FR3108029A1 - Device for treating a blood vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for treating a blood vessel The present invention relates to a device (10) for treating a blood vessel, comprising: a tubular implant (20) tending to expand radially from a contracted state to an expanded state; and a device (22) for maintaining the tubular implant in the contracted state, said holder being removable between an assembled configuration and a dissociated configuration. The holding device comprises: at least a first deformable link (50) extending between two ends; and a removable element (54) for assembling said ends of said first link. In the assembled configuration, the first link (50) surrounds the tubular implant, the ends of said first link being held together by the removable assembly member, the first link thereby maintaining the tubular implant in the contracted state. A movement of the removable assembly element makes it possible to dissociate the ends of the first link, for the passage in the dissociated configuration of the treatment device. Figure for abstract: Figure 1

Description

Blood vessel treatment device

The present invention relates to a device for treating a blood vessel, of the type comprising: a tubular implant tending to expand radially from a contracted state to a dilated state, the tubular implant extending along a main axis between a proximal end and a distal end; and a device for holding the tubular implant in the contracted state, said holding device being removable between an assembled configuration and a configuration dissociated from the treatment device.

Such a device applies to the installation in a blood vessel of tubular implants, also called endoprostheses or stents.

Self-expanding tubular implants expand spontaneously once in position in the blood vessel. The elasticity of an implant can however cause a sudden deployment during its release, with a risk of inaccuracy in its positioning. In particular, the implant may move unexpectedly towards the distal end of the device.

The document FR2688688 describes a treatment device of the aforementioned type, in which the tubular implant is inserted into a divisible tulip, which is open when the implant is positioned. The radial expansion of said implant is thus controlled. However, the petals of the tulip may displace the implant when removing the retainer.

The present invention aims to provide a treatment device for the installation of a tubular implant, allowing controlled release of the implant as well as ease of implementation.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a treatment device of the aforementioned type, in which : the holding device comprises: at least one first deformable link, extending between two ends; and a removable element for assembling said ends of said first link; the treatment device is configured so that, in the assembled configuration of said treatment device, the first link surrounds the tubular implant, the ends of said first link being held together by the removable assembly element, the first link thus maintaining the tubular implant in the contracted state; and the treatment device is configured so that a displacement of the removable assembly element makes it possible to dissociate the ends of the first link, allowing the radial expansion of the tubular implant and the transition to the dissociated configuration of the treatment device .

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the processing device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations:

- each of the ends of the first link has an assembly ring; the removable assembly element comprises a first rod able to pass through each of said rings, so as to keep said ends assembled; and the treatment device is configured so that a displacement of the first rod parallel to the main axis of the tubular implant makes it possible to dissociate the ends of the first link;

- the holding device further comprises a second deformable link, said second link extending between two ends; the treatment device is configured so that, in the assembled configuration of said treatment device, the second link radially surrounds the tubular implant, the ends of said second link being held together by the removable assembly element, the second link maintaining thus the tubular implant in the contracted state; and in the assembled configuration of the treatment device, the first and second links are separated from each other along the main axis of the tubular implant;

- each end of the second link has an assembly ring; in the assembled configuration of the treatment device, the ends of the second link are held together by the first rod passing through said assembly rings; and the treatment device is configured so that a displacement of the first rod parallel to the main axis of the tubular implant makes it possible to dissociate the ends of the second link;

- each end of the second link has an assembly ring; the removable assembly element comprises a second rod able to pass through each of said rings, so as to hold said ends of the second link together; and the treatment device is configured so that a displacement of the second rod parallel to the main axis of the tubular implant makes it possible to dissociate the ends of the second link.

The invention further relates to an installation assembly of a treatment device in an assembled configuration, comprising: a blood vessel treatment device as described above; and at least a first flexible strap extending between first and second ends.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the installation assembly comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations:

- the set includes: at least one second soft strap; and first and second gripping elements, each of the first and second flexible straps extending between first and second ends, each of the first ends being connected to the first gripping element, each of the second ends being connected to the second grasping;

- the at least one first flexible strap is a clamp, the first and second ends comprising assembly means to one another;

- the assembly further comprises at least one insertion element, said insertion element comprising a contact surface able to be applied against the tubular implant of the treatment device, said contact surface comprising a groove.

The invention also relates to a method for installing in assembled configuration the treatment device described above from an assembly as described above, the method comprising the following steps: the tubular implant being in the expanded state, arrangement of the at least one first flexible strap in the form of a loop; then placement of said loop around the tubular implant; then tightening the loop so as to place the tubular implant in the contracted state; then assembly of the ends of at least the first link with the removable assembly element.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a processing device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a processing device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising the processing device of FIG. 1, in a first configuration;

[Fig 5] Figures 4 and 5 are schematic views of the assembly of Figure 3, respectively in a second and in a third configuration; And

Figure 6 is a schematic view of an assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, comprising the processing device of Figure 1.

FIGS. 1 and 2 represent respectively a device 10 and a processing device 110, according to a first and according to a second embodiment of the invention. In the rest of the description, the devices 10 and 110 will be described simultaneously, the common elements being designated by the same reference numbers.

The device 10, 110 is intended for the treatment of a blood vessel 12, shown in Figure 1. It is considered that the blood vessel 12 is delimited by an internal wall 14.

The treatment device 10, 110 comprises a tubular implant or endoprosthesis 20, 120 and a device 22, 122 for maintaining the tubular implant in the contracted state. The endoprosthesis 20 is shown schematically in Figures 3 to 5.

Preferably, the processing device 10, 110 further comprises a tutor 24.

The endoprosthesis 20, 120 is self-expanding, that is to say able to deploy spontaneously between a contracted state, shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, and an expanded state visible in Figure 3.

In the contracted state, the stent 20, 120 has a minimum diameter 30. In the expanded state, the stent 20, 120 has a maximum diameter 31 greater than said minimum diameter 30.

In the considered embodiments, the maximum diameter 31 is greater than or equal to a diameter 32 of the blood vessel 12 in an implantation zone in which the stent 20, 120 is to be implanted.

The dilated state represents a state of rest of the endoprosthesis 20, 120 in the absence of external mechanical stresses.

The stent 20, 120 comprises for example a mesh 34, 134 with shape memory, in particular metal, closed on itself around an axis 40. The stent extends between a first end 42, called the distal end, and a second end 44, called the proximal end.

In the expanded state, the stent has a minimum length of 35 between the distal 42 and proximal 44 ends.

Optionally, as seen in Figure 2, the endoprosthesis 20, 120 further comprises a film 136 of an extensible material, which fills the meshes of the metal mesh 134. The film 136 is for example formed of a biocompatible elastomer .

According to one embodiment, the endoprosthesis 20, 120 further comprises a one-way valve (not shown) for the blood vessel 12.

The holding device 22, 122 comprises at least one deformable link 50, 150, 151, 152; and an assembly element 54, 154.

The deformable link 50, 150, 151, 152 is flexible, but preferably non-stretchable. Said link 50, 150, 151, 152 extends between two ends 60. Each of said ends is provided with a member 62 for association with the assembly element. In the embodiments shown, member 62 is a ring.

Preferably, the holding device comprises at least two links 50, 150, 151. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the holding device 22 comprises three links 50 that are substantially identical to one another. Similarly, in the embodiment of Figure 2, the holding device 122 comprises a first 150, a second 151 and a third 152 links substantially identical to each other.

According to variants not shown, the holding device comprises a number of links greater than three.

According to one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the or each link 50, 150, 151, 152 comprises a zone 64 for permanent attachment to the endoprosthesis 20, 120. Said zone 64 is preferably located substantially equal distance from the two ends 60. Each link thus forms a pair of flexible strands 66, connected to the endoprosthesis 20, 120 by the zone 64 of attachment.

According to a variant embodiment, the or each link has no permanent attachment to the endoprosthesis.

The assembly element 54, 154 is capable of reversibly associating with the ends 60 of each link 50, 150, 151, 152, so as to assemble said ends to one another.

In the embodiments shown, the assembly element 54, 154 comprises at least one rod 55, 155, 156. More specifically, in the embodiment of Figure 1, the assembly element 54 comprises a rod 55. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the assembly element 154 comprises a first 155 and a second 156 rods.

The or each rod 55, 155, 156 extends substantially straight between a proximal end and a distal end.

Preferably, the assembly element 54, 154 further comprises one or more gripping wires 57. The or each gripping wire 57 extends the or each rod 55, 155, 156 from its proximal end. Preferably, a grip wire 57 is integral with the corresponding rod 55, 155, 156.

In an assembled configuration of the treatment device 10, 110, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the holder 22, 122 holds the stent 20, 120 in the contracted state.

Specifically, in the assembled configuration, each link 50, 150, 151, 152 surrounds an outer surface of the stent 20, 120 in the contracted state. In other words, each link 50, 150, 151, 152 is substantially arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis 40. In addition, the ends 60 of each link 50, 150, 151, 152 are arranged close to or in contact from each other and assembled to each other by the assembly element 54, 154.

In the assembled configuration, the or each rod 55, 155, 156 of the assembly element is arranged parallel to the axis 40. The or each rod 55, 155, 156 passes through the rings 62 of each end of at least least one link 50, 150, 151, 152, assembling said ends to one another.

More specifically, in the embodiment of Figure 1, the rod 55 is disposed against an outer surface of the stent 20, said rod passing through the rings 62 of each end 60 of each of the three links 50. Preferably, the three links 50 are spaced from each other and distributed substantially evenly along the stent 20, between the distal 42 and proximal 44 ends.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the first rod 155 is placed against an outer surface of the endoprosthesis 120, said first rod passing through the rings 62 of each end 60 of each of the first 150 and second 151 links. Said first 150 and second 151 links are arranged near, respectively, the distal end 42 and the proximal end 44 of the endoprosthesis 120.

In addition, the second rod 156 is disposed against the outer surface of the endoprosthesis 120, said second rod passing through the rings 62 of each end 60 of the third link 152. Preferably, the third link 152 is disposed between the first 150 and second 151 links along the axis 40, substantially halfway between the distal 42 and proximal 44 ends of the endoprosthesis 120.

The tutor 24 along a main axis, merged in Figures 1 and 2 with the axis 40 of the tubular implant 20.

The stent 24 comprises a tubular cavity 70, allowing said stent 24 to be threaded onto a filiform surgical guide (not shown) installed in the blood vessel 12.

The guardian 24 has a substantially cylindrical shape of revolution and comprises a cannula 72, a guide ring 74 and a tube 76. The tubular cavity 70 is continuous inside the cannula 72 and the tube 76.

The cannula 72 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends between a so-called distal end 78 and the guide ring 74. The distal end 78 forms one end of the stent 24. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the cannula 72 has an outer diameter and an axial length enabling the stent 20, 120 in the contracted state to be disposed around said cannula.

The guide ring 74 surrounds an end of the tube 76 adjacent to the cannula 72. The guide ring 74 forms a radial projection with respect to the cannula. Said guide ring thus constitutes an axial stop which holds the tubular implant 20 around the cannula 72.

The guide ring 74 comprises one or more through pipes 80, parallel to the main axis.

The tube 76 extends in such a way that it can be manipulated in its proximal part by the operator outside the patient.

In the assembled configuration of the treatment device 10, 110, the stent 20, 120 in the contracted state is disposed around the cannula 72 of the stent 24; and the or each rod 55, 155, 156 passes through a tube 80 of the guide ring 74. Preferably, the or each gripping wire 57 of the assembly element 54, 154 passes through the tube 76 and extends to in the proximal part of said tube, so that it can be manipulated by the operator outside the patient.

Optionally, the treatment device 10 further comprises a guide nose (not shown) capable of being positioned at the distal end 78 of the cannula 72. Such a guide nose, in particular described in the document FR2946865, is suitable to ensure atraumatic contact with the blood vessel 12. Such a guide nose comprises for example a flexible head in the shape of an ogive.

Figures 3 to 5 partially represent an installation assembly 200 of the processing device 10, 110 in the assembled configuration, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Installation set 200 includes processing device 10 described above; and an installation device 202. Alternatively, not shown, device 110 replaces device 10 in assembly 200.

Figure 3 shows device 10 in a disassembled configuration, with only stent 20 and links 50 visible. The endoprosthesis 20 is in the expanded state, corresponding to its state of rest. Each link 50 is fixed to the endoprosthesis 20 by the corresponding fixing zone 64, the ends 60 of each link being free.

Installation device 202 includes at least one strap 204 that is flexible, but preferably non-stretchable. Strap 204 extends between first 206 and second 208 ends.

Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, the installation device 202 comprises: at least two flexible straps 204; and a first 210 and a second 212 gripping elements. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the installation device 202 comprises three straps 204 flexible.

The first ends 206 of the straps 204 are connected to the first gripping element 210 and separated from each other. Similarly, the second ends 208 of the straps 204 are connected to the second gripping element 212 and separated from each other.

Preferably, the straps 204 of the installation device 202 have a substantially identical length; and the first and second ends of said straps are aligned in the same order along the first 210 and second 212 gripping elements.

Each gripping element 210, 212 has for example the shape of a rectilinear bar. On each of said gripping elements 210, 212, the ends 206 or 208 of the straps are distributed over a distance preferably less than the minimum length 35 of the endoprosthesis 20, 120 in the expanded state.

In the embodiment shown, the first gripping element 210 is removably connected to the first ends 206 of the straps 204. More precisely, the first gripping element 210 comprises several first means 214 of removable assembly, distributed over its length. Said first removable assembly means are for example hooks 214. Furthermore, each first end 206 of the straps 204 includes a second removable assembly means 216, capable of cooperating with a corresponding first means 214. The second removable assembly means are for example rings 216.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the second gripping element 212 is permanently attached to the second ends 208 of the straps 204.

In a variant not shown, the first and second gripping elements are both fixed to the straps permanently, or even both connected to the straps in a removable manner.

Optionally, the installation assembly 200 further comprises at least one insertion element 220. The insertion element 220 is in the form of a plate comprising a contact surface 222, capable of being applied against the endoprosthesis 20, 120 as seen in Figures 4 and 5. The insertion element 220 also includes a groove 224, substantially rectilinear, made in the contact surface 222. As described below, the groove 224 is able to accommodate one of the first or second rods 55, 155, 156 of the device 10, 110.

In a variant not shown, the insertion element comprising a contact surface and a groove is formed in one piece with the strap or straps of the installation device.

Optionally, the installation assembly 200 further comprises at least one gripping tool 226, intended to facilitate manipulation of the ends 60 of the links 50, 150, 151, 152 during the installation of the device 10, 110. Preferably, the installation assembly 200 includes a gripping tool 226 associated with each end 60 of each of the links of the device 10, 110.

Preferably, each gripping tool 226 is removably connected to the corresponding end 60. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, each gripping tool 226 is formed of a wire passing through the ring 62 of the corresponding end 60. Only two wires 226 are shown in each of Figures 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 partially represents an installation assembly 300 of the processing device 10, 110 in the assembled configuration, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Installation set 300 includes processing device 10 described above; and an installation device 302. Only the endoprosthesis 20 of the device 10 is shown, in dotted lines, in FIG. 6. Alternatively, not shown, the device 110 replaces the device 10 in the set 300.

Analogously to the installation device 202 previously described, the installation device 302 comprises at least one strap 304 flexible, but preferably non-stretchable, which extends between a first 306 and a second 308 ends.

More specifically, the at least one strap 304 is of the clamp type, the first 306 and second 308 ends comprising means for assembly to one another. For example, the collar 304 comprises, near its second end 308, assembly shapes 310, for example of the sawtooth type; and the first end 306 is a block enclosing a non-return ratchet cage (not shown).

Preferably, as in the embodiment shown, installation device 302 includes: a plurality of collars 304; and a support 312. It is considered that the plurality of collars 304, at least two in number, are substantially identical. A single collar 304 is visible in Figure 6.

The support 312 has for example the shape of a plate, comprising a first 314 and a second 316 opposite faces. In the following description, an orthonormal base (X, Y, Z) is considered, each of the first 314 and second 316 faces extending substantially in a plane (X, Y).

The support 312 includes a slot 318 extending along the Y direction. The blocks 306 forming the first end of the collars 304 are fixed to the first face 314 of the support along said slot 318, each non-return ratchet cage opening onto said slot.

Preferably, the installation device 302 comprises a plurality of wedges 320, each wedge being associated with a collar 304. Each wedge has a concave surface 322 corresponding to a cylinder portion. More specifically, each concave surface 322 is intended to match an outer surface of the endoprosthesis 20, 120 in the contracted state.

Advantageously, each wedge 320 is formed in one piece with the block 306 forming the first end of each collar 304.

Advantageously, each wedge 320 has a groove 324 extending along Y, the grooves of all the wedges 320 being aligned. Like the groove 224 of the insertion elements 220 of the assembly 200 previously described, the groove 324 is able to accommodate one of the first or second rods 55, 155, 156 of the device 10, 110.

Optionally, the installation assembly 300 further comprises one or more gripping tools 226 as described above, intended to facilitate the manipulation of the ends 60 of the links of the device 10, 110.

A method of installing the device 10, 110 in an assembled configuration, using the installation assembly 200, will now be described.

In an initial state, the stent 20, 120 is in the expanded state, as described above. Furthermore, the or each rod 55, 155, 156 of the holding device 22, 122 passes through a pipe 80 of the guide crown 74 of the stake 24. The distal end of the or each rod is located close to said crown.

Preferably, in the initial state, the endoprosthesis 20, 120 is arranged around the cannula 72 of the stent 24.

Preferably, in the initial state, a wire 226 forming a gripping tool is passed through the ring 62 of each end 60 of each of the links 50, 150, 151, 152.

First, the or each strap 204 of the delivery device 202 is arranged to form a loop 230. The or each loop is then arranged around the stent 20, 120 in the expanded state. In the case where the installation device 202 comprises several straps, said straps are distributed over the length of the endoprosthesis 20, 120.

Preferably, in the case where the installation device 202 comprises a gripping element 210 removably connected to the straps 204, the corresponding ends 206 of said straps are assembled to said gripping element 210 after placing the endoprosthesis 20, 120 in buckles.

Preferably, for one or more loops 230, an insert member 220 as described above is disposed between the stent 20, 120 and the corresponding strap 204. The insertion element(s) 220 are arranged according to the future location of the rod(s) 55, 155, 156, as described below.

Then, a tensile force is exerted on each of the first 210 and second 212 gripping elements, so as to separate them from each other. The loops 230 are thus tightened, which radially compresses the stent 20, 120 until the contracted state. The installation assembly 200 is thus in a first intermediate configuration, visible in Figure 4.

The tensile force keeps the or each insertion element 220 tight between the corresponding loop 230 and the endoprosthesis 20, 120.

Then, while maintaining the tensile force, the ends 60 of each of the links 50, 150, 151, 152 are brought into contact with one another, so that each of said links surrounds the endoprosthesis 20 , 120 in the contracted state. Each end 60 is moved by pulling on the wires 226 forming the gripping tools, passed through the corresponding rings 62.

Simultaneously, the or each rod 55, 155, 156 is moved axially toward the distal end 42 of the stent. During this axial movement, the distal end of the corresponding rod 55, 155, 156 is introduced into the rings 62 located at the two ends of each of the links 50, 150, 151, 152. The two ends of each of said links are thus assembled.

Preferably, during the axial displacement, the or each rod 55, 155, 156 is introduced into the groove 224 of an insertion element 220 located on its path, as visible in FIG. 5. Thus, the or each rod 55, 155, 156 is inserted between stent 20, 120 and straps 204 of installation assembly 200.

When the two ends 60 of each of the links 50, 150, 151, 152 are assembled by the corresponding rod 55, 155, 156, the installation assembly 200 is in a second intermediate configuration, visible in figure 5.

The tensile force between the gripping elements 210, 212 is then released and the buckles 230 are loosened, so as to disengage the straps 204 and the endoprosthesis 20, 120 from each other. 50, 150, 151, 152, remains in the contracted state.

Loosening the loops 230 also makes it possible to dissociate the or each insertion element 220 from the endoprosthesis 20, 120.

Preferably, in the case where the installation device 202 comprises a gripping element 210 removably connected to the straps 204, the corresponding ends 206 of said straps are separated from said gripping element 210 to facilitate release of the straps 204.

In parallel, the wires 226 forming the gripping tools are extracted from the corresponding rings 62.

The processing device 10, 110 in the assembled configuration is thus obtained.

A method of installing the device 10, 110 in an assembled configuration, using the installation assembly 300, will now be described.

The device 10, 110 is in the same initial state as for the method previously described, implementing the installation assembly 200.

First of all, the second end 308 of each collar 304 of the installation device 302 is introduced into the non-return ratchet cage of the block 306 of said collar, until it forms a projection relative to the second face 316 of the support. 312.

Each collar 304 is thus arranged so as to form a loop 330. Each loop is arranged around the endoprosthesis 20, 120 in the expanded state.

Then, a tensile force is exerted on the second end 308 of each collar 304, so as to move each of said second ends away from the support 312. The loops 330 are thus tightened, which radially compresses the stent 20, 120 until the contracted state.

The installation assembly 300 is thus in an intermediate configuration, visible in FIG. 6. The non-return pawl of each collar 304 maintains the tightening of each loop 330. The wedges 320 allow the endoprosthesis 20, 120 to retain a cylindrical shape.

Then, as described in the previous method, implementing the installation assembly 200, the ends 60 of each link 50, 150, 151, 152 are brought into contact with each other and a rod 55, 155 , 156 of the device 10, 110 is introduced into the corresponding rings 62. In particular, in the embodiment shown, the rod 55 is inserted into the groove 324 formed by the wedges 320.

Each collar 304 is then cut, so as to release the stent 20, 120. Said stent, held by the links 50, 150, 151, 152, remains in the contracted state. In parallel, the wires 226 forming the gripping tools are extracted from the corresponding rings 62.

The processing device 10, 110 in the assembled configuration is thus obtained. This embodiment implements a single-use installation device 302, which makes it possible to avoid multiple sterilization operations.

A method of using the processing device 10, 110 will now be described.

First, a surgeon implants a wire-like surgical guide (not shown) into the blood vessel 12, from an exterior entry point to the implantation area in which the stent 20, 120 is to be implanted.

Next, the surgeon introduces into the blood vessel 12 the treatment device 10, 110 in the assembled configuration described above. The device 10, 110 is moved along the guidewire, to the desired implantation zone.

When the endoprosthesis 20, 120 is placed close to said implantation zone, the stent 24 is moved axially with respect to the introduction sheath 26, so as to cause the cannula 72 of the said stent to emerge from the open end 82 and the stent 20, 120.

Then, the surgeon pulls on the grip wire 57 corresponding to the rod 55 or to one of the rods 155, 156 of the treatment device 10, 110.

In the case of device 10, traction on grip wire 57 causes rod 55 to move towards the proximal end of the device. The link 50 closest to the distal end 42 of the endoprosthesis 20 is the first to be released from the rod 55. Said distal end 42 then deploys by increasing in diameter, until eventually coming into contact with the wall internal 14 of the blood vessel 12.

If the surgeon wishes to correct the position of the endoprosthesis 20 in the implantation zone, he then interrupts the movement of the rod 55 and modifies the position of said endoprosthesis.

When the surgeon considers that the endoprosthesis 20 is correctly positioned in the blood vessel 12, he continues to pull on the gripping wire 57, so as to successively disengage the two other links 50 from the rod 55. The endoprosthesis 20 is deployed thus gradually over its entire axial length.

In the case of the device 110, according to a particular embodiment, the surgeon first pulls on the gripping wire 57 corresponding to the first rod 155. The first 150 and second 151 links are thus disengaged from said rod. The proximal 44 and distal 42 ends of the stent 120 expand.

The second rod 156 remaining in place as well as the third link 152, the endoprosthesis 120 has an hourglass shape, in which only the proximal 44 and distal 42 ends are in contact with the internal wall 14 of the blood vessel 12.

The surgeon can thus precisely adjust the position of the endoprosthesis 120 in the implantation zone of the blood vessel 12. He then actuates the second rod 156 to release the third link 152, in order to fully deploy the endoprosthesis 120.

When the endoprosthesis 20, 120 is in place in the blood vessel 12, in contact with the internal wall 14, the stent 24 and possibly the sheath 26 are extracted from the blood vessel by the external point of introduction.

The treatment device 10, 110 thus described makes it possible to maintain the endoprosthesis 20, 120 assembled with its means of movement until its positioning in the blood vessel 12 has been optimized; as well as to easily release said endoprosthesis as soon as said position is reached.

Claims (10)

A device (10, 110) for treating a blood vessel, comprising:
- a tubular implant (20, 120) tending to expand radially from a contracted state to an expanded state, the tubular implant extending along a main axis (40) between a proximal end (44) and a distal end (42); And
- a device (22, 122) for holding the tubular implant in the contracted state, said holding device being removable between an assembled configuration and a configuration dissociated from the treatment device;
the processing device being characterized in that:
- the holding device comprises:
- at least one deformable first link (50, 150), extending between two ends (60); And
- a removable element (54, 154) for assembling said ends of said first link;
- the treatment device is configured so that, in the assembled configuration of said treatment device, the first link (50, 150) surrounds the tubular implant, the ends of said first link being held together by the removable assembly element , the first link thus maintaining the tubular implant in the contracted state; And
- the treatment device is configured so that a displacement of the removable assembly element makes it possible to dissociate the ends of the first link, allowing the radial expansion of the tubular implant and the transition to the dissociated configuration of the treatment device . A processing device (10, 110) according to claim 1, wherein:
- each of the ends of the first link comprises an assembly ring (62);
- the removable assembly element (54, 154) comprises a first rod (55, 155) adapted to pass through each of said rings, so as to hold said ends together; And
- the treatment device is configured so that a displacement of the first rod parallel to the main axis (40) of the tubular implant makes it possible to dissociate the ends of the first link. A processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein:
- the holding device further comprises a deformable second link (50, 151, 152), said second link extending between two ends (60);
- the treatment device is configured so that, in the assembled configuration of said treatment device, the second link radially surrounds the tubular implant (20, 120), the ends of said second link being held together by the removable element of assembly, the second link thus maintaining the tubular implant in the contracted state; And
- In the assembled configuration of the treatment device, the first and second links are separated from each other along the main axis (40) of the tubular implant. A processing device according to claim 3 taken in combination with claim 2, in which:
- each of the ends of the second link (50, 151) comprises an assembly ring (62);
- in the assembled configuration of the treatment device, the ends of the second link are held together by the first rod (55, 155) passing through said assembly rings; And
- the treatment device is configured so that a displacement of the first rod parallel to the main axis of the tubular implant makes it possible to dissociate the ends of the second link. A processing device (110) according to claim 3 taken in combination with claim 2, wherein:
- each of the ends (60) of the second link (152) comprises an assembly ring (62);
- the removable assembly element comprises a second rod (156) adapted to pass through each of said rings, so as to hold said ends of the second link together; And
- the treatment device is configured so that a displacement of the second rod parallel to the main axis of the tubular implant makes it possible to dissociate the ends of the second link. A treatment device installation assembly (200, 300) in assembled configuration, comprising: a blood vessel treatment device (10, 110) according to one of the preceding claims; and at least one flexible first strap (204, 304) extending between first (206, 306) and second (208, 308) ends. An installation assembly (200) according to claim 6, comprising: at least one second flexible strap (204); and first (210) and second (212) gripping elements, each of the first and second flexible straps extending between first (206) and second (208) ends, each of the first ends being connected to the first grip, each of the second ends being connected to the second gripping element. Installation assembly (300) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one first flexible strap is a clamp (304), the first (306) and second (308) ends comprising means (310) for assembly to each other. Installation assembly (200, 300) according to one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising at least one insertion element (220, 320), said insertion element comprising a contact surface (222, 322) adapted to be applied against the tubular implant (20, 120) of the treatment device, said contact surface comprising a groove (224, 324 ) . Method of installing in assembled configuration the processing device according to one of Claims 1 to 5 from an assembly (200, 300) according to one of Claims 6 to 9, comprising the following steps:
- the tubular implant (20, 120) being in the expanded state, arrangement of the at least one first flexible strap (204, 304) in the form of a loop (230, 330); Then
- placement of said loop around the tubular implant; Then
- tightening the loop so as to place the tubular implant in the contracted state; Then
- assembly of the ends (60) of at least the first link (50, 150) with the removable assembly element (54, 154).