Stent graft with internal tunnels and fenestrations and methods of use
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12127930-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
A thoraco-abdominal branch graft prosthesis includes a lumen main graft component that defines a lumen and at least one main graft wall fenestration. An open distal end of the main graft component is tapered and has a smaller diameter than the proximal end of the main graft component. At least one tunnel graft component of the branch graft prosthesis defines at least one tunnel graft fenestration. The tunnel graft component is within the main graft lumen defined by the luminal main graft component. A luminal wall of the tunnel graft component is fixed to the luminal wall of the main graft component. The fenestration of the tunnel graft wall is aligned with the fenestration of the main graft wall. The thoraco-abdominal branch graft prosthesis can be implanted in a patient at a site of a thoraco-abdominal aneurysm.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a thoraco-abdominal branch graft prosthesis that includes a main graft component and at least one tunnel graft component. The main graft component includes a luminal wall defining an open proximal end, an open distal end, a main lumen extending between the open ends, and at least one main graft wall fenestration. The open distal end of the main graft component is tapered and has a smaller diameter than the proximal end of the main graft component.
The tunnel graft component includes a wall defining an open proximal end, an open distal end, a lumen extending between the tunnel open ends, and at least one tunnel graft fenestration. The tunnel graft component is within the main graft lumen, with a major longitudinal axis of the tunnel graft lumen substantially aligned with a major longitudinal axis of the main lumen. The wall of the tunnel graft component is fixed to the wall of the main graft component so that the tunnel graft fenestration is aligned with the main graft fenestration.
When implanted at a thoraco-abdominal aneurysm site, the at least one main graft wall fenestration is substantially aligned with at least one branch vessel of the patient. Branch prostheses are inserted through the at least one main graft wall fenestration and the at least one tunnel graft fenestration within the lumen of the at least one tunnel graft component, and one of the distal end or the proximal end of the branch prosthesis is inserted into the branch vessel at the thoraco-abdominal aneurysm site.
The disclosed arrangement is intended to solve limitations in aligning and accessing branch vessel connections during thoraco-abdominal aneurysm repair. The aligned main and tunnel fenestrations, together with fixation between the tunnel graft component wall and the main graft component wall, provide a structured path for branch prosthesis placement. The tapered main graft component geometry is also used to facilitate access for inserting branch prostheses.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a method of implanting a thoraco-abdominal branch graft prosthesis, with five inventive features focusing on the structural relationship between the main graft component and a tunnel graft component, alignment of fenestrations with branch vessels, and branch prosthesis insertion through aligned fenestrations into a branch vessel. Dependent claims refine the prosthesis configuration and access point location, and further constrain geometry and fixation of tunnel graft ends.
Fixed tunnel graft component within main graft lumen with aligned fenestrations
The tunnel graft component is within the main graft lumen, with a major longitudinal axis of the tunnel graft lumen substantially aligned with a major longitudinal axis of the main lumen, and the wall of the tunnel graft component is fixed to the wall of the main graft component such that the tunnel graft fenestration is aligned with the main graft fenestration.
Tapered open distal end of the main graft component
The open distal end of the main graft component is tapered and has a smaller diameter than the proximal end of the main graft component.
Fenestration alignment with branch vessel at thoraco-abdominal aneurysm site
At least one main graft wall fenestration is substantially aligned with at least one branch vessel of the patient at the thoraco-abdominal aneurysm site.
Branch prosthesis insertion through aligned main and tunnel fenestrations
Inserting at least one branch prosthesis through the at least one main graft wall fenestration and the at least one tunnel graft fenestration within the lumen of the at least one tunnel graft component, where the branch prosthesis has an open distal end and an open proximal end.
Branch prosthesis end insertion into branch vessel
Inserting one of the distal end or the proximal end of the at least one branch prosthesis into at least one branch vessel of the patient at the thoraco-abdominal aneurysm site.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a main graft component with fenestrations, a tunnel graft component fixed inside the main graft lumen with aligned fenestrations, and a method that delivers the graft to a thoraco-abdominal aneurysm site and places branch prostheses through aligned main and tunnel fenestrations into branch vessels. Dependent claims further specify bifurcated graft configuration, cranial or caudal access point relative to the aneurysm site, a midsection diameter constraint, and additional fixation relationships at a tunnel graft end.
Stated Advantages
Enables surgeon access from cranial or caudal positions.
Improves flexibility of the procedure.
Permits “docketing” of branch prostheses.
Documented Applications
Implanting a thoraco-abdominal branch graft prosthesis at a thoraco-abdominal aneurysm site by aligning fenestrations with branch vessels and inserting branch prostheses into the branch vessel.
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