Steerable catheter and method for locating coronary sinus
First Claim
1. A method of placing a pacing lead proximate to or through a coronary sinus of a heart, comprising the steps of:
- introducing a catheter having a distal end into the right atrium of the heart; and
steering the catheter while concurrently monitoring at the distal end of the catheter a characteristic of blood indicative of blood in the coronary sinus to introduce the distal end of the catheter into the coronary sinus; and
introducing a pacing lead into the coronary sinus.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A steerable catheter includes an elongate cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. A blood characteristic sensor, such as an oxygen sensor, is connected to the cannula and disposed to sense percent oxygen saturation of blood at the distal end of the cannula. The blood oxygen sensor generates a signal indicative of percent oxygen saturation. An oximetry display is responsive to the signal and capable of displaying sensed percent oxygen saturation in a form understandable by an operator. A steering mechanism is operably connected to the cannula and is selectively operable by an operator to deflect the distal end of the cannula. A method of locating the coronary sinus of a heart involves endovascularly introducing a catheter into the right atrium, sensing percent oxygen saturation at the distal end of the catheter, and steering the catheter toward a region of lowest percent oxygen saturation.
38 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of placing a pacing lead proximate to or through a coronary sinus of a heart, comprising the steps of:
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introducing a catheter having a distal end into the right atrium of the heart; and
steering the catheter while concurrently monitoring at the distal end of the catheter a characteristic of blood indicative of blood in the coronary sinus to introduce the distal end of the catheter into the coronary sinus; and
introducing a pacing lead into the coronary sinus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A steerable oximetric catheter comprising:
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an elongate cannula having a proximal end and a distal end;
a blood oxygen sensor connected to the cannula and disposed to sense oxygen content of blood at the distal end of the cannula; and
a steering mechanism operably connected to the cannula and selectively operable by an operator to steer the distal end of the cannula. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A kit for placing a pacing lead in a patient comprising:
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a) a steerable catheter having a blood characteristic sensor;
b) a sheath adapted to fit over the catheter; and
c) a container for holding the catheter and sheath in a sterile condition. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification