Device and method for the endovascular treatment of aneurysms

Abstract

This invention provides a method and a device for treating hemodynamically significant aneurysms especially in the intracranial and extracranial circulation regions using either X-ray fluoroscopy or real-time magnetic resonance (MR) imaging guidance. An MR-visible parachute-shaped occlusion device, e.g., containing multiple elongated filamentary loops made of a memory metal, elastomeric hydrogel or other expansile material, is deployed into the aneurysm by radial expansion of the expansile material outwardly into contact with the interior aneurysm surface. The device is firmly positioned against the interior aneurysm surface using a coating which adheres to that interior aneurysm surface. The device may be filled with a hardenable polymer for permanent and complete aneurysm occlusion. Wide-neck aneurysms may be treated with the same device, with the addition of a temporary balloon expanded in the parent vessel to allow expansion of the occluding device within the aneurysm, instillation of the polymer into the device, and detachment of the device from the transporting catheter. Detachment of the aneurysm occlusion device from a transport catheter is achieved by mechanical, electrical and/or chemical decoupling. A coating applied to the surface of the parachute device may induce thrombotic occlusion of the aneurysm by timed delivery of biologic modifier drugs which promote collagen formation, fibroblast growth, and endothelial ingrowth within the aneurysm. The catheter systems may have attached microcoils or may be impregnated with MR-visible agents to permit visualization in MR imaging systems.