Unmet NeedAbdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are the 10
th leading cause of death. The most common AAA is the infra-renal variety, which is also the simplest to repair. Currently most can be repaired via the “minimally invasive” endovascular approach, in which a bifurcated, fabric-covered, sleeve is introduced through the femoral arteries, relining the aorta with a smaller flow channel, and diverting blood away from the expanding aneurysm sac. Success of the procedure largely depends on having an adequate landing zone below the arteries to the kidneys.
In circumstances where there is an inadequate landing zone, more complicated procedures become necessary. Often a fabric covered graft is implemented to extend the landing zone, however, this procedure often results in “gutter leaks” that can allow blood flow to continue to enter the aneurysm sac. Thus, there is a need for improved methods of repairing AAAs that eliminates gutter leaks and can be used in circumstances where patients have inadequate landing zones for conventional grafts.
Technology OverviewJohns Hopkins University researchers have developed a technique to repair AAA that eliminates gutter leaks and can be used in cases where there are short necks that are not amenable to conventional repair. This technique solves the gutter leak problem with AAA aneurysm repairs, and will improve outcomes for patients with inadequate landing zones that would not benefit from conventional procedures.
Stage of DevelopmentThe invention is in the concept phase and has not yet been prototyped or tested.
