Devices and methods for treatment of vascular aneurysms

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices and methods for the treatment of diseases in the vasculature, and more specifically, devices and methods for treatment of aneurysms found in blood vessels. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a two part prostheses, where one part is an expandable sponge structure and the other part is an expandable tubular mesh structure, is provided. In the first embodiment, the expandable sponge structure is intended to fill the aneurysm cavity to prevent further dilatation of the vessel wall by creating a buffer or barrier between the pressurized pulsating blood flow and the thinning vessel wall. In the first embodiment, the expandable tubular mesh structure is placed across the aneurysm, contacting the inner wall of healthy vessel proximal and distal to the aneurysm.

1 - 32 . (canceled)  
   
   
       33 . A method for filling an aneurysm sac comprising, 
 placing a catheter configured to deliver a space-occupying device across an aneurysm cavity,    placing an expandable structure across the aneurysm cavity, wherein the space-occupying device is outside the catheter during the placing the expandable structure, and    filling the aneurysm sac with the space-occupying device.    
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein filling comprises placing the catheter into the aneurysm sac.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein filling further comprises inflating a balloon on the catheter after the catheter is placed across the aneurysm cavity.  
   
   
       36 . (canceled)  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein delivering the space-occupying device comprises pushing the space-occupying device along the catheter with a plunger.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the space-occupying device comprises a sponge.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein filling comprises placing the catheter into the aneurysm sac.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein filling further comprises inflating a balloon on the catheter after the catheter is placed across the aneurysm cavity.  
   
   
       41 . (canceled)  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein delivering the device comprises pushing the device along the catheter with a plunger.  
   
   
       43 . A method for filling an aneurysm cavity with a graft comprising an implant balloon, the method comprising, 
 positioning the graft at the aneurysm, wherein the graft is loaded radially outside a catheter, and wherein a first end of the graft is longitudinally concurrent with the catheter and wherein a second end of the graft is longitudinally concurrent with the catheter;    inflating the implant balloon, and    detaching and removing the catheter from the graft.    
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with an epoxy.  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with silicone.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with urethane.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with albumin.  
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with collagen.  
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with gelatin glue.  
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with saline.  
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with a contrast agent.  
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with a biocompatible oil.  
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with a biocompatible adhesive.  
   
   
       54 . The method of  claim 43 , wherein inflating the balloon comprises inflating with a UV-curable adhesive.  
   
   
       55 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the expandable structure comprises the space-occupying device.  
   
   
       56 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the space-occupying device comprises the balloon.  
   
   
       57 . A method for filling an aneurysm sac comprising, 
 placing a catheter across an aneurysm cavity,    placing an expandable structure across the aneurysm cavity, and    filling the aneurysm sac with the space-occupying device:    wherein a space-occupying device is outside the catheter before the filling the aneurysm sac and after placing the expandable structure.    
   
   
       58 . A method for filling an aneurysm sac comprising, 
 placing a catheter across an aneurysm cavity,    placing an expandable structure across the aneurysm cavity, wherein the space-occupying device is radially outside the catheter during the placing the expandable structure, and    filling the aneurysm sac with the space-occupying device.    
   
   
       59 . A method for filling an aneurysm cavity with a graft comprising an implant balloon, the method comprising, 
 positioning the graft at the aneurysm, wherein the graft is loaded radially outside and substantially longitudinally concurrent with a catheter,    inflating the implant balloon, and    detaching and removing the catheter from the graft.