Multi-angulated catheter
Inventors
Assignees
Us Government Represented By Department Of Veteran Affairs • US Department of Veterans Affairs • University of Illinois System
Publication Number
US-11583626-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-21
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 The catheter resiliently returns to a multi-angulated position after the guide wire is withdrawn.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 present invention relates to a multi-angulated catheter designed to facilitate accessing the left ventricle of the heart from an arm of a patient, specifically suited for radial ventriculography. The catheter comprises in order: a coiled end, a first straight portion with a defined length, a first shaft connected to the first straight portion at a first obtuse angle, and a second shaft connected to the proximal end of the first shaft, where the first and second shafts also form a second obtuse angle. The catheter is flexible to allow straightening when advanced over a guide wire and resiliently returns to the multi-angulated shape after withdrawal of the guide wire.
The problem being addressed is that conventional pigtail catheters have angulations (145 and 155 degrees) and designs that are not favorable for access through the radial approach (from the arm). Existing catheters designed for femoral access may be difficult to insert into the left ventricle using the radial approach due to the anatomy and angles of the aorta. Thus, there is a need for a catheter with angulations dimensioned to facilitate left ventricle access from an arm.
The invention proposes a catheter with novel angulation design where the first obtuse angle ranges about 105° to 140°, and the introduction of a second obtuse angle at the proximal end of the first shaft forms a generally concave and multi-angulated shape. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first straight portion extends out of the plane defined by the first and second shafts, establishing a three-dimensional profile. These angulations and dimensions are optimized for radial access, enabling improved insertion and positioning within the heart chamber.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims focusing on the structural characteristics and flexibility of the multi-angulated catheter.
Multi-angulated catheter with specific angles and planes
A catheter comprising a coiled end, first straight portion, first shaft, and second shaft arranged such that in a first viewing plane the first shaft forms a first obtuse angle with the first straight portion and the second shaft forms a second obtuse angle with the first shaft. In a perpendicular second viewing plane, the first shaft and second shaft define a plane with zero degrees angle between them, and the first straight portion extends out of this plane. The catheter is flexible to straighten when a guide wire is inserted and resiliently returns to the multi-angulated position when the guide wire is removed.
Multi-angulated catheter with positional angulations and shape
A catheter with a first straight portion adjacent its distal end, a first shaft extending from the proximal end of the first straight portion, and a second shaft extending from the proximal end of the first shaft, where the first shaft and second shaft form respective first and second obtuse angles with the first straight portion and each other in a first viewing plane, and the first straight portion extends out of the plane defined by the first and second shafts in a perpendicular second viewing plane. The catheter straightens over a guidewire and returns to the multi-angulated shape upon guidewire removal.
Overall, the independent claims cover a multi-angulated catheter characterized by multiple obtuse angles between shaft portions arranged in perpendicular planes, with the capability to straighten over a guide wire and return resiliently to a multi-angulated position, providing a shape and flexibility tailored to facilitate access to the left ventricle from an arm.
Stated Advantages
Facilitates accessing the left ventricle of the heart from an arm of a patient, improving ease of insertion via radial approach.
The catheter’s flexibility allows straightening over a guide wire and resilient return to a multi-angulated shape, enhancing navigation and positioning.
The three-dimensional angulation provides better accommodation of anatomical angles encountered in radial access, improving catheter performance during ventriculography.
Documented Applications
Use in radial ventriculography by inserting the catheter over a guide wire through an artery in the arm to the heart for injecting radiopaque dye into the left ventricle and obtaining x-ray imaging.
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