Methods of protecting a patient from embolization during surgery

Abstract

An apparatus suitable for filtering emboli in an open surgical procedure. The apparatus comprises an elongated member having a distal region and a support hoop attached to the distal region. A blood permeable sac is affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a distally-facing mouth of the blood permeable sac. A guidewire is slideably attached to the elongated member. A delivery sheath is provided having a cavity for accepting the elongated member, support hoop and blood permeable sac, and a lumen extending through the cavity to permit the guidewire to pass therethrough. Methods of use are also described.

Description

[0001] This is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 10 / 293,533, filed Nov. 12, 2002, which is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 09 / 893,119, filed Jun. 26, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,537,297, which is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 09 / 455,011, filed Dec. 3, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,513, which is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 09 / 286,195, filed Apr. 5, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,598, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09 / 022,510, filed Feb. 12, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,154, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 852,867, filed May 8, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,734. Each of the above applications and patents is hereby expressly and fully incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to treating plaque deposits and occlusions within major blood vessels, more particularly to an apparatus and method for preventing detachment of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for preventing embolic material from escaping a site of intervention within the aorta, the carotid arteries, and other arteries generally, thereafter causing damage to vital organs, such as the brain. More particularly, the present invention involves an apparatus and method for introducing a stent into a region of a major blood vessel within the human body having plaque deposits, such as the ascending aorta, the descending aorta, aortic arch, common carotid artery, external and internal carotid arteries, brachiocephalic trunk, middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, vertebral artery, basilar artery, subclavian artery, brachial artery, axillary artery, iliac artery, renal artery, femoral artery, popliteal artery, celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, anterior tibial artery, and posterior tibial artery, thereby opening occlusions and / or preventing embolic material from breaking free within the blood vessel.

[0031] In a third embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided in which a stent catheter is used to prevent the detachment of mobile aortic deposits within the ascending aorta, the aortic arch or the carotid arteries, either with or without an expandable filter assembly. A stent catheter, as previously described, is provided having an inflatable balloon and a stent thereon, or alternatively a self-expanding stent and a retaining sheath. The catheter is percutaneously introduced into a blood vessel and is directed to a region having mobile aortic plaque deposits, preferably a portion of the ascending aorta or the aortic arch.

[0035] Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for substantially preventing mobile aortic plaque deposited within the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, or the carotid arteries from detaching and traveling to undesired regions of the body.

Problems solved by technology

Plaque material may be inadvertently dislodged during angioplasty, and this material is then free to travel downstream, possibly lodging within another portion of the blood vessel or possibly reaching a vital organ, causing damage to the patient.

When this material travels downstream, it can cause serious complications.

For example loose embolic material released within the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, or the carotid arteries may travel downstream to the brain, possibly causing stroke, which can lead to permanent injuries or even death of the patient.

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