Single lumen rapid-exchange catheter
First Claim
1. A rapid-exchange catheter system which comprises:
- a guidewire;
a catheter tube formed with a lumen and having a distal end and a proximal end;
a distal sealing port formed into said catheter tube in fluid communication with said lumen and dimensioned for receiving said guidewire therethrough to establish a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith;
a proximal sealing port formed into said catheter tube in fluid communication with said lumen and dimensioned for receiving said guidewire therethrough to establish a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith; and
a balloon connected in fluid communication with said lumen of said catheter tube between said proximal sealing port and said distal sealing port, with said guidewire extending between said distal sealing port and said proximal sealing port and through said balloon when said guidewire is engaged with said catheter tube.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A single lumen rapid-exchange catheter includes a distal sealing port and a proximal sealing port both dimensioned for receiving a guidewire to establish a fluid-tight seal therewith. Each tubular shaped sealing port has a length, and a diameter, and is made of a hydrophilic polymer. In operation, the guidewire is inserted through the distal sealing port and exits from the catheter tube at the shoulder of the catheter tube and through the proximal sealing port. When fluid is present, each sealing port will enlarge to establish a fluid-tight seal with the guidewire. A diverter can be disposed at the proximal sealing port to redirect the guidewire from the lumen and out of the catheter tube through the proximal sealing port.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A rapid-exchange catheter system which comprises:
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a guidewire;
a catheter tube formed with a lumen and having a distal end and a proximal end;
a distal sealing port formed into said catheter tube in fluid communication with said lumen and dimensioned for receiving said guidewire therethrough to establish a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith;
a proximal sealing port formed into said catheter tube in fluid communication with said lumen and dimensioned for receiving said guidewire therethrough to establish a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith; and
a balloon connected in fluid communication with said lumen of said catheter tube between said proximal sealing port and said distal sealing port, with said guidewire extending between said distal sealing port and said proximal sealing port and through said balloon when said guidewire is engaged with said catheter tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A rapid-exchange catheter for receiving a guidewire, said rapid-exchange catheter comprising:
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a balloon;
a catheter tube having a proximal sealing means and a distal sealing means with said balloon mounted on said catheter tube therebetween, wherein each sealing means is dimensioned for receiving said guidewire therethrough with said guidewire extending inside said balloon between said proximal sealing means and said distal sealing means, and further wherein said balloon is in fluid communication with said catheter tube; and
a fluid source in fluid communication with said catheter tube. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for replacing a rapid-exchange catheter with a replacement catheter, the method comprising the steps of:
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positioning a guidewire in the vasculature of a patient;
providing said rapid-exchange catheter having a catheter tube formed with a distal sealing port and a proximal sealing port and having a balloon mounted on said catheter tube therebetween, with each said sealing port being dimensioned for receiving a guidewire therethrough to establish a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith;
inserting said guidewire through said distal sealing port of said rapid-exchange catheter and extending inside said catheter tube through said balloon and through said proximal sealing port of said rapid-exchange catheter; and
advancing said rapid-exchange catheter into the vasculature of the patient over said guidewire. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification