Temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent and superficial vein treatment method
A temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent for use in a varicose vein treatment method includes a stent body, a bio-absorbable material associated with the body, and a closure for blocking blood flow past the stent when implanted in a vein. The stent produces localized blood clotting, fibrosis and vein collapse as it is absorbed. A permanent blockage is produced that prevents the undesirable back flow of blood from above the blockage site, thereby reducing distension of a varicose vein below the blockage site.
1 . A temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent, comprising:
a stent body;
a bio-absorbable material associated with said body; and
closure means for blocking blood flow past said stent when implanted in a vein.
2 . A stent in accordance with claim 1 wherein said stent body is generally tubular.
3 . A stent in accordance with claim 1 wherein said stent body is generally cylindrical.
4 . A stent in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bio-absorbable material is provided by a material used to form said stent body.
5 . A stent in accordance with claim 1 wherein said bio-absorbable material comprises polylactic acid.
6 . A stent in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure means comprises a drawstring closure system at one end of said stent body.
7 . A stent in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure means comprises a drawstring closure system having a pair of drawstring ends.
8 . A stent in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure means comprises a closed end wall associated with said body.
9 . A stent in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure means comprises a closed end wall mounted on said body.
10 . A stent in accordance with claim 1 wherein said closure means is provided by said stent body having a generally solid interior portion.
11 . A method for treating a varicose vein, comprising:
introducing a temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent to an implantation site proximate to or above a varicose vein to be treated, said stent comprising:
a stent body;
a bio-absorbable material associated with said body; and
closure means for blocking blood flow past said stent when implanted in a vein;
deploying said stent against a vein wall at said implantation site so as to block blood flow past said stent; and
allowing said stent to form a blockage at said implantation site as said stent is absorbed.
12 . A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said stent is introduced via a deep venous system approach.
13 . A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said stent is introduced via cephalic vein approach.
14 . A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said stent is introduced via a superficial venous system approach.
15 . A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said stent is introduced via a sheath introducer.
16 . A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said stent is introduced via a sheath introducer and a guide wire.
17 . A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said stent is introduced by way of magnetic guidance.
18 . A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said stent is deployed using a balloon catheter.
19 . A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said stent is deployed using a balloon catheter and manipulation of said closure means.
20 . A temporary absorbable venous occlusive stent, comprising:
a stent body comprising a bio-absorbable material; and
a closure configuration associated with said stent body for blocking blood flow past said stent when implanted in a vein.