Methods, Devices, Kits and Systems for Defunctionalizing the Gallbladder

Abstract

The application discloses devices, systems, kits and methods for treating biliary disease. Device comprise, for example, a component configured for deployment to a lumen of a gallbladder or gallbladder duct which has a proximal end and a distal end with a lumen extending therethrough and a fluid or gas delivery apparatus at its distal end.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 991,682, filed Nov. 30, 2007, and Application No. 61 / 033,368 filed Mar. 3, 2008, which application are incorporated herein by reference.[0002]This application has related subject matter to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 277,338, filed Nov. 25, 2008, entitled “Methods, Devices, Kits and Systems for Defunctionalizing the Cystic Duct” by Jacques Van Dam, J. Craig Milroy, and R. Matthew Ohline and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / ______, filed Nov. ______, 2008, entitled, “Biliary Shunts, Delivery Systems, Methods of Using the Same, and Kits Therefor” by Jacques Van Dam, J. Craig Milroy, and R. Matthew Ohline (identified as Attorney Docket No. 36233-701.201), which applications are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The invention described in this patent application addresses challenges confronted in the treatment of biliary disease. Biliary disease includes ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]An aspect of the invention is directed to devices for treating biliary disease. Suitable devices comprise: a component configured for defunctionalizing a gallbladder of a patient which has a proximal end and a distal end with a lumen extending therethrough and one or more apertures at a distal end adaptable to deliver a fluid to a lumen within the gallbladder or a gallbladder duct. Other suitable devices comprise: a means for defunctionalizing a gallbladder of a patient having a proximal end and a distal end with a lumen extending therethrough and one or more means for accessing the lumen at a distal end adaptable to deliver a fluid to a lumen within the gallbladder or a gallbladder duct. The distal end of the device can be configured to provide an angular orientation, to deliver a fluid with at least one of a 360 degree radial pattern, a sharp stream, and a cone sha...

Problems solved by technology

The most common problem that arises in the biliary system is the formation of gallstones, a condition called cholelithiasis.

Pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of forming gallstones.

Fatty or large meals may cause recurrence several hours after eating, often awakening the patient at night.

Patients may elect to suffer from these symptoms for very long periods of time, such as years or even decades.

Pain in the upper right abdomen can be constant and severe, the intensity may increase when drawing breath, and it may last for days.

Complications from acute cholecystitis can be serious and life threatening, and include gangrene, abscesses, perforation of the gallbladder 14 which can lead to bile peritonitis, pus in the gallbladder wall (empyema), fistulae, and gallstone ilius (when a gallstone creates a blockage in the small intestine).

However, gallbladder cancer is not usually detected until patients are symptomatic, by which time the disease is more advanced.

This approach is not recommended when patients are in high risk categories (e.g. high risk for gallbladder cancer) or have very large gallstones (e.g. greater than 3 cm).

This approach is only moderately effective, and the rate of recurrence of gallstones after completion of treatment is high.

It is not appropriate for patients with acute inflammation or stones in the common bile duct (more serious conditions).

Despite its relative ineffectiveness, it is costly: treatment can last up to 2 years and the drugs cost thousands of dollars per year.

This approach is highly effective at dissolving gallstones, but patients may experience severe burning pain.

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