Device for inserting a radially expandable implant, treatment kit and associated insertion method

• US 20080234797A1
• Filed: 03/20/2008
• Published: 09/25/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates (W.L. Gore & Associates)
• Original Assignee: Perouse Medical Co.
• Inventors: Styrc, Mikolaj Witold
• Granted Patent: US 8,109,986 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/1.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0095 Packages or dispensers for prostheses or other implants for intraocular lenses A61F2/1691; for dental surgery A61C19/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2412 with soft flexible valve members, e.g. tissue valves shaped like natural valves check valves with flexible valve members in general F16K15/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2439 Expansion controlled by filaments
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/2475 Venous valves

Abstract

The device (14) comprises a support (32) defining at least one opening (56A, 56B) for retaining the implant (12) situated in the vicinity of the distal end (46) thereof, and at least one threadlike link (36A, 36B) for retaining the implant (12). The link (36A, 36B) comprises a control portion (70) engaged in the support (32) and a tightening loop (72) of the implant (12) which projects outside the support (32) through the retention opening (56A, 56B).

The device (14) comprises a component (42A, 42B) for placing each tightening loop (72) around the implant (12). The placement component (42A, 42B) comprises a rigid member (90) and at least one flexible cord (94A, 94B) integral with the member (90) and engaged releasably around the tightening loop (72).

Claims

1. Device for inserting an implant that can expand radially between a contracted state and a dilated state in a blood circulation conduit, the device being of the type comprising:

a hollow support defining at least one retention opening of the implant situated in the vicinity of the distal end thereof;

at least one threadlike link for retaining the implant, comprising a control portion engaged in the support and a tightening loop connected to the control portion and intended to encircle the implant, the tightening loop projecting outside the support through the retention opening,

wherein the device comprises at least one tool for placing the or each tightening loop around the implant, the placement tool comprising a rigid member and at least one flexible cord integral with the member and engaged releasably around the tightening loop.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the or each placement tool comprises at least two flexible cords engaged in two positions spaced around the tightening loop.

3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the member has an end defining at least one rounded shape or a point, the or each cord being fixed on the member at a point spaced longitudinally relative to the rounded shape or the point.

4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the or each cord defines a loop sliding freely along the tightening loop.

5. Treatment kit for a blood circulation conduit, wherein i t comprises at least one implant that can expand radially between a contracted state and a dilated state, and an insertion device according to claim 1.

6. Kit according to claim 5, wherein the implant comprises a tubular mesh comprising, for the or each threadlike link, at least one ring for guiding the link, the ring delimiting a passage of substantially complementary size to that of the member.

7. Method for putting in place an implant that can expand radially between a contracted state and a dilated state on an insertion device according to claim 1, wherein it comprises the following stages:

expansion of the tightening loop outside the support by moving the placement tool away from the support;

engagement of the tightening loop around the implant;

contraction of the tightening loop towards the support; and

release of the or each flexible cord relative to the tightening loop.

8. Method according to claim 7, wherein the implant comprises an endoprosthesis comprising a tubular framework, the method comprising a stage of passing the rigid member and the or each flexible cord through the tubular framework, before engaging the tightening loop around the endoprosthesis.

9. Method according to claim 7, wherein the tubular framework defines a guide ring of the member, the method comprising the passage of the member and the or each flexible cord through the ring before engaging the loop around the endoprosthesis.

10. Tool for placing a tightening loop for a device for inserting an implant that can expand radially between a contracted state and a dilated state, wherein it comprises a rigid member and at least two flexible cords having one end integral with the member and a free end forming a loop intended to be engaged around a tightening loop of the insertion device