Method and apparatus for placement and activation of a medical device within a body cavity

• US 6,139,535 A
• Filed: 05/27/1999
• Issued: 10/31/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Solace Therapeutics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Situs, Inc.
• Inventors: Scott, W. Tate, Matsuura, David G., Sirivong, Mikxay, Zupkas, Paul F., Greelis, John Patrick
• Primary Examiner(s): YASKO JR, JOHN D
• Application Number:
  US09/322,131
• Time in Patent Office: 523 Days
• Field of Search: 604/500, 604/506, 604/507, 604/508, 604/511, 604/515, 604/158, 604/164.01, 604/523, 604/517, 604/514
• US Class Current: 604/500
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1085 Bladder
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2210/1089 Urethra
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/00 Catheters; Hollow probes dilators A61M29/00; peritoneal catheters A61M1/285; tracheal tubes A61M16/04; for drainage A61M27/00; for uterus, vagina or rectum A61M31/00 ; for measuring or testing A61B; materials for catheters A61L29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0662 Guide tubes

Abstract

A delivery device and method for delivering a medical device, such as an infuser, into a body cavity are disclosed. The delivery device includes an ejector tube which slidably extends through a handle. The ejector tube is configured for easy insertion through the urethra into the bladder. A hollow inner tube is located within the ejector tube and includes luer fittings at its distal and proximal ends. The luer fitting at the proximal end of the inner tube is coupled to the handle. Movement of the ejector tube relative to the inner tube causes the distal luer fitting to be withdrawn within the ejector tube and can be used to force an infuser attached to the distal luer fitting from the distal luer fitting. Materials can be transported to the infuser from the proximal luer fitting through the inner tube and out through the distal luer connector.

Claims

1. A delivery device suitable for delivering an infuser into a body cavity, a delivery device comprising:

a handle;

an ejector tube which extends through the handle; and

a hollow inner tube disposed within the ejector tube in a sliding relationship therewith, the hollow inner tube adapted to provide a passageway for a substance from the handle to a distal end of the hollow inner tube and wherein the distal end of the hollow inner tube is adapted to couple to an infuser device and wherein the ejector tube is configured to slide distally relative to the inner tube and press against the infuser device causing ejection of the infuser device from the distal end of the hollow inner tube.

2. The delivery device of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism configured to prevent the ejector tube from sliding with respect to the inner tube.

3. The delivery device of claim 1 wherein the ejector tube is configured to be passed through the urethra of a mammalian.

4. A method of drug delivery comprising the steps of:

inserting an introducer and obturator through the urethra;

withdrawing the obturator;

inserting a delivery device through the introducer, the delivery device comprising a handle, an ejector tube which extends through the handle, and a hollow inner tube disposed within the ejector tube in a sliding relationship therewith, the hollow inner tube adapted to provide a passageway for a substance from the handle to a distal end of the hollow inner tube and wherein the distal end of the hollow inner tube is coupled to an infuser device and wherein the ejector tube is configured to slide distally relative to the inner tube and press against the infuser device;

passing a substance through the hollow inner tube from the handle to a distal end of the hollow inner tube and into the infuser device; and

sliding the ejector tube distally with respect to the inner tube causing the distal end of the ejector tube to press against the infuser device, thereby ejecting the infuser device into the bladder.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of deactivating a locking mechanism before the step of sliding.