Percutaneous access pathway system and method
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10046147-B2
Publication Date
2018-08-14
Expiration Date
2034-12-23
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Abstract
An improved method and device are provided for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises at least one of three type of components: access pathway, insertion device, and attachment device. In one embodiment, the device is used to form and/or maintain a percutaneous access pathway into the pleural cavity (i.e. tube thoracostomy). The provided assembly substantially reduces the possibility of iatrogenic infection while accessing and/or re-accessing a body space.
Core Innovation
The invention provides improved devices and methods for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway. The device generally comprises at least one of three types of components: an access pathway, an insertion device, and an attachment device. In one embodiment, the device forms and/or maintains a percutaneous access pathway into the pleural cavity, for example for tube thoracostomy. The assembly is designed to reduce the possibility of iatrogenic infection while accessing or re-accessing a body space.
The problem being addressed is that current methods of creating and using percutaneous access pathways, such as tube thoracostomy, are associated with risks including injury to underlying vital structures and contamination that can lead to infection. Existing chest tube devices and access techniques often require a large sterile field, are not easily re-sterilized for repeated access, and do not provide mechanisms to maintain a closed sterile environment after initial use or when changing out catheters.
The invention features a system where the access pathway can include a port and catheter, allowing entrance for an attachment device such as a chest tube or surgical instrument, with reversible or irreversible sealing. The access pathway can be formed by various methods including open surgery, the Seldinger technique, or using an expandable catheter. The device provides mechanisms for expansion and anchoring of the access pathway, as well as connection ports that allow attachment of additional devices in a manner that maintains internal sterility. Some embodiments include a sheath around the attachment device to preserve a sterile environment during transport and manipulation, and a port mechanism which only opens when an attachment device is properly engaged, preventing contamination.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim in this patent, which covers five main inventive features.
Access pathway catheter connecting internal and external environments
An access pathway catheter that is configured to connect an internal portion of a patient’s body to the external environment, enabling percutaneous access and communication for medical procedures.
Access pathway port maintaining a sterile barrier
An access pathway port that maintains a barrier between the internal portion of the body and the external environment when in a closed position. The port includes a distal opening for the catheter to extend and is designed to be opened selectively.
Attachment device with port-opening capability
An attachment device that can be connected to the access pathway port. The attachment device is configured to selectively cause the access pathway port to open by opening one or more doors in the access pathway, allowing the attachment device to access the internal body space.
Internally sterile attachment device sheath
An attachment device sheath that is internally sterile and at least partially surrounds the attachment device. The sheath enables insertion of at least a part of the attachment device into the internal portion of the body through the opened access pathway, while maintaining sterility.
Insertion device causing catheter expansion
An insertion device configured to insert the access pathway catheter into the body and selectively cause expansion of the access pathway catheter. This allows the creation of an optimally sized channel through body tissues while minimizing trauma and improving access.
The inventive features together support a percutaneous access system that improves sterility, allows for secure and expandable access, and accommodates attachment devices in a closed sterile manner.
Stated Advantages
Substantially reduces the possibility of iatrogenic infection when accessing or re-accessing body spaces.
Provides an effective means for forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway in a variety of body cavities.
Allows reusable port access for repeat procedures and manipulation, even in non-sterile environments, while maintaining internal sterility.
Minimizes user error and risk of injury to vital structures during insertion, with features such as automatic depth control and expansion mechanisms.
Accommodates a range of attachment devices and can be adapted for varying patient sizes, including adults, children, and infants.
Documented Applications
Forming and/or maintaining a percutaneous access pathway into the pleural cavity for tube thoracostomy.
Placing access pathways into the abdominal cavity using laparoscopy for procedures such as abdominal drains and repeat laparoscopies.
Establishing percutaneous access pathways in various other body cavities, such as retroperitoneal space, cranium, trachea, abscesses, bones, vessels, bladder, and other hollow organs.
Use with a range of medical devices, including standard catheters, Penrose drains, pigtail catheters, chest tubes, tracheostomy tubes, endotracheal tubes, venous or arterial catheters, thoracentesis tubes, paracentesis tubes, and abscess drainage tubes.
Facilitating repeat procedures and manipulation of access devices without needing to create new ports or reestablish full sterility in the operating environment.
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