Method for surgically restoring coronary blood vessels

• US 6,932,091 B2
• Filed: 07/14/2003
• Issued: 08/23/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Frazier O. Howard, Stephen R. Igo
• Original Assignee: Frazier O. Howard, Stephen R. Igo
• Inventors: Frazier, O. Howard, Igo, Stephen R.
• Primary Examiner(s): HO, TAN-UYEN THI
• Application Number:
  US10/618,897
• Publication Number:
  US 20040098103A1
• Time in Patent Office: 771 Days
• Field of Search: 128/898, 623/1.1, 623/1.11, 604/8, 606152-159, 606/200, 606190-182, 606194-195
• US Class Current: 128/898
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/22 Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for dilators A61M29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320741 for stripping the intima or the internal plaque from a blood vessel, e.g. for endarterectomy
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/86 Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0008 Fixation appliances for connecting prostheses to the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0016 with sharp anchoring protrusions, e.g. barbs, pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0058 soldered or brazed or welded
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0067 Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products into the body

Abstract

A method for surgically restoring a coronary artery having an atheroma, to more normal structure by making an arteriotomy incision over the length of the atheroma, extracting plaque, inserting stent into the coronary artery at the incision and closing the coronary artery over the stent with sutures. An extravascular drug delivery material is applied over the stent implantation site to inhibit thrombosis and smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Claims

1. A method for surgically restoring a coronary artery having an atheroma, to more normal structure and function, comprising the steps of:

a. making an arteriotomy incision over the length of the atheroma;

b. extracting atherosclerotic plaque from the atheroma;

c. inserting a pre-expanded endocoronary stent into the coronary artery at the incision; and

d. closing the coronary artery over the stent with sutures.

6. The method of any of claims 1-5, wherein the pre-expanded endocoronary stent has calibrated diameter, length, and curvature.

2. A method for surgically restoring a coronary artery having an atheroma, to more normal structure and function, comprising the steps of:

a. making an arteriotomy incision over the length of the atheroma;

b. spreading cut edges of the arteriotomy incision;

c. extracting the atherosclerotic plaque from the coronary artery, and from any side branch artery;

d. inserting a pre-expanded endocoronary stent into the coronary artery at the incision; and

e. closing the coronary artery over the stent with sutures.

3. A method for surgically restoring a coronary artery having an atheroma, to more normal structure and function, comprising the steps of:

a. making an arteriotomy incision over the length of the atheroma;

b. spreading cut edges of the arteriotomy incision;

c. separating the plaque from the medial interface of a vessel wall of the coronary artery;

d. extracting the atherosclerotic plaque from the coronary artery, and from any side branch artery;

e. inserting a pre-expanded endocoronary stent into the opened coronary artery; and

f. closing the coronary artery over the stent with sutures.

4. A method for surgically restoring a coronary artery having an atheroma, to more normal structure and function, comprising the steps of:

a. making an arteriotomy incision over the length of the atheroma;

b. spreading cut edges of the arteriotomy incision;

c. separating atherosclerotic plaque from a medial interface of a vessel wall of the coronary artery;

d. extracting the atherosclerotic plaque from the coronary artery, and from any side branch artery;

e. inserting a pre-expanded endocoronary stent into the coronary artery at the incision;

f. closing the coronary artery over the stent with sutures; and

g. applying extravascular drug delivery material over the site at the stent inserted.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the extravascular drug delivery material provides a local controlled release of bioactive factors to inhibit both thrombosis and smooth muscle cell proliferation.