Diagnostic methods for branching catheter systems
First Claim
1. A method of diagnosing flow conditions in a branched catheter system, the method comprising:
- providing an implantable branched catheter system comprising;
a supply catheter section comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein moving from the proximal end towards the distal end defines a downstream direction within the system and wherein moving from the distal end towards the proximal end defines an upstream direction within the system;
a flow detector located proximate the proximal end of the supply catheter section, wherein the flow detector detects flow through the supply catheter section; and
two or more delivery branches in fluid communication with the distal end of the supply catheter, wherein each delivery branch of the two or more delivery branches comprises a delivery catheter section comprising a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein each delivery branch of the two or more delivery branches comprises a flow restrictor located within the delivery branch, wherein the flow restrictor restricts flow through the delivery catheter section;
delivering fluid into the proximal end of the supply catheter section; and
monitoring the flow detector while delivering the fluid and while selectively occluding flow through one or more of the supply catheter section and the delivery catheter sections.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Branching catheter systems with diagnostic components for detecting and isolating fluid flow problems (e.g., leaks, occlusions, etc.) and methods for detecting and isolating fluid flow problems are disclosed. Among the fluid flow problems that may potentially be detected are leaks in the branching catheter systems (e.g., cuts, disconnected components, etc.). Another fluid flow problem that may be detected using the diagnostic systems of the present invention is the presence of occlusions or other blockages that prevent fluid flow within the catheter systems. In addition to identifying that a problem exists, the diagnostic components may preferably also be used to identify the location of the fluid flow problem as discussed herein. Connectors for use in the branching catheter systems are also disclosed. Among the diagnostic components that may be used in branching catheter systems of the present are valves to control fluid flow through the various sections of the branching catheter system, fluid flow detectors to detect flow through the one or more sections of the branching catheter system and a control system for operating the diagnostic components.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of diagnosing flow conditions in a branched catheter system, the method comprising:
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providing an implantable branched catheter system comprising;
a supply catheter section comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein moving from the proximal end towards the distal end defines a downstream direction within the system and wherein moving from the distal end towards the proximal end defines an upstream direction within the system;
a flow detector located proximate the proximal end of the supply catheter section, wherein the flow detector detects flow through the supply catheter section; and
two or more delivery branches in fluid communication with the distal end of the supply catheter, wherein each delivery branch of the two or more delivery branches comprises a delivery catheter section comprising a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein each delivery branch of the two or more delivery branches comprises a flow restrictor located within the delivery branch, wherein the flow restrictor restricts flow through the delivery catheter section;
delivering fluid into the proximal end of the supply catheter section; and
monitoring the flow detector while delivering the fluid and while selectively occluding flow through one or more of the supply catheter section and the delivery catheter sections. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method of diagnosing flow conditions in a branched catheter system, the method comprising:
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providing an implantable branched catheter system comprising;
a supply catheter section comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein moving from the proximal end towards the distal end defines a downstream direction within the system and wherein moving from the distal end towards the proximal end defines an upstream direction within the system;
a flow detector located proximate the proximal end of the supply catheter section, wherein the flow detector detects flow through the supply catheter section; and
two or more delivery branches in fluid communication with the distal end of the supply catheter, wherein each delivery branch of the two or more delivery branches comprises a delivery catheter section comprising a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein each delivery branch of the two or more delivery branches comprises a flow restrictor located proximate a distal end of the delivery branch, wherein the flow restrictor restricts flow through the delivery catheter section;
delivering fluid into the proximal end of the supply catheter section;
monitoring the flow detector while delivering the fluid and while selectively occluding flow through one or more of the supply catheter section and the delivery catheter sections; and
selectively shunting the fluid delivered into the supply catheter section outside of the system before the fluid enters the two or more delivery branches while monitoring the flow detector.
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Specification