Rapid exchange catheter
OwnerPaul S. Teirsteininventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A novel over the wire-rapid exchange catheter is provided comprising a novel proximal end, which works in conjunction with the distal end of a traditional rapid exchange catheter, having a particular arrangement as shown in FIG. 1 which serves to enhance the users ability to properly operate and maneuver the guidewire/catheter, and thus to more effectively carry out the catherization procedure. Additionally, an OTW-RE catheter is provided with a means for rapidly removing the guidewire from the proximal end of the catheter, at the appropriate time during the procedure, while preserving the integrity of the device.
Claims13
An improved over the wire rapid exchange catheter having a generally elongated catheter body with a proximal end and a distal end, a first guidewire port at said distal end where the guidewire enters said catheter body, and a second guidewire port spaced proximally from said distal end where the guidewire exits said catheter body, the improvement comprising:
- a reference marker affixed to said catheter body near said proximal end;
- an elongated guidewire channel formed on said catheter body near said proximal end;
- a third guidewire port formed in said proximal guidewire channel where the guidewire enters said proximal guidewire channel distal to said reference marker;
- and
- a fourth guidewire port formed in said proximal guidewire channel where the guidewire exits said proximal guidewire channel at the extreme proximal end of said elongated catheter body.
A method of using an OTW-RE catheter, comprising the steps of:
- providing a guide catheter inserted into a patient to a selected location, said guide catheter having a selectively sealable "O" ring for sealing a proximal end of said guide catheter;
- providing an OTW-RE catheter having a balloon or other therapeutic or diagnostic distal end, having a distal end of a guidewire threaded through a distal portion of the body of said OTW-RE catheter, having said guidewire exiting said distal portion of said catheter body, having an intermediate portion of said guidewire passing alongside said catheter body from said distal portion to a guidewire entrance port on a guidewire channel formed on a proximal portion of said catheter body where said guidewire re-enters said catheter body, and having a proximal end of said guidewire exiting said proximal guidewire channel;
- providing a reference marker on said catheter body at a selected location to demonstrate appropriate length of insertion of said catheter body into the patient;
- providing a torque device attached to said proximal end of said guidewire;
- advancing said OTW-RE catheter through said guide catheter until said reference marker on said OTW-RE catheter is reached;
- tightening said "O" ring around said reference marker;
- advancing said guidewire to a selected treatment location with the simultaneous injection of contrast dye;
- advancing said OTW-RE catheter as required to support said guidewire in regions of tortuosity;
- dilating by inflating said balloon or effecting another therapeutic or diagnostic means;
- subsequently withdrawing said OTW-RE catheter so that said guidewire entrance port is exposed;
- tightening said "O" ring to prevent further movement of said OTW-RE catheter;
- flexing said catheter body so that said guidewire separates slightly from said catheter body;
- removing said torque device from said guidewire;
- pulling on said guidewire until it is removed from said proximal guidewire channel;
- and
- exchanging said OTW-RE catheter in the conventional rapid exchange manner.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.