Patent ID: 7156871
Filing Date: 2007-01-02
Classification: A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of treating an aneurysm comprising: providing an expandable covered stent including a skeletal tubular member having a covering disposed onto the skeletal tubular member, said covering formed of a material which normally dissolves when in contact with blood; inserting said covered stent into a blood vessel of a patient; advancing said covered stent until the covering of the stent is aligned with and is adjacent to a neck of an aneurysm in the blood vessel; expanding said skeletal tubular member so that a portion of said covering extends across the neck of the aneurysm; and, applying an activating agent to said portion of said covering to cause said portion of said covering to stabilize to thereby prevent it from dissolving when in contact with blood to thereby provide a seal across the neck of the aneurysm; and, permitting the balance of the covering to dissolve while in contact with blood in order to permit blood to flow into adjacent blood vessels.