Infusion catheter having an atraumatic tip

#The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for treating a vascular occlusion, and more specifically, treating the occlusion by providing an infusion catheter having an atraumatic tip and at least one delivery port configured to infuse fluids into the occlusion and dislodge the occlusion.

#Intravascular occlusions requiring intervention may be treated using a variety of known medical techniques. In each of these techniques, it is desirable to provide a retrograde flow potential at the treatment site. This causes emboli that are liberated during treatment to flow in a proximal direction, so that the emboli do not travel deeper into the vascular bed and cause further occlusive events resulting in infarction and/or necrosis.

#A commonly known technique for treating a vascular occlusion involves delivering lytic agents to the site of the occlusion to dissolve the occlusion. One drawback associated with such lytic agents is that they may facilitate bleeding and/or cause damage to the vessel wall.

#Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, in which:

#FIG. 1 provides a side view of apparatus constructed in accordance with principles of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 provides a side view of preferred apparatus for providing a retrograde flow potential in a treatment vessel;

#The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for treating a vascular occlusion by providing an infusion catheter having an atraumatic tip and at least one delivery port configured to infuse fluid into the occlusion. The fluid that is infused dilutes the occlusion and reduces adhesion of the occlusion to the intima of the vessel wall, thereby causing the occlusion to dislodge. Emboli generated in the process are directed into an emboli removal catheter for safe removal.

#Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of apparatus constructed in accordance with principles of the present invention is provided. Apparatus 8 of the present invention preferably comprises infusion catheter 10 having proximal and distal ends and lumen 11 extending therebetween. Infusion catheter 10 further comprises atraumatic tip 12 disposed at the distal end. Atraumatic tip 12 preferably comprises a platinum coil so that a physician may navigate a patient's vasculature using the coil and further track the distal end under fluoroscopy.

#Infusion catheter 10 preferably is configured to have sufficient axial pushability so that it may cross a lesion without kinking, while being flexible enough to be guided through tortuous vasculature. Removable stylet 19, which is configured to be longitudinally advanced within lumen 11, optionally may be disposed within lumen 11 during insertion of infusion catheter 10 to enhance pushability. Alternatively, as described hereinbelow with respect to FIG. 3, infusion catheter 10 also may be guided to a treatment site using a conventional guidewire in combination with a micro catheter.