摘要:
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for maintaining the patency of vascular catheter lumens so as to keep such lumens open and unobstructed when an indwelling catheter is not being used to administer treatment.
摘要:
A system comprising a microprocessor-controlled transfer device and a separate catheter for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient by at least one treating element advanced from a removable treating element cartridge received in the transfer device into a lumen of the separate catheter by means of pressurized fluid controlled by a fluid control switch moveable between send and return positions. A safety interlock is provided for preventing both (1) the disassembly of the system unless the treating element resides in the treating element cartridge and (2) the actuation of the fluid control switch unless the system is assembled. The safety interlock comprises a first lock moveable from a first position to a second position only if both the catheter and the treating element cartridge are secured to the transfer device. The first lock blocks the movement of the fluid control switch to the send position when in its first position and prevents disassembly of either the catheter or the treating element cartridge from the transfer device when in its second position. The fluid control switch further locks the first lock into its second position when the fluid control switch is in the send position. A system is also provided for detecting whether the treating element resides at a targeted location along the lumen of the transfer device. The detection system comprises a pressure transducer that is in fluid communication with the lumen of the transfer device so as to be capable of measuring the fluid pressure at the targeted location of the lumen. Circuitry is provided for comparing the measured pressure to a reference pressure corresponding to the pressure at the targeted location when the treating elements are stored at the targeted location under fluid pressure. A signal generator provides a signal when the measured pressure differs from the reference pressure by more than a predetermined amount. The signal may activate an optical signal and/or a mechanical interlock, the latter preventing separation of the catheter from the transfer device and preventing closure of the gate when activated by a signal from the signal generator corresponding to the pressure encountered when the treating element does not reside at the targeted location.
摘要:
Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.
摘要:
The coronary catheter of the present invention has an elongated tubular member or shaft, with a proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The distal end portion terminates in a tip end portion. In accordance with the present invention, the distal end portion of the catheter is curved in three dimensions and cooperative with the shape of the human aortic arch so as to automatically place the tip end of the catheter into proximity with the right coronary ostium as the distal end portion passes over the aortic arch and into the ascending aorta.
摘要:
A catheter for treatment of chronic total occlusions includes an occlusion breach device, a catheter body made of a temperature-dependent softening, shape-memory, thermoplastic polymer having a first flexible state and a second stiff state. The catheter body has a heat transfer conduit and a conduit for slidably receiving the breach device. A heat-transferring device selectively changes a temperature of the heat transfer conduit to, thereby, change stiffness of the catheter body between the two states. To treat a CTO with the catheter, it is warmed above the glass-transition temperature and below the melting-temperature to make the catheter flexible. The catheter has a shape when inserted at the occlusion site and is cooled to, thereby, stiffen. Breaching of the occlusion is assisted with the stiff catheter. The catheter is removed by warming the polymer. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a selectively stiffening catheter.
摘要:
A system comprising a microprocessor-controlled transfer device and a separate catheter for intraluminal treatment of a selected site in a body of a patient by at least one treating element advanced from a removable treating element cartridge received in the transfer device into a lumen of the separate catheter by means of pressurized fluid controlled by a fluid control switch moveable between send and return positions, and a safety interlock for use with the system.
摘要:
An automatic fluid control having a first and second tube members and a slidable valve element capable of moving from a sealed closed position to an open position permitting fluid passage therethrough. In a preferred first embodiment, the elastomeric valve element is slidingly received with a passageway in the first tube. The valve element has a flange portion containing a plurality of slits that, when inverted and stretched, permit fluid to pass therethrough, but when closed, are in contact with the inner wall of the first tube and prevents fluid from passing therethrough. The valve element also can have a rigid plug attached within an opening in the top surface to present a preferably non-deformable contact point for a male luer tip, which, when pressed downward on the valve element, breaks a seal between the valve element and the first tube inner wall. In a second embodiment a toroidal shaped valve portion selectively forms a seal over a pin extending axially from the second tube member, the pin having a plurality of grooves in its surface to permit passage of fluid when the seal created by the valve element is broken. In a third embodiment, a valve element maintains a seal against a pin extending from the base of the second tube member and having a plurality of grooves. When the valve element is urged downward against the upward force of a spring, the pin grooves permit fluid flow through the second tube member.
摘要:
A sheath introducer for a catheterization or similar procedure comprises a main body having an exterior tapered sidewall, an interior lumen, a beveled top surface and an annular boss extending from the top surface; a rotating section having an exterior sidewall, an interior lumen, a beveled bottom surface having a recessed portion dimensioned so as to be received within the main body annular boss, and a top surface having an annular shoulder extending therefrom creating a recess; a cannula extending from the bottom end of the main body; and, a hemostatic valve having an access port and a fluid tight slit opening and seated within the upper portion and maintained by a cap, the valve being maintained within the rotating section recess and preferably slightly compressed when the rotating section and main body are assembled. When assembled, the rotating section can rotate up to approximately 180.degree., affording approximately a 45.degree. angle between the main body lumen and the rotating section lumen while maintaining an open passageway for insertion of catheters or other objects. Optionally, an angled sideport in fluid communication with the main body lumen extends from the main body.
摘要:
A sheath introducer for a catheterization or similar procedure comprises a body having a upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being angled with respect to the upper portion; a curved tapering channel extending through the upper and lower portions; a cannula with a tapered distal end extending at an angle with respect to the upper portion a hemostatic valve having an access port and a fluid tight slit opening and seated within the upper portion and maintained by a cap; and an angled sideport in fluid communication with the channel. Optionally, a wiper flange extends inward within the valve access port which provide an additional fluid tight seal when a catheter is slidingly inserted, removed or maintained within the valve. A dilator can be adapted for use with the introducer by having a bend in the tube portion of the dilator.