Multi-angulated catheter
Inventors
Assignees
US Department of Veterans Affairs • University of Illinois System
Publication Number
US-10463781-B2
Publication Date
2019-11-05
Expiration Date
2032-12-20
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a multi-angulated catheter and methods of using the multi-angulated catheter. The multi-angulated catheter is so dimensioned as to facilitate accessing the left ventricle from an arm of a patient. The multi-angulated catheter generally includes in order: (a) a coiled end; (b) a first straight portion having a first straight portion length; (c) a first shaft including a distal end connected to the first straight portion and a proximal end opposite the distal end, the first shaft and the first straight portion defining a first obtuse angle, the first shaft having a first shaft length; and (d) a second shaft connected to the first shaft on said proximal end. The catheter is flexible so as to afford being straightened when it is advanced over a guide wire. The catheter resiliently returns to a multi-angulated position after the guide wire is withdrawn.
Core Innovation
The invention is a multi-angulated catheter designed to facilitate accessing the left ventricle from an arm of a patient. The catheter includes, in order, a coiled end, a first straight portion with a specific length, a first shaft connected to the first straight portion at a first obtuse angle and having a specific length, and a second shaft connected to the first shaft on its proximal end. This catheter is flexible to be straightened when advanced over a guide wire and resiliently returns to a multi-angulated position after withdrawal of the guide wire. The dimensions and angles are so configured to assist in the radial approach to the left ventricle.
The problem being addressed is the difficulty in accessing the left ventricle via the radial (arm) approach using conventional pigtail catheters, which are generally straight or have angles of 145° or 155°. These existing catheters are not favorable for the angle of the aorta approached from the arm and may be more difficult to insert compared to the femoral approach. The invention provides a catheter with different angulation(s) from about 105° to 140° and an additional angle at various distances from the tip, making the catheter better suited for the radial approach.
The invention also includes a method of using this multi-angulated catheter by inserting a guide wire into an arm, advancing the catheter over the guide wire through an artery into the heart, then withdrawing the guide wire to allow the catheter to return to its multi-angulated configuration. The method comprises advancing the catheter into the left ventricle and injecting a radiopaque dye to generate a visual representation of the left ventricle. The catheter's design such as the first shaft and straight portion lengths and angles facilitate this procedure effectively from an arm.
Claims Coverage
The claims disclose one independent catheter claim and one independent method claim, detailing inventive features concerning the catheter's structural configuration and its use in radial ventriculography.
Multi-angulated catheter with defined obtuse angles and lengths
A catheter comprising a coiled end, a first straight portion of 15 mm to 40 mm length, a first shaft connected at an obtuse angle of 105° to 140° with length 20 mm to 40 mm, and a second shaft connected on the proximal end of the first shaft extending at a second obtuse angle of 135° to 150°, wherein one obtuse angle is positive and the other negative. The configuration facilitates positioning the coiled end centrally in the left ventricle when inserted from an arm. The catheter is flexible to be straightened over a guide wire and returns to the multi-angulated shape after withdrawal.
The independent claim covers a catheter specifically dimensioned and angulated for radial access to the left ventricle, with defined lengths and angular relations between the catheter sections that enable its flexible multi-angulated configuration suitable for insertion and positioning through arm arteries.
Stated Advantages
The catheter design facilitates accessing the left ventricle from an arm artery, overcoming limitations of conventional catheters not optimized for the radial approach.
The catheter is flexible enough to be straightened over a guide wire for insertion and resiliently returns to a multi-angulated position, providing both ease of navigation and proper final shaping.
The multi-angulated design including specific obtuse angles and lengths improves suitability for radial ventriculography procedures.
Documented Applications
Cardiac ventriculography involving the injection of radiopaque dye into the left ventricle via arterial access from an arm such as the radial, ulnar, or brachial artery.
Procedures that require advancing a catheter through peripheral arm arteries (e.g., axillary, subclavian, innominate arteries) into the heart for imaging and diagnostic purposes.
Radial ventriculography involving positioning the catheter in the left ventricle to inject contrast dye and produce visual imaging.
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