| abstract |
The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for treating vulnerable tissue site, such as aneurysms in the abdominal area or in the thoracic cavity, and expanded tissues on various organs and body surfaces su ch as the heart. The apparatus of the present invention, are containment member s (10) at least partially containing the vulnerable tissue site, thus preventi ng or minimizing the further vulnerability or growth of the site. Additionally, or alternatively, the containment members (10) can apply resistive force to the vulnerable tissues site. The force can be compressive against the exteri or surface of the tissue site. The containment members (10) of the present invention can be used alone or in combination with support members, such as stent/grafts (230), in treating a tissue site. In this embodiment, the suppo rt member is disposed within the inner lumen (203) of the vulnerable tissue sit e with the containment member disposed on the exterior surface of the lumen.</ SDOAB> |