U.S. patent application number 09/748707 was filed with the patent office on 2002-04-11 for perfusion-occlusion apparatus and methods.
Invention is credited to Chapman, Troy, Duhaylongsod, Francis G., Hogendijk, Michael, Narciso, Hugh L. JR., Phillips, Harry R. III, Stack, Richard S..
Application Number | 20020042625 09/748707 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22027505 |
Filed Date | 2002-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020042625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stack, Richard S. ; et
al. |
April 11, 2002 |
Perfusion-occlusion apparatus and methods
Abstract
A perfusion-occlusion catheter provides an occluded region in a
vessel to facilitate, for example, an anastomosis in the region,
while providing a path for perfusing fluid (blood) through the path
for delivery in the vessel downstream from the occluded region.
According to one aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the
catheter that effects vessel occlusion comprises a shield that when
exposed to suture needles or like piercing instruments deflects or
resists perforation.
Inventors: |
Stack, Richard S.; (Chapel
Hill, NC) ; Duhaylongsod, Francis G.; (Honolulu,
HI) ; Phillips, Harry R. III; (Durham, NC) ;
Chapman, Troy; (Englewood, CO) ; Hogendijk,
Michael; (Palo Alto, CA) ; Narciso, Hugh L. JR.;
(Mountain View, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Sanjay S. Bagade
Morrison & Foerster LLP
755 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto
CA
94304-1018
US
|
Family ID: |
22027505 |
Appl. No.: |
09/748707 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
09748707 |
Dec 22, 2000 |
|
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|
09161067 |
Sep 25, 1998 |
|
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60060123 |
Sep 26, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/194 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2025/1052 20130101;
A61F 2/064 20130101; A61M 2025/1097 20130101; A61B 17/11
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/194 |
International
Class: |
A61M 029/00 |
Claims
1. A perfusion-occlusion apparatus for use in occluding a portion
of a lumen and perfusing fluid through the lumen, comprising: a
tube having at least one lumen, a proximal end and a distal end;
and first and second occlusion members provided in the vicinity of
said distal end and spaced from one another to define an occlusion
section having first, second and third portions, said first and
second occlusion members being positioned in said first and third
portions, at least a portion of said occlusion section comprising a
shield that when contacted by suture needles or like piercing
instruments deflects the same or resists perforation.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second portion forms said
shield.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shield comprises an
intermediate member coupled to said tube along said second portion
and extending a substantial amount of the distance between said
occlusion members.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said intermediate member
comprises a plurality of rings disposed about said tube.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a plurality of said rings
interlock with other ones of said rings.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said intermediate member
comprises a coil.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said coil includes counterwound
portions.
8. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said intermediate member
comprises a braided member disposed about said tube.
9. The apparatus of claim 3, further including a layer of material
surrounding said intermediate member.
10. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said intermediate member is
radiopaque.
11. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said intermediate member
comprises an optic fiber wound around said tube.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 further including a light source,
said light source being optically coupled to said fiber.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said optic fiber is arranged
to illuminate said first and second occlusion members.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further including an optic fiber
optically coupled to at least one of said occlusion members for
illuminating said occlusion member.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and
second occlusion members forms said shield.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said shield comprises a
plurality of overlapping elements at least disposed within one of
said first and second occlusion members.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said overlapping elements are
disposed in both of said first and second occlusion members.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said overlapping elements
further surround said second portion.
19. The apparatus of claim 16 further including a balloon within at
least one of said occlusion members, said overlapping elements
extending around said balloon.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said overlapping elements
form a substantially helical member when said balloon is
expanded.
21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said overlapping elements
form a substantially umbrella shaped member when said balloon is
expanded.
22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said overlapping elements
form a coil when said balloon is expanded.
23. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein at least one occlusion member
includes an outer layer of material which surrounds said
shield.
24. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first and
second occlusion members comprise an inner and outer balloon and
fluid disposed there between for sealing openings formed in said
outer balloon.
25. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tube includes apertures
formed therein proximal to said first occlusion member and distal
to said second occlusion member.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said proximal apertures
extend a minimum distance of about 4 cm from said first occlusion
member.
27. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a pump adapted for
coupling to said tube.
28. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said
tube includes three lumens.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein two of said lumens are
fluidly coupled to one another.
30. The apparatus of claim 29 further including a pump for driving
fluid from one of said fluidly coupled lumens to the other.
31. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a one-way valve at
one end of said tube.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said valve is a duck bill
valve.
33. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tube includes a plurality
of apertures formed distal to said second occlusion member, said
tube and a plurality of said distal apertures each having a
longitudinal axis, the angle formed between said longitudinal axis
of said tube and the longitudinal axes of each of said plurality of
distal apertures being less than or equal to ninety degrees.
34. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tube includes a plurality
of apertures formed therein, proximal to said first occlusion
member and extending from said first occlusion member a distance of
about 4 to 7 cm in a direction away from said second portion.
35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said tube includes at least
one opening distal to said second occlusion member and fluidly
coupled to said apertures proximal to said first occlusion member,
and said intermediate member being imperforate.
36. A perfusion-occlusion system for use in occluding a portion of
a vessel lumen and actively perfusing fluid through the vessel
lumen comprising: a catheter having a tube having at least one
lumen and a proximal end and a distal end, and first and second
occlusion members coupled to said tube and spaced from one another
to provide an occlusion section in the vicinity of said distal end;
a catheter introducer sheath adapted to be inserted into a
patient's vasculature; and a pump adapted to be fluidly coupled to
said tube and said introducer sheath for pumping fluid from said
introducer sheath to the distal end of said tube.
37. A perfusion-occlusion system for use in occluding a portion of
a vessel lumen and actively perfusing fluid through the vessel
lumen comprising: a catheter having a tube having first, second and
third lumens, a proximal end and a distal end, and first and second
occlusion members coupled to said first lumen and spaced from one
another to provide an occlusion section in the vicinity of said
distal end, said second lumen having at least one opening proximal
to said occlusion section and said third lumen having at least one
discharge opening distal to said occlusion section; and a pump
fluidly coupled to said second and third lumens for driving fluid
from said opening in said second lumen to said discharge opening in
said third lumen.
38. A surgical kit for preparing an anastomosis site comprising: a
catheter having a tube having at least one lumen and a proximal end
and a distal end, at least first and second occlusion members
coupled to said tube and spaced from one another to provide an
occlusion section in the vicinity of said distal end, and a
protective shield positioned about or within said occlusion section
to substantially resist perforation of said tube from a surgical
cutting instrument or like piercing instrument; and instructions
for use of said catheter for occluding a portion of a vessel lumen
at the anastomosis site and perfusing fluid through the vessel
lumen.
39. A method for preparing an anastomosis site comprising the steps
of: (a) delivering a double balloon catheter downstream from an
obstructed region in a vessel; (b) expanding the balloons to
occlude a region of the vessel downstream of said obstructed region
where an anastomosis is to be performed; and (c) actively perfusing
blood from a blood supply source to a region downstream of said
occluded section.
40. The method of claim 39 wherein actively perfusing blood
includes drawing blood through the distal end of a catheter
introducer sheath positioned in a patient's vasculature.
41. The method of claim 40 further including the step of
recirculating the blood drawn from the catheter introducer sheath
to a distal end of the balloon catheter through the use of a
pump.
42. The method of claim 39 wherein actively perfusing blood
includes drawing blood through the distal end of a guide catheter
which is used to position the balloon catheter in the vessel.
43. The method of claim 39 wherein actively perfusing blood
includes drawing blood through a needle which is inserted into the
patient's vasculature.
44. A method for performing an anastomosis comprising: (a)
delivering a double balloon catheter, having an occlusion section
between two balloons, and having a protective shield about at least
a portion of the occlusion section, downstream from an obstructed
region in a first vessel; (b) expanding the balloons to occlude a
region of the vessel downstream of said obstructed region; (c)
perfusing fluid upstream of said obstructed region to an area
downstream of the occluded region; and (d) grafting a second vessel
onto said first vessel in the occluded region.
45. A method of preparing a vessel for an anastomosis comprising:
(a) positioning a double balloon catheter in a first vessel; (b)
forming an opening in a second vessel downstream from a blockage;
(c) introducing a portion of the catheter through the opening and
positioning the catheter with one balloon in the first vessel and
the second balloon in the second vessel; (d) expanding the
balloons; and (e) perfusing fluid upstream of the first balloon
downstream of the second balloon.
46. A method for identifying a vessel region prepared for an
anastomosis comprising: (a) occluding a region of a vessel
downstream from a blockage; and (b) illuminating the region from a
light source within the vessel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/060,123, which was filed Sept. 26, 1997,
the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to devices and methods for
occluding a lumen(s) and perfusing fluid therethrough to, for
example, facilitate the performance of coronary bypass procedures
and other procedures on the heart and vessels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A manifestation of coronary artery disease is the build-up
of plaque on the inner walls of the coronary arteries, which causes
narrowing or complete closure of these arteries, resulting in
insufficient blood flow to the heart. A variety of techniques have
been developed for treating coronary artery disease. Where surgical
intervention is necessary, stenoses of the coronary arteries can
often be treated using endovascular techniques such as balloon
angioplasty, atherectomy, stent placement and the like.
[0004] In cases where endovascular approaches are unsuitable or
unsuccessful, coronary artery bypass graft procedures typically
have been performed using open surgical techniques. Such procedures
require an access technique known as median sternotomy, in which
the patient's sternum is divided longitudinally and the chest
spread to provide access to the heart. The patient's heart is
arrested using cardioplegic agents and the patient is thereafter
supported by a cardiopulmonary bypass system. A source of arterial
blood is then connected to the coronary artery downstream from the
target stenotic portion. The arterial blood source may be a venous
or arterial graft vessel connected between an arterial source such
as the aorta and the coronary artery. Another common arterial blood
source is the left or right internal mammary artery which may be
grafted to the coronary artery downstream of the stenosis or
occlusion.
[0005] For a mammary arterial graft to be used in a coronary artery
bypass procedure, blood flow through the target mammary artery must
be temporarily stopped. Thus, in conventional open chest
procedures, a clamp is applied, typically by hand or with forceps,
directly to the mammary artery at a position downstream from the
patient's aorta. After the mammary artery is clamped, it is ligated
and divided at a location downstream from the clamp to create a
free end which may be connected to the coronary artery. After
completion of the grafting procedure, the clamp is removed by the
surgeon by hand or with open forceps to permit blood flow through
the mammary artery and into the coronary artery downstream of the
blockage.
[0006] There are risks and difficulties associated with undergoing
a procedure as described above. For instance, stopping the heart
beat using cardioplegic agents and placing the patient on a
cardiopulmonary bypass system is highly traumatic to the patient
and often result in post-operative complications. As an alternative
to the foregoing, there are approaches whereby the heart remains
beating throughout the entire procedure. In addition, advances have
been made in minimally invasive techniques to perform this
procedure without opening the sternum, such as the thoracoscopic
method described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,733 to Sterman, et al., the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0007] Another problem with conventional techniques is that blood
flowing into the anastomosis site during the grafting portion of
the procedure obstructs the surgeon's view of the critical suture
placement of the anastomosis. Several devices and methods have been
developed to limit or prevent blood loss through and into this
anastomosis site. One method is to occlude the diseased target
coronary artery with a suture, clamp or other occluding device both
distal and proximal of the anastomosis site. The occlusion prevents
blood flow into the anastomosis site both from retrograde and
antegrade approaches. Dual balloon catheters, such as described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,520,823 and 4,404,971 to LeVeen, et al., are
useful in obturating blood flow on both sides of a wound, or the
site of a surgically detached aneurysm, while the wound is
repaired.
[0008] Another approach is to direct a CO.sub.2 jet at the
anastomosis site during the procedure. This technique blows the
blood out of the surgical site; however, it can result in injury to
the targeted coronary artery, causing the endothelial layer of the
vessel to be stripped away due to the force of the air jet.
[0009] Other improvements provide blood flow distal, or downstream,
of the anastomosis site during the procedure. Occluding the
anastomosis site by distal (single balloon) or distal and proximal
(dual balloon) means without such perfusion can lead to myocardial
ischemia and potential damage to the very heart muscle that the
surgeon is trying to re-perfuse.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,119 to Blum discloses a micro-hemostat
consisting of a bar that is inserted into a blood vessel by
incision and whose ends are then inflated to occlude blood flow
immediately adjacent the wound. The bar, however, forms a tube
through which blood may flow during the procedure.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,363 to Nobuyoshi, the entirety of which
is hereby incorporated by reference, discloses a conventional
single balloon/dual lumen dilation catheter for use in dilating
stenoses to improve blood through coronary arteries. This device
utilizes a pump that delivers the patient's own blood from an
intake in the catheter disposed in the patient's bloodstream
proximal of the treatment site. The patient's blood is pumped
through the outer sheath, then conducted to and through the inner
lumen of the catheter, finally exiting into the patient's
bloodstream. This device obviates the need for making an additional
incision for blood intake, and also perfuses blood distal to the
treatment site.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,017 to Sahota discloses a balloon
perfusion dilation catheter which consists of holes located
proximal and distal of the balloon so that when placed in a blood
vessel, blood may flow to the vessel downstream of the occluded
treatment site.
[0013] Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,777 to Horzewski et al.
describes a similar dual balloon perfusion catheter that can be
used in conjunction with a pump to perfuse the patient's own blood
to a region distal of the site being treated by the second
dilatation balloon. The first balloon is used to form a blood seal
between the catheter and a guiding catheter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The invention involves improvements to devices and methods
to facilitate performing coronary artery bypass and other
procedures on the heart and vessels. According to one aspect of the
invention, a perfusion-occlusion apparatus is provided for use in
occluding a portion of a blood vessel and perfusing fluid through
the blood vessel. The apparatus comprises a tube having at least
one lumen, a proximal end and a distal end. First and second
occlusion members are provided in the vicinity of the tube and
spaced from one another to define an occlusion section. At least a
portion of the occlusion section comprises a shield that when the
shield is contacted by suture needles or like piercing instruments
during a surgical procedure, it deflects the instrument or resists
perforation. The invention may facilitate beating heart coronary
bypass procedure. for example, by occluding the coronary artery
distal and proximal to an anastomosis site and allowing for
perfusion of tissue distal to the anastomosis site. The invention
also eliminates or minimizes the risk of the surgeon's needle
perforating the perfusion-occlusion device and possibly catching
the back wall of the coronary artery being bypassed during the
suturing of the graft. Further, the apparatus supports the vessel
wall region between the occlusion members to facilitate a local
surgical procedure such as an anastomosis. It also may facilitate
shaping the opening at the anastomosis site.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a
perfusion-occlusion catheter is provided with a portion that may
illuminate a region for identifying vessels (such as mammary
artery) or regions of a vessel such as an anastomosis site. The
illumination also may be used to prepare a mammary artery for use
in an anastomosis (e.g., identify branches for removal).
[0016] According to another aspect of the invention, a system for
use in occluding a portion of a vessel lumen and actively perfusing
fluid through the vessel lumen is provided. The system comprises a
catheter having a tube having at least one lumen and a proximal end
and a distal end, and first and second occlusion members coupled to
the tube and spaced from one another to provide an occlusion
section; a catheter introducer sheath adapted to be inserted into a
patient's vasculature; and a pump adapted to be fluidly coupled to
the tube and the introducer sheath for pumping fluid from the
introducer sheath to the distal end of the tube.
[0017] According to another aspect of the invention a system for
use in occluding a portion of a vessel lumen and actively perfusing
fluid through the vessel lumen is provided. The system comprises a
catheter having a tube having first, second and third lumens, a
proximal end and a distal end, and first and second occlusion
members coupled to the first lumen and spaced from one another to
provide an occlusion section the second lumen having at least one
opening proximal to the occlusion section and the third lumen
having at least one discharge opening distal to the occlusion
section; and a pump fluidly coupled to the second and third lumens
for driving fluid from said opening in said second lumen to the
discharge opening in the third lumen.
[0018] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a
perfusion-occlusion catheter is provided with a distal tip
configuration to disperse fluid flow from the distal end of the
catheter to minimize or eliminate the risk of fluid jetting from
the catheter and possibly compromising vessel integrity downstream
from the catheter.
[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
identifying a vessel region prepared for an anastomosis is
provided. The method comprises occluding a region of a vessel
downstream from a blockage; and illuminating the region from a
light source within the vessel.
[0020] The above is a brief description of some deficiencies in the
prior art and advantages of the present invention. Other features,
advantages, and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following description,
accompanying drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an apparatus constructed
according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the occlusion section of
the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3A is an elevational view of another shielded
configuration according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3B is an elevational view of another shielded
configuration of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4A is an elevational view of another shielded
configuration of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4B is an elevational view of another shielded
configuration of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of another shielded
configuration of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6A is an elevational view of a shielded and illuminated
configuration of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6B is an elevational view of another shielded and
illuminated configuration of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 7A is an elevational view of the occlusion section of
the apparatus of the present invention having overlapping leaves
shielding the first and second occlusion members and a separately
shielded intermediate member.
[0031] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7A,
detailing the construction of the shielded occlusion section.
[0032] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 7A,
detailing the construction of the shielded occlusion section.
[0033] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the distal region of the
apparatus of the present invention having an occlusion section
integrally shielded with overlapping leaves.
[0034] FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the distal region of the
apparatus of the present invention having an occlusion section
integrally shielded with overlapping leaves that extend through the
length of the occlusion members.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an occlusion
member of the present invention having a fluid interposed between
two expandable elements.
[0036] FIG. 11A is an elevational view of an active
perfusion-occlusion apparatus of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 11A
detailing the fluid inlet, outlet, and inflation lumens.
[0038] FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 11
A detailing the fluid outlet and inflation lumens in the more
distal region of the device.
[0039] FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the distal region of
the apparatus of the present invention detailing a one-way valve
for passage of a guidewire.
[0040] FIG. 12B is a distal view of the distal tip of the apparatus
of the present invention illustrating passage of a guidewire
through the distal tip.
[0041] FIG. 12C is a distal view of the distal tip of the apparatus
of the present invention illustrating the distal tip in a relaxed
condition with the guidewire removed.
[0042] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another distal region
configuration according to the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 14A illustrates the use of perfusion-occlusion
apparatus of the present invention to occlude a section of a
coronary artery distal to a blockage, while perfusing blood
therethrough prior to suturing the internal mammary artery to the
coronary artery, completing a coronary bypass graft.
[0044] FIG. 14B illustrates perfusion-occlusion apparatus of the
present invention partially extending through a section of the
internal mammary artery and into a section of a coronary artery
distal to a blockage so to occlude a desired portion of both
arteries while perfusing blood therethrough prior to suturing the
internal mammary artery to the coronary artery, completing a
coronary bypass graft.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals indicate
like elements, various embodiments of perfusion-occlusion methods
and apparatus are shown in accordance with the principles of the
present invention.
[0046] FIG. 1. depicts one embodiment of perfusion-occlusion
apparatus according to the present invention and generally
designated with reference numeral 2. Apparatus 2 is shown in a
conventional catheter configuration with hub 8 at the proximal end
of the apparatus. Perfusion-occlusion apparatus 2 has a proximal
portion 4 and a distal portion 6. The catheter defines a tube 12
through which a conventional guidewire 10 passes.
[0047] Optionally attached to hub 8 is pop-off valve 70, which is
in fluid communication with inflation lumen 32 (not shown) of tube
12. Pop-off valve 70 may be used as a safety device to ensure that
any occlusion members such as balloons do not overinflate. Pop-off
valve 70 is designed to activate to relieve the fluid pressure
inside inflation lumen 32 if the pressure exceeds a predetermined
limit which is chosen, with an appropriate factor of safety, to be
below that of the inflation limit of the balloons. Preferably, this
pop-off valve will be designed to activate at about 1.5 atmospheres
of pressure.
[0048] Disposed along tube 12 in the distal portion 6 of the
perfusion-occlusion apparatus 2 is occlusion section 14, shown in
greater detail in FIG. 2. At least a portion of occlusion section
14 comprises a shield that is resistant to perforation by a
surgeon's suture needles or other like instruments.
[0049] Proximal of occlusion section 14 is a series of proximal
apertures 28 in fluid communication with a lumen formed by tube 12
(FIG. 2) for the passive infusion of blood or any other suitable
fluid into tube 12. Likewise, distal of occlusion section 14 is a
series of distal apertures 26, which in the illustrative embodiment
are in fluid communication with the same lumen (e.g., lumen 34) for
the perfusion of blood or any other suitable fluid out of tube 12.
Distal of distal apertures 26 is a distal tip 22 having distal tip
opening 24 through which fluid and guidewire 10 may pass.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, occlusion section 14 as deployed in a
diseased lumen 30, such as a cardiac artery, is shown. The lumen
formed by vessel 30 contains a blockage or narrowing 38 proximal to
occlusion section 14. Note that occlusion section 14 is disposed
distal of blockage 38 and is centered beneath an anastomosis site
94, which is depicted here by the intersection of diseased vessel
30 and grafting vessel 31.
[0051] Longitudinally disposed within tube 12 is inflation lumen
32, which is fluidly connected to first occlusion member 16 and
second occlusion member 18, and is used for the introduction of a
fluid so to inflate occlusion members 16 and 18. When disposed
distal (downstream, as blood flows, or right as shown in FIG. 2) of
blockage 38, occlusion members 16 and 18 inflate to occlude
diseased vessel 30 so that grafting vessel 31 may be joined at
anastomosis site 94 by sutures 92 in a portion of vessel 30
relatively free from blood.
[0052] Preferably, and as depicted in FIG. 2, occlusion members 16
and 18 are conventional balloons made of any resilient
biocompatible material such as polyethylene, PET, nylon, silicone
and the like, as is well-known in the art, although occlusion
members 16 and 18 may be any expanding member responsive to the
introduction of a fluid, such as air, saline, blood, or any other
appropriate fluid. Each of occlusion members 16 and 18 fluidly
communicate with inflation lumen 32, yet remain separate members
that may expand, contract, and otherwise operate independent of one
another. However, and as depicted in FIG. 2, it is preferred that
occlusion members 16 and 18 operate in tandem such that when a
fluid is introduced through inflation lumen 32 into occlusion
members 16 and 18, both members expand (and likewise contract upon
the exiting of fluid) at substantially the same rate so to occupy
approximately the same desired volume.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, occlusion members 16 and 18 are spaced
along tube 12 and preferably define or form boundaries for an
intermediate member or portion 36. Member 36 may be constructed to
completely surround tube 12 of perfusion-occlusion apparatus 2.
Member 36 also may be symmetrically disposed around tube 12. When
deployed in diseased vessel 30, intermediate member 36 is placed
below an anastomosis site 94 for the grafting of grafting vessel 31
onto diseased vessel 30 as will be further described below.
[0054] As noted, fluid lumen 34 is also longitudinally disposed
within tube 12 as shown in FIG. 2. Fluid lumen 34 fluidly
communicates with hub 8 on the proximal portion 4 of the
perfusion-occlusion apparatus 2 and the distal tip 22 at the distal
most end of perfusion-occlusion apparatus 2 to form distal tip
opening 24. This fluid lumen 34 is for the passage therethrough of
fluids such as blood, saline, or radiopaque dye, and is also
configured for passage of guidewire 10 as is well-known in the art.
Intermediate member 36 preferably is dimensioned to minimize the
overall occlusion length (to prevent occluding the blood supply to
collateral vessels in and around the occlusion section), while
maximizing the anastomosis area in which the surgeon operates. In a
preferred embodiment, the spacing between the outside edges of
occlusion members 16 and 18 should be between about 10 to 20 mm,
for example, about 15 mm. The diameter of occlusion members 16 and
18 will vary depending on the vessel anatomy into which the device
is inserted, and will typically be between about 2 to 5 mm, for
example, about 3 mm. Further, radiopaque markers (M) may be
provided adjacent to the occlusion section as shown in FIG. 2, for
example.
[0055] Proximal apertures 28 are located proximal of first
occlusion member 16 along tube 12. Distal apertures 26 are disposed
distal second occlusion member 18. Both proximal apertures 28 and
distal apertures 26 are in fluid communication with fluid lumen 34.
When deployed in a diseased vessel 30 and after occlusion members
16 and 18 are inflated to occlude vessel 30, arterial blood
pressure forces blood through proximal apertures 28, through fluid
lumen 34, and out distal apertures 26 and distal tip opening 24
into the bloodstream. In this way, blood is passively perfused
downstream of the occlusion section 14 during the anastomosis
procedure. It is preferred that proximal apertures 28 extend
proximal of first occlusion member 16 a minimum distance of about 4
cm. This facilitates having perfusion apertures 28 extend upstream
of the blockage being bypassed.
[0056] At least a portion of occlusion section 14 preferably is
shielded so that when contacted by suture needles or like piercing
instruments during a surgical procedure, it deflects such
instruments or resists perforation. Referring to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2, such a shield is shown as being formed by
intermediate member 36. Member 36, which may be tubular, is
constructed to provide protection against perforation of the
perfusion-occlusion apparatus 2 when sutures 92 are placed by the
surgeon during the grafting procedure. It should be understood,
however, that the shield may be provided in other forms. For
example, occlusion members 16 and 18 the portion of tube 12
therebetween or member 36 or any combination or subcombination
thereof may form the shield. This may be accomplished by way of the
material properties or dimensions of the components of occlusion
section 14, which are selected to form the shield so to provide the
stiffness, strength, density, hardness, torsional and lateral
deflection resistance, or any other property necessary to resist
penetration or perforation by a surgeon's suture needle or like
piercing instrument, which thus may differ from the remainder of
apparatus 2 proximal and distal of occlusion section 14. For
instance, the various members of occlusion section 14 may be made
from various metals and their alloys, including stainless steel and
radiopaque metals such as platinum, shape memory alloys such as
nitinol, PVC, polycarbonate, HDPE, and other suitable biocompatible
materials that will adequately serve to perform the above-mentioned
duties. Alternatively the shield may be a discrete member provided
with one or both of occlusion members 16 and 18 as will be
described in more detail below.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 3A, intermediate member 36 is in the form
of a coil 40. As shown in FIG. 3, coil 40 is made from a ribbon
having a generally rectangular cross-section, although coil 40 may
also be made of a wire having a substantially circular or
elliptical cross-section and be within the scope of the invention.
Coil 40 is disposed between occlusion members 16 and 18 so to
substantially cover tube 12 therebetween and provide the desired
protection. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A, it is preferred
that any gap (not shown) between coil windings be no greater than
about 0.020 inch, and more preferably that there be no gap between
coil windings. Coil 40 may be made of any material that adequately
provides the desired protection, such as stainless steel, platinum,
nitinol, HDPE, polycarbonate, and like materials. It is preferred
that coil 40 be radiopaque so to provide a visual indication to the
surgeon when viewed using standard fluoroscopic techniques.
[0058] A buffer or layer of material such as film 19 may be
disposed around the exterior of coil 40 as shown in FIG. 3A, to for
example, protect the structures (e.g., vessel wall) which interface
with coil 40. Film 19 may additionally facilitate ease of movement
of apparatus 2 through any guide catheter or the like. Although
shown in FIG. 3A as a discrete layer bonded to tube 12 over coil 40
and under portions of occlusion members 16 and 18, film 19 can take
on a number of configurations, including that of being extensions
of occlusion members 16 and 18, as will be described in more detail
below. It also should be understood that when disposed about tube
12, coil 40 allows for overall substantial flexibility of
perfusion-occlusion apparatus 2 to enable apparatus 2 to navigate
the tortuous vasculature or other bodily lumen paths to reach the
desired site.
[0059] FIG. 3B depicts an alternative variation in which
intermediate member 36 comprises an overlapping, counterwound coil
42 having the same general dimensions and properties as described
for the coil 40 of FIG. 3A. Film 19 is also shown covering coil 40
as previously described. The aforementioned flexibility of
apparatus 2 with counterwound coil 42 and the preferred radiopacity
is present in this embodiment as well.
[0060] Turning now to FIG. 4A, intermediate member 36 is shown as a
series of adjacent rings 44 fitted over tube 12 and disposed
between occlusion members 16 and 18. Again, it is preferred that
the gap between rings be no greater than about 0.020 inch, and more
preferably that there be no gap between rings, to minimize or
eliminate the possibility of a suture needle or like piercing
instrument from reaching tube 12. Rings 44 may be made of any
material that adequately provides the desired protection, such as
stainless steel, platinum, nitinol, and like materials. It is
preferred that rings 44 be radiopaque so to provide a visual
indication to the surgeon when viewed using standard fluoroscopic
techniques. The aforementioned flexibility of apparatus 2 with
rings 44 and the preferred radiopacity is present in this
embodiment as well.
[0061] FIG. 4B depicts a series of interlocking rings 46 which
contain a reduced diameter section 48 over which fit the larger
diameter portion of the immediately adjacent ring. This embodiment
will ensure a tighter fit between interlocking rings 46, so that
any gap between interlocking rings 46 is no greater than about
0.020 inch, or more preferably that there be no gap between
interlocking rings 46, so that any suture needle or like piercing
instrument cannot reach tube 12. Interlocking rings 46 may be made
of any material that adequately provides the desired protection,
such as stainless steel, platinum, nitinol, and like materials. It
is preferred that interlocking rings 46 be radiopaque so to provide
a visual indication to the surgeon when viewed using standard
fluoroscopic techniques. The aforementioned flexibility of
apparatus 2 with interlocking rings 46 and the preferred
radiopacity may be present in this embodiment as well.
[0062] Yet another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 5,
where the intermediate section 36 comprise a braided ribbon 50. All
of the preferred features regarding penetration resistance (e.g.,
filament spacing), radiopacity, and flexibility as previously
described may be included for braided ribbon 50 as well.
[0063] FIG. 6A depicts an embodiment of the present invention
wherein the shield comprises a fiber optic member 52 taking the
form of a tightly wound coil. Although shown in FIG. 6A as a coil,
fiber optic member 52 may take on any configuration effectively
disposed about tube 12 so to provide the perforation resistance
and/or flexibility as heretofore described as well as illumination
of the anastomosis site, preferably adequate to aid the surgeon in
performing the procedure. Fiber optic member 52 may be connected to
light source 54 through tube 12 and illuminated by conventional
means. Fiber optic member 52 may be configured, such as by making
its outer surface rough, so that it provides circumferential
illumination of substantially the entire anastomosis region.
Alternatively, the coil may be sufficiently tightly wound to
facilitate light emission from the coil (e.g., wound so that the
fiber optic is bent beyond the critical angle).
[0064] FIG. 6B shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein
fiber optic member 52 is a single member disposed within tube 12
and configured so that first and second occlusion members 16 and 18
are substantially illuminated, such as by making its entire outer
surface within the occlusion section 14 rough, or preferably
selectively making portions of its outer surface rough so that only
first and second occlusion members 16 and 18, alone or in
combination, are illuminated.
[0065] According to another embodiment, first and second occlusion
members 16 and 18 may be filled with an intralipid solution and the
inflation lumen filled with saline or a solution of saline and
contrast. One end of a fiber optic may be placed in the saline
solution in inflation tube 32 and the other end of the fiber optic
coupled to a light source, such as a laser or a broad-band light
source. In the latter case, a wavelength of about 600 to about 700
mm is preferred since this range of wavelengths will facilitate the
emitted light to pass through bodily tissue.
[0066] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
protective shield, or sleeve, may be directly embedded into
inflation lumen 32 or tube 12 in addition to or in lieu of the
external protective shield provided about occlusion section 14. The
shield or sleeve may be co-extruded with and extend along the
entire length of the inflation lumen 32, or may extend along only a
portion of its length in the vicinity of occlusion section 14, for
example. The sleeve may comprise, for example, a solid, tubular
thin-walled piece of metal, such as a shape memory alloy (i.e.,
nitinol), which is embedded into the wall thickness of the
inflation lumen. The sleeve may be constructed and arranged to
provide both flexibility and strength to the lumen to allow the
distal portion of the device to deflect piercing instruments and to
navigate through tortuous vessels. To enhance the flexibility of
the protective nitinol sleeve, similar to a stent, one or more
small rectangular openings may be provided in the sleeve by any
suitable means, such as by laser etching, for example.
[0067] As described above, a portion or combination of portions of
occlusion section 14 may be constructed to facilitate shielding.
The occlusion section, for example, may be constructed such that
(1) either one or both occlusion members may form shielding members
as described above, (2) a substantial portion of one or both
occlusion members in the proximity of the suturing section between
the occlusion members forms shielding or (3) any combination of the
above can be used alone or in combination with an intermediate
shielded section as will be further apparent from the following
description.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 7A, B & C, another shielding
embodiment is shown. FIG. 7A shows an elevational view of an
embodiment of the invention wherein both intermediate member 36 and
occlusion members 16 and 18 are provided with shielding. A shield
is shown in the form of substantially adjacent or overlapping
leaves 58 that deploy as shown in FIG. 7B to occupy the interior of
occlusion members 16 and 18. Overlapping leaves 58 may be made of a
shape memory alloy, preferably nitinol, so that overlapping leaves
58 may deploy and retract properly.
[0069] Although not shown in the perspective of FIG. 7B for
purposes of clarity, FIGS. 7A and 7C depict an expansion balloon 60
disposed between overlapping leaves 58 and tube 12. Expansion
balloon 60 is fluidly coupled to inflation lumen 32 through port
100 so that when fluid enters expansion balloon 60, overlapping
leaves 58 are deployed in occlusion members 16 and 18 to act as a
shield.
[0070] FIG. 7C shows collar 56 disposed on the interior and
exterior portions of overlapping leaves 58 adjacent intermediate
member 36. Collar 56 serves to fix one end of the overlapping
leaves 58 in place. A separate shield forming intermediate member
36 is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C as a coil in this particular
embodiment, advantages and features of which have been heretofore
described.
[0071] Occlusion members 16 and 18 extend in the embodiment of FIG.
7A over intermediate member 36 and the coil to meet each other and
form film 19. As previously described, film 19 may eliminate or
minimize the risk of serve the coil of occlusion section 14 from
abrading or damaging the interior of the tube, which may be a blood
vessel, in which apparatus 2 is disposed. Film 19 may additionally
facilitate ease of movement of apparatus 2 through any guide
catheter or the like.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, variations of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 7A, B & C are shown. FIG. 8 depicts an
integrally formed shielding variation of the overlapping leaves 58
previously described. In this embodiment, the nitinol arms
comprising overlapping leaves 58 do not terminate at intermediate
member 36 as in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, but rather extend
continuously from first occlusion member 16 through intermediate
member 36 to the second occlusion member 18. Collars 56 are still
present to hold the nitinol arms of overlapping leaves 58 in place
so that when expansion balloon 60 is filled with fluid, overlapping
leaves 58 may expand to partially occupy occlusion members 16 and
18 as shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment and those of FIGS. 7A,
7B, and 7C. the critical portion of occlusion members 16 and 18 for
shielding is that portion immediately adjacent intermediate member
36. Accordingly, overlapping leaves 58 preferably selectively
occupy these adjacent portions when deployed. Referring to FIG. 9,
another shielding configuration comprising overlapping leaves 58 is
shown. In this version, the nitinol arms of overlapping leaves 58
extend when deployed to completely occupy occlusion members 16 and
18 to afford more extensive shielding. Overlapping leaves 58 extend
all the way through occlusion members 16 and 18 in a direction away
from intermediate member 36, and their ends, which are disposed
about tube 12 in apparatus 2, are free-floating. This feature
allows for the expansion and contraction of overlapping leaves 58
when fluid is introduced into expansion balloon 60.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of the invention is
shown. According to the illustrative embodiment, each occlusion
member includes a buffer or layer, such as film 19, that extends
over a portion of the intermediate member as described above, an
expansion balloon 60 and a fluid 64 which, when the outer layer is
punctured, flows into and seals the puncture. The fluid may be any
biocompatible fluid having a viscosity with properties that will
allow such punctures to be sealed in the temperature range of the
human body.
[0074] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
perfusion-occlusion catheter for active perfusion is provided. One
active perfusion-occlusion apparatus constructed according to the
present invention is shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B & 11C and
generally designated with reference numeral 502. Apparatus 502
includes a perfusion occlusion catheter 504, which may have the
same construction as the catheter shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the
exception that proximal apertures 28 are not provided and
additional lumen 506 for drawing fluid or blood from a lumen or
vessel is provided. Lumen 506 has an opening to allow blood to be
drawn (as indicated with arrow 508) from the region in a lumen or
vessel in which the opening is positioned to a pump which then
recirculates the blood through the catheter so that it may be
discharged from the catheter's distal end. Catheter 504 further
includes inflation lumen 32 and fluid transfer lumen 34. The former
providing a conduit between inflatable occlusion members 16 and 18
and the latter providing a fluid path to distal apertures 26
downstream from the catheter occlusion section as described
above.
[0075] Fluid withdrawal lumen 506 may be fluidly coupled to fluid
transfer or delivery lumen 34 through a recirculation circuit as
shown in FIG. 11 A. Such a recirculation circuit may include hub
arm 510a of three arm hub 510, conduits 512 and 514
(diagrammatically shown), pump 516 and center extension 510b of hub
510 all of which are fluidly coupled.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B & 12C and 13, various
embodiments of the distal end portion of catheter 504 are shown. As
shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, the distal end of catheter 504 may
be provided with a one-way valve such as a duck bill valve
generally designated with reference numeral 518. Valve 518 provides
a seal around guidewire 10 (FIG. 12B) and minimizes or eliminates
the possibility of fluid (e.g., blood) undesirably jetting out from
catheter 504 due to pump pressures when, for example, guidewire 10
is removed (FIG. 12C). It is further noted that apertures 26 each
preferably have a diameter less than or equal to 0.017 inch. This
aperture size minimizes or eliminates the possibility of the
guidewire undesirably passing through one of the apertures when
guidewire 10 is pushed distally towards distal tip 22. The
apertures also may minimize undesirable jetting at the distal end
of the catheter. Alternatively. jetting may be minimized by
removing distal apertures 26 and replacing them with a larger
single discharge opening at the distal end of the device. In an
alternative embodiment, the apertures may be configured as shown in
FIG. 13 and designated with reference numeral 26'. Apertures 26'
are formed in the catheter distal tip portion such that the center
axis 522 of each aperture (or at least a plurality thereof) forms
an angle with the longitudinal axis 524 of the lumen formed in the
distal tip portion of the catheter that is less than or equal to 90
degrees, and more preferably is about 45 degrees.
[0077] Although a particular active perfusion configuration has
been described, it is contemplated that other configurations may be
used. The three lumen configuration can be replaced with a dual
lumen configuration and the blood drawn through (1) the distal end
of the guide catheter (i.e., the catheter used to deliver the
perfusion-occlusion catheter), (2) a needle inserted into the
patient's vasculature or (3) a catheter introducer sheath having
provided in the wall thereof a plurality of perforations. As
described above, the drawn blood can then be recirculated to the
distal end of the catheter through the use of a pump.
Alternatively, a blood transfusion bag may be used to deliver blood
to the pump, which then pumps the blood through the catheter for
delivery beyond the occlusion site.
[0078] Two exemplary procedures according to the present invention
for occluding and perfusing a diseased coronary artery and grafting
a healthy vein thereon are now presented. The methods herein
described are illustrative only and in no way limit the variety of
procedures in which the apparatus of the present invention can be
used. For example, the apparatus may be used in a number of other
surgical cardiac and vascular procedures, including mitral valve
repair, mitral valve replacement, thrombectomy of the pulmonary
artery, left atrium, or left ventricle, removal of atrial myxoma,
atrial or ventricula septal defect closure, patent foramen ovale
closure, tricuspid valve annuloplasty, tricuspid valve replacement,
ventricular aneurysmectomy, thermal and mechanical cardia ablation
procedures to correct arrhythmias, and the like. For these and
other cardiac procedures, the apparatus of the present invention
may be used during conventional open surgical techniques as
described below, but may also be used in conjunction with minimally
invasive endovascular techniques, such as that described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,452,733.
[0079] Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention may be
used in other, non-cardiac procedures where the benefits of
occluding and perfusing blood or other fluids through a lumen can
be realized.
[0080] Referring now to FIG. 14A, an exemplary use of the apparatus
of the present invention in an open surgical coronary artery bypass
graft procedure to create an anastomosis is presented. In this
example, the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD)
contains a blockage or narrowing 38 as shown in FIG. 14A. If left
untreated, this diseased artery may lead to insufficient blood flow
and eventual angina, ischemia, and even myocardial infarction.
[0081] Conventional coronary bypass graft procedures require that a
source of arterial blood be prepared for subsequent bypass
connection to the diseased artery. Preferably, this source can be
one of any number of existing arteries that are dissected in
preparation for the bypass graft procedure. In many instances, it
is preferred to use either the left or right internal mammary
artery. Other appropriate sources include the gastroepiploic artery
in the abdomen, the internal thoracic artery, and free grafts from
the aorta using veins or arteries harvested from other locations in
the patient's body as well as even synthetic graft materials. The
upstream free end of the dissected artery, which is the arterial
blood source, will be secured to the coronary artery at a location
distal to the narrowing, thus providing the desired bypass blood
flow. In the examples of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the left internal
mammary artery (LIMA) will be used for this purpose.
[0082] Thus, according to the example of FIG. 14A, the patient
undergoing the procedure is prepared according to known techniques
for beating heart bypass procedures. To ready the patient for
introduction of the perfusion-occlusion apparatus, both groins are
prepared to permit access to the femoral arteries and veins.
Alternatively, some procedures use the jugular vein as the access
path for the apparatus 2. In addition, the abdomen will be prepared
in case it is necessary to obtain access to an abdominal artery for
use in the bypass procedure. The patient is placed under general
anesthesia.
[0083] The LIMA is next dissected from the inner thoracic wall, and
the side branches are sealed. The LIMA is then ligated using
appropriate clips to temporarily occlude the artery before
transsection, and further prepared for grafting according to
conventional techniques.
[0084] Next, the left femoral artery (not shown) is accessed
percutaneously or through an open cut in the groin with an
introducer sheath. Other arteries suitable for accessing the
ascending aorta may be used as well. A guide catheter (not shown)
is inserted into the introducer sheath and directed through the
patient's vasculature to locate the left coronary ostium, which
marks the origin of the LAD.
[0085] Next, the perfusion-occlusion apparatus of the present
invention, shown here as catheter 2, is inserted into the guide
catheter behind a guidewire 10. The guidewire 10 should extend
beyond the distal tip 22 of the perfusion-occlusion catheter 2 a
preferable distance of 6 centimeters during navigation of the
patient's vasculature.
[0086] Once the perfusion-occlusion apparatus 2 is placed in the
left coronary ostium 96, guidewire 10 leads catheter 2 through the
blockage or narrowing 38 of the LAD.
[0087] Conventional fluoroscopic techniques are next used to
precisely position the occlusion section 14 of the
perfusion-occlusion catheter 2 just downstream of the blockage or
narrowing 38 in the LAD such that intermediate member 36 is
centered in the artery at the location the anastomosis is to be
performed. Alternatively, or in addition to the use of fluoroscopic
techniques, any one of the illumination means herein described may
be used to guide catheter 2 into the proper position.
[0088] At this point, first and second occlusion members, shown
here as balloons 16 and 18, are inflated by introduction of a fluid
through inflation tube 32. Tis occludes the LAD downstream of the
blockage or narrowing 38, more particularly in that portion of the
artery between the two balloons where the anastomosis is to be
formed. Occluding the region onto which the LIMA will be grafted is
of great advantage to the surgeon, whose view is not impeded by
blood flowing in the area of interest.
[0089] Next, blood is perfused through the perfusion-occlusion
catheter 2 from that portion of the LAD upstream of the blockage or
narrowing to the rest of the artery downstream of the second
balloon 18. Either the active or the passive perfusion-occlusion
catheter 2, both of which are described above, may be used to
perfuse the patient's blood. Note that for the active perfusion
system previously described, blood may be preferably perfused from
an effective source, such as a femoral artery, and not necessarily
from a coronary artery or the like.
[0090] The role of the second occlusion balloon 18 distal and
downstream of the first occlusion balloon may now be appreciated:
this second balloon 18 isolates occlusion to an area where the
anastomosis is to be formed while permitting blood to normally flow
downstream of the second balloon in the LAD by means of the distal
apertures 26, the distal tip 22 of the catheter 2, or both.
[0091] By using the perfusion-occlusion catheter 2 of the present
invention, there is no need for the patient to undergo
cardiopulmonary bypass during the procedure. Because the patient's
blood is adequately flowing to all regions of the heart tissue
except for that portion onto which the LIMA is to be grafted, this
time-consuming and dangerous step of putting the patient on a
cardiopulmonary bypass machine can be avoided.
[0092] After occlusion and perfusion of the anastomosis site is
complete, the LIMA is then sutured onto the occluded portion of the
LAD. As will be appreciated, the shielding present in all or
selected portions of the occlusion section 14 of the
perfusion-occlusion catheter 2 eliminates or minimizes the risk of
provides protection to prevent the surgeon's suture needles, or
like piercing instruments, from perforating the occlusion section
14 during the delicate and difficult grafting procedure. This added
protection afforded by the shielding may greatly enhance the
efficacy of the entire procedure. Additionally, as heretofore
described, any one of a number of illumination means 52 may be used
to illuminate all or a portion of the occlusion section 14 to aid
the surgeon in positioning the perfusion-occlusion catheter 2 at
the proper anastomosis site, and/or to visually indicate to the
surgeon the location of the occlusion section 14 so that more
precise suturing may be accomplished. Illumination means 52 may be
particularly suited to those procedures performed endoscopically
where light to assist the surgeon in performing the procedure is at
a premium.
[0093] After the suturing is complete, the LIMA is joined to the
LAD. The balloons 16 and 18 are deflated, and the entire
perfusion-occlusion apparatus is withdrawn. Any temporary clips
will next be removed from the LIMA to permit blood flow into the
LAD.
[0094] Finally, the perfusion-occlusion catheter 2 will be removed,
and all openings will be sutured using conventional techniques. The
patient will then be recovered from anesthesia.
[0095] Next, an alternative method for performing anastomosis with
the device of the present invention is presented in FIG. 14B. In
this variation on the technique as above described, the occlusion
section 14 of the perfusion-occlusion catheter 2 is positioned
differently.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 14B, after the LIMA is prepared as
described above, the perfusion-occlusion catheter 2 is placed in
the LIMA through the subclavian artery until the distal end 22,
including the distal occlusion member or balloon 18 and a portion
of the intermediate member 36, extends out of the severed end of
the LIMA. An incision is made in the LAD at the site of anastomosis
94, which is downstream of blockage 38. The region of the vessel in
the vicinity (e.g., upstream) of the blockage may be closed with a
clamp or suture prior to the forming the incision.
[0097] The distal tip 22 and balloon 18 is next placed inside the
LAD and directed so that the distal tip 22 and balloon 18 extend
downstream of the blockage or narrowing 38. The occlusion section
14 is precisely positioned so that the intermediate member 36 is
centered about the anastomosis site 94.
[0098] Next, the left internal mammary artery LIMA is grafted onto
the LAD at the selected anastomosis site by conventional suturing.
The same shielding and illumination advantages may be applied
during this variation of the method. This method has the advantages
of more precise positioning of the occlusion section 14 of the
perfusion-occlusion catheter 2 in the anastomosis site, and
avoiding having to penetrate the blockage or narrowing 38 in the
diseased artery. This lessens the risk that excess plaque, blood
clot or like blockage material will dislodge from the artery wall
during the procedure, potentially creating undesirable
complications downstream in the heart. Other advantages not
specifically described herein will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art.
[0099] All references cited above are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0100] The above is a detailed description of a particular
embodiment of the invention. It is recognized that departures from
the disclosed embodiment may be made within the scope of the
invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person
skilled in the art. The full scope of the invention is set out in
the claims that follow and their equivalents. Accordingly, the
claims and specification should not be construed to unduly narrow
the full scope of protection to which the invention is
entitled.
* * * * *