Methods and apparatus for treating neurovascular venous outflow obstruction

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed for treating neurovascular venous outflow obstructions, with or without implantation of a prosthetic valve. The valve may be carried by a support, such as a stent, which may be self-expandable or balloon expandable. Both transvascular and direct surgical access is contemplated.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 400,383, filed Jul. 27, 2010, the entirety of this application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to methods and devices for treating neurovascular venous outflow obstructions, such as to relieve the symptoms of multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions.[0003]Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease for which modern medicine has few answers. Questions remain regarding the etiology, the disease process, and possible treatments. Since Jean Martin Charcot first described the clinical and pathological features of MS in 1868 it has perplexed physicians and scientists alike. For years the disease was described clinically, but with the advent of more sophisticated tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the disease process was linked to plaques—or inflammatory lesions—in the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]There is provided in accordance with the present invention methods and devices for treating cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, which treatment may reduce or eliminate certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions. In accordance with the methods of the present invention, a patient is identified having at least a partial obstruction at a site in the venous outflow track from the brain. Patency is restored by at least partially removing the obstruction, and a valve is implanted in fluid communication with the site, to permit venous outflow and reduce retrograde pressure. The valve may be implanted at the site, or in upstream or downstream fluid communication with the site.

Problems solved by technology

There also appears to be widespread axonal damage.

And yet, despite all this extensive attention and study, a cure or even an effective treatment for MS remains out of reach.

And eventually even these patients will only have their symptoms managed to maximize their quality of life as the disease inevitably progresses.

Immunosuppressive therapies have been attempted but have provided little benefit and led to substantial side effects.

However, there remains no long-term data that convincingly demonstrates a reduction in the rate of eventual progression of the disease.

The venous circulatory system flowing from the brain is complicated.

These valves do not prevent the regurgitation of blood or the passage of blood from below upward.

If the IJV valve is damaged or becomes incompetent, increase in intrapleural pressure could result in raised intracranial pressure.

In addition, the brains and spinal cords of patients with MS contain abnormally high levels of redoxactive metals, particularly iron, as documented by advanced MRI studies.

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