Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
A diaphragm for providing occlusion in a descending thoracic aorta, of the type capable of isolating a portion of the aorta affected by an aneurysm, and installed via a surgical treatment in which a permanent arterial by-pass of medically compatible material extending from the ascending aorta to the abdominal aorta is provided, said diaphragm comprising: a flexible and substantially circular element, said circular element including a cushion rim around the outer periphery thereof, said cushion rim having a thickness substantially greater than said circular element; and a plurality of resilient ribs having inner and outer ends supporting said circular element, said inner ends of said ribs joined together at a hub with said ribs extending radially outwardly therefrom, said ribs generally positioned on and attached to said circular element with said outer ends of said ribs having protrusions projecting radially beyond said cushion of said circular element, said ribs having a resilient expansion tendency, such that said diaphragm may be held in a biased collapsed position during installation, and sprung open into a normally vaulted shaped upon installation in the aorta, whereby said protrusions are urged radially outwardly by the resilient expansion tendency of said ribs to engage the aorta and hold said diaphragm in position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
A diaphragm for providing occlusion in a descending thoracic aorta, of the type capable of isolating a portion of the aorta affected by an aneurysm, and installed via a surgical treatment in which a permanent arterial by-pass of medically compatible material extending from the ascending aorta to the abdominal aorta is provided, said diaphragm comprising: a flexible and substantially circular element, said circular element including a cushion rim around the outer periphery thereof, said cushion rim having a thickness substantially greater than said circular element; and a plurality of resilient ribs having inner and outer ends supporting said circular element, said inner ends of said ribs joined together at a hub with said ribs extending radially outwardly therefrom, said ribs generally positioned on and attached to said circular element with said outer ends of said ribs having protrusions projecting radially beyond said cushion of said circular element, said ribs having a resilient expansion tendency, such that said diaphragm may be held in a biased collapsed position during installation, and sprung open into a normally vaulted shaped upon installation in the aorta, whereby said protrusions are urged radially outwardly by the resilient expansion tendency of said ribs to engage the aorta and hold said diaphragm in position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The diaphragm of claim 1, wherein said ribs are spring-like so that said diaphragm may be collapsed into a retracted umbrella-like assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The diaphragm of claim 1, wherein said circular element has a diameter of about 22 to 40 mm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The diaphragm of claim 1, wherein said hub includes a threaded hole engageable by a stylet having a threaded end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The diaphragm of claim 1, wherein said diaphragm includes 8 ribs.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The diaphragm of claim 1, wherein said flexible and substantially circular element is made of polyethylene terephthalate fabric.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
112 words
A surgical procedure for treating an aneurysm in a patient's descending thoracic aorta, comprising the steps of: installing an artificial aorta by-pass connecting the patient's ascending natural aorta with the patient's abdominal aorta end; installing a temporary graft onto said by-pass; and advancing a catheter having a capsule end holding a retracted diaphragm through said graft; positioning said diaphragm into a selected site in said aorta; and releasing the diaphragm by ejecting it from the capsule thereby allowing said diaphragm to spring open into a vaulted shape and engage the inner walls of aorta all around; and withdrawing the catheter with the diaphragm remaining within the aorta to provide an occlusion therein.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
112 words
A surgical procedure for treating an aneurysm in a patient's descending thoracic aorta, comprising the steps of: installing an artificial aorta by-pass connecting the patient's ascending natural aorta with the patient's abdominal aorta end; installing a temporary graft onto said by-pass; and advancing a catheter having a capsule end holding a retracted diaphragm through said graft; positioning said diaphragm into a selected site in said aorta; and releasing the diaphragm by ejecting it from the capsule thereby allowing said diaphragm to spring open into a vaulted shape and engage the inner walls of aorta all around; and withdrawing the catheter with the diaphragm remaining within the aorta to provide an occlusion therein.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The procedure of claim 7, further comprising the step of viewing the diaphragm using radioscopic or fluoroscopic means, to monitor the position of diaphragm within the patient's body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
69 words
The procedure of claim 7, further comprising the steps of: engaging a stylet within the catheter onto the diaphragm to hold the diaphragm temporarily in the capsule while the catheter is advanced through the graft and while the diaphragm is moved into position within the aorta; and ejecting the diaphragm by forcing it out of the capsule by pushing on the stylet and disengaging the stylet from the diaphragm.