Compliant framework and methods of use
AssigneeEmbol-X, Inc.
InventorBruce Addis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An expansion mechanism which includes an elongate instrument and a plurality of struts arranged around the elongate instrument provides radial expansion of a medical device. Each strut has a first end pivotally connected to the elongate instrument and a second strut which expands radially outward. Each strut further carries a flexible line which has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each line passes beyond the second end of the strut which carries it and is attached to the strut immediately adjacent the strut which carries it. Methods of using such an expansion mechanism are also disclosed, particularly to provide deployment of medical devices within a patient's blood vascular system.
Claims10
A medical device having an expansion mechanism, comprising:
- an elongate instrument having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a plurality of struts arranged circumferentially around the elongate instrument, each strut having a first end pivotally connected to the elongate instrument and a second end which expands radially outward;
- a plurality of flexible elongate lines, one carried by each strut, each line having a proximal end and a distal end that slideably engages the second end of the strut that carries it, the distal end of each line being attached to the strut immediately adjacent the strut that carries it;
- and
- a filter mesh disposed around the distal end of the elongate instrument, the filter mesh having an edge attached circumferentially to at least one of the plurality of struts,
- wherein distal advancement of the plurality of flexible elongate lines effects expansion of the struts, which in turn expands the filter mesh.
A method for protecting a patient against embolization, comprising the steps of:
- providing a medical device comprising an elongate instrument having an expansion frame comprising a plurality of struts arranged circumferentially around the instrument, each strut having an end which pivots away from the instrument, and a plurality of flexible lines, one carried by each strut, each line having a proximal end and a distal end which slideably engages the end of the strut which carries it, the distal end of each line being attached to the strut immediately adjacent the strut which carries it, the elongate instrument further including a filter mesh disposed about the expansion frame;
- inserting the medical device into the patient;
- pushing the flexible lines distally to expand the filter;
- pulling the flexible lines proximally to contract the filter;
- and
- removing the medical device from the patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.