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Catheter-based methods for enlarging blood vessels to facilitate the formation of penetration tracts, fistulas and/or blood flow channels

  • US 6,508,824 B1
  • Filed: 02/18/2000
  • Issued: 01/21/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/18/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for locating a target blood vessel of a patient and penetrating the target vessel with a penetrating element, comprising:

  • providing a transluminally insertable tissue penetration device having a penetrating element thereon passable through the wall of a target blood vessel from the exterior thereof;

    providing an imaging apparatus for locating a target blood vessel;

    causing at least a target region of the target vessel to dilate;

    locating the target region of the target vessel using the imaging apparatus;

    transluminally positioning the tissue penetration device within a blood vessel or internal body cavity adjacent the target vessel such that the penetrating element is aimed at the dilated target region;

    passing the aimed penetrating element from the penetration device through the wall of the target blood vessel.

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