US20060155366A1 — Apparatus and method for deploying an implantable…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 85 words

1 . A system for delivering and deploying an implant within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, the implant having a distal end and a proximal end defining a length therebetween and having a diameter, the system comprising: at least one string adapted for releasable attachment to the implant; means for selectively tensioning the implant to selectively adjust at least one of the length or diameter of the implant; and means for selectively releasing the at least one elongated member from the implant.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 85 words

1 . A system for delivering and deploying an implant within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, the implant having a distal end and a proximal end defining a length therebetween and having a diameter, the system comprising: at least one string adapted for releasable attachment to the implant; means for selectively tensioning the implant to selectively adjust at least one of the length or diameter of the implant; and means for selectively releasing the at least one elongated member from the implant.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 19 words

2 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a catheter portion within which the implant is loadable.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 29 words

3 . The system of claim 2 , further comprising a handle proximally positioned of the catheter portion and with which the tensioning means selective releasing means are associated.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 55 words

4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the handle comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion wherein said handle portions are slidably extendable from each other, wherein, when extended from each other, the implant is in an untensioned condition, and when not extended from each other, the implant is a tensioned condition.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 27 words

5 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the handle comprises means for articulating a distal end of the catheter portion in at least on direction.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 19 words

6 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the tensioning means comprises a rotatable dial on the handle.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 25 words

7 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the catheter portion comprises a plurality of lumens for translation of the at least one string.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 19 words

8 . The system of claim 2 , further comprising means for selectively flushing the catheter portion with fluid.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 34 words

9 . The system of claim A 1 , wherein the tensioning means enables partial deployment of the implant wherein, when the implant is partially deployed, the diameter is less than a maximum diameter.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 40 words

10 . The system of claim 1 , comprising at least one string adapted for releasable attachment to the distal end of the implant and at least one string adapted for releasable attachment to the proximal end of the implant.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 51 words

11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the means for selectively releasing comprises a first control mechanism to which one end of the at least one string is permanently fixable and a second control mechanism to which the other end of the at least one string is releasably fixable.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 116 words

12 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the implant further comprises a main lumen along the length and at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end, the system further comprising: at least one string adapted for releasable attachment to the distal end of the at least one side branch lumen; means for selectively tensioning the at least one side branch to selectively adjust at least one of the length or diameter of the at least one side branch; and means for selectively controlling release of the at least one string adapted for releasable attachment to the distal end of the at least one side branch lumen.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 121 words

13 . A system for delivering and deploying an implant within a site within the body's vasculature having at least one main vessel and at least one intersecting side branch, wherein the implant comprises a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween and comprises at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and a length, the system comprising: a first plurality of strings releasably attached to the distal end of the main lumen; a second plurality of strings to the proximal end of the main lumen; and a third plurality of strings releasably attached to the distal end of the at least one side branch lumen.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 121 words

13 . A system for delivering and deploying an implant within a site within the body's vasculature having at least one main vessel and at least one intersecting side branch, wherein the implant comprises a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween and comprises at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and a length, the system comprising: a first plurality of strings releasably attached to the distal end of the main lumen; a second plurality of strings to the proximal end of the main lumen; and a third plurality of strings releasably attached to the distal end of the at least one side branch lumen.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 44 words

14 . The system of claim 13 , further comprising: a first means for selectively releasing the first plurality of strings; a second means for selectively releasing the second plurality of strings; and a third means for selectively releasing the third plurality of strings.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 35 words

15 . The system of claim 13 , further comprising: means for selectively adjusting the length of the main lumen; and means for selectively adjusting the length of the at least one side branch lumen.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 25 words

16 . The system of claim 13 , further comprising: a catheter portion within which the device is loadable prior to deployment within the body.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 25 words

17 . The system of claim 16 , further comprising a handle portion comprising a means for articulating a distal end of the catheter portion.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 19 words

18 . The system of claim 16 , further comprising at least one guidewire for guiding the catheter portion.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 33 words

19 . The system of claim 18 , wherein the at least one guidewire is for positioning the at least one side branch lumen within the at least one intersecting side branch vessel.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 16 words

20 . The system of claim 18 , wherein the at least one guidewire is deflectable.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 86 words

21 . A system for delivering and deploying an implant within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, the implant having a distal end and a proximal end defining a length therebetween and having a diameter, the system comprising: at least one elongated member adapted for releasable attachment to the implant; means for selectively tensioning the implant to selectively adjust at least one of the length or diameter of the implant; and means for selectively releasing the at least one elongated member from the implant.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 86 words

21 . A system for delivering and deploying an implant within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, the implant having a distal end and a proximal end defining a length therebetween and having a diameter, the system comprising: at least one elongated member adapted for releasable attachment to the implant; means for selectively tensioning the implant to selectively adjust at least one of the length or diameter of the implant; and means for selectively releasing the at least one elongated member from the implant.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 102 words

22 . A device configured for implantation within a site within the body's vasculature having a main vessel and at least one intersecting side branch vessel, the device comprising: a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end and configured for positioning within the main vessel; and at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and configured for positioning within the at least one side branch vessel; wherein each of the device ends is configured for releasably receiving one or more strings wherein the device ends are selectively deployable by the strings.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 102 words

22 . A device configured for implantation within a site within the body's vasculature having a main vessel and at least one intersecting side branch vessel, the device comprising: a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end and configured for positioning within the main vessel; and at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and configured for positioning within the at least one side branch vessel; wherein each of the device ends is configured for releasably receiving one or more strings wherein the device ends are selectively deployable by the strings.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 38 words

23 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the device is formed from one or more of the group consisting of a single wire, a plurality of wires, a tube of material and a sheet of material.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 29 words

24 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the device comprises at least two side branch lumens, wherein the distance between the two side branch lumens is adjustable.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 30 words

25 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the angle at which the at least one side branch lumen intersects the main lumen is adjustable within a selected range.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 14 words

26 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the device is partially deployable.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 20 words

27 . The system of claim 26 , wherein the implant is in a longitudinally stretched condition when partially deployed.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 40 words

28 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the device is selectively releasable from a delivery system by means of one of the group consisting of attachment strings, electrolytic erosion, thermal energy, magnetic means, chemical means and mechanical means.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 40 words

29 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the device further comprises an ancillary device attached thereto wherein the ancillary device is selected from the group consisting of a prosthetic valve, a sensor or electrodes operatively attached to thereto.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 16 words

30 . The device of claim 29 , wherein the ancillary device is prosthetic cardiac valve.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 41 words

31 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the main lumen is configured for positioning within the aortic arch and the at least one side branch lumen is configured for positioning within a branch vessel extending from the aortic arch.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 36 words

32 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the main lumen is configured for positioning within the aortic root and the at least one side branch lumen is configured for positioning within a coronary ostia.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 22 words

33 . The device of claim 22 , wherein at least a portion of the device is coated with an ECM material.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 23 words

34 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the at least one side branch lumen comprises at least two side branch lumens.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 88 words

35 . A device configured for implantation within a site within the body's vasculature having a main vessel and at least one intersecting side branch vessel, the device comprising: a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end and configured for positioning within the main vessel; and at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and configured for positioning within the at least one side branch vessel; wherein each of the device ends is configured for balloon expansion.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 88 words

35 . A device configured for implantation within a site within the body's vasculature having a main vessel and at least one intersecting side branch vessel, the device comprising: a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end and configured for positioning within the main vessel; and at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and configured for positioning within the at least one side branch vessel; wherein each of the device ends is configured for balloon expansion.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 79 words

36 . A method of implanting a device to a target location within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, wherein the device comprises a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween and being stretchable along the length, the method comprising: stretching the device along the length; delivering the device to the target location; partially deploying the device at the target location by unstretching the device; and fully deploying the device at the target location.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 79 words

36 . A method of implanting a device to a target location within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, wherein the device comprises a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween and being stretchable along the length, the method comprising: stretching the device along the length; delivering the device to the target location; partially deploying the device at the target location by unstretching the device; and fully deploying the device at the target location.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 28 words

37 . The method of claim 36 , wherein the step of fully deploying the device comprises selectively releasing the proximal and distal ends from a delivery system.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 47 words

38 . The method of claim 37 , wherein the step of selectively releasing the proximal and distal ends from the delivery system is accomplished by means of one of the group consisting of attachment strings, electrolytic erosion, thermal energy, magnetic means, chemical means and mechanical means.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 127 words

39 . A method of implanting a device to a target location within a vessel or tubular structure within the body having a main vessel and at least one side branch vessel in fluid communication with the main vessel, wherein the device comprises a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween and at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and defining a length, the method comprising: stretching the device along the length of the main lumen; delivering the device to within the main vessel; aligning the at least one side branch lumen with the at least one side branch vessel; unstretching the main lumen; and releasing the ends of the device.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 127 words

39 . A method of implanting a device to a target location within a vessel or tubular structure within the body having a main vessel and at least one side branch vessel in fluid communication with the main vessel, wherein the device comprises a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween and at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and defining a length, the method comprising: stretching the device along the length of the main lumen; delivering the device to within the main vessel; aligning the at least one side branch lumen with the at least one side branch vessel; unstretching the main lumen; and releasing the ends of the device.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 41 words

40 . The method of claim 39 , further comprising extending the at least one side branch lumen to within the at least one side branch vessel after aligning the at least one side branch lumen with the side branch vessel.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 30 words

41 . The method of claim 39 , wherein the step of releasing the ends of the device comprises removing at least one string from each of the device ends.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 30 words

42 . The method of claim 40 , wherein the step of releasing the ends of the device comprises removing a plurality of strings from each of the device ends.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 143 words

43 . A method of implanting a device to a target location within a vessel or tubular structure within the body having a main vessel and at least one side branch vessel in fluid communication with the main vessel, wherein the device comprises a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween and at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and defining a length, the method comprising: loading the device within a catheter system wherein each of the device ends is releasably attached to the catheter system by means of at least one string; delivering the device to within the main vessel; aligning the at least one side branch lumen with the at least one side branch vessel; and releasing the strings from the ends of the device.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 143 words

43 . A method of implanting a device to a target location within a vessel or tubular structure within the body having a main vessel and at least one side branch vessel in fluid communication with the main vessel, wherein the device comprises a main lumen having a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween and at least one side branch lumen extending from the main lumen and having a distal end and defining a length, the method comprising: loading the device within a catheter system wherein each of the device ends is releasably attached to the catheter system by means of at least one string; delivering the device to within the main vessel; aligning the at least one side branch lumen with the at least one side branch vessel; and releasing the strings from the ends of the device.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 41 words

44 . The method of claim 43 , wherein the loading step further comprises stretching the device along the length of the main lumen and wherein the device is partially deployed prior to releasing the strings by unstretching the main lumen.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 75 words

45 . The method of claim 43 , wherein the step of releasing the strings comprises releasing the at least one string from the distal end of the at least one side branch lumen followed by releasing the at least one string from distal and proximal ends of the main lumen either simultaneously or serially with releasing of the at least one string of the distal end of the at least one side branch lumen.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 30 words

46 . The method of claim 43 , further comprising: prior to releasing each of the at least one strings, partially deploying each of the luminal ends of the device.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 34 words

47 . A kit for treating a target location within a vessel or tubular structure within the body, the kit comprising: the system of claim 1; and at least one device of claim 22.

Apparatus and method for deploying an implantable device within the body

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