Percutaneous implantation of partially covered stents in aneurysmally dilated arterial segments with subsequent embolization and obliteration of the aneurysm cavity

Abstract

A low profile, abdominal aortic aneurysm exclusion device with iliac vessel extensions. A sectional, bifurcated stent forms part of an endoluminal prosthesis to eliminate or reduce the risk of rupture of aortic aneurysms. An apparatus and a method for introducing the bifurcated stent in sections into the vasculature and assembling the sections in situ to form a “scaffold” for introduction of material to re-endothelialize and/or occlude the aneurysm cavity. After trans-stent embolization of the aneurysm cavity with thrombogenic material, laminar flow stimulates endothelialization of the stent lumen. Subsequent organization and fibrosis of the persistent thrombus reinforces the wire-mesh or etched metal tubular scaffold comprising the stent and serves to stabilize and shrink the aneurysm. A single stent deployed with the same method may be used in non-bifurcated vessels.