Intravascular Device with Netting System

Abstract

An intravascular device for keeping open a previously constricted site within a vessel and for minimizing tissue debris at such a site from closing off the vessel is provided. The device includes an expandable substantially tubular body defined by a framework having a plurality of openings. The device also includes a flexible netting system having a structural design for extending across each of the openings. Such a design allows the netting system to expand along with each opening in the framework to minimize release of tissues debris at the site from closing the lumen of the vessel. The netting system can include a plurality of pores to permit communication between fluid flow within the vessel and the vessel wall, and at least one pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment or prevention of certain conditions. A method for placing the device at a site of interest is also provided.

1 . An intravascular device for maintaining an open lumen within a vessel, the device comprising:
 (a) an expandable substantially tubular body for placement against a vessel wall, the body being defined by a framework having a plurality of openings; and   (b) a flexible netting system having a structural design for extending across each of the openings, such that the netting system can expand along with each opening in the framework to minimize occurrence of thrombus formation and tissues debris from closing the lumen of the vessel.   
     
     
         2 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the framework is substantially rigid to provide structural support within the vessel. 
     
     
         3 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the netting system includes a plurality of pores therethroughout to permit communication between fluid flow within the vessel and the vessel wall. 
     
     
         4 . A device as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the pores range in size from about 1/1000 to 1/10 the size of perforations of a framework. 
     
     
         5 . A device as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein the pores range in size from about 0.1 μm to about 100 μm. 
     
     
         6 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the netting system includes a pharmacotherapeutic agent. 
     
     
         7 . A device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the pharmacotherapeutic agent includes at least one of an immunosuppressant, an antibiotic, a cell cycle inhibitor, an anti-inflammatory, an anticoagulant, an antiallergenic, and a gene therapy and a ceramide therapy compound. 
     
     
         8 . A device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the netting system provides additional surface area from which the pharmacotherapeutic agent can be eluted. 
     
     
         9 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the structural design provides the netting system with sufficient strength to permit retention of tissue debris between the netting system and the vessel wall. 
     
     
         10 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the structural design minimizes radial extension of the netting system into the lumen of the vessel to permit about 75% to about 80% of the lumen remain open. 
     
     
         11 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the netting system includes a plurality of extensible panels, each designed to be securely situated within an opening of the matrix. 
     
     
         12 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the netting system includes a mesh disposed on a substantially flexible matrix, such that the mesh can be placed circumferentially about the framework of the body. 
     
     
         13 . A device as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the netting system is loosely attached to the framework of the body to allow the netting system to remain with the framework during placement of the intravascular device. 
     
     
         14 . A device as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the flexible matrix has sufficient strength to permit the netting system to keep the lumen of the vessel temporarily open until expansion of the framework of the body. 
     
     
         15 . A device as set forth in  claim 1 , further including an expandable substantially tubular framework concentrically positioned within the tubular body. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method for placement of an intravascular device within a vessel, the method comprising:
 providing a device having an expandable substantially tubular body defined by a framework having a plurality of openings, and a mesh disposed on a substantially flexible matrix loosely positioned circumferentially about the framework;   advancing the device along a lumen of the vessel to a site of interest;   expanding the framework at the site of interest to allow the lumen of the vessel to remain open; and   allowing the mesh on the flexible matrix to be secured between the framework and a vessel wall.   
     
     
         21 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein the step of providing includes supplying the mesh with at least one pharmacotherapeutic agent. 
     
     
         22 . A method as set forth in  claim 21 , further including permitting the pharmacotherapeutic agent to be eluted from the mesh to a vessel wall. 
     
     
         23 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , further including permitting the netting panels to retain tissue debris between the mesh and a vessel wall. 
     
     
         24 . A method as set forth in  claim 20 , wherein prior to expanding the framework the method includes expanding the flexible matrix on which the mesh is disposed. 
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . (canceled) 
     
     
         29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . (canceled)