US6168615B1 — Method and apparatus for occlusion and reinforcem…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 67 words

An occlusive apparatus for treatment of a body vessel, the vessel having a dome portion and a neck opening into another vessel, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of strut members centrally connected together that are adapted to be deployed within the vessel and that extend radially from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration to cross the neck of the vessel, dividing the neck into smaller openings.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 67 words

An occlusive apparatus for treatment of a body vessel, the vessel having a dome portion and a neck opening into another vessel, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of strut members centrally connected together that are adapted to be deployed within the vessel and that extend radially from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration to cross the neck of the vessel, dividing the neck into smaller openings.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 36 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of strut members are connected together at a central hub, and extend curvilinealy from the central hub from said first collapsed configuration to said expanded configuration.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 22 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said strut members are arrayed in a spiral configuration extending from said central hub.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 22 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said strut members have an umbrella-like configuration of spokes extending from the central hub.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 18 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said strut members additionally are crosslinked to adjacent strut members.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 14 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said strut members are randomly arranged.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 23 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said strut members are made from a twisted cable comprising strands of a superelastic material.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 30 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said cable further comprises at least one radiopaque strand of a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, tungsten and gold.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 26 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said strut members are made from a twisted cable comprising strands of a shape memory nickel titanium alloy.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 17 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said strut members are heat treated to remain superelastic.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 52 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 9 , wherein said strut members are heat treated to have shape memory behavior such that the alloy is highly flexible at a temperature appropriate for introduction into the body via a placement catheter, and after placement in the vessel, the apparatus will assume said expanded configuration.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 45 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising mounting means for detachably mounting the plurality of strut members to a placement catheter shaft and for detaching the plurality of strut members from the placement catheter shaft for deployment within the vessel to be treated.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 58 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said mounting means comprises a collar of shape memory material and said placement catheter shaft comprises a fiber optic pusher member, and wherein said collar is disposed on one of the occlusive apparatus and the fiber optic pusher member and connects the occlusive apparatus and the fiber optic pusher member.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 30 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said collar can be heated to be induced to assume a configuration disconnecting the occlusive apparatus and the fiber optic pusher member.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 47 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 14 , wherein said fiber optic pusher member is connected to an optical light source for conducting coherent light energy to the collar to heat the collar to induce the collar to detach the occlusive device from the fiber optic pusher member.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 41 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said central hub comprises a stem having a proximal end adjacent to said strut members and a distal end, and further comprising a coil mechanically attached to the distal end of the stem.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 25 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the distal end of the fiber optic pusher member has a surface defining a plurality of ridges.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 18 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is formed of a shape memory plastic material.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 115 words

A vasoocclusive apparatus for treatment of an aneurysm in the vasculature in conjunction with a secondary vasoocclusive device to be placed within the aneurysm, the aneurysm having a dome portion and a neck opening into a parent vessel, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of strut members centrally connected together and having separate unconnected free ends adapted to be deployed within the aneurysm, said strut members extending radially from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration to cross the neck of the aneurysm, dividing the neck into smaller openings, allowing the deployment of the secondary vasoocclusive device within the aneurysm and preventing migration of the deployed secondary vasoocclusive device from the aneurysm into the parent vessel.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 115 words

A vasoocclusive apparatus for treatment of an aneurysm in the vasculature in conjunction with a secondary vasoocclusive device to be placed within the aneurysm, the aneurysm having a dome portion and a neck opening into a parent vessel, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of strut members centrally connected together and having separate unconnected free ends adapted to be deployed within the aneurysm, said strut members extending radially from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration to cross the neck of the aneurysm, dividing the neck into smaller openings, allowing the deployment of the secondary vasoocclusive device within the aneurysm and preventing migration of the deployed secondary vasoocclusive device from the aneurysm into the parent vessel.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 36 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 19 , wherein said plurality of strut members are connected together at a central hub, and extend radially from the central hub from said first collapsed configuration to said expanded configuration.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 22 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said strut members are arrayed in a spiral configuration extending from said central hub.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 32 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said strut members have an umbrella-like configuration of spokes extending from the central hub, said strut members additionally are crosslinked to adjacent strut members.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 14 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said strut members are randomly arranged.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 23 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 19 , wherein said strut members are made from a twisted cable comprising strands of a superelastic material.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 30 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 24 , wherein said cable further comprises at least one radiopaque strand of a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, tungsten and gold.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 26 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 19 , wherein said strut members are made from a twisted cable comprising strands of a shape memory nickel titanium alloy.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 17 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 26 , wherein said strut members are heat treated to remain superelastic.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 51 words

The occlusive apparatus of claim 26 , wherein said strut members are heat treated to have shape memory behavior such that the alloy is highly flexible at a temperature appropriate for introduction into the body via a catheter, and after placement in the vessel, the apparatus will assume said expanded configuration.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 43 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 19 , further comprising mounting means for detachably mounting the plurality of strut members to a pusher member and for detaching the plurality of strut members from the pusher member for deployment within the vessel to be treated.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 38 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 29 , wherein said mounting means comprises a collar of shape memory material disposed on one of the vasoocclusive apparatus and the pusher member and connecting the vasoocclusive apparatus and the pusher member.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 28 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 30 , wherein said collar can be heated to be induced to assume a configuration disconnecting the occlusive apparatus and the pusher member.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 50 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the pusher member comprises a fiber optic catheter shaft connected to an optical light source for conducting coherent light energy to the collar to heat the collar to induce the collar to detach the occlusive device from the fiber optic catheter shaft.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 40 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 20 , wherein said central hub comprises a stem having a proximal end adjacent to said strut members and a distal end, and further comprising a coil soldered to the distal end of the stem.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 25 words

The vasoocclusive apparatus of claim 33 , wherein the distal end of the fiber optic catheter shaft has a surface defining a plurality of ridges.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 137 words

A method of closing and occluding an opening of an aneurysm from a parent blood vessel, comprising the steps of: attaching an occlusive apparatus having radial members extending from a central hub to the distal end of a linear pusher device; enclosing the pusher device and occlusive apparatus in a lumen of a catheter, with the pusher device proximal of the occlusive apparatus; positioning the catheter so that the distal opening of the catheter is in the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; pushing the occlusive apparatus into the aneurysm by extending the pusher device towards the distal end of the catheter; and disconnecting the occlusive apparatus from the pusher device, thereby deploying the occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm and at least partially occluding the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel

Claim 38

Independent Claim 137 words

A method of closing and occluding an opening of an aneurysm from a parent blood vessel, comprising the steps of: attaching an occlusive apparatus having radial members extending from a central hub to the distal end of a linear pusher device; enclosing the pusher device and occlusive apparatus in a lumen of a catheter, with the pusher device proximal of the occlusive apparatus; positioning the catheter so that the distal opening of the catheter is in the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; pushing the occlusive apparatus into the aneurysm by extending the pusher device towards the distal end of the catheter; and disconnecting the occlusive apparatus from the pusher device, thereby deploying the occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm and at least partially occluding the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 40 words

The method of claim 35 , wherein said step of disconnecting the occlusive apparatus from the pusher device comprises causing energy to be transmitted through the pusher device to release the connection between the pusher device and the occlusive apparatus.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 136 words

The method of claim 35 , further including the steps of: attaching a secondary occlusive apparatus to the distal end of a linear pusher device; enclosing the pusher device and secondary occlusive apparatus in a lumen of a catheter, with the pusher device proximal of the secondary occlusive apparatus; positioning the catheter so that the distal opening of the catheter is in the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; pushing the secondary occlusive apparatus into the aneurysm through said first occlusive apparatus by extending the pusher device towards the distal end of the catheter; and disconnecting the secondary occlusive apparatus from the pusher device, thereby deploying the secondary occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm, whereby said first occlusive apparatus prevents migration of said secondary vasoocclusive device from the aneurysm into the parent blood vessel.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 77 words

A method of closing and occluding an opening of an aneurysm from a parent blood vessel, comprising the steps of: deploying a first occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm and at least partially occluding the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; and deploying a secondary occlusive apparatus through said first occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm, whereby said first occlusive apparatus prevents migration of said secondary vasoocclusive device from the aneurysm into the parent blood vessel.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 77 words

A method of closing and occluding an opening of an aneurysm from a parent blood vessel, comprising the steps of: deploying a first occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm and at least partially occluding the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; and deploying a secondary occlusive apparatus through said first occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm, whereby said first occlusive apparatus prevents migration of said secondary vasoocclusive device from the aneurysm into the parent blood vessel.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 267 words

A method of closing and occluding an opening of an aneurysm from a parent blood vessel, comprising the steps of: attaching a first occlusive apparatus having radial members extending from a central hub to the distal end of a linear pusher device; enclosing the pusher device and first occlusive apparatus in a lumen of a catheter, with the pusher device proximal of the first occlusive apparatus; positioning the catheter so that the distal opening of the catheter is in the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; pushing the first occlusive apparatus into the aneurysm by extending the pusher device towards the distal end of the catheter; disconnecting the first occlusive apparatus from the pusher device, thereby deploying the first occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm and at least partially occluding the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; attaching a secondary occlusive apparatus to the distal end of a linear pusher device; enclosing the pusher device and secondary occlusive apparatus in a lumen of a catheter, with the pusher device proximal of the secondary occlusive apparatus; positioning the catheter so that the distal opening of the catheter is in the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; pushing the secondary occlusive apparatus into the aneurysm through said first occlusive apparatus by extending the pusher device towards the distal end of the catheter; and disconnecting the secondary occlusive apparatus from the pusher device, thereby deploying the secondary occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm, whereby said first occlusive apparatus prevents migration of said secondary vasoocclusive device from the aneurysm into the parent blood vessel.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 267 words

A method of closing and occluding an opening of an aneurysm from a parent blood vessel, comprising the steps of: attaching a first occlusive apparatus having radial members extending from a central hub to the distal end of a linear pusher device; enclosing the pusher device and first occlusive apparatus in a lumen of a catheter, with the pusher device proximal of the first occlusive apparatus; positioning the catheter so that the distal opening of the catheter is in the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; pushing the first occlusive apparatus into the aneurysm by extending the pusher device towards the distal end of the catheter; disconnecting the first occlusive apparatus from the pusher device, thereby deploying the first occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm and at least partially occluding the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; attaching a secondary occlusive apparatus to the distal end of a linear pusher device; enclosing the pusher device and secondary occlusive apparatus in a lumen of a catheter, with the pusher device proximal of the secondary occlusive apparatus; positioning the catheter so that the distal opening of the catheter is in the opening between the aneurysm and the parent blood vessel; pushing the secondary occlusive apparatus into the aneurysm through said first occlusive apparatus by extending the pusher device towards the distal end of the catheter; and disconnecting the secondary occlusive apparatus from the pusher device, thereby deploying the secondary occlusive apparatus within the aneurysm, whereby said first occlusive apparatus prevents migration of said secondary vasoocclusive device from the aneurysm into the parent blood vessel.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 39 , wherein said step of disconnecting the first occlusive apparatus from the pusher device comprises causing energy to be transmitted through the pusher device to release the connection between the pusher device and the first occlusive apparatus.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2004-01-02	2004-07-03	2005-01-02	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2008-01-02	2008-07-03	2009-01-02	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2012-01-02	2012-07-03	2013-01-02	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for occlusion and reinforcement of aneurysms

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