Method for relining a blood vessel

Abstract

A method for relining a blood vessel. A tubular liner of biocompatible material, having an anchoring device connected to a distal end thereof, is inserted into a blood vessel using a delivery system. The delivery system may include a removable hub that is initially attached to the tubular liner and a hollow tip that is positioned over the anchoring device. The tip is positioned at a predetermined location and the anchoring device is removed from the tip, contacting a wall of the blood vessel. The liner is attached to the blood vessel following separation from the hub and removal of the delivery system from the blood vessel.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by letters patent of the United States is:  
     
         1 . A method for relining a blood vessel utilizing an apparatus comprising a tubular liner of biocompatible material having a proximal end and a distal end, an anchoring device connected to said distal end of said tubular liner, wherein said proximal end of said tubular liner extends beyond said anchoring device and is configured for attachment to said blood vessel, and a delivery system comprising a removable hub attached to said proximal end of said tubular liner and a hollow tip positioned over said distal end of said tubular liner, said tip being connected to a proximal end of said delivery system, wherein at least a portion of said anchoring device is positioned within said tip, comprising the steps of: 
 inserting said tip and distal end of said tubular liner into said blood vessel;    positioning said tip at a predetermined location;    removing said liner and said anchoring device from said tip, whereupon said anchoring device comes into contact with a wall of said blood vessel;    removing said hub from said proximal end of said liner;    removing said delivery system from said blood vessel; and    attaching said proximal end of said liner to said blood vessel.    
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of removing said liner and said anchoring device from said tip further comprises the step of inflating an expansible member within said anchoring device to expand said anchoring device into contact with a wall of said blood vessel.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of removing said liner and said anchoring device from said tip further comprises the step of inflating an expansible member within said anchoring device to ensure adequate contact of said anchoring device with a wall of said blood vessel.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein said tubular liner further comprises a plurality of anchoring devices positioned along a length thereof, further comprising the step of inflating said expansible member within said plurality of anchoring devices to expand said anchoring devices into contact with a wall of said blood vessel.