EXTRA-VASCULAR WRAPPING FOR TREATING ENDOLEAK

Abstract

A method is provided that includes identifying an aortic endoleak in a human subject implanted with an endovascular stent-graft in an aneurysmatic aorta. An extra-vascular ring is positioned at least partially encircling a segment of the aneurysmatic aorta in which the endovascular stent-graft has been implanted.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally pertains to an extra-vascular wrapping in the vicinity of the aneurysm neck and specifically the renal arteries for allowing the performance of endovascular aneurysm repair—EVAR—on patients either with aneurysms close to the renal arteries or with type I endoleaks, and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

U.S. patent application 61/014,031 to the inventor is incorporated hereby by reference in its entirety.

An aneurysm is a localized, blood-filled dilation (bulge) of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall. Left untreated, the aneurysm will frequently rupture, resulting in loss of blood through the rupture and death.

Aneurysms may involve arteries or veins and have various causes. They are commonly further classified by shape, structure and location. Aortic aneurysms are the most common form of arterial aneurysm and are life threatening. The aorta is the main artery which supplies blood to the circulatory system. The aorta arises from the left ventricle of the heart, passes upward and bends over behind the heart, and passes down through the thorax and abdomen. Among other arterial vessels branching off the aorta along its path, the abdominal aorta supplies two side vessels to the kidneys, the renal arteries. Below the level of the renal arteries, the abdominal aorta continues to about the level of the fourth lumbar vertebrae (or the navel), where it divides into the iliac arteries. The iliac arteries, in turn, supply blood to the lower extremities and perineal region.

It is common for an aortic aneurysm to occur in that portion of the abdominal aorta between the renal arteries and the iliac arteries. This portion of the abdominal aorta is particularly susceptible to weakening, resulting in an aortic aneurysm. Such an aneurysm is often located near the iliac arteries. An aortic aneurysm larger than about 5 cm in diameter in this section of the aorta is ominous. Left untreated, the aneurysm may rupture, resulting in rapid, and usually fatal, hemorrhaging. Typically, a surgical procedure is not performed on aneurysms smaller than 5 cm because no statistically demonstrated benefit exists in performing such procedures.

Aneurysms in the abdominal aorta are associated with a particularly high mortality rate; accordingly, current medical standards call for urgent operative repair when aneurysm diameter is larger than 5 cm. Abdominal surgery, however, results in substantial stress to the body. Although the mortality rate for an aortic aneurysm is extremely high, there is also considerable mortality and morbidity associated with open surgical intervention to repair an aortic aneurysm. Repair of an aortic aneurysm by surgical means is a major operative procedure. Substantial morbidity accompanies the procedure, resulting in a protracted recovery period. Further, the procedure entails a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality, mostly due to the cardiopulmonary bypass employed in such a procedure.

Therefore, less invasive methods have been introduced to attempt to treat an aortic aneurysm without the attendant risks of intra-abdominal surgery. Among them are inventions such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,596 which discloses an aortic graft constructed for intraluminal insertion; U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,899 teaches an intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a plurality of staples adapted proximate its proximal end. The system includes a guide for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,707 which presents a stapler, adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel and moved to a desired position therealong, and having a selectively-articulatable distal marginal end portion used to staple a graft to the interior wall of the blood vessel.

Hence, although in recent years certain techniques have been developed that may reduce the stress, morbidity, and risk of mortality associated with surgical intervention to repair aortic aneurysms, none of the systems that have been developed effectively treat the aneurysm and exclude the affected section of aorta from the pressures and stresses associated with circulation. None of the devices disclosed in the references provide a reliable and quick means to reinforce an aneurysmal artery. In addition, all of the prior references require a sufficiently large section of healthy aorta surrounding the aneurysm to ensure attachment of the graft. The neck of the aorta at the cephalad end (i.e., above the aneurysm) is usually sufficient to maintain a graft's attachment means. However, when an aneurysm is located near the iliac arteries, there may be an ill-defined neck or no neck below the aneurysm. Such an ill-defined neck would have an insufficient amount of healthy aortic tissue to which to successfully mount a graft. Furthermore, much of the abdominal aorta wall may be calcified which may make it extremely difficult to attach the graft to the wall.

Shortcomings of the presently available endovascular stent-graft products include endoleaks, anatomic variability, anatomic non-conformity, migration/ dislocation, discontinuities of endoluminal profile and thrombogenicity.

Endoleaks are caused by passage of blood into the aneurismal space subsequent to stent-graft placement. Research has exposed yet another problem which indicates that the necks of the post-surgical aorta increase in size for approximately twelve months, regardless of whether the aneurysm experiences dimensional change. This phenomenon can result in perigraft leaks and graft migration. Anatomic variability: although sizing of “tube” or “bifurcated” grafts is radiographically assessed prior to surgery, it is necessary for the surgeon to have a large selection of graft lengths and diameters on hand to ensure an appropriate surgical outcome. Anatomic non-conformity: placement of a circularly-profiled graft with an associated fixation device within an essentially “ovoid”-profiled vessel. Migration/dislocation also caused due to the use of attachment means which fasten only to the insubstantial, structurally compromised (diseased) intima and media levels of the vessel wall. Discontinuities of endoluminal profile are potential contributors to hemodynamic disturbances that might lead to non laminar, or even turbulent flow regimen. This in turn can contribute to increased clot formation. Thrombogenicity: manufactured of synthetic polymers, contemporary vascular liners present a luminal surface that is typically far more thrombogenic than the native arterial intimal tissue such devices cover Unfavorable anatomy relating to the neck of the aneurysm is the most common reason for patients being rejected for EVAR. Short or absent infrarenal neck, large aortic diameters, and excessive angulation at this level are the main problems.

Furthermore, progressive expansion of the aneurysm sac associated with type I endoleak can lead to compromise of seal at the neck and is the principal indication for secondary intervention for this condition.

Means and method for repairing aortic aneurysms, especially an implementable kit and methods thereof useful for treating an aneurysmatic abdominal aorta, avoiding the dislocation of the implanted kit along the aorta, are still a long felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the invention to disclose an implantable kit for treating an aneurysmatic abdominal aorta of a human subject. The kit comprises an endovascular stent-graft (ESG) and an extra-vascular wrapping (EVW). The ESG comprises a structural member (ESG-SM) adjustable between a radially-expanded state and a radially-compressed state; and, a fluid flow guide (FFG) formed of textile strands, substantially impervious to fluids and adjustable between an expanded state and a radially-compressed state; the FFG including a proximal region along which the fluid flow guide is tubular to provide a primary conduit; the FFG being disposed adjacent to the ESG-SM and being securably attached thereto. The EVW is having at least one structural member (EVW-SM), e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12, etc, capable of reversibly interchanging between (i) a generally cylindrical expanded state characterized by an inner diameter and a length in the direction of the aorta suitable for surrounding at least an effective portion of the implanted ESG; and (ii) a deformed state suitable for laparoscopic delivery of the EVW from a location outside of the subject's body to a location around the aorta, and vice versa.

It is in the scope of the invention wherein the EVW further comprises at least one medical textile member (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12 etc) adapted to at least partially encircle a segment of the aneurysmatic aorta in proximity to the renal arteries. the medical textile member being disposed adjacent to the EVW-SM and being securably attached thereto.

It is further in the scope of the invention wherein the EVW is adapted by means of size and shape to wrap the aorta in a non-continuous manner.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the deformed state of the. EVW-SM comprises at least one of the following characteristics: (i) longitudinal deformability, adapted to reduce the length in the direction of the aorta and hence allow insertion of the EVW into a laparoscopic channel; and, (ii) circular-to-linear deformability, adapted to convert the generally cylindrical to a generally linear configuration, so as to provide the EVW to be pushed through a generally straight laparoscopic channel.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a secured implantable kit for treating an aneurysmatic abdominal aorta of a human subject, comprises at least two attachable elements: an ESG and an EVW. The ESG comprises (i) a structural member (ESG-SM) adjustable between a radially-expanded state and a radially-compressed state; and, (ii) a fluid flow guide (FFG) formed of textile strands, substantially impervious to fluids and adjustable between an expanded state and a radially-compressed state; the FFG including a proximal region along which the fluid flow guide is tubular to provide a primary conduit; the FFG being disposed adjacent to the ESG-SM and being securably attached thereto. The EVW is having at least one structural member (EVW-SM) e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12 etc, capable of reversibly interchanging between (i) a generally cylindrical expanded state characterized by an inner diameter and a length in the direction of the aorta suitable for surrounding at least an effective portion of the implanted ESG; and (ii) a deformed state suitable for laparoscopic delivery of the EVW from a location outside of the subject's body to a location around the aorta, and vice versa. The EVW-SM and either the ESG-SM or FFG are in attachment therebetween so that dislocation of the implanted kit along the aorta is avoided

It is in the scope of the invention wherein the attachment comprises reversible attachment.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the EVW additionally comprises a plurality of fastening means, adapted to secure the EVW over the aneurysmatic aorta.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the fastening means are selected from a group consisting of threads, screws, hooks, zips, fasteners, clips, flaps, claspers, springs, claspers, staplers, grips, zippers, hooks and corresponding eyes, hook and loop reclosable fastener squares, hook and loop reclosable fastener strips, hook and loop reclosable fastener dots, hooks-and-loops, e.g., Velcro™-type fasteners, straps, holes and string, sutures, wires, cables, tabs, poppers, nails, buttons and corresponding button holes, press buttons brackets, glues, adhesives, or any combination thereof.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the attachment is provided by a means of one or more physical members (e.g. utilizing hooks, pins etc) connecting directly between the ESG and the EVW.

It is in the scope of the invention wherein the EVW-SM and ESG-SM are adapted by means of size and shape to be interlocked therebetween (e.g., providing the elements as two adjacent pieces of a puzzle).

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the medical textile member of EVW comprises at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12 etc) internal macroporous layer and at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12 etc) external microporous layer.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the internal macroporous layer is adapted by means of size and shape to be positioned directly over the aneurysmatic abdominal aorta, and comprises voids dimensioned to allow free tissue ingrowth therethrough.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the internal macroporous layer is a polymer mesh characterized by a pores ranging in dimension from about 100 μm to about 2 mm.

It is in the scope of the invention wherein the external microporous layer, is made of a smoothly surfaced material, designed to prevent scar tissue formation and attachment thereto and thereby prevent internal organs from sticking thereto.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the external microporous layer is adapted by means of size and shape to be sparsely attached to the internal macroporous layer, so as to allow the free tissue ingrowth while preventing scar tissue formation and attachment to the microporous layer.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein at least one of the internal macroporous layer and external microporous layer comprises attaching means, the means are selected from a group consisting of threads, holes, screws, hooks, zips, fasteners, clips, flaps, claspers, springs, claspers, grips, zippers, hooks-and-loops e.g., Velcro™-type fasteners, sutures, straps, strings, wires, cables, tabs, poppers, nails, buttons, brackets, glue, adhesives, or any combination thereof.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the EVW in it's the expanded state is in the form of a cylinder, the cylinder is adapted for placement adjacently below renal arteries of the aorta.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the EVW in it's the expanded state comprises one or more, complete or partial, interruptions; the cylinder is adapted for placement adjacently above and below renal arteries of the aorta.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the interruptions in cylinder are adapted to allow passage of the renal arteries.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the interruptions in cylinder are adapted to allow passage of an inferior mesenteric artery exiting from the aorta.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the interruptions in cylinder are adapted to allow passage of a celiac artery exiting from the aorta.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the EVW-SM is made of a super-elastic metal.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the super-elastic metal is Nitinol.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein length of EVW in its the expanded state is in the range between about 1 to 3 centimeters.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein wherein the inner diameter of EVW in its the expanded state is in the range between about 2 to 4 centimeters.

Another object of the present invention is to disclose an extra-vascular ring (EVR) adapted to at least partially encircle a segment of an aneurysmatic aorta of a human subject in proximity to the renal arteries. The EVR comprises a generally cylindrical inner surface, an outer surface and a structural member; the inner surface and the outer surface are attached therebetween. The fastening means adapted to secure the EVR over the aneurysmatic aorta; EVR is capable of having an expanded state and a deformed state. The EVR in its the expanded state is adapted for extra-vascular positioning around the aorta and the EVR in its deformed state is adapted for laparoscopic delivery from a location outside the subject's body to a location around the aorta; the inner surface defining a lumen that is characterized by a proximal circumference, a distal circumference and a length in the proximal to distal direction; the outer surface is characterized by a proximal circumference, a distal circumference and a length in the proximal to distal direction; the inner surface comprises a macroporous medical textile member, comprises voids dimensioned to allow free tissue ingrowth therethrough, and the outer surface comprises a microporous medical textile member that is made of a smoothly surfaced material, designed to inhibit scar tissue formation and attachment thereto and thereby prevent internal organs from sticking thereto. The structural member connected either to the inner surface or to the outer surface.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the EVR further comprises a plurality of fastening means, e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12, 50 etc.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the EVR further comprises a plurality of radially projecting attachment means (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12 etc). The attachment means being adapted to secure the EVR either to the aorta or to an endovascular aortic stent-graft.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are substantially concentrically aligned.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are radially spaced by a distance in the range between about 2 to 5 millimeters.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the proximal circumference of outer surface substantially coincides with the proximal circumference of inner surface.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the distal circumference of outer surface substantially coincides with the distal circumference of inner surface.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the outer surface is substantially tubular.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the structural member is made of a superelastic metal.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the inner surface and the outer surface are attached thereto via a plurality of spacing members, the spacing members being connected to the structural member.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the spacing members are substantially oriented in the radial direction.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for treating an aneurysmatic aorta. The method comprises steps selected from the following: (a) identifying a subject having a medical condition indicative of an unacceptably high risk of rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta; (b) providing an implantable kit as defined in any of the above; (c) introducing the EVW in its the deformed state through a laparoscopic working channel to an abdominal location adjacent to renal arteries of the abdominal aorta; (d) laparoscopically positioning the EVW around the aorta, in vicinity to renal arteries; and (e) endovascularly placing the endovascular stent-graft (ESG) into the aneurysmatic aorta in the subject.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the ESG and the EVW are attachable therebetween and wherein method further comprises step (f); step (f) comprises attaching the EVW and the ESG therebetween in a manner that a dislocation of the implanted kit along the aorta is avoided.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the attachable comprises reversibly attachable and wherein the attaching comprises reversibly attaching.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the step of identifying a subject having a medical condition indicative of an unacceptably high risk of rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta comprises identifying a subject having a medical condition indicative of an unacceptably high risk of rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and the aneurysm reaching about 2 centimeters or less to a closest renal artery of the subject.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the aforesaid method further comprises the steps of (a) upon identification of Type I endoleak—introducing the EVW in a deformed state through a laparoscopic working channel to an abdominal location adjacent to renal arteries of the abdominal aorta of the subject and laparoscopically positioning the EVW around the aorta, in vicinity to renal arteries.

It is another object of the invention to disclose a method for treating an aneurysmatic aorta. The method comprises steps selected from the following: (a) identifying a subject having a medical condition indicative of an unacceptably high risk of rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta; (b) providing a fastened implantable kit for treating an aneurysmatic abdominal aorta, comprises at least the elements of ESG, EVW, and plurality (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12, 50 etc.) of fastening means, adapted to secure the EVW over the aneurysmatic aorta; (c) introducing the EVW in the deformed state through a laparoscopic working channel to an abdominal location adjacent to renal arteries of the abdominal aorta of the subject; (d) laparoscopically positioning the EVW around the aorta, in vicinity to renal arteries; (e) connecting the corresponding fastening means therebetween; and, (f) endovascularly placing the ESG into the aneurysmatic aorta

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the step of identifying a subject having a medical condition indicative of an unacceptably high risk of rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta comprises identifying a subject having a medical condition indicative of an unacceptably high risk of rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta and the aneurysm reaching about 2 centimeters or less to a closest renal artery of the subject.

It is also in the scope of the invention wherein the method further comprises the steps of (a) upon identification of Type I endoleak—introducing the EVW in a deformed state through a laparoscopic working channel to an abdominal location adjacent to renal arteries of the abdominal aorta of the subject and laparoscopically positioning the EVW around the aorta, in vicinity to renal arteries and connecting the corresponding fastening means to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with respect to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1A to 1D depict different variants of fasteners according to few embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an EVR according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts an EVR according to yet another embodiment of the invention

FIG. 4 depicts an EVR according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an EVR according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 depicts an EVR according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an EVR according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A depicts an extra-vascular wrapping (135), which include a structural member (140) and a medical textile member (141);

FIG. 8B depicts an abdominal aorta (130), a right renal artery (131), a left renal artery (132), over which the extra-vascular wrapping (135) of FIG. 8a is positioned, adjacently below the renal arteries (131, 132) and is adapted to allow renal arteries (131, 132) to exit thereabove;

FIG. 9A depicts an isometric view of the structural member of the extra vascular wrapping;

FIG. 9B depicts an axial view of the structural member of the extra vascular wrapping;

FIG. 9C depicts a side view of the structural member of the extra vascular wrapping;

FIG. 9D depicts a view of a circularly-to-linearly deformed structural member of the extra vascular wrapping; and

FIG. 9E depicts a view of a circularly-to-linearly deformed and a longitudinally deformed structural member of the extra vascular wrapping.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide an implementable kit and EVR for treating an aneurysmatic abdominal aorta and methods thereof.

It is one embodiment of the invention wherein an implementable kit for treating an aneurysmatic abdominal aorta is disclosed. The kit comprises at least two attachable elements: an endovascular stent-graft (ESG) and an extra-vascular wrapping (EVW). The ESG comprises a structural member (ESG-SM) adjustable between an expanded state and a radially-deformed state; and a fluid flow guide (FFG) formed of textile strands, substantially impervious to fluids and adjustable between an expanded state and a radially-deformed state; the FFG including a proximal region along which the fluid flow guide is tubular to provide a primary conduit. The EVW comprises an extra-vascular wrapping (EVW), the EVW having at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12 etc) structural member (EVW-SM), capable of reversibly interchanging between (i) an expanded state characterized by an inner diameter and a length in the direction of the aorta suitable for surrounding at least an effective portion of the implanted ESG; and (ii) a deformed state suitable for laparoscopic delivery to a location around the aorta, and vice versa. The EVW-SM and either the ESG-SM or FFG are at least reversibly attachable in a manner that a dislocation of the implanted kit along the aorta is avoided.

It is another embodiment of the invention wherein a secured kit is disclosed. Here, the aforesaid EVW additionally comprises a plurality (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 12, 50 etc) of fastening means, adapted to secure the EVW over the aneurysmatic aorta. The fastening means are selected in a non-limiting manner from a group consisting of threads, screws, hooks, zips, fasteners, clips, flaps, claspers, springs, claspers, staplers, grips, zippers, hooks and corresponding eyes, hook and loop reclosable fastener squares, hook and loop reclosable fastener strips, hook and loop reclosable fastener dots, hooks-and-loops, e.g., Velcro™-type fasteners, straps, holes and string, wires, cables, tabs, poppers, nails, buttons and corresponding button holes, press buttons brackets, glues, adhesives, or any combination thereof.

It is well in the scope of the invention, wherein the term ‘secured’ refers interchangeably to at least two different relevant meanings, namely:

(a) securing of the EVW to the aorta; and

(b) securing (or otherwise attaching) of the EVW to the ESG.

It is well in the scope of the invention, wherein the term ‘endoleak’ refers to Type I Endoleak, which comprises a failure to seal attachment sites of an endovascular stent-graft to the native vessels. This is widely recognized as the type of endoleak that is most closely linked to rupture and is therefore the most aggressively treated

Another embodiment of the invention wherein an extra-vascular ring (EVR) is disclosed. The EVR is adapted to at least partially encircle a segment of an aneurysmatic aorta in proximity to the renal arteries. The EVR comprises a substantially tubular inner surface, an outer surface and a plurality of fastening means; the inner surface and the outer surface are attached thereto; the fastening means adapted to secure the EVR over the aneurysmatic aorta. The EVR is capable of having an expanded state and a deformed state. The EVR in its the expanded state is adapted for extra-vascular positioning around an aorta and the EVR in its the deformed state is adapted for laparoscopic delivery to a location around the aorta. The inner surface defining a lumen that is characterized by a proximal circumference, a distal circumference and a length in the proximal to distal direction; the outer surface is characterized by a proximal circumference, a distal circumference and a length in the proximal to distal direction. The inner surface may comprises (i) a macroporous medical textile member, comprises voids dimensioned to allow free tissue ingrowth therethrough, and (ii) a structural member connected thereto. The outer surface may comprises (i) a microporous medical textile member that is made of a smoothly surfaced material, designed to prevent scar tissue formation and attachment thereto and thereby prevent internal organs from sticking thereto and (ii) a structural member disposed therein and attached thereto.

Still another embodiment of the invention wherein method for treating an aneurysmatic aorta. The method comprises steps selected from the following: (a) identifying a subject having a medical condition indicative of an unacceptably high risk of rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta; (b) obtaining an implementable kit as defined in any of the above; (c) introducing the EVW in a deformed state through a laparoscopic working channel to an abdominal location adjacent to renal arteries of the abdominal aorta of the subject; (d) laparoscopically positioning the EVW around the aorta, in vicinity to renal arteries; (e) introducing a healing period of no less than 1 week; (f) endovascularly placing the Endovascular stent-graft (ESG) into the aneurysmatic aorta in the subject; and (g) at least reversibly detaching the EVW-SM and either the ESG-SM or FFG in a manner that a dislocation of the implanted kit along the aorta is avoided.

A further embodiment of the invention wherein another method for treating an aneurysmatic aorta is disclosed. The method comprises steps selected from the following: (a) identifying a subject having a medical condition indicative of an unacceptably high risk of rupture of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta; (b) obtaining a fastened implementable kit for treating an aneurysmatic abdominal aorta, as defined above, namely a kit comprises a plurality of fastening means, adapted to secure the EVW over the aneurysmatic aorta; (c) introducing the EVW in a deformed state through a laparoscopic working channel to an abdominal location adjacent to renal arteries of the abdominal aorta of the subject; (d) laparoscopically positioning the EVW around the aorta, in vicinity to renal arteries; (e) connecting the corresponding fastening means to one another; (f) introducing a healing period of no less than 1 week; (g) endovascularly placing the ESG into the aneurysmatic aorta in the subject; and (h) securing the kit by fastening the fastening means and hence at least reversibly detaching the EVW-SM and either the ESG-SM or FFG in a manner that a dislocation of the implanted kit along the aorta is avoided Reference is now made to the figures schematically presenting in a non-limiting manner out-of-scale presentations of various embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 1A to 1D depict different variants of fasteners: hooks and loops reclosable fastener stripes (e.g. hooks) and hatched stripes denote the complementary (e.g. loops) type of hooks and loops reclosable fastener stripes;

FIG. 2 depicts an Extra Vascular Ring wherein the inner surface (10) and the outer surface (11) are concentrically aligned and are radially spaced by a substantially constant distance.

FIG. 3 depicts an Extra Vascular Ring comprising an inner surface (20) and an outer surface (16) wherein the distal circumference of outer surface (25) substantially coincides with the distal circumference of inner surface (24) and wherein the proximal circumference of outer surface (23) substantially coincides with the proximal circumference of its inner surface (22).

FIG. 4 depicts an abdominal aorta (100), a right renal artery (101), a left renal artery (102), a celiac artery (103) and an inferior mesenteric artery (104). An extra-vascular wrapping (105) is positioned adjacently below the renal arteries.

FIG. 5 depicts an abdominal aorta (110), a right renal artery (111), a left renal artery (112), a celiac artery (113) and an inferior mesenteric artery (114). Further depicted is an extra-vascular wrapping having a distal section (115) that is positioned adjacently below the renal arteries (111, 112) and a proximal section (117) that is positioned adjacently below the renal arteries (111, 112) and a bridging section (116) that connects between the distal section (115) and the proximal section (117).

FIG. 6 depicts an abdominal aorta (120), a right renal artery (121), a left renal artery (122), a celiac artery (123) and an inferior mesenteric artery (124). An extra-vascular wrapping (125) is positioned adjacently below the renal arteries and is adapted to allow renal arteries (121, 122) to exit through a substantially side-looking recesses in extra-vascular wrapping (125).

FIG. 7 depicts an abdominal aorta (130), a right renal artery (131), a left renal artery (132), a celiac artery (133) and an inferior mesenteric artery (134). An extra-vascular wrapping (135) is positioned adjacently below the renal arteries (131, 132) and is adapted to allow renal arteries (131, 132) to exit through a substantially side-looking recesses in extra-vascular wrapping (135). The extra-vascular wrapping (135) further allows the celiac artery (133) and the inferior mesenteric artery (134) to exit through a substantially forward-looking recess.

FIG. 8A depicts an extra-vascular wrapping (135), which include a structural member (140) and a medical textile member (141).

FIG. 8B depicts an abdominal aorta (130), a right renal artery (131), a left renal artery (132), over which the extra-vascular wrapping (135) of FIG. 8a is positioned, adjacently below the renal arteries (131, 132) and is adapted to allow renal arteries (131, 132) to exit thereabove.

FIG. 9A depicts an isometric view of the structural member of the extra vascular wrapping.

FIG. 9B depicts an axial view of the structural member of the extra vascular wrapping.

FIG. 9c depicts a side view of the structural member of the extra vascular wrapping.

FIG. 9D depicts a view of a circularly-to-linearly deformed structural member of the extra vascular wrapping.

FIG. 9E depicts a view of a circularly-to-linearly deformed and a longitudinally deformed structural member of the extra vascular wrapping, so that it facilitates insertion of the extra vascular wrapping into a laparoscopic channel.

Claims

1-46. (canceled)

47. A method comprising:

identifying an aortic endoleak in a human subject implanted with an endovascular stent-graft in an aneurysmatic aorta; and

positioning an extra-vascular ring at least partially encircling a segment of the aneurysmatic aorta in which the endovascular stent-graft has been implanted.

48. The method according to claim 47, wherein identifying the aortic endoleak comprises identifying a type I endoleak.

49. The method according to claim 47, wherein positioning comprises positioning the extra-vascular ring at least partially encircling the segment of the aorta in a vicinity of renal arteries of the subject.

50. The method according to claim 47, wherein positioning comprises:

introducing the extra-vascular ring when in a deformed state through a laparoscopic working channel to an abdominal location; and

laparoscopically positioning the extra-vascular ring at least partially encircling the segment of the aorta.

51. The method according to claim 50, wherein introducing the extra-vascular ring comprises introducing the extra-vascular ring when in the deformed state through the laparoscopic working channel to the abdominal location adjacent to renal arteries of the subject.

52. The method according to claim 47,

wherein the endovascular stent-graft includes (a) a structural member adjustable between a radially-expanded state and a radially-compressed state, and (b) a fluid flow guide, which is substantially impervious to fluids, and which is disposed adjacent to the structural member and is securely attached thereto, and

wherein identifying comprises identifying the aortic endoleak in the subject implanted with the endovascular stent-graft in the radially-expanded state.