BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of endovascular stent graft extraction, and more particularly to devices and methods for atraumatic stent grant extraction.

An endovascular stent graft may be used for a variety of conditions involving the blood vessels, but most commonly to reinforce a weak spot in an artery called an aneurysm. Over time, blood pressure and other factors can cause this weak area to bulge and eventually enlarge and rupture. A stent graft is implanted to tightly seal with the artery above and below the aneurysm. The graft is stronger than the weakened artery and allows blood to pass through it without pushing on the bulge.

Occasionally, extraction of the stent graft is necessary due to infection or failure of the original implant to perform as intended. Because the stent graft typically includes prongs which engage with the vessel wall, extraction of the device can cause significant damage to the tissue to which it is engaged. Stent graft explant is known to be associated with high morbidity, caused by a confluence of factors. Damage caused to the vessel wall during the extraction process is one factor that contributes to the high morbidity.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that promotes atraumatic removal of a stent graft from a vessel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At least one embodiment relates to a device for extracting an endovascular stent graft from a vessel. The device includes a cylindrical body and an opening formed in the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a first open end, a second open end, and a sidewall surrounding a hollow bore of the cylindrical body. The opening is formed in the sidewall between the first open end and the second open end forming a first ring portion at the first open end and a second ring portion at the second open end. Additionally, a thickness of the sidewall at the first open end tapers toward the opening and wherein a thickness of the sidewall at the second open end tapers toward the opening such that the hollow bore is narrower at each end than at the opening.

Another embodiment relates to a method for extracting an endovascular stent graft from a vessel. The method includes the steps of inserting an extraction device into the vessel. The extraction device including a cylindrical body and an opening formed in the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a first open end, a second open end, and a sidewall surrounding a hollow bore of the cylindrical body. The opening is formed in the sidewall between the first open end and the second open end forming a first ring portion at the first open end and a second ring portion at the second open end. Additionally, a thickness of the sidewall at the first open end tapers toward the opening and wherein a thickness of the sidewall at the second open end tapers toward the opening such that the hollow bore is narrower at each end than at the opening. The method further includes sliding the extraction device over the stent graft such that the first open end slides between a vessel wall and the stent graft to compress the stent graft within the first ring portion, continue sliding the extraction device over the stent graft until the extraction device causes a prong of the stent graft to release from the vessel wall, and removing at least one of the stent graft and the extraction device from the vessel while the sidewall is located at least partially between the stent graft and the vessel wall.

This summary is illustrative only and should not be regarded as limiting.

