Fistula formulation devices and methods therefor
AssigneeTVA Medical, Inc.
InventorThomas Diffley PATE
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described here are devices, systems, and methods for forming a fistula between two blood vessels. Generally, the systems may comprise a first catheter and a second catheter, which may comprise one or more fistula-forming elements. The first and second catheters may comprise one or more magnetic elements, which may be used to assist in bringing the first and catheters in closer proximity to facilitate fistula formation. In some variations, the magnetic elements may have magnetization patterns such that the flux generated by the magnetic elements is locally concentrated. In some instances, the system may comprise a magnetic control device, which may comprise a magnet, and may be used to increase or create an attractive force between the first and second catheters.
Claims24
A system for creating a fistula between two vessels, comprising:
- a first catheter comprising a first magnetic element;
- and
- a second catheter comprising a second magnetic element;
- wherein at least one of the first and second catheters comprises a fistula-forming element, and
- wherein the first magnetic element is configured to produce a magnetic field that is stronger on a first side of the first magnetic element than on a second side of the first magnetic element.
A device for applying a magnetic field to a portion of the body, comprising:
- a housing;
- a magnet, wherein the magnet is moveable relative to the housing;
- and
- a control element fixedly connected to the magnet and moveably connected to the housing, wherein movement of the control element moves the magnet relative to the housing.
A system for forming a fistula between two vessels, comprising:
- a first catheter comprising a first magnetic element;
- a second catheter comprising a second magnetic element, wherein at least one of the first and second catheters comprises a fistula-forming element;
- and
- a device for applying a magnetic field to the first and second magnetic elements, comprising a magnet inside a housing, wherein the magnet is moveable within the housing, and wherein the magnet is configured to generate a magnetic field that, when applied simultaneously to the first and second magnetic elements, is capable of increasing an attractive force between the first and second magnetic elements.
A method of forming a fistula between a first blood vessel and a second blood vessel of a patient comprising:
- advancing a first catheter into the first blood vessel, wherein the first catheter comprises first magnetic element;
- advancing a second catheter into the second blood vessel, wherein the second catheter comprises a second magnetic element, and wherein at least one of the first and second catheters comprises a fistula-forming element;
- positioning an external magnet external the patient, wherein the magnet produces a magnetic field;
- moving the first catheter toward the second catheter using the magnetic field produced by the external magnet;
- and
- forming a fistula with the fistula-forming element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.