Guide wire system for RF recanalization of vascular blockages
First Claim
1. A centering catheter for positioning a conductive guide wire in a blood vessel, comprising:
- an elongate catheter body having a distal end and an operative lumen, the lumen having a distal end opening, such that a guide wire disposed in the lumen may be advanced beyond the distal end opening; and
a compliant centering mechanism operable to secure the distal end of the catheter body within a blood vessel, such that a distal guide wire tip positioned in the lumen proximate the distal end opening is substantially centered within the blood vessel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for recanalizing an occluded blood vessel including a centering catheter employed to center an ablative guide wire within the blood vessel as the guide wire traverses the occlusion. The centering catheter includes a catheter body with an operative lumen through which the ablative guide wire is slidingly disposed. The centering catheter further includes a distally disposed centering mechanism that, when activated, centers the ablative guide wire within the blood vessel as it traverses the occlusion. The centering mechanism can comprise various embodiments including a single inflatable balloon or segmented inflatable balloon, which is in fluid communication with an inflation lumen. An airless preparation lumen may be disposed within the inflation lumen for ease of centering catheter preparation. The ablative guide wire includes insulation that is preferably formed of heat shrink tubing, which is stretched prior or concurrently with the heating process. The ablative guide wire includes a distal ablation tip having a non-traumatic structure and at least one discontinuous feature for creating high current densities for more efficient tissue ablation.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A centering catheter for positioning a conductive guide wire in a blood vessel, comprising:
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an elongate catheter body having a distal end and an operative lumen, the lumen having a distal end opening, such that a guide wire disposed in the lumen may be advanced beyond the distal end opening; and
a compliant centering mechanism operable to secure the distal end of the catheter body within a blood vessel, such that a distal guide wire tip positioned in the lumen proximate the distal end opening is substantially centered within the blood vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A centering catheter for positioning a conductive guide wire in a blood vessel, comprising:
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an elongate catheter body having a distal end and an operative lumen, the lumen having a distal end opening, such that a guide wire disposed in the lumen may be advanced beyond the distal end opening;
a centering mechanism operable to secure the distal end of the catheter body within a blood vessel, such that a distal guide wire tip positioned in the lumen proximate the distal end opening is substantially centered within the blood vessel, wherein the centering mechanism comprises an inflatable body and a resilient support structure adjacent the inflatable body, the support structure pre-shaped into a complex geometry conforming to the inner wall of the blood vessel. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An invasive catheter, comprising:
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an elongate catheter body having proximal and distal ends;
an inflatable body mounted to the catheter body proximate the distal end, the inflatable body defining an interior region;
a first lumen extending through the catheter body, the first lumen having a distal opening in communication with the interior region; and
a second lumen disposed within the first lumen, the second lumen having a distal opening in communication with the interior region;
wherein one of the first and second lumens is configured for conveying a pressurized fluid medium to the interior region, and the other of the first and second lumens is configured for conveying any air from the interior region as the pressurized fluid medium is conveyed to the interior region. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
wherein the inflatable body is operable to secure the distal end of the catheter body within a blood vessel, such that a guide wire advanced through the distal end lumen opening is substantially centered within the blood vessel. -
18. The invasive catheter of claim 14, wherein the interior region forms a single cavity.
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Specification