Systems and methods for delivering a probe into tissue
First Claim
1. A system for performing a cryogenic procedure at an internal tissue region, comprising:
- a stylet having a proximal end and a distal end for penetrating tissue;
a dilator slidably disposed on the stylet, the dilator having a proximal end and a tapered distal end for substantially atraumatically dilating tissue, the dilator having a length that is less than a length of the stylet;
a lock assembly on the proximal ends of the stylet and the dilator for securing the dilator axially with respect to the stylet such that a distal portion of the stylet extends beyond the distal end of the dilator;
an introducer sheath slidably disposed on the dilator;
the dilator being movable proximally with respect to the introducer sheath for removing the dilator from within the introducer sheath; and
a cryogenic probe insertable into the introducer sheath when the dilator and stylet are removed from within the introducer sheath.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for placing an introducer sheath into a subcutaneous tissue region, such as a prostate, e.g., to facilitate insertion of a cryogenic probe. In one embodiment, a dilation apparatus is provided that includes an introducer sheath containing a dilator that, in turn, contains a stylet. A pointed tip of the stylet is inserted into a patient'"'"'s skin and the dilator is advanced over the inserted stylet to dilate surrounding tissue. The introducer sheath is then advanced over the dilator through the tissue to provide access to a target tissue region, such as the prostate. The stylet and dilator are removed from the introducer sheath, leaving the introducer sheath in place. A cryogenic probe may be inserted into the introducer sheath, and may be coupled to a cryosurgical system, e.g., to ablate or otherwise treat the target tissue region.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. A system for performing a cryogenic procedure at an internal tissue region, comprising:
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a stylet having a proximal end and a distal end for penetrating tissue;
a dilator slidably disposed on the stylet, the dilator having a proximal end and a tapered distal end for substantially atraumatically dilating tissue, the dilator having a length that is less than a length of the stylet;
a lock assembly on the proximal ends of the stylet and the dilator for securing the dilator axially with respect to the stylet such that a distal portion of the stylet extends beyond the distal end of the dilator;
an introducer sheath slidably disposed on the dilator;
the dilator being movable proximally with respect to the introducer sheath for removing the dilator from within the introducer sheath; and
a cryogenic probe insertable into the introducer sheath when the dilator and stylet are removed from within the introducer sheath. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20)
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11. An apparatus for providing percutaneous access for a medical procedure, comprising:
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a stylet having a proximal end and a distal end for penetrating tissue;
a dilator slidably disposed on the stylet, the dilator having a proximal end and a tapered distal end, the dilator having a length that is less than a length of the stylet;
an introducer sheath slidably disposed on the dilator; and
a mechanism for limiting proximal movement of the dilator with respect to the stylet to prevent the proximal end of the stylet from being advanced distally through the dilator. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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21. A method for performing a cryogenic procedure, comprising:
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providing an apparatus comprising a stylet, a dilator secured about a proximal portion of the stylet such that a distal portion of the stylet extends beyond a tapered distal end of the dilator, and an introducer sheath disposed on the dilator;
inserting the distal portion of the stylet through a patient'"'"'s skin to a target tissue region;
advancing the dilator such that the tapered distal end of the dilator substantially atraumatically dilates tissue surrounding the distal portion of the stylet until the distal end of the dilator is coextensive with a distal end of the stylet, thereby creating a dilated insertion path;
advancing the introducer sheath until a distal end of the introducer sheath is aligned with a distal end of the dilated insertion path; and
removing the dilator and stylet, leaving the introducer sheath in the dilated insertion path. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification