Device for compartmental dilatation of blood vessels

Abstract

A constraining structure for use with a balloon catheter includes multiple longitudinal struts and multiple expandable radial rings. The constraining structure can expand radially but may not expand substantially in the longitudinal direction. The constraining structure can have multiple compartments configured to expand independently of one another. Inflating the balloon catheter within the constraining structure can allow for dilation of the blood vessel in a predetermined topography.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 593,704, filed Feb. 1, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0002]All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to the field of medical methods and devices, specifically to medical dilatation balloon catheters and devices intended to treat blood vessel obstructions and / or deliver active substance to body tissue.[0004]Angioplasty balloons are one of the most commonly used tools for treatment of narrowed and occluded blood vessels. These balloons are typically cylindrical when inflated and are manufactured in various dimensions (length and ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a device for angioplasty or dilatation of stenotic vessels and optionally for the delivery of active substance to the vessel wall. The device has a balloon catheter with a Constraining Structure (CS) that controls and limits balloon inflation by modifying balloon topography and creating compartmental inflation where each inflation zone is independent of neighboring zones. The CS also inhibits transfer of shear forces to the lesion and vessel wall as the balloon inflates. The balloon inflates both balloon and CS structure, but the CS expansion is limited to allow a plaque remodeling process that minimizes trauma and promotes faster healing of the area. The device is designed to allow a slow process of plaque remodeling, resulting in less trauma to the vessel and faster healing of the area. The CS is attached to the catheter or placed over the balloon and does not change in length upon inflation, which further modulates the inflation mechanism and allows predictability and more control of the inflation process.

Problems solved by technology

The CS expansion is limited by its geometrical design.

This inflation process is fast and aggressive and may cause severe trauma.

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