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Publication Number
US-9199064-B2
Publication Date
2015-12-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
This invention concerns a guide catheter comprising a hollow tubular body extending along a main longitudinal axis, said tubular body defining at ] least one internal lumen suitable for receiving at least one medical device, the tubular body further defining at least one proximal opening and one distal opening. The tubular body includes a distal portion preformed in such a way as to take on a curved configuration with regard to the main axis. At least the distal portion of the tubular body has a flattened shape that extends prevalently along a main transversal axis, the curvature of said distal portion being created around said main transversal axis.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a guide catheter for intravascular procedures, wherein a guide catheter comprises a hollow tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis with an internal lumen suitable for receiving at least one medical device. The tubular body defines a proximal opening, a lateral opening for receiving a guidewire there through, and a distal opening. The distal portion is preformed so as to assume a curved configuration with regard to the longitudinal axis.
At least the distal portion has a flattened shape that extends prevalently along a transverse axis, and the curvature of the distal portion is created around the transverse axis. The flattened geometry corresponds to a crushed transversal shape and may be substantially elliptical, so that the curved distal portion has preferential inertia directions derived from different inertia moments (Iyy and Izz). This structure is described as improving tip bending, torqueability, and stability, reducing accidental rotation and misalignment.
A kit arrangement is also described, including an introducer sheath defining an internal lumen between a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein the guide catheter is sized to be inserted and to run within the internal lumen of the sheath. In a simultaneously contained condition, a guide wire emerging from the lateral opening extends parallel and external to the distal portion of the guide catheter. The lateral opening is created through an external surface on an opposite side of the tubular body with regard to a direction of the curvature of the distal portion.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim defining the guide catheter kit, with multiple dependent claims refining geometry and mechanical structure.
Curved flattened distal portion created around a transverse axis
A guide catheter in which the distal portion is preformed to assume a curved configuration with regard to the longitudinal axis, wherein at least the distal portion has a flattened shape extending prevalently along a transverse axis and the curvature of the distal portion is created around the transverse axis.
Lateral opening on opposite curvature side
A guide catheter in which a lateral opening is created through an external surface on an opposite side of the tubular body with regard to a direction of the curvature of the distal portion.
Introducer sheath sized to receive and contain the guide catheter
An introducer sheath defining an internal lumen between a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein the guide catheter is sized to be inserted and to run within the internal lumen of the sheath.
Parallel external emergence of guide wire from lateral opening during simultaneous containment
A guide wire emerging from the lateral opening of the guide catheter and extending parallel and external to the distal portion when the distal portion of the guide catheter and the guide wire are simultaneously contained in the internal lumen of the introducer sheath.
Independent feature refinements in dependent claims
The dependent claims add specific constraints and structures including a greater diameter and lesser diameter of the flattened distal portion, a substantially elliptical flattened cross-section, localization of taper in a transition portion and positioning of the lateral opening within that transition portion, axially adjacent portions with materials of different flexibility, and a positioning constraint for the lateral opening relative to the center of average radius of the curvature.
Overall, the claim set centers on a guide catheter kit having a distal portion that is both curved and flattened with curvature created around a transverse axis, combined with a lateral opening located on the opposite curvature side so that, when simultaneously contained in an introducer sheath, a guide wire emerges parallel and external to the distal portion.
Stated Advantages
Improves tip bending, torqueability, and stability.
Reduces accidental rotation and misalignment.
Documented Applications
Intravascular procedures involving bifurcations and side branches, including super-aortic and BTK.
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