Venous valvuloplasty device and method
First Claim
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1. A method of restoring competence to a dilated venous valve comprising:
- providing a constricting device, attachable to the vein, and capable of circumferentially compressing the vein;
providing a grabbing mechanism on a surface of the constricting device for contacting said vein;
placing the constricting device proximate the venous valve;
attaching the constriction device to the vein;
using the constricting device to compress the vein to a predetermined diameter whereby cusps of the venous valve coapt, thereby restoring competence to the venous valve; and
wherein placing the constricting device proximate the venous valve comprises placing the constricting device around the outside of the vein.
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Abstract
A device 10 and method for replacing or restoring competence to incompetent valves. The device 10 is inserted percutaneously or surgically and is preferably constructed of a material capable of promoting cellular ingrowth such that, eventually, native biologic tissue completely covers the device 10 insulating the blood flow therefrom. The material is preferably bioabsorbable over time, allowing the device to harbor the regeneration of a valve structure and to later become absorbed by the body. The device is sized and arranged to mimic the valve it is replacing or repairing.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of restoring competence to a dilated venous valve comprising:
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providing a constricting device, attachable to the vein, and capable of circumferentially compressing the vein;
providing a grabbing mechanism on a surface of the constricting device for contacting said vein;
placing the constricting device proximate the venous valve;
attaching the constriction device to the vein;
using the constricting device to compress the vein to a predetermined diameter whereby cusps of the venous valve coapt, thereby restoring competence to the venous valve; and
wherein placing the constricting device proximate the venous valve comprises placing the constricting device around the outside of the vein. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of restoring competence to a dilated venous valve comprising:
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providing a constricting device attachable to the vein, and capable of circumferentially compressing the vein;
providing a grabbing mechanism around an outside circumference of the constricting device;
percutaneously placing the constricting device proximate the venous valve;
placing an expansion device within an open center defined by the constricting device;
expanding the constriction device using the expansion device until the outside circumference of the constriction device is larger in diameter than an inner diameter of the vein, thereby forcing contact between the circumference of the constricting device and the vein; and
using the constricting device to compress the vein to a predetermined diameter whereby cusps of the venous valve coapt, thereby restoring competence to the venous valve. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of restoring competence to a dilated venous valve comprising:
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providing a first constricting device, attachable to the vein, and capable of circumferentially compressing the vein;
placing the first constricting device proximate the venous valve;
attaching the constricting device proximate the venous valve; and
using the first constricting device to compress the vein to a predetermined diameter;
providing a second constricting device, attachable to the vein, and capable of circumferentially compressing the vein;
placing the second constricting device proximate the venous valve, opposite the first constricting device, such that the venous valve is juxtaposed between the two constricting devices;
attaching the second constricting device to the vein;
using the second constricting device to further compress the vein to the predetermined diameter whereby the cusps of the venous valve coapt, thereby restoring competence to the venous valve. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification