Abstract:
An embolism deflection device and method for preventing embolization during a surgical procedure include a dome-shaped deflector, a catheter coupled to the deflector, and a delivery sheath. The deflector includes a frame and porous cover, the cover permitting blood flow therethrough while blocking emboli. The deflection device is deployable from a branch vessel to cover an ostium of the branch vessel to block emboli from a main vessel from entering the branch vessel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/518,865, filed Sep. 11, 2006, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,460,335 on Jun. 11, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Endovascular procedures are being used more and more frequently to treat various cardiac and vascular surgical problems. Blocked arteries can be treated with angioplasty, endarterectomy, and/or stenting, using minimally invasive endovascular approaches. Aneurysms can be repaired by endovascular techniques. Another use for endovascular surgery is the treatment of cardiac valvular disease. Valvuloplasties are already being done endovascularly and percutaneous valve replacement will surely follow, as it has already been tested in Europe. A major problem which is common to all these endovascular manipulations is that plaque found in the diseased vessels and valves can be dislodged and result in embolization. A major drawback to endovascular treatment of cardiac valves and arteries in the heart or thoracic aorta is that the dislodged debris can embolize into the carotid vessels resulting in catastrophic consequences such as stroke or even death. Attempts have been made to protect the cerebral vasculature with filters and other devices, but the inadequacy of the present art is obvious in the fact that these devices are rarely used. The plethora of pending patent applications for such protection devices suggests both the inadequacy of the present art and the need for improved devices. 
         [0003]    The majority of devices described are filters. The problems with filters include difficulty in placement and retrieval as well as the possibility that a filter will fill abruptly causing blockage of the artery prior to removal of the filter. Cerebral protection requires placement of filters in the carotid arteries, which has the additional drawback of manipulation of the carotid vessels during filter placement while the cerebral vasculature is still unprotected. The risk of stroke for a carotid arteriogram done by cannulation of the carotid artery is 1% compared to an arteriogram done from injection into the aorta without selective cannulation which carries minimal risk. The risk of cannulating a carotid artery, navigating a catheter containing a filter into position, and deploying the filter would likely carry an even higher stroke risk. Patients requiring cardiac or aortic arch procedures are high risk candidates for having carotid disease. The chance of causing a stroke by the placement of the protective device into both carotid arteries makes the risk of using these devices prohibitive. The time and skill necessary to selectively cannulate both carotid arteries for filter placement has also contributed to the decision not to use them despite the stroke risk of unprotected cardiac and aortic arch procedures. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention comprises a deflector umbrella. In use, the invention is placed into the aortic arch by the Seldinger technique, preferably through the right arm but it may also be placed via the femoral artery. It is deployed in the aortic arch, where the umbrella is opened and pulled back into position to cover the ostia of both the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  depicts brachial artery insertion of the deflector of the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  depicts femoral artery insertion of the deflector of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIGS. 3A-E  depict the preferred method of deployment of the deflector of the present invention through the patient&#39;s right arm, thus allowing the deflector to be pulled back against the aortic wall to place it. 
           [0008]      FIGS. 4A-F  depict an alternative method of deployment of the deflector of the present invention through the femoral artery wherein the deflector is pushed against the aortic wall over the brachiocephalic and left common carotid openings. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  depicts the deflector of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The deflector (“umbrella”) of the present invention is positioned prior to any manipulation of the heart or thoracic aorta. It is simple to place and carries only the risk of catheterizing the aorta through the arm or leg, which is minimal. The umbrella is opened in the thoracic aorta and positioned to cover the ostia of both the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries. This position prevents clots or debris from entering the cerebral circulation through either the right or left carotid arteries with one simple device. Any debris from the cardiac or aortic procedure is deflected downstream. After the procedure is complete, the umbrella is inverted by means of a sheath extended over the catheter wire, which then wholly or partially covers the inverted umbrella prior to withdrawal. Should any clot or debris be attached to the outer side of the umbrella, it will be captured in the inverted umbrella and withdrawn. A major advantage of the device is that one size fits all, so it can be kept available in stock. 
         [0011]    The umbrella is preferably dome-shaped with an adequate diameter to cover the ostia of both the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries, made of a material with pores or similar openings or permeability to allow the flow of blood into the cerebral circulation, but able to deflect or trap particles of a size which could cause a stroke (as depicted in  FIG. 5 .) The edge of the umbrella is preferably a flexible, porous donut shape, similar to the edge of a vaginal diaphragm, allowing a good seal with the curved aortic wall. The edge will preferably contain a nitinol wire ring. The dome part of the umbrella preferably has struts or ribs to assist in the opening and closing of the umbrella and to help maintain its position. The center of the umbrella preferably has a knob or similar projection on the inside surface to which the struts are attached. The deflector is pushed out of the delivery catheter with a tube which engages this knob. This knob helps with the opening of the umbrella. The knob remains attached to the umbrella “handle”, and the guide wire used to pull the umbrella into position. The device may also be made to open as a result of its construction material, for example, nitinol or polymer, elastically resuming its shape after being released from its sheath. 
         [0012]    When the umbrella is to be closed, a tube or sheath of larger diameter than the knob is extended over the guide wire until it engages the knob. The umbrella is pulled back so that it inverts and is enclosed in the tube for removal. Inverting the device assures that no trapped particles escape into the bloodstream. The device is preferably constructed of polymer, fabric, metal, or a combination of these materials. The device may also optionally be equipped with radio-opaque markers or other structural parts which are radio-opaque for aid in placement guidance. 
         [0013]    Another embodiment of the device has a rolled edge. 
         [0014]    The device may also have a flat porous edge. 
         [0015]    Another embodiment of the device has no struts, but instead has a nitinol skeleton. 
         [0016]    Another embodiment has multiple wires to position and anchor the device. 
         [0017]    Another embodiment of the device has anchors at the edges which help to maintain its position during the procedure. 
         [0018]    Another embodiment of the device is parachute-like, with a ring gasket at its edge. The gasket would be held firmly in position over the ostia of the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries. The billowy porous middle section would deflect or trap clot and debris on its exterior surface while causing minimal resistance in the aorta. The middle portion would be inverted as it is removed by pulling on wires attached to its center, capturing any clot stuck to it. 
         [0019]    Alternatively, the center of the device may comprise a screen, which fits more snugly against the aortic wall, with a very small profile, further preventing resistance to downstream aortic bloodflow. Again the device would be removed by inversion, capturing any debris stuck to it prior to removal. 
         [0020]    The device may be round, oval or rectangular or of another shape to assist in sealing of the edge against the wall of the aorta, covering the ostia of both the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries and maintaining a low profile within the lumen of the aorta. 
         [0021]    This device could be modified in size in another embodiment in order to be used to cover the ostia of different vessels. 
         [0022]    The device may be coated with something which prevents clots (e.g., heparin). 
         [0023]    The device may be deployed through an artery of the arm, or through the femoral artery. The preferred method would be through the right arm, if possible, as this would allow the device to be pulled back against the aortic wall to place it ( FIG. 3 ). 
         [0024]    When deployed through the femoral artery ( FIG. 4 ), the opening of the umbrella would be different and the umbrella would be pushed against the aortic wall over the brachiocephalic and left common carotid openings rather than being pulled back. A wire would be cannulated into the brachiocephalic artery in this case to ensure correct positioning of the device. The device would be modified to allow this method of delivery and positioning. In this embodiment, the knob would be on the outside of the umbrella and the handle would be a firm catheter to allow pushing. In this case, retrieval of the device would involve inversion and closing of the “umbrella” by drawstring or another method. 
       Brachial Artery Insertion of the Device 
       [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the deflector is delivered via percutaneous insertion into the right brachial artery and is guided into the aortic arch. There it is deployed and then pulled back into position to cover the ostia of the innominate and left common carotid arteries. The device deflects embolic debris during aortic and cardiac procedures, allowing the flow of blood through into the cerebral circulation (carotid arteries) but not permitting the passage of particulate debris. 
       Femoral Artery Insertion of the Device 
       [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the deflector is delivered via percutaneous insertion into the femoral artery and is guided into the aortic arch. After catheterization of the innominate artery, the device is passed over the wire and brought into position covering the ostia of the innominate and left common carotid arteries. 
       Deployment of the Device via Arm Approach 
       [0027]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-E , percutaneous access to the circulation via the right arm is performed and a wire guided into the aortic arch after exiting the innominate artery. The device is placed over the wire and guided into the aortic arch. The covering outer sheath which encapsulates the device is retracted ( FIG. 3A ), exposing the device to the aortic bloodstream. The device is then opened in the aortic arch ( FIG. 3B ). The device is pulled back into position, covering the ostia of the innominate and left common carotid artery. The device allows the passage of blood through to the carotid arteries, but deflects debris generated by aortic or cardiac surgery away from these arteries. At the completion of the debris producing concomitant procedure, the device is closed by inverting the covering cap ( FIG. 3D ). The device is then withdrawn into a covering sheath ( FIG. 3E ) to completely encapsulate it prior to removal from the arm access artery. Any trapped debris is enfolded within the closed cap, safely and securely within the covering sheath. 
       Deployment of the Device via Femoral Approach 
       [0028]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-F , the innominate artery is catheterized with a wire placed via femoral access. Over the wire, the device is guided into position in the aortic arch, where it is deployed by unsheathing ( FIG. 4A ). The device is then pushed over the wire into position securely covering the ostia of the innominate and left common carotid arteries ( FIG. 4B ). The device allows the passage of blood through to the carotid arteries, but deflects debris generated by aortic or cardiac surgery away from these arteries. At the completion of the debris producing concomitant procedure, the device is closed by inverting the covering cap ( FIG. 4C ), shown here by means of drawstrings. The device is then collapsed ( FIG. 4D ) and withdrawn into a covering sheath ( FIG. 4E ) to completely encapsulate it prior to removal from the femoral artery. Any trapped debris is enfolded within the closed cap, safely and securely within the covering sheath. The wire and device are then withdrawn from the femoral access. 
       Embolic Deflecting Device 
       [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the deflector of the present invention, viewed from above, is dome-shaped with an adequate diameter to cover the ostia of both the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries, made of a material with pores to allow the flow of blood, but deflect or trap particles of a size which could cause a stroke. The edge of the umbrella is a flexible, porous donut, similar to the edge of a diaphragm, allowing a good seal with the curved aortic wall. The edge will preferably contain a nitinol wire ring. The dome part of the umbrella has struts to assist in the opening and closing of the umbrella and to help maintain its position. 
         [0030]    The center of the umbrella has a knob on the inside surface to which the struts are attached. The device is pushed out of the delivery catheter with a tube which engages this knob. This knob helps with the opening of the umbrella. The knob remains attached to the umbrella “handle”, the guide wire used to pull the umbrella into position. The device may also open as a result of the material it is made of, nitinol or polymer, resuming its shape after being released from its sheath. 
         [0031]    The device is constructed of polymer, fabric, metal, or a combination of these materials. The device may be provided with radioopaque markers or metal parts which are radioopaque. 
         [0032]    Another embodiment of the device has a rolled edge. The device could also have a flat porous edge. Another embodiment of the device has no struts, but a nitinol skeleton. Another embodiment has multiple wires to position and anchor the device. Another embodiment of the device has anchors at the edges which help to maintain its position during the procedure. 
         [0033]    Another embodiment of the device is parachute-like, with a ring gasket at its edge. The gasket would be held firmly in position over the ostia of the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries. The billowy porous middle section would deflect or trap clot and debris on its exterior surface while causing minimal resistance in the aorta. The middle portion would be inverted as it is removed by pulling on wires attached to its center, capturing any clot stuck to it. Alternatively, the center of the device could be a screen, which fits more snugly against the aortic wall, with a very small profile, further preventing resistance. Again the device would be removed by inversion, capturing any clot stuck to it prior to removal. 
         [0034]    The device may be round, oval or rectangular or of another shape to assist in sealing of the edge against the wall of the aorta, covering the ostia of both the brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries and maintaining a low profile within the lumen of the aorta. This device could be modified in size in another embodiment in order to be used to cover the ostia of different vessels. The device may be coated with something which prevents clots (e.g. heparin). 
         [0035]    While the invention has been described in its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the words which have been used are words of description rather than of limitation and that changes may be made within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention in its broader aspects. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the spirit of the invention. The inventor further requires that the scope accorded the claims be in accordance with the broadest possible construction available under the law as it exists on the date of filing hereof (and of the application from which this application obtains priority, if any) and that no narrowing of the scope of the appended claims be allowed due to subsequent changes in the law, as such a narrowing would constitute an ex post facto adjudication, and a taking without due process or just compensation.