Intravascular device and method for axially stretching blood vessels
US7018402B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 5, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2/885
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Intravascular devices and methods are provided for forming a vascular graft by axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth. These devices advantageously can be implanted via a catheter, thereby eliminating the need for a more invasive implantation procedure when the stretching is to be done in vivo. Preferably, the device for axially distending a blood vessel to induce growth of the vessel includes an intravascular stretching mechanism attachable directly to an interior lumen portion of the blood vessel, and a means for operating the stretching mechanism to cause the vessel to distend axially. The stretching mechanism can include a pair of wires or stents that engage the blood vessel wall. Components of the stretching mechanism can include a shape memory material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.