that blood may flow into the
renal arteries from the aorta. Infra-renal designs are also
possible.
[0050] The underlying structure of the bifurcated section, as
illustrated in FIG. 2, comprises a plurality of individual,
substantially tubular stent elements 118. Each stent element 118
comprises a substantially zigzag pattern. As illustrated, leg 104
comprises three stent elements 118a, 118b, 118c and leg 106
comprises two stent elements 118d, 118e. As illustrated, in this
exemplary embodiment, the stent elements do not line up and the
legs are of two different lengths. This exemplary design allows for
nesting of the legs 104, 106 such that the profile of the device is
reduced.
[0051] In order to compensate for the missing stent elements, the
legs are connected at the bifurcation as illustrated in FIG. 1. The
legs 104, 106 may be connected in any suitable manner. In the
exemplary embodiment, the two legs 104, 106 are connected by
suturing them together. The sutures 120 connect the graft material
108 on each leg 104, 106 together. The sutures may be
non-biodegradable or biodegradable. Biodegradable sutures would
dissolve over time thereby allowing the two legs to move
independently.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated an exemplary
embodiment of an endovascular graft 300 of an aneurysm repair
system. The exemplary endovascular graft 300 comprises one or more
first stent segments 310, one second stent segment 320 and a third
stent segment 330. In a typical use scenario, the third stent
segment 330 would be anchored in healthy tissue below the aneurysm
and the uppermost first stent segment 310 would be in fluid
communication with the anchoring and sealing component 100. The
second stent segment 320 comprises a tapered profile, having a
diameter at one end equal to that of the first stent segment 310
and a diameter at the other end equal to that of the third stent
segment 330. The length of the endovascular graft 300 may be
adjusted by varying the number of first stent segments 310
utilized.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of the third stent segment 330. The third stent segment
330 comprises a plurality of struts 332 connected in a
substantially zigzag pattern. As illustrated, the exemplary third
stent segment 330 comprises three sets of zigzag-connected struts
332, thereby forming substantially diamond-shaped cells. The
non-connected apex 334 of each diamond shaped cell, illustrated in
greater detail in FIG. 4A, comprises a smooth, uniform width curved
region formed at the intersection of two struts 332 of each
diamond-shaped cell. This shape is cut directly into the stent
segment 330 during the initial machining steps, typically laser
cutting, and is maintained during all subsequent finishing
processing. The junctions 336 between the zigzag-connected struts
332, illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 4B occurs at the
intersection of four struts 332. Preferably, each junction 336 of
four struts 332 comprises two indentations 338 and 340 as
illustrated in FIG. 4B.
[0054] The regions proximate the non-connected apexes 334 and the
junctions 336 are generally the highest stress regions in the third
stent segment 330. To minimize the stresses in these regions, these
regions are designed to maintain uniform beam widths proximate
where the struts 332 interconnect. Beam width refers to the width
of a strut junction 336. Indentations 338 and 340 are cut or
machined into the junctions 336 to maintain a uniform beam width in
this area, which is generally subject to the highest stress.
Essentially, by designing the junctions 336 to maintain uniform
beam widths, the stress and strain that would normally build up in
a concentrated area, proximate the junction 336, is allowed to
spread out into the connecting regions, thereby lowering the peak
values of the stress and strain in the stent structure.
[0055] To further minimize the maximum stresses in the struts 332
of the third stent segment 330, the struts 332 may have a tapering
width. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the struts 332 may
be designed to become wider as it approaches a junction 336. FIG.
4C is an enlarged partial view of the third sent segment 330 in its
expanded conditions which illustrates the tapering width of the
struts 332. In this exemplary embodiment, the strut 332 proximate
the junction 336 (width a) is about 0.025 cm and gradually tapers
to a dimension of about 0.0178 cm in the mid-region of the strut
332 (width b). By tapering the struts' widths, the stresses in the
struts 332 adjacent the junction 336 is spread out away from the
junction 336. The tapering of the struts 332 is accomplished during
the machining of the tube of material from which the stent 330 is
cut. However, by tapering the struts 332 in this manner, there is a
tradeoff. The stent segment 330 becomes somewhat less resistant to
localized deformations, caused for example, by a protrusion within
the vessel lumen. This localized deformation may lead to a local
torsional loading on some of the struts 332, and, therefore, since
the struts 332 in this exemplary embodiment have a relatively
significant portion of their length with a reduced width, their
torsional rigidity is reduced.
[0056] If maximizing the resistance to localized deformation is
preferred, the struts 332 may be maintained at a uniform width, or
more preferably have a reverse taper, as illustrated in FIG. 4D,
wherein the width at point a is less than the width at point b. In
this exemplary embodiment, the reverse taper struts 332 are about
0.025 cm proximate the junction 336 and about 0.028 cm in the
central region of the struts. While this reverse taper tends to
increase the stresses somewhat proximate the junctions 336, this
increase is very small relative to the decrease in stresses gained
by having the side indentations 338, 340 illustrated in FIG. 4B, as
well as the uniform width connections illustrated in FIG. 4A. In
addition, since the reverse taper serves to increase the torsional
rigidity of the strut 332, the stent structure resists local
deformation and tends to maintain a substantially circular
cross-sectional geometry, even if the lumen into which the stent is
positioned in non-circular in cross-section.
[0057] In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the third stent segment
330 is fabricated from a laser cut tube, of initial dimensions
0.229 cm inside diameter by 0.318 cm outside diameter. The struts
332 are preferably 0.0229 cm wide adjacent the four strut junctions
336 and six mm long, with a reverse taper strut width. Also, to
minimize the number of different diameter combination of grafts
systems, it is preferred that the third stent segment 330 have an
expanded diameter of sixteen mm. Similarly, the proximal portion of
the graft material forming the legs is flared, having a diameter of
sixteen mm. This single diameter for the third stent segment of the
graft system would enable its use in arteries having a
non-aneurysmal region of a diameter from between eight and fourteen
mm in diameter. It is also contemplated that multiple diameter
combinations of third stent segment 330 and graft flare would be
desirable.
[0058] Referring back to FIG. 3, the one or more first stent
segments 310 are also formed from a shape set laser cut tube,
similar to the third stent segment 330 described above. The one or
more first stent segments 310 comprise a single circumferential row
of zigzag or sinusoidally arranged elements. In the exemplary
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, and in greater detail in FIG. 5,
the first stent segment 310 comprises ten zigzag or sinusoidal
undulations. The one or more first stent segments 310 are formed
with uniform width connections at the intersections 314 of the
struts 312 forming the zigzag or sinusoidal pattern. The one or
more first stent segments 310 are preferably cut from tubing having
an inside diameter of 0.251 cm and an outside diameter of 0.317 cm.
The strut widths are preferably about 0.33 cm wide adjacent strut
intersections 314 and the struts 312 are preferably seven mm long
and the one or more first stent segments 310 are preferably eleven
mm in diameter when expanded.
[0059] The second stent segment 320 comprises a tapered profile,
having a diameter at one end which is the same as the one or more
first stent segments 310, and a diameter at the other end matching
the diameter of the third stent segment 330. The second stent
segment 320 is identical to the one or more first stent segments
310 except for the taper.
[0060] As is explained in detail subsequently, the stent segments
310, 320 and 330 are secured in position by the graft material.
[0061] Nitinol is utilized in a wide variety of applications,
including medical device applications as described herein. Nitinol
or Ni--Ti alloys are widely utilized in the fabrication or
construction of medical devices for a number of reasons, including
its biomechanical compatibility, its biocompatibility, its fatigue
resistance, its kink resistance, its uniform plastic deformation,
its magnetic resonance imaging compatibility, its constant and
gentle outward pressure, its dynamic interference, its thermal
deployment capability, its elastic deployment capability, its
hysteresis characteristics and because it is modestly
radiopaque.
[0062] Nitinol, as described above, exhibits shape memory and/or
superelastic characteristics. Shape memory characteristics may be
simplistically described as follows. A metallic structure, for
example a Nitinol tube that is in an Austenite phase may be cooled
to a temperature such that it is in the Martensite phase. Once in
the Martensite, the Nitinol tube may be deformed into a particular
configuration or shape by the application of stress. As long as the
Nitinol tube is maintained in the Martensite phase, the Nitinol
tube will remain in its deformed shape. If the Nitinol tube is
heated to a temperature sufficient to cause the Nitinol tube to
reach the Austenite phase, the Nitinol tube will return to its
original or programmed shape. The original shape is programmed to
be a particular shape by well known techniques. Superelastic
characteristics may be simplistically described as follows. A
metallic structure, for example, a Nitinol tube that is in an
Austenite phase may be deformed to a particular shape or
configuration by the application of mechanical energy. The
application of mechanical energy causes a stress induced Martensite
phase transformation. In other words, the mechanical energy causes
the Nitinol tube to transform from the Austenite phase to the
Martensite phase. By utilizing the appropriate measuring
instruments, one can determine that the stress from the mechanical
energy causes a temperature drop in the Nitinol tube. Once the
mechanical energy or stress is released, the Nitinol tube undergoes
another mechanical phase transformation back to the Austenite phase
and thus its original or programmed shape. As described above, the
original shape is programmed by well known techniques. The
Martensite and Austenite phases are common phases in many
metals.
[0063] Medical devices constructed from Nitinol are typically
utilized in both the Martensite phase and/or the Austenite phase.
The Martensite phase is the low temperature phase. A material in
the Martensite phase is typically very soft and malleable. These
properties make it easier to shape or configure the Nitinol into
complicated or complex structures. The Austenite phase is the high
temperature phase. A material in the Austenite phase is generally
much stronger than the material in the Martensite phase. Typically,
many medical devices are cooled to the Martensite phase for
manipulation and loading into delivery systems, as described above
with respect to stents and then when the device is deployed at body
temperature, they return to the Austenite phase.
[0064] The first, second and third stent segments 310, 320, 330 are
preferably self-expandable and formed from a shape memory alloy.
Such an alloy may be deformed from an original, heat-stable
configuration to a second, heat-unstable configuration. The
application of a desired temperature causes the alloy to revert to
an original heat-stable configuration. A particularly preferred
shape memory alloy for this application is binary nickel titanium
alloy comprising about 55.8 percent Ni by weight, commercially
available under the trade designation NITINOL. This NiTi alloy
undergoes a phase transformation at physiological temperatures. A
stent made of this material is deformable when chilled. Thus, at
low temperatures, for example, below twenty degrees centigrade, the
stent is compressed so that it can be delivered to the desired
location. The stent may be kept at low temperatures by circulating
chilled saline solutions. The stent expands when the chilled saline
is removed and it is exposed to higher temperatures within the
patient's body, generally around thirty-seven degrees
centigrade.
[0065] In preferred embodiments, each stent is fabricated from a
single piece of alloy tubing. The tubing is laser cut, shape-set by
placing the tubing on a mandrel, and heat-set to its desired
expanded shape and size.
[0066] In preferred embodiments, the shape setting is performed in
stages at five hundred degrees centigrade. That is, the stents are
placed on sequentially larger mandrels and briefly heated to five
hundred degrees centigrade. To minimize grain growth, the total
time of exposure to a temperature of five hundred degrees
centigrade is limited to five minutes. The stents are given their
final shape set for four minutes at five hundred fifty degrees
centigrade, and then aged to a temperature of four hundred seventy
degrees centigrade to import the proper martensite to austenite
transformation temperature, then blasted, as described in detail
subsequently, before electropolishing. This heat treatment process
provides for a stent that has a martensite to austenite
transformation which occurs over a relatively narrow temperature
range; for example, around fifteen degrees centigrade.
[0067] To improve the mechanical integrity of the stent, the rough
edges left by the laser cutting are removed by combination of
mechanical grit blasting and electropolishing. The grit blasting is
performed to remove the brittle recast layer left by the laser
cutting process. This layer is not readily removable by the
electropolishing process, and if left intact, could lead to a
brittle fracture of the stent struts. A solution of seventy percent
methanol and thirty percent nitric acid at a temperature of minus
forty degrees centigrade or less has been shown to work effectively
as an electropolishing solution. Electrical parameters of the
electropolishing are selected to remove approximately 0.00127 cm of
material from the surfaces of the struts. The clean,
electropolished surface is the final desired surface for attachment
to the graft materials. This surface has been found to import good
corrosion resistance, fatigue resistance, and wear resistance.
[0068] The graft material or component 600, as illustrated in FIG.
6, may be made from any number of suitable biocompatible materials,
including woven, knitted, sutured, extruded, or cast materials
comprising polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicones,
urethanes, and ultralight weight polyethylene, such as that
commercially available under the trade designation SPECTRA.TM.. The
materials may be porous or nonporous. Exemplary materials include a
woven polyester fabric made from DACRON.TM. or other suitable
PET-type polymers.
[0069] In one exemplary embodiment, the fabric for the graft
material is a forty denier (denier is defined in grams of nine
thousand meters of a filament or yarn), twenty-seven filament
polyester yarn, having about seventy to one-hundred end yarns per
cm per face and thirty-two to forty-six pick yarns per cm face. At
this weave density, the graft material is relatively impermeable to
blood flow through the wall, but is relatively thin, ranging
between 0.08 and 0.12 mm in wall thickness.
[0070] The graft component 600 is a single lumen tube and
preferably has a taper and flared portion woven directly from the
loom, as illustrated for the endovascular graft 300 shown in FIG.
3.
[0071] Prior to attachment of the graft component 600 to the stents
310, 320, 330, crimps are formed between the stent positions by
placing the graft material on a shaped mandrel and thermally
forming indentations in the surface. In the exemplary embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the crimps 602 in the graft 400 are
about two mm long and 0.5 mm deep. With these dimensions, the
endovascular graft 300 can bend and flex while maintaining an open
lumen. Also, prior to attachment of the graft component 600 to the
stents 310, 320 330, the graft material is cut in a shape to mate
with the end of each end stent.
[0072] As stated above, each of the stent segments 310, 320 and 330
is attached to the graft material 600. The graft material 600 may
be attached to the stent segments 310, 320, 330 in any number of
suitable ways. In one exemplary embodiment, the graft material 600
may be attached to the stent segments 310, 320, 330 by sutures.
[0073] The method of suturing stents in place is important for
minimizing the relative motion or rubbing between the stent struts
and the graft material. Because of the pulsatile motion of the
vasculature and therefore the graft system, it is possible for
relative motion to occur, particularly in areas where the graft
system is in a bend, or if there are residual folds in the graft
material, due to being constrained by the aorta or iliac
arteries.
[0074] Ideally, each strut of each stent segment is secured to the
graft material by sutures. In an exemplary embodiment, the suture
material is blanket stitched to the stent segments at numerous
points to securely fasten the graft material to the stent segments.
As stated above, a secure hold is desirable in preventing relative
motion in an environment in which the graft system experiences
dynamic motion arising from pulsatile blood pressure, in addition
to pulsation of the arteries that are in direct mechanical contact
with the graft system. The stents nearest the aortic and iliac ends
of the graft system (the uppermost first stent segment 310 and the
third stent segment 330 respectively) are subject to the pulsatile
motion arising from direct internal contact. These struts in
particular should be well secured to the graft material. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the stitches 604 on the upper most first
stent segment 310 are positioned along the entire zigzag
arrangement of struts. The upper and lower apexes of the third
stent segment may be stitched utilizing a similar configuration. It
is difficult to manipulate the suture thread precisely around the
struts that are located some distance away from an open end,
accordingly, various other simpler stitches may be utilized on
these struts, or no stitches may be utilized in these areas.
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 6, each of the struts in the first
stent segment 310 is secured to the graft material 600 which has
been cut to match the shape of the stent segment 310. The blanket
stitching 604 completely encircles the strut and bites into the
graft material 600. Preferably, the stitch 604 encircles the strut
at approximately five equally spaced locations. Each of the struts
on each end of the third stent segment 330 is attached to the graft
material, which has been cut to make the shape of the stent segment
330, in the same manner as the first stent segment 310.
[0076] A significant portion of the graft will not rest directly
against vascular tissue. This portion of the graft will be within
the dilated aneurysm itself. Therefore, this portion of the graft
will not experience any significant pulsatile motion. For this
reason, it is not necessary to secure the stent segments to the
graft material as aggressively as the stent structure described
above. Therefore, only point stitches 606 are necessary for
securing these stents.
[0077] It is important to note that a wide variety of sutures are
available. It is equally important to note that there are a number
of alternative means for attaching the graft material to the stent,
including welding, gluing and chemical bonding.
[0078] As described above with respect to suturing stents in place,
it is important to minimize or substantially reduce the relative
motion or rubbing between the stent struts and the graft material.
This relative motion arises from pulsatile blood pressure in
addition to the pulsation of the arteries that are in direct
mechanical contact with the graft system.
[0079] The present invention is directed to a means for attaching
graft material to stent structures in such a manner as to
significantly reduce or substantially eliminate this relative
motion. The means may be utilized in any of the stent structures
described herein, including the stents forming the trunk section
and bifurcated section of the anchoring and sealing component of
the repair device and the first, second and third stent segments of
the endovascular graft.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated an exemplary
embodiment of a modified stent cell 700 design in accordance with
the present invention. As shown, rather than a simple apex 334 as
illustrated in FIG. 4, the modified stent cell 700 comprises a more
complex or modified apex 702 that is designed to more securely
attach the graft to the stent while allowing the graft material to
move with the apex as is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B and
described subsequently. The modified apex 702 comprises a tab like
structure 704 and a narrow neck structure 706. This configuration
allows the sutures to be connected utilizing a delta stitch as
described in more detail below. This modified apex 702 may comprise
other suitable configurations and sizes so long as it allows for
securely holding the delta stitch or any other stitch or attaching
elements, and does not significantly impact the size of the overall
device. The modified apex 702 may comprise radiopaque material such
as tantalum and thus serve a dual role as holder and marker.
[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, there is illustrated the
more complex apex 702 relative to the graft material 802 forming
the particular component. In both figures, the more complex
modified apex 702 is secured to the graft material 802 by any
suitable, non-biodegradable or non-bioerrodable suture material 804
utilizing a delta stitch. The delta stitch is so named because when
looked at as a single entity, the stitching pattern forms a
substantially delta configuration. As illustrated, the delta stitch
suture 804 fits around two struts 708 and the narrow neck structure
706. With this configuration, the apex itself holds two legs of the
delta stitch in position, and the combination of the narrow neck
structure 706 along with the tab 704 holds the third leg of the
delta stitch in position. It is important to note that any stitch
may be utilized and that if so desired, the stitching material may
be made out of a degradable material. Utilizing a degradable stitch
material allows for an acute connection, but also allows for
removal of a component if desired after the material degrades.
[0082] As set forth above, this unique arrangement not only holds
the graft to the stent, but also allows for movement of the graft
together with the stent, thereby ensuring minimal or substantially
no relative movement. The black square 806 of the graft material
802 is always maintained in position behind the tab 704 even though
the stent structure moves and changes shape. Without this relative
movement, wear is reduced.
[0083] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the graft material
itself may comprise openings for securing the more complex apex 702
illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B. With this type of configuration,
no sutures or other attachment means or elements may be required.
FIG. 9A illustrates a substantially cylindrical section of graft
material 902 comprising a plurality of openings or slits 904. These
slits 904 are designed large enough for the tabs 704 of the stent
to go through, but small enough to hold them in place as
illustrated in FIG. 9B with the stent struts 708 shown in
phantom.
[0084] With respect to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.
7, a modified apex having a protrusion was utilized; however, in
alternate exemplary embodiments, no protrusion may be required. For
example, FIG. 10 illustrates a modified apex 1002 having a necked
down region 1004 for holding a stitch or other suitable holding
device such as a clip or staple. FIG. 11 illustrates a modified
apex 1102 having multiple holes 1104 for securing a stitch or other
suitable securing devices. In yet another alternate exemplary
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, a modified apex 1202 may
comprise a series of indents or notches 1204 to hold the attachment
means. In each of these exemplary embodiments, there is no
protrusion, just simply an attachment section. In addition,
although shown and described as being on every apex, the present
invention may be utilized on one, every other one or any
combination of apexes.
[0085] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the present
invention is directed to a modified apex having barbs for anchoring
the stent-grafts into position. The barbs may be utilized with any
of the stent structures described herein, but are preferably
utilized with the anchoring and sealing component 100 illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the apexes of the
substantially diamond shaped elements 112 would be modified as
illustrated in FIG. 13. However, it is important to note that these
barbs may be utilized with other cell structures in addition to
diamonds, for example, a simple sinusoidal shape. The description
below is only for illustrative purposes. FIG. 13 illustrates a
modified apex 1300 having a first section 1302, a second section
1304 and a fixation barb 1306.
[0086] This single modified apex 1300 is illustrated in the
non-deployed state. FIG. 14 illustrates two modified apexes 1300 in
the unexpanded or undeployed state and lends understanding as to
how the invention works as well as its advantages. With this
overlapping configuration of second sections 1304, the second
section 1304 holds down the fixation barb 1306 in an adjacent apex.
Once the device is deployed and the stent expands, the second
sections 1304 no longer overlap thereby freeing the fixation barbs
1306 to extend outwardly and engage the vessel walls as illustrated
in FIG. 15.
[0087] In one exemplary embodiment, the fixation barbs 1306 are
shape set, as described herein, to angle away from the device for
proper vessel wall engagement. In other words, the final
configuration of the fixation barbs 1306 is programmed into the
self-expanding alloy and then restrained for delivery as is
explained in detail subsequently. In alternate exemplary
embodiments, the apexes may be designed to twist or deform during
expansion such that the deformation may be utilized to pull the
fixation barbs 1306 into its final position thereby eliminating the
need for shape setting.
[0088] This unique apex design offers a number of advantages
including reducing the strain on the apex of the stent, reduced
vessel stress due to the wider apex and the prevention of premature
fixation barb release. The strain on each apex is reduced by
opening the angle of the apex. As can be seen from a comparison of
FIGS. 1 and 2 with FIG. 13, the radius of curvature of the modified
apex is much greater, thereby reducing strain on the apex. Reduced
vessel stress is achieved by the increased area of the second
section 1304 of the modified apex 1300. This increase in area is
spread out around the circumference of the vessel. Premature
fixation barb release prevention is achieved by having the fixation
barbs 1306 restrained during the entire prosthesis deployment and
only released when the proximal or cranial end of the device is
released.
[0089] FIG. 16 illustrates a stent section having modified apexes
1300 mounted on a delivery device. As illustrated, in the
unexpanded or undeployed configuration, the second sections 1304
overlap and hold the fixation barbs 1306 in place. Essentially, the
second sections 1304 are at substantially right angles to the first
sections 1302. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery device
includes a hold down member that comprises a tubular member 1602
that slides coaxially over the inner member of a standard catheter
based delivery system. The tubular member 1602 comprises a number
of protrusions or fingers 1604 at its proximal end that engage the
openings of the second sections 1304 and function to prevent them
from opening. Essentially, the fingers 1604 are positioned through
the openings of the second sections 1304.
[0090] In operation, once the device is positioned in the proper
location, the outer sheath (not shown) is retracted. Once the outer
sheath is retracted, last minute positioning of the device may be
accomplished. Once positioning is complete, the tubular member 1602
is retracted by any suitable means, such as pull back wires, and
the fingers 1604 are removed from the second members 1304 and thus
the device is free to expand. This simple multi-finger release
mechanism may be utilized to restrain all of the proximal apexes.
Alternately, due to the overlapping design of the apexes, as few as
a single finger may be utilized to restrain the entire
circumference of the stent.
[0091] Accordingly, this unique design allows for the restraint and
selective deployment of the cranial end of an endovascular
prosthesis during delivery. It is also desirable to restrain the
fixation barbs from deploying before the prosthesis has centered
itself in the target vessel during deployment. Other devices have
addressed these requirements individually. This device addresses
both requirements. Essentially, this invention provides a means for
restraining the cranial end of the supra-renal portion of an
endoprosthesis that also effectively restrains the fixation barbs.
With this design, the proximal end of the prosthesis may be
restrained with one or more fingers attached to a cylindrical
member that is pulled free from the assembly by the operator or
physician in order to initiate the deployment of the proximal
portion of the stent. It is important to note that if a single
finger is utilized, a cylindrical member may not be needed. For
example, as described above, a simple pull back mechanism may be
utilized to retract the finger. This deployment of the stent will
also release the fixation barbs, which will be shape set to angle
away from the device for proper verbal wall engagement.
[0092] It is important to note that multiple barbs may be utilized
in a well as various barb configurations.
[0093] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the present
invention is directed to a device for restraining the cranial end
of an endoprosthesis, such as an aneurysmal repair device
component, after the remaining portion of the endoprosthesis has
been partially or fully deployed and expands. Some aneurysmal
repair system endoprostheses have a bare metal stent portion that
extends past the cranial end of the graft in order to provide some
level of supra renal fixation and/or anchoring, see FIG. 1. This
stent is in addition to other stents along the length of the
prosthesis that are generally used to expand the graft material
into position. Barbs or hooks are often employed on the supra renal
stent to positively engage the vessel wall as is described in
detail herein.
[0094] Typically, the endoprosthesis is loaded into a catheter for
delivery to the targeted site. During deployment the endoprosthesis
is held stationary while the outer catheter sheath is retracted and
the endoprosthesis expands into position due to the self expanding
properties of the graft material and/or the underlying stent
structure. Due to the tortuous nature of the human anatomy, the
delivery catheter comprising the endoprosthesis generally lies up
against one side of the vessel prior to deployment. It has been
observed in testing that when a supra renal stent with barbs is the
first portion of the endoprosthesis to expand, the barbs closest to
the vessel wall may make premature contact with the wall before the
stent has had a chance to fully expand. This creates a situation
where the portion of the stent furthest away from the wall during
expansion actually accounts for a disproportionate amount of the
expansion of the stent in order for the entire stent to meet the
internal diameter of the vessel. The sections of the stent that are
up against the wall do not fully expand and the stent will not
achieve full opposition against the vessel wall. Delaying the
opening of the portion of the supra vessel stent that comprises the
barbs allows the other portion of the endoprosthesis to move to the
centerline of the vessel for expansion and movement of the
unexpanded supra renal stent closer to the center of the vessel
lumen. Once this has occurred, subsequent deployment of the supra
renal stent with the barbs will not result in the potential
problems described above because every portion of the supra renal
stent has the opportunity to expand equally since the barbs are not
close enough to the wall for premature engagement.
[0095] In order to accomplish the above, the present invention
utilizes a number of exemplary securing methodologies and
associated delivery devices for restraining the supra renal stent
so that it may be selectively deployed after a portion of the rest
of the endoprosthesis has been fully or partially deployed and
expands.
[0096] In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
supra renal stent of the endoprosthesis comprises substantially T
shaped extensions 1702 as illustrated in FIG. 17. There may be an
extension on each apex 1704 or on any number of apexes 1704. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the extensions 1702 are on each
apex 1704. In addition, although a substantially T shaped
configuration is illustrated, any suitable shape is acceptable as
long as the hold down or restraining mechanism described below is
mateable therewith.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, there is illustrated a hold
down mechanism 1800 for use with the substantially T shaped
extensions 1702. FIG. 19 illustrates a portion of the device
illustrated in FIG. 18, but from the opposite side. The extensions
1702 are configured to fit into keyed grooves in a retention collar
1802 that is positioned on an inner member or inner shaft 1804 of a
catheter delivery system for the endoprosthesis. The extensions
1702 are utilized to prevent motion of the stent 1806 relative to
the retention collar 1802. The retention collar is free floating on
the inner member or shaft 1804 between two points, for example
utilizing stops, to provide enough movement to allow the majority
of the endoprosthesis to expand and foreshorten while the cranial
or distal most section remains constrained as described herein. In
an alternate exemplary embodiment, the retention collar may be
fixed in position. A thin wire, cord or string 1808 is wrapped
around the extensions 1702 in order to restrain them to the outer
surface of the retention collar 1802. Any suitable biocompatible
material may be utilized for the hold down wire, cord or string
1808. The hold down wire 1808 is wrapped in a particular manner to
incorporate an activation wire 1810, shown in FIG. 19, so that when
the activation wire 1810 is pulled by the physician from the
retention collar 1802, the hold down wire 1808 will release from
around the extensions 1702 thereby allowing the distal or cranial
end of the stent 1806 of the endoprosthesis to expand. The
activation wire 1810 may be positioned at any suitable location in
a substantially parallel orientation relative to the inner member
or shaft 1804. Essentially, the hold down wire 1808 is configured
as a loop through which the activation wire 1810 extends, thereby
remaining joined until the activation wire 1810 is removed. At
least one portion 1812 of the hold down wire 1808 is secured or
affixed to a protrusion 1814 on the retention collar 1802 so that
once the activation wire 1810 is removed, the hold down wire 1808
does not come loose from the catheter delivery system and may be
removed therewith. Alternately, at least one portion 1812 of the
hold down wire 1808 may be secured or affixed to the extensions
1702. The hold down wire 1808 may be secured to the protrusion 1814
in any suitable manner, including affixing it with an adhesive or
with a knot.
[0098] The retention collar 1802 may comprise any suitable
configuration that is mateable with the extensions 1702 of the
stent 1806. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the retention
collar 1802 comprises a first section 1816 where the legs 1706
(FIG. 17) of the extensions 1702 are secured by the hold down wire
1808. The retention collar 1802 comprises a second section 1818
where the T shaped portions of the extensions 1702 are positioned
and held to prevent movement. The retention collar 1802 also
comprises a third section 1820 that comprises the one or more
protrusions 1814 for affixing the hold down wire 1808.
[0099] The activation wire 1810 may be incorporated into the
delivery handle or the delivery catheter so that the deployment
occurs at a predetermined point or it may be configured as a stand
alone, manual pull activation wire.
[0100] It is important to note that many different elements of the
stent of the endoprosthesis may be utilized in conjunction with the
hold down mechanism described herein.
[0101] In a second exemplary embodiment, the hold mechanism 2000
may comprise a substantially cylindrical section 2002 with one or
more radially protruding elements 2004 as a means for restraining
the cranial or distal end of the stent of the endoprosthesis, of
which one apex 2006 is illustrated in FIG. 20. It is important to
note that while only one apex 2006 is illustrated, the device may
be designed to hold any number of apexes, including all of the
apexes. As illustrated, the hold down mechanism 2000 is coaxially
mounted to the inner member or shaft 2008 of the catheter delivery
system and is easily slideable in the longitudinal direction. The
radially protruding elements 2004 are configured to engage the
apexes 2006 of the stent as illustrated or to engage loops or other
elements that may be attached to the stent of the cranial or distal
end of the endoprosthesis.
[0102] In operation, a pull back wire 2010 that is affixed to the
cylindrical section 2002 is simply pulled back thereby drawing the
hold down mechanism 2000 proximally which causes the radially
protruding elements 2004 to disengage from the apexes 2006 of the
stent. The shape of the radially protruding elements 2004 are such
that they easily disengage from the apexes 2006 of the stent when
pulled proximally. Once again, the pull back or activation wire
2010 may be incorporated into the delivery handle of the delivery
catheter so that deployment occurs at a predetermined point or it
may be configured as a stand alone manual pull back wire.
[0103] If it is desired to prevent longitudinal movement of the
stent for any reason, the hold down mechanism of the exemplary
embodiment may incorporate a locking feature such as described
above with respect to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
17-19. In other words, the stent of the endoprosthesis may include
at least one T shaped extension that fits with a matting
counterpart on the hold down mechanism.
[0104] In a slight variation of this second exemplary embodiment,
the axial travel of the hold down mechanism or restraining collar
may be limited by the design of the inner member or shaft of the
catheter delivery system to facilitate the removal of the radially
protruding elements from the stent. For example, the inner member
or shaft may comprise a raised section that acts as a step thereby
facilitating removal of the protruding elements from the apexes
when the pull back wire is pulled in the proximal direction.
[0105] In a third exemplary embodiment, multiple wires may be
utilized to restrain the cranial or distal end of the stent of the
endoprosthesis. Referring to FIG. 21, there is illustrated a third
exemplary embodiment comprising multiple wires; however for ease of
explanation only a single wire is described and illustrated. In
this exemplary embodiment, two collars 2102 are positioned
coaxially around the inner member or shaft 2104 of the catheter
delivery system on either side of the end of the distal or cranial
end of the stent, only one apex 2106 of which is illustrated. Wires
2108, only one of which is illustrated, is run along the length of
the inner member of the inner shaft 2104, through the
endoprosthesis, under the first collar 2102, though the apex 2106
of the stent and finally through the second collar 2102 to which it
is releasably attached or which just simply secures it in any
suitable manner. Although a single wire 2108 is illustrated in this
exemplary embodiment, a wire would preferably be utilized through
each apex of the stent or at least multiple apexes. The first and
second collars 2102 are fixed to the inner member or shaft 2104 to
prevent axial motion. The distance between the collars 2102
determines the amount of travel required for the stent to
foreshorten while expanding. The wire 2108 may be simply pulled
through and out of the collars 2102 in order to release the end of
the stent for final deployment.
[0106] It is important to note that as with the exemplary
embodiment described above, other elements or members may be
utilized in conjunction with the stent for insertion of the wire
2108 rather than an apex.
[0107] In this third exemplary embodiment, the catheter delivery
assembly may be inserted without the entire mechanism being covered
by the outer member or sheath of the catheter assembly. This is not
possible with the first two embodiments.
[0108] In addition, the wire mechanism may be added to the opposite
end of the endoprosthesis so that the deployment of each end of the
endoprosthesis may be selective. The deployment of the ends may
also be sequential by adjusting the lengths of the activation wires
and pulling them together in one motion.
[0109] Although shown and described is what is believed to be the
most practical and preferred embodiments, it is apparent that
departures from specific designs and methods described and shown
will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and may be used
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The
present invention is not restricted to the particular constructions
described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cohere with
all modifications that may fall within the scope for the appended
claims.
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