Catheter positioning systems
First Claim
1. A catheter positioning system comprising:
- an elongate catheter having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending there through, and it having a defined length;
at least one resilient member adjacent to distal end of the catheter configured to be selectively radially extended outward from the catheter; and
a control mechanism operatively associated with the resilient member and extending to the proximal end of the catheter where it is configured to be manipulated by a user to actuate the resilient member from a retracted to an extended position.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a catheter positioning system which serves to control and stabilize a distal end of a catheter at a treatment site within a patient so that a medical procedure can be performed with accuracy. Generally, the positioning system operates by providing a deformable mechanical members at the distal end of the catheter which can be operated from the proximal end of the catheter to extend radially outward to engage surrounding tissue adjacent to treatment site. In one embodiment of the invention a flexible superstructure comprising the plurality of flexible veins extending longitudinally along the distal end of the catheter can be deformed to bow radially outward to engage surrounding tissue. The distal tip of the catheter joined to one of the veins was correspondingly displaced or rotated angularly as the veins bow outward. In another embodiment radially projecting fingers are joined to the distal end of the catheter, which remain retracted during navigation of the catheter to the treatment site then are extended outward to penetrate the tissue and secure the catheter at the treatment site upon being actuated from the proximal end of the catheter by a physician. Methods of positioning a catheter are also disclosed. The inventive device and method are particularly useful in catheter based procedures carried out in large body lumens or in cavities of body organs. In particular, the invention may be useful in delivering implants percutaneously through the left ventricle into the myocardium of the heart.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A catheter positioning system comprising:
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an elongate catheter having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending there through, and it having a defined length;
at least one resilient member adjacent to distal end of the catheter configured to be selectively radially extended outward from the catheter; and
a control mechanism operatively associated with the resilient member and extending to the proximal end of the catheter where it is configured to be manipulated by a user to actuate the resilient member from a retracted to an extended position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of performing a catheter-based procedure to a particular treatment site within a patient comprising:
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providing a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a radially extendible tissue engagement mechanism at its distal end;
navigating the catheter so that the distal end is adjacent to the intended tissue location;
causing the tissue engagement mechanism to extend into engagement with the tissue adjacent to treatment site; and
performing the medical procedure while maintaining the tissue engagement mechanism in its extended position. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for forming a catheter-based procedure wherein the tissue engagement mechanism comprises a tube in communication with a therapeutic agent pressurized from the proximal end of the catheter when~the tissue engagement mechanism contacts the tissue to deliver the agent to the tissue.
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18. A method for delivering a tissue implant into myocardial tissue of the heart comprising:
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providing a catheter having at least one lumen and proximal and distal ends and a radially extendible tissue engagement mechanism at its distal end configured to be extended by the presence of a device in the lumen at the distal end of the catheter;
navigating the catheter to the intended implant location in the myocardium;
inserting a delivery device carrying the implant through the lumen of the catheter while applying a distal force in a distal direction upon both the catheter and the delivery device such that the distal end of the catheter abuts the implant site; and
driving the implant through the distal end of the catheter to extend the catheter positioning mechanism to locate the distal end of the catheter so that the implant can be delivered to the intended tissue location.
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Specification