METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF VASCULAR DEFECTS
An expandable support structure and methods of use for treatment of a patient's cerebral aneurysm are described. The support structure includes a fixed diameter ring and a plurality of elongate support members that are everted. The ring is secured to the plurality of elongate support members at a first end of the support structure. The support structure has a low profile, radially constrained state with an elongated tubular configuration having a low profile suitable for delivery from a microcatheter. The support structure also has an expanded relaxed state that defines a substantially globular hollow shape.
1 . An expandable support structure for treatment of a cerebral aneurysm, comprising:
a fixed diameter ring;
a plurality of elongate support members, wherein the plurality of elongate support members are everted, and
wherein the support structure has a first end, a second end, a middle portion, and a longitudinal axis,
wherein the ring is secured to the plurality of elongate support members at the first end of the support structure and defines an axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the support structure,
wherein the support structure has a low profile, radially constrained state with an elongated tubular configuration having a transverse dimension, the radially constrained state having a low profile suitable for delivery from a microcatheter, and
wherein the support structure also has an expanded relaxed state that defines a substantially globular hollow shape.
2 . The expandable support structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of elongate support members are a plurality of wires.
3 . The expandable support structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of elongate support members are a plurality of struts.
4 . The expandable support structure of claim 1 , wherein the elongate support members have a transverse dimension of about 0.001 inches to about 0.015 inches.
5 . The expandable structure of claim 1 , wherein the elongate support members comprise a superelastic alloy.
6 . The expandable structure of claim 1 , wherein the elongate support members comprise a shape memory metal.
7 . The expandable structure of claim 1 , wherein the elongate support members comprise a nickel titanium alloy.
8 . The expandable structure of claim 1 , wherein the transverse dimension of the radially constrained state is about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm.
9 . The expandable structure of claim 1 , wherein the transverse dimension of the expanded relaxed state is about 4 mm to about 30 mm.
10 . A method of treating a cerebral aneurysm, comprising the steps of:
providing an expandable support structure having a first end, a second end, a middle portion, and a longitudinal axis, the support structure comprising:
a fixed diameter ring;
a plurality of elongate support members, wherein the plurality of elongate support members are everted,
wherein the ring is secured to the plurality of elongate support members at the first end of the support structure and the ring defines an axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the support structure,
wherein the support structure has a low profile, radially constrained state with an elongated tubular configuration having a transverse dimension with a low profile suitable for delivery from a microcatheter, and
wherein the support structure also has an expanded relaxed state that defines a substantially globular shape;
advancing the support structure in the radially constrained state within a microcatheter to a region of interest within a cerebral artery; and
deploying the support structure within the cerebral aneurysm, wherein the support structure expands to the expanded relaxed state within the cerebral aneurysm.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the support structure, when in the expanded relaxed state, defines a substantially globular, hollow shape.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of elongate support members are a plurality of wires.
13 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of elongate support members are a plurality of struts.
14 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the elongate support members have a transverse dimension of about 0.001 inches to about 0.015 inches.
15 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the elongate support members comprise a superelastic alloy.
16 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the elongate support members comprise a shape memory metal.
17 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the elongate support members comprise a nickel titanium alloy.
18 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the transverse dimension of the radially constrained state is about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm.
19 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the transverse dimension of the expanded relaxed state is about 4 mm to about 30 mm.