Tension guide and dilator
First Claim
1. An apparatus for forming a percutaneous penetration into a body cavity, said apparatus comprising:
- an elongate guide member having a proximal end, a distal end, means near the distal end for anchoring the guide member against a surface of the body cavity near the penetration, said anchoring means being selectively expandable to engage a region of the body cavity; and
an elongate dilation member including a tapered distal tip and means for following the guide member into the body cavity, said following means being able to pass the expanded anchoring means when the dilation member is introduced over the guide member.
6 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dilator assembly for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations into body cavities includes an elongate guide member and one or more elongate dilation members. The guide member includes a retractable anchor near its distal end so that an outward force or tension may be maintained on the body cavity wall as successfully larger dilators are introduced over the guide member. In this way, the alignment of the guide member is maintained along the initial penetration and the tendency for the wall of the body cavity to separate from and invaginate into the surrounding fascia is reduced. Alternatively, means may be provided for internally tensioning or stiffening the guide member so that the guide member will remain aligned and resist withdrawal, buckling, and kinking as a dilator or working catheter is introduced.
278 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for forming a percutaneous penetration into a body cavity, said apparatus comprising:
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an elongate guide member having a proximal end, a distal end, means near the distal end for anchoring the guide member against a surface of the body cavity near the penetration, said anchoring means being selectively expandable to engage a region of the body cavity; and an elongate dilation member including a tapered distal tip and means for following the guide member into the body cavity, said following means being able to pass the expanded anchoring means when the dilation member is introduced over the guide member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus comprising:
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a tubular guide member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial lumen therethrough; a stylet which is slidably received in the axial lumen of the guide member; a deflectable element near the distal end of the guide member, wherein said deflectable element assumes a retracted configuration when the stylet is in place and assumes a radially projecting configuration when the stylet is removed; and an elongate dilation member having means for passing over the guide member and clearing the deflectable element when said element is in its projecting configuration. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus comprising:
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a tubular guide member having a proximal end, a distal end, and an axial lumen therethrough; and an anchor wire slidably received in the lumen of the tubular guide member, said anchor wire having a spring tip which projects laterally from the guide member when the wire is moved to a preselected axial position within the guide member. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification