Apparatus and procedure for trapping embolic debris

Abstract

A collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris and passing blood in a blood vessel in a patient's body, the filter including; a framework of a flexible material, constructed to have a radially compressed state, in which the framework is radially compressed by radial deforming forces, and a radially expanded state to obdurate an artery; and a flexible filter material secured to said framework and having pores dimensioned to prevent the passage of debris therethrough while allowing the passage of blood. The filter has, in the radially expanded state of the framework, a generally conical or frustoconical form with a large diameter end, a small diameter end opposite to the large diameter end, and a side surface extending between the ends. The filter has an opening that is free of filter material at the small diameter end or in the side surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an apparatus and procedure for aiding medical treatments in the blood circulation system of a patient, and in particular for preventing the circulation of embolic debris, or blood clots, resulting from such treatments. The invention is primarily, but not exclusively, concerned with providing protection in connection with procedures like those for implanting a prosthetic heart valve.[0002]There are known procedures, known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), in which a prosthetic heart valve is implanted at the site of a defective native valve, or of a previously implanted defective prosthetic valve. In these procedures, the new prosthetic valve and its guiding structure are introduced by a transcutaneous catheterization technique. For example, for implanting a prosthetic aortic heart valve, the valve and delivery components will be introduced through an incision in the groin or arm and along a blood vess...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an apparatus and procedure to prevent embolic debris resulting from procedures carried out in the blood circulatory system, specifically the implantation of a prosthetic heart valve. The invention includes a filter and a blocking device for trapping embolic debris, which can be directed through a central orifice in the filter to minimize trauma to the wall of the aorta and prevent clotting and calcium formation. A filter system is also provided for preventing the flow of debris in the pulmonary artery during heart surgery.

Problems solved by technology

Although such prosthetic valves have been used successfully to provide a replacement for stenotic native heart valves or defective prosthetic valves, the implantation procedure can result in the creation of embolic debris, which will flow downstream through the circulatory system and will, in a certain percentage of cases, cause blockages in smaller blood vessels.

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