Method for the percutaneous creation of an arteriovenous fistula (avf)
AssigneeStent Tek Limited
InventorsRobert DICKINSON, Sorin POPA
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Abstract
This document relates to the apparatus and methods used in the minimally invasive creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). In particular, the invention relates to the creation of an AVF using catheters and an alignment methodology that is based upon detection of asymmetric electric fields. The invention finds particular application in vascular access (VA) in the hemodialysis (HD) population.
Claims30
A method for improving vascular access in a patient in need thereof by creating a fistula between a first vessel and a second vessel, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) inserting, via a percutaneous route, a first catheter into the first vessel, wherein the first catheter comprises a directional signal source, and wherein the first catheter further comprises a penetrating member that is capable of being advanced radially outwardly from the first device, the direction of advancement of the penetrating member being aligned to a directional signal produced by the directional signal source;
- b) inserting, via a percutaneous route, a second catheter into the second vessel, wherein the second catheter comprises a sensor, wherein the sensor is capable of detecting the directional signal;
- c) generating the directional signal and aligning the first catheter and the second catheter relative to each other such that penetrating member is advanced radially from the first vessel towards the second vessel, thereby forming a channel between the first vessel and the second vessel;
- d) enlarging the channel to form the fistula between the first vessel and the second vessel;
- wherein the enlargement in step (b) is by expansion of an expanding stent positioned in the channel to provide an expanded expanding stent installed in the fistula;
- and
- wherein the expanded expanding stent forms a U shape connection between the first vessel and the second vessel.
A method for improving vascular access in a patient in need thereof comprising:
- a) creating a channel between a first vessel and a second vessel;
- b) enlarging the channel to form a fistula between the first vessel and the second vessel;
- wherein the enlargement in step (b) is by expansion of an expanding stent positioned in the channel to provide an expanded expanding stent installed in the fistula;
- and
- wherein the expanded expanding stent forms a U shape connection between the first vessel and the second vessel.
A method for improving vascular access in a patient in need thereof comprising:
- a) creating a channel from a vein to an artery;
- b) enlarging the channel to form a fistula between a first vessel and a second vessel;
- wherein the enlargement in step (b) is by expansion of a expanding stent positioned in the channel to provide an expanded expanding stent installed in the fistula;
- and
- wherein the expanded expanding stent forms a U shape connection between the vein and the artery.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.