Method and apparatus for minimally invasive treatment of chronic venous insufficiency
US5609598A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/122
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is embodied in an appliance or a prosthesis and a delivery catheter for use in a vein for minimally invasive treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. The system and method of the invention eliminate the need for open surgical valve repair procedures, obviate the need for arm vein transplantation into the leg, and allow patients to return to their former active lifestyles without the limitations currently associated with the treatment of this condition. An incompetent valve to be repaired is identified by injected contrast through the delivery catheter or similar means and the catheter is positioned at that valve, a clip appliance or similar prosthesis is deployed from the catheter and affixed to the valve. Next, the delivery catheter is repositioned and appliances or prostheses are deployed on sequentially lower valves until all desired valves are repaired and functionally competent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.