Duet stent deployment system and method of performing a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting procedure using same

Abstract

A duet stent deployment system is used in a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure. The device has a versatility of adjusting to a patient's anatomy in vivo. The system includes exactly two self expanding stents mounted on an inner catheter and covered by an outer sheath that is moved among a pre-deployment configuration, a first deployment configuration and a second deployment configuration to position the stents in an overlapping configuration from the portal vein, through a shunt and into the hepatic vein, and terminating at the junction with the vena cava.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to a duet stent deployment system that carries exactly two self expanding stents, and more particularly to a stent deployment system for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting procedures.BACKGROUND[0002]Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS) is an artificial channel within the liver that establishes communication between the portal vein and the hepatic vein. TIPS is sometimes used to treat portal hypertension that is often due to liver cirrhosis, which frequently leads to intestinal bleeding, esophageal bleeding and the build up of fluids within the abdomen. The TIPS procedure works by gaining access to the liver via the jugular vein, and then moving through the vena cava to the hepatic vein. A needle is then used to create a point of access (shunt) from the hepatic vein through the liver tissue into the portal vein. A guide wire is introduced to maintain access, and then a balloon catheter is p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a duet stent deployment system that includes two stents, one of which is positioned within a shunt between two blood vessels. The system includes an outer sheath that can be moved from a pre-deployment configuration to a first deployment configuration and then to a second deployment configuration. The primary stent is uncovered in the first deployment configuration and is positioned within the shunt. The secondary stent, which is longer than the primary stent and is self-expanding, is positioned inside the primary stent and extends from the shunt to the position inside the primary stent. The technical effect of this system is that it enables a TIPS procedure to be performed with reduced risk of complications and greater precision in the placement of the stents.

Problems solved by technology

There are a variety of problems associated with the current TIPS procedure.

One problem is that the stent length and sometimes diameter needed for a patient is uncertain, even with careful measuring and estimation.

In addition, when it is necessary for the physician to complete the procedure with the implantation of two stents, the first stent introducer must be withdrawn and a second stent introducer must be brought into the patient, increasing costs, procedure times and complication risks to the patient.

An additional problem is that this procedure is expensive due to physician operating time and materials.

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