Systems and methods for the treatment of aneurysms

Abstract

Systems and method for treating aneurysms are provided which utilize formulations that form polymer foams in situ. The formulations generally have a buoyancy greater than or less than blood, and either float to the top of the aneurysm and foam from the top down or sink to the bottom and foam from the bottom up.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U. S. C. §119(e) to (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 852,422 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled “In Situ Forming Foams for Use in Fluid-Filled Spaces” and (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 185,315 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and entitled “Delivery Systems for In Situ Forming Foams. ” In addition, this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 532,013 entitled “In-Situ Forming Foams for Treatment of Aneurysms” filed Jun. 25, 2012. The entire disclosure of each of the foregoing references is incorporated herein for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Systems and methods relating to polymer foams for the treatment of aneurysms are generally described.BACKGROUND[0003]Early stabilization of body fluid loss can be important in the treatment of wounds and bleeding tissues. For example, many injuries are treatable if effecti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a system and method for treating an aneurysm by using an endoprosthesis and a formulation that forms a polymer foam when exposed to bodily fluid. The foam can fill the aneurysm and provide a scaffold for cell growth. The system includes a catheter for delivering the foam to the aneurysm and can be designed to prevent migration of the foam. The endoprosthesis can be a stent graft or a removable catheter balloon. The method involves delivering the foam to the space between the endoprosthesis and a blood vessel adjoining the aneurysm and can include occluding the arteries and removing the endoprosthesis after forming the foam. The technical effects of the invention include improved treatment outcomes and reduced risk of complications.

Problems solved by technology

In many situations, however, immediate access to surgical care is not available.

Internal wounds and bleeding sites may be particularly difficult to treat in such situations, as traditional treatment techniques (e.g., application of pressure to stop bleeding, etc.) are difficult to implement with such wounds.

Although the use of polymers in the treatment of wounds is well known in the art, previous materials and methods for treating wounds with polymers have suffered from a variety of drawbacks.

Moreover, many polymers lack suitable mechanical properties to be useful inside the body; polymers that are too stiff may lead to discomfort or further injury, while polymers that are too soft may fail to provide adequate support for internal tissues.

In addition, polymers can be difficult to place within internal wounds or bleeding sites that may have complex shapes and geometries.

If left untreated, aneurysms can grow large and rupture, causing internal bleeding which is often fatal.

Such endoleaks represent a significant possible drawback to EVAR procedures as they could lead to aneurysm expansion or rupture.

Endoleaks are less of a concern following surgical repair of AAA, but the surgical procedure is significantly more invasive and has higher mortality and morbidity.

Such a pre-formed foam, however, cannot be shaped in situ to conform to the configuration of the aneurysm sac.

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