Method for deploying an endovascular graft having a bifurcation

• US 6,214,038 B1
• Filed: 09/15/1999
• Issued: 04/10/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/11/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lifeport Sciences LLC (Acacia Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: EndoVascular Technologies Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Sterman, Wesley D., Piplani, Alec A., Quiachon, Dinah B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Milano, Michael J.
• Application Number:
  US09/396,567
• Time in Patent Office: 573 Days
• Field of Search: 623/1.11, 623/1.12, 623/1.13, 623/1.23
• US Class Current: 623/1.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/07 Stent-grafts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/88 the wire-like elements formed as helical or spiral coils forming a net-like or mesh-like structure A61F2/90
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/89 the wire-like elements comprising two or more adjacent rings flexibly connected by separate members
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/954 for placing stents or stent-grafts in a bifurcation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/958 Inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/065 Y-shaped blood vessels
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/075 the stent being loosely attached to the graft material, e.g. by stitching
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/8486 provided on at least one of the ends
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0098 radio-opaque, e.g. radio-opaque markers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 623/903 Blood vessel

Abstract

Graft having a bifurcation for repairing an aneurysm in the vicinity of an aortic bifurcation in a patient comprising a main tubular body and first and second tubular legs joined to said main body in a bifurcation. The main body and the legs are formed of a flexible surgically implantable material. The main body and each of the first and second legs having an opening therein in communication with the other openings. Expandable spring attachments are secured to the main body adjacent the opening in the main body. An additional expandable spring attachment is secured to one of said legs adjacent the opening in said one leg.

Claims

1. A method for intraluminal emplacement of a graft in a bifurcated vessel of a patient, the method comprising:

providing a graft having a main body, with a first self-expanding device, the graft further having a first leg portion and a second leg portion with a second self-expanding device;

inserting the graft intraluminally into a main vessel of a patient, the main vessel having a bifurcation forming a first minor vessel and a second minor vessel;

positioning the main body of the graft in the main vessel;

releasing the first self-expanding device and the main body of the graft in the main vessel;

positioning the second leg portion of the graft in the second minor vessel; and

releasing the second self-expanding device and the second leg portion of the graft in a second minor vessel.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

providing at least one radiopaque marker disposed on the graft;

using fluoroscopy to examine the radiopaque marker to determine whether the graft is misaligned; and

aligning the graft to provide an unobstructed flow of fluid through the graft.

3. A method for emplacement of a bifurcated graft for repairing an aotic aneurysm proximate an aortic bifurcation joining first and second iliac arteries of a patient, the method comprising:

providing a graft having a main body, a first leg portion, a second leg portion, and a self-expanding affixation system operatively associated with the main body and at least one leg portion;

passing the graft through a first iliac artery of a patient;

positioning the graft proximate the aortic aneurysm having a superior end; and

permitting the affixation system to self-expand to thereby attach the main body of the graft proximate the superior end of the aortic aneurysm and the first leg portion in the first iliac artery.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of using fluoroscopic means for visually inspecting a plurality of radiopaque markers located on the graft to determine if the graft is twisted or misaligned.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of aligning the graft to provide an unobstructed flow of fluid.

6. A method for intraluminal emplacement of a graft in a bifurcated vessel of a patient, the method comprising:

providing a graft having a main body including a first self-expanding attachment system, the graft further having a first leg portion including a second self-expanding attachment system and a second leg portion;

inserting the graft intraluminally into a main vessel of a patient, the main vessel having a bifurcation forming a first minor vessel and a second minor vessel;

positioning the main body of the graft in the main vessel and the first leg portion in the first minor vessel;

securing the first self-expanding attachment system and the main tubular body of the graft in the main vessel;

securing the second self-expanding attachment system and the first leg portion of the self-expanding graft in the first minor vessel; and

positioning the second leg portion of the graft in the second minor vessel.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of:

providing a first inflatable member configured to be positioned within the main vessel and the first minor vessel;

positioning the first inflatable member within the main body;

inflating the first inflatable member to secure the first self-expanding attachment system within the main vessel;

deflating the first inflatable member;

positioning the first inflatable member within the first leg portion; and

inflating the first inflatable member to secure the second self-expanding attachment system within the first minor vessel.