METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASOUND-GUIDED DELIVERY OF VASCULAR DEVICES

摘要

Delivery devices and vascular devices are described for addressing a target site within a body lumen. The delivery device includes one or more ultrasound transducers positioned to transmit and receive ultrasound signals so as to provide an image of an interior of the patient's blood vessel within which the vascular device is disposed in real time, as the procedure is taking place. Using the images provided by the ultrasound transducers, the longitudinal and rotational position of the delivery device (and the vascular device constrained therein) may be adjusted to align the vascular device with the patient's vasculature. In some examples, the vascular device being delivered includes fenestrations, whereas in others the vascular device integral branch grafts.

主权项

1. A delivery device for delivering a vascular device to a target site within a body lumen comprising:
an outer sheath defining a first lumen, wherein the outer sheath defines a distal end thereof, and wherein the first lumen is configured to receive a vascular device therein; a leading member configured to be disposed proximate the distal end of the outer sheath and to be engaged with the outer sheath when the delivery device is in a delivery configuration; and at least a first ultrasound transducer and a second ultrasound transducer, the first ultrasound transducer being disposed proximate the distal end of the outer sheath and the second ultrasound transducer being disposed proximate a distal tip of the leading member, wherein each ultrasound transducer is disposed proximate an outer surface of the leading member for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals so as to provide at least first and second images of an interior of the patient's blood vessel, such that a longitudinal position and a rotational position of the vascular device with respect to the patient's blood vessel and surrounding anatomical structures may be determined and adjusted through manipulation of the delivery device based on the images provided.