US6383171B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods and devices for protecting a passageway in a body when advancing devices through the passageway
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1999-10-12
•
Granted: 2002-05-07
•
Expires: 2019-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A liner is advanced through a narrowed region in a vessel such as the internal carotid artery. The liner is advanced through the narrowed region in a collapsed position. A stent is then advanced through the liner and expanded to open the narrowed region. The liner may also have an anchor which expands an end of the liner before the stent is introduced.
Inventors
- 👤 Hanson S. Gifford
- 👤 Ivan Sepetka
- 👤 Mark E. Deem
- 👤 Allan R. Will
- 👤 Martin S. Dieck
- 👤 Sunmi Chew
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:43
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2/06; A61F2/07; A61F2/95; A61F2/958; A61F2/962; A61F2/97; A61F2/0095; A61F2/82; A61F2/86; A61F2/90; A61F2/966; A61F2/01; A61F2002/018; A61F2002/072; A61F2002/075; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0004; A61F2230/0006; A61F2230/0063; A61F2230/0067; A61F2230/0069; A61F2230/0073; A61F2230/0078; A61F2250/00; A61F2250/0058; A61F2250/0096; A61F2250/0098
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the blood vessel simultaneously.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
134 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the blood vessel simultaneously.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the advancing and passing steps are carried out with the blood vessel being a vessel selected from the group consisting of the internal carotid artery and saphenous vein graft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of: expanding at least one end of the liner before expanding the stent in the narrowed region.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the entire liner is expanded by the stent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner being mounted to a delivery catheter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner having an expandable anchor coupled to the liner.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the anchor attached to the proximal end of the liner.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 6 , further comprising the steps of: holding the anchor in a collapsed position; and the expanding step is carried out by releasing the anchor so that the anchor moves into contact with the vessel wall and toward an expanded condition.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein: the anchor is expanded in the internal carotid artery or saphenous vein graft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein: the anchor expanding step is carried out so that the anchor is positioned at the bifurcation of the internal and external carotid arteries.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner being carried by a delivery catheter, the liner extending from a distal end of the delivery catheter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein: the advancing the step is carried out by advancing the liner over a guidewire.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 12 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner having a radial thickness of less than 0.020 inch in the collapsed position, the thickness being measured in a radial direction relative to a hole in which a guidewire is positioned.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of protecting a body passage, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner everting when moving from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition; advancing the liner to a region of a passageway in a body with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the region of the passageway in the collapsed position, at least a portion of the liner everting when moving from the collapsed position to the expanded position; positioning a device in the liner so that the device is also positioned in the region of the passageway, the liner preventing the device from contacting the region of the passageway.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of protecting a body passage, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner everting when moving from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition; advancing the liner to a region of a passageway in a body with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the region of the passageway in the collapsed position, at least a portion of the liner everting when moving from the collapsed position to the expanded position; positioning a device in the liner so that the device is also positioned in the region of the passageway, the liner preventing the device from contacting the region of the passageway.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner having an expandable anchor coupled to the liner; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; expanding the anchor with a balloon; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed portion so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the blood vessel simultaneously.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner having an expandable anchor coupled to the liner; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; expanding the anchor with a balloon; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed portion so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the blood vessel simultaneously.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner being at least partially covered by a coating in the collapsed position, the coating dissolving in blood; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed portion so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the vessel simultaneously.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner being at least partially covered by a coating in the collapsed position, the coating dissolving in blood; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed portion so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the vessel simultaneously.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner having a number of folded sections in the collapsed condition, the distal end of the liner being covered with a coating which forms a curved, atraumatic surface and covers a distal end of the folded sections; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed portion so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the blood vessel simultaneously.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner having a number of folded sections in the collapsed condition, the distal end of the liner being covered with a coating which forms a curved, atraumatic surface and covers a distal end of the folded sections; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed portion so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the blood vessel simultaneously.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein: the advancing and passing steps are carried out with the blood vessel being a vessel selected from the group consisting of internal carotid artery and saphenous vein graft.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 15 , further comprising the step of: expanding at least one end of the liner before expanding the stent in the narrowed region.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein: the entire liner is expanded by the stent.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner being mounted to a delivery catheter.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the anchor attached to the proximal end of the liner.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 15 , further comprising the steps of: holding the anchor in a collapsed position; and the expanding step is carried out by releasing the anchor so that the anchor moves into contact with the vessel wall and toward an expanded condition.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein: the anchor is expanded in the internal carotid artery or saphenous vein graft.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 16 , wherein: the anchor expanding step is carried out so that the anchor is positioned at the bifurcation of the internal and external carotid arteries.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 15 , 16 or 17 wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner having a number of folded sections in the collapsed position.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein: the folds are separated by longitudinal creases.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the folded sections being wrapped.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 26 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with at least two folded section.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner being carried by a delivery catheter, the liner extending from a distal end of the delivery catheter.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein: the advancing the step is carried out by advancing the liner over a guidewire.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 31 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner having a radial thickness of less than 0.020 inch in the collapsed position, the thickness being measured in a radial direction relative to a hole in which a guidewire is positioned.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the step of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner having a number of folded sections in the collapsed position; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed portion so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the blood vessel simultaneously.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of opening a narrowed region in a blood vessel, comprising the step of: providing a liner movable from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition, the liner having a number of folded sections in the collapsed position; advancing the liner to a narrowed region of a blood vessel with the liner in the collapsed position; passing at least a portion of the liner into the narrowed region of the blood vessel in the collapsed position; positioning a stent in the liner after the liner has been positioned in the narrowed portion so that the stent is also positioned in the narrowed region of the blood vessel, the liner preventing the stent from contacting the narrowed region of the blood vessel; and expanding the stent so that the stent expands the liner and the narrowed region of the blood vessel simultaneously.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the advancing and passing steps are carried out with the blood vessel being a vessel selected from the group comprising the internal carotid artery and saphenous vein graft.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , further comprising the step of: expanding at least one end of the liner before expanding the stent in the narrowed region.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the entire liner is expanded by the stent.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner being mounted to a delivery catheter.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner having an expandable anchor coupled to the liner.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 38 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the anchor attached to the proximal end of the liner.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 38 , further comprising the step of: expanding the anchor with a balloon.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 38 , further comprising the steps of: holding the anchor in a collapsed position; and the expanding step is carried out by releasing the anchor so that the anchor moves into contact with the vessel wall and toward an expanded condition.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 38 , wherein: the anchor is expanded in the internal carotid artery or saphenous vein graft.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 42 , wherein: the anchor expanding step is carried out so that the anchor is positioned at the bifurcation of the internal and external carotid arteries.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the folds are separated by longitudinal creases.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the folded sections being wrapped.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with at least two folded sections.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the folded sections being adhered to one another to hold the folded sections in the collapsed position.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the folded sections adhering to one another by application of heat to the folded sections.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the folded sections adhering to one another with an adhesive.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the folded sections being adhered to one another with gelatin, sucrose, glue, low molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol, suture, or fusion or soldered with radiopaque wire or ribbon.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner being carried by a delivery catheter, the liner extending from a distal end of the delivery catheter.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 33 , 16 or 17 , wherein: the advancing the step is carried out by advancing the liner over a guidewire.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 52 , wherein: the providing step is carried out with the liner having a radial thickness of less than 0.020 inch in the collapsed position, the thickness being measured in a radial direction relative to a hole in which a guidewire is positioned.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-05-06 | 2005-11-05 | 2006-05-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-05-06 | 2009-11-05 | 2010-05-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-05-06 | 2013-11-05 | 2014-05-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |