Method of accessing the left atrium with a multi-directional steerable catheter
Inventors
Hsueh, Wai • Vien, Ken • Ross, James B.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12036371-B2
Publication Date
2024-07-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A bi-directional steerable catheter adapted for delivery into a patient's vasculature. The pull wires which are used to tension the deflectable segment of the steerable catheter are wound in parallel around the axis of the steerable catheter on opposite sides of the steerable catheter.
Core Innovation
A method of accessing a target site in left atrium of a patient uses a steerable catheter. The catheter includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween, with a first segment proximate the distal end and a second segment extending proximally from the first segment toward the proximal end. The catheter also includes a first pull wire disposed within a first side lumen and a second pull wire disposed within a second side lumen, each extending from the distal end to the proximal end.
In the second segment, the first pull wire and the second pull wire comprise first and second wound segments wound about a longitudinal axis of the tube. The first and second wound segments are dispersed circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the tube in the second segment. The wound segments are configured to reduce whipping when the tube is rotated around the longitudinal axis of the tube.
Bidirectional steering is provided by a handle fixed to the tube, the handle comprising means for selectively tensioning the first pull wire without tensioning the second pull wire, or tensioning the second pull wire without tensioning the first pull wire, to provide bidirectional steering of the deflectable segment. The method further inserts the steerable catheter through the inferior vena cava and through right atrium and through the atrial septum until the first segment is disposed proximate the target site of the left atrium and the second segment is disposed, in a curved configuration, along the curve leading from the vena cava to the atrial septum. One or both of the pull wires are operated to deflect the first segment of the tube.
Claims Coverage
The document contains one independent claim, which includes a set of inventive features: a steerable catheter architecture for left atrium access with circumferentially dispersed wound segments to reduce whipping during tube rotation, and a handle that selectively tensions one pull wire without tensioning the other to provide bidirectional steering.
Circumferentially dispersed wound segments in a second tube segment to reduce whipping
A steerable catheter with a first segment proximate the distal end and a second segment extending proximally, wherein first and second pull wires have first and second wound segments wound about a longitudinal axis in the second segment and dispersed circumferentially about the longitudinal axis, with the wound segments configured to reduce whipping when the tube is rotated around the longitudinal axis.
Bidirectional steering by selectively tensioning one pull wire without tensioning the other
A handle fixed to the tube comprising means for selectively tensioning the first pull wire without tensioning the second pull wire, or tensioning the second pull wire without tensioning the first pull wire, to provide bidirectional steering of the deflectable segment.
Left atrium access insertion route via inferior vena cava, right atrium, and atrial septum with curved second segment
Inserting the steerable catheter through the inferior vena cava and through right atrium and through the atrial septum until the first segment is disposed proximate the target site of the left atrium and the second segment is disposed, in a curved configuration, along the curve leading from the vena cava to the atrial septum.
Deflecting the first segment by operating one or both pull wires
Operating one or both of the pull wires to deflect the first segment of the tube.
The inventive aspects are the circumferentially dispersed wound segments in a second tube segment configured to reduce whipping during tube rotation, together with bidirectional steering implemented by selectively tensioning one pull wire without tensioning the other.
Stated Advantages
Reduces whipping when the tube is rotated around the longitudinal axis.
Documented Applications
Accessing a target site in the left atrium of a patient.
Inserting through the inferior vena cava, right atrium, and the atrial septum until the first segment is disposed proximate the target site of the left atrium.
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