U.S. patent application number 10/373455 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-18 for guiding introducer system for use in medical procedures in the left ventricle.
Invention is credited to Hassett, James A..
Application Number | 20030233038 10/373455 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46252026 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030233038 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hassett, James A. |
December 18, 2003 |
Guiding introducer system for use in medical procedures in the left
ventricle
Abstract
A guiding introducer system for use in the treatment of
arrhythmia associated with the left ventricle from the ventricular
side comprising an inner guiding introducer and an outer guiding
introducer wherein the inner guiding introducer is comprised of a
first and second section and the outer guiding introducer is
comprised of a first and second sections. The guiding introducer
system is for use in sensing, pacing, and ablating procedures in
the left ventricle.
Inventors: |
Hassett, James A.;
(Bloomington, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
370 SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 4700
DENVER
CO
80202-5647
US
|
Family ID: |
46252026 |
Appl. No.: |
10/373455 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10373455 |
Feb 24, 2003 |
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09728961 |
Dec 4, 2000 |
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6526302 |
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09728961 |
Dec 4, 2000 |
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09160406 |
Sep 25, 1998 |
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6156018 |
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09160406 |
Sep 25, 1998 |
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08661094 |
Jun 10, 1996 |
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5814029 |
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08661094 |
Jun 10, 1996 |
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08388800 |
Feb 14, 1995 |
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5640955 |
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08661094 |
Jun 10, 1996 |
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08389252 |
Feb 16, 1995 |
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5722400 |
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08661094 |
Jun 10, 1996 |
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08333791 |
Nov 3, 1994 |
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5564440 |
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08661094 |
Jun 10, 1996 |
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08333759 |
Nov 3, 1994 |
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5628316 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/374 ;
600/585; 606/41; 607/122 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 25/0133 20130101;
H04L 61/50 20220501; A61N 1/056 20130101; A61M 25/0152 20130101;
A61N 1/057 20130101; A61M 25/01 20130101; A61M 25/0662 20130101;
A61M 2025/0681 20130101; A61M 25/0041 20130101; A61N 2001/0578
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/374 ;
600/585; 606/41; 607/122 |
International
Class: |
A61B 005/042; A61M
025/00; A61N 001/05 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A guiding introducer system for treatment of arrhythmia
associated with the left ventricle from the ventricular side
comprising a precurved inner guiding introducer and a precurved
outer guiding introducer wherein said guiding introducers are used
in combination.
2. The guiding introducer system of claim 1 wherein a dilator
containing distal and proximal ends is used in conjunction with the
inner and outer guiding introducers, wherein said dilator curves at
its distal end in a curve with an arc of about 20 to about 70
degrees.
3. The guiding introducer system of claim 1 wherein the inner
guiding introducer comprises a first and second sections each with
proximal and distal ends, wherein the first section is a generally
elongated straight section, wherein merged with the distal end of
said first section is the second section which contains a curved
section with a radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5 in. to form an arc
of approximately 45 to 135 degrees ending in the distal end of the
second section of the inner guiding introducer.
4. The guiding introducer system of claim 1 wherein the outer
guiding introducer comprises a first and second sections each with
proximal and distal ends, wherein the first section is a generally
elongated straight section, wherein merged with the distal end of
said first section is the second section which contains a curved
portion, curving in a radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5 in. to form
an arc of about 145 to about 260 degrees, ending in the distal end
of the second section of the outer guiding introducer.
5. The guiding introducer system of claim 1 wherein the outer
guiding introducer comprises a first and second section each with
proximal and distal ends, wherein the first section is a generally
elongated straight section, wherein merged with the distal end of
the first section is the second section, wherein the second section
contains a compound curved section containing a first curved
portion and a second curved portion, wherein the first curved
portion has a radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches and an arc of
about 10 to about 50 degrees and the second curved portion has a
radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches and an arc of about 135 to
about 225 degrees.
6. The guiding introducer system of claim 3 wherein a plurality of
vents is provided near the distal end of the second section of the
inner guiding introducer.
7. The guiding introducer system of claim 4 wherein a plurality of
vents is provided near the distal end of the second section of the
outer guiding introducer.
8. The guiding introducer system of claim 3 wherein tip markers are
secured to the inner guiding introducer.
9. The guiding introducer system of claim 4 wherein tip markers are
secured to the outer guiding introducer.
10. A method for the mapping and ablation of arrhythmia associated
with the left ventricle from the ventricular side comprising (a)
introducing into the left side of the heart a guiding introducer
system comprising a precurved inner guiding introducer and a
precurved outer guiding introducer, wherein each of the inner and
outer guiding introducers contains a lumen passing therethrough, a
proximal end and a distal end and wherein the inner guiding
introducer is extended into and through the lumen of the outer
guiding introducer; (b) introducing into the lumen of the inner
guiding introducer a catheter for mapping and ablation, wherein
said catheter contains a distal tip and one or more electrodes; and
(c) extending said distal tip of the catheter through the lumen of
the inner guiding introducer and beyond the distal end of the inner
and outer guiding introducers to allow the electrodes of the
catheter to map and ablate sites within the left ventricle of the
heart from the ventricular side.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the inner guiding introducer
comprises a first and second sections, each with proximal and
distal ends, wherein the first section is a generally elongated
straight section, wherein merged with the distal end of said first
section is the second section, wherein the second section contains
a curved section with a radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5 in. to
form an arc of approximately 45 degrees to about 135 degrees ending
in the distal end of the second section of the inner guiding
introducer.
12.1 The method of claim 10 wherein the outer guiding introducer
comprises a first and second sections each with proximal and distal
ends, wherein the first section is a generally elongated straight
section, wherein merged with the distal end of said first section
is the second section containing a curved section with a radius of
about 0.5 to about 1.5 in. to form an arc of about 145 to about 260
degrees, ending in the distal end of the second end of the outer
guiding introducer.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein the outer guiding introducer
comprises a first and second section each with proximal and distal
ends, wherein the first section is a generally elongated straight
section, wherein merged with the distal end of the first section is
the second section wherein the second section of the outer guiding
introducer contains a compound curved section containing a first
curved portion and a second curved portion wherein the first curved
portion has a radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches and an arc of
about 10 to about 50 degrees and the second curved portion has a
radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5 inches and an arc of about 135 to
about 225 degrees.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/728,961 titled "Guiding Introducer System
for Use in Medical Procedures in the Left Ventricle," filed on Dec.
4, 2000; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/160,406
titled "Guiding Introducer System for Use in Medical Procedures in
the Left Ventricle," filed on Sep. 25, 1998 and issued on Dec. 5,
2000 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,156,018; which is continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/661,094 titled "Guiding Introducer System
for Use in Medical Procedures in the Left Ventricle," filed on Jun.
10, 1996 and issued on Sep. 29, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,029;
which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/388,800
titled "Guiding Introducers for Use in the Treatment of Accessory
Pathways around the Mitral Valve using the Retrograde Approach,"
filed on Feb. 14, 1995 and issued on Jun. 24, 1997 as U.S. Pat. No.
5,640,955, and a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
08/389,252 titled "Guiding Introducers for use in the Treatment of
Left Ventricular Tachycardia," filed on Feb. 16, 1995 and issued on
Mar. 3, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,400, and a continuation-in-part
of application Ser. No. 08/333,791 titled "Method for Mapping
and/or Ablation of Anomalous Conduction Pathways," filed Nov. 3,
1994 and issued on Oct. 15, 1996 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,440, and a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/333,759 titled
"Guiding Introducer System for Use in the Right Atrium," filed on
Nov. 3, 1994 and issued on May 13, 1997 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,316;
the disclosure of each of the above-referenced related applications
and patents are hereby incorporated be reference in their entirety
as thou fully set forth herein. This application is also related to
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,774 and 5,427,119, the disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as though
fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] This invention relates to sheaths or introducers. More
particularly, this invention relates a guiding introducer system
for mapping and ablation procedures in the left ventricle of the
human heart.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Introducers and catheters have been in use for medical
procedures for many years. For example, catheters have been used to
convey an electrical stimulus to a selected location within the
human body. Another use is monitoring and making measurements for
diagnostic tests within the human body. Catheters are also used by
physicians to examine, diagnose and treat while positioned at a
specific location within the body which is otherwise inaccessible
without more invasive procedures. In use, catheters are inserted
into a major vein or artery which is near the body surface. These
catheters are then guided to the specific location for examination,
diagnosis or treatment by manipulating the catheter through the
artery or vein of the human body.
[0006] Catheters have become increasingly useful in remote and
difficult to reach locations within the body. However, the
utilization of these catheters is frequently limited because of the
need for the precise placement of the electrodes of the catheter at
a specific location within the body.
[0007] Control of the movement of catheters to achieve such precise
placement is difficult because of the inherent structure of a
catheter. The body of a conventional catheter is long and tubular.
To provide sufficient control of the movement of the catheter, it
is necessary that its structure be somewhat rigid. However, the
catheter must not be so rigid as to prevent the bending or curving
necessary for movement through the vein, artery or other body part
to arrive at the specified location. Further, the catheter must not
be so rigid as to cause damage to the artery or vein while it is
being moved within the body.
[0008] While it is important that the catheter not be so rigid as
to cause injury, it is also important that there be sufficient
rigidity in the catheter to accommodate torque control, i.e., the
ability to transmit a twisting force along the length of the
catheter. Sufficient torque control enables controlled
maneuverability of the catheter by the application of a twisting
force at the proximal end of the catheter that is transmitted along
the catheter to its distal end. The need for greater torque control
often conflicts with the need for reduced rigidity to prevent
injury to the body vessel.
[0009] Catheters are used increasingly for medical procedures
involving the human heart. In these procedures a catheter is
typically advanced to the heart through veins or arteries and then
is positioned at a specified location within the heart. Typically,
the catheter is inserted in an artery or vein in the leg, neck,
upper chest or arm of the patient and threaded, generally with the
aid of a guidewire and conventional introducer, through various
arteries or veins until the tip of the catheter reaches the desired
location in the heart.
[0010] The distal end of a catheter used in such a procedure is
sometimes preformed into a desired curvature so that by torquing
the catheter about its longitudinal axis, the catheter can be
manipulated to the desired location within the heart or in the
arteries or veins associated with the heart. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,882,777 discloses a catheter with a complex curvature at its
distal end for use in a specific procedure in the right ventricle
of a human heart. U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,994 discloses a guide
catheter for guiding a balloon catheter for the dilation of
coronary arteries. U.S. Pat. No. 4,117,836 discloses a catheter for
the selective coronary angiography of the left coronary artery and
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,299,574 5,215,540, 5,016,640 and 4,883,058
disclose catheters for selective coronary angiography of the right
coronary artery.
[0011] Conventionally, angiographic or balloon catheters are guided
to the particular location within the heart, such as the coronary
arteries, by use of a guidewire. During this procedure, the
guidewire is first introduced into the vein or artery and is then
advanced through the vasculature to the particular coronary artery
to be analyzed. The catheter is then directed over the guidewire to
the particular coronary artery. A conventional short straight
introducer is often used to assist in introducing the coronary
catheter into the vasculature, but is not used for advancing the
coronary catheter through the vasculature to the coronary
artery.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,441 discloses a deflectable catheter for
ablation procedures in the ventricular chamber. See also U.S. Pat.
No. 4,033,331. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,591 discloses a
catheter with inner and outer layers containing braided portions.
The '591 patent also discloses a number of different curvatures for
intravascular catheters.
[0013] Thus, catheters with predetermined shapes, designed for use
during specific medical procedures generally associated with the
heart or the vascular system have been disclosed.
[0014] In addition to single catheters with various curvatures,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,017 discloses an inner and outer guide
catheter, numbers 138 and 132, for use with a balloon catheter for
treatment of coronary arteries. U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,323 discloses a
guide catheter system for use in coronary arteries comprising an
outer guide catheter (12) and a telescoping guide catheter (26),
neither of which are precurved. U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,982 discloses a
catheter assembly and methods for catheterization of coronary
arteries wherein an inner catheter (50) and outer catheter (52) are
used in combination for the treatment of right and left coronary
angiographic procedures. See also U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,017 which
discloses a similar device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,290,229 discloses a
straight outer sheath and a preformed inner catheter for use in the
heart. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,304,131, 4,810,244 and
5,279,546.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,495 discloses a shaped guide sheath
(166) for use in the right ventricle for ablation procedures.
[0016] Ablation procedures in the heart using a single, straight
guide sheath have been disclosed. For example, catheter ablation of
accessory pathways using a long vascular sheath by means of a
transseptal or retrograde approach is discussed in Saul, J. P., et
al. "Catheter Ablation of Accessory Atrioventricular Pathways in
Young Patients: Use of long vascular sheaths, the transseptal
approach and a retrograde left posterior parallel approach" J.
Amer. Coll. Card., Vol. 21, no. 3, pps 571-583 (Mar. 1, 1993). See
also Swartz, J. F. "Radiofrequency Endocardial Catheter Ablation of
Accessory Atrioventricular Pathway Atrial Insertion Sites"
Circulation, Vol. 87, no. 2, pps. 487-499 (February, 1993).
[0017] In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,119 discloses a shaped
guiding introducer for introduction of an ablation and mapping
catheter into the right atrium for the treatment of specific
cardiac arrhythmia. U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,774 discloses the use of a
guiding introducer for introduction of an ablation and mapping
catheter into the left atrium for the treatment of specific cardiac
arrhythmia.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,649 discloses the use of high frequency
energy for the treatment of tachycardia or cardiac dysrhythmia. See
also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,246,438 and 4,945,912, which disclose the use
of radio frequency energy for ablation of cardiac tissue. In
addition, various articles have disclosed the ablation of specific
locations within the heart by use of energy, in particular, radio
frequency energy. See, for example, Gallagher, J. J. et al.
"Catheter Technique for Closed-Chest Ablation of the
Atrioventricular Conduction System" N. Engl. J. Med. Vol. 306, pp.
194-200 (1982); Horowitz, L. N. "Current Management of Arrhythmia"
pp. 373-378 (1991); Falk, R. H. et al. "Atrial Fibrillation
Mechanics and Management" pp. 359-374 (1992); and Singer, I.
"Clinical Manual of Electrophysiology" pp. 421-431 (1993).
[0019] In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,699 discloses a general
process for the identification and ablation of ventricular
tachycardia sites. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,222,501 and
5,242,441.
[0020] In addition, the use of radio frequency ablation energy for
the treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome in the left atrium
by use of a transseptal sheath is disclosed in Swartz, J. F. et al.
"Radiofrequency Endocardial Catheter Ablation of Accessory
Atrioventricular Pathway Atrial Insertion Sites" Circulation
87:487-499 (1993). See also Tracey, C. N. "Radio Frequency Catheter
Ablation of Ectopic Atrial Tachycardia Using Paced Activation
Sequence Mapping" J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 21:910-917 (1993).
[0021] While a number of references have disclosed ablation
procedures in the heart utilizing sheaths and catheters, there is
still a need for new methods for the introduction of ablation
catheters to specific locations in the heart, including
specifically the left ventricle.
[0022] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to disclose a
guiding introducer system for selected medical procedures
associated with the left ventricle of the human heart.
[0023] It is a further object of this invention to disclose a
guiding introducer system for use in selected electrophysiology
procedures associated with the left ventricle of the human
heart.
[0024] Another object of this invention is to disclose a guiding
introducer system for use in selected ablation procedures
associated with the left ventricle of the heart.
[0025] It is a still further object of this invention to disclose a
guiding introducer system for use in the selected ablation of sites
associated with the mitral valve from the ventricular side for the
treatment of left ventricular tachycardia.
[0026] These and other objects are obtained by the design of the
guiding introducer system disclosed in the instant invention.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0027] The instant invention is a guiding introducer system for use
in the treatment of left ventricular tachycardia from the
ventricular side. It may also be used to ablate locations under the
mitral valve from the ventricular side, for example, for the
treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome ("WPW"). It is
comprised of a precurved, inner guiding introducer and a precurved,
outer guiding introducer. A precurved dilator is preferably used
with the guiding introducer system, which dilator is preferably
used with a Brockenbrough needle. The inner guiding introducer is
comprised of a first and second section, wherein the first section
is a generally elongated straight section which is merged at its
distal end with the second section, which is a curved section. The
outer guiding introducer is comprised of a first and second
sections, wherein the first section is a generally elongated
straight section which is merged at its distal end with the second
section which forms a compound curved section. The inner guiding
introducer is longer than the outer guiding introducer to permit it
to extend out from the lumen of the outer guiding introducer to
form various curves and shapes of the overall guiding introducer
system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1A is a cross-section of the left side of the heart
showing the placement of the guiding introducer system in the left
ventricle with the distal end of an ablation catheter extending
from the distal end of the outer guiding introducer to ablate in
three different locations along the walls of the left
ventricle.
[0029] FIG. 1B is a cross-section of the left side of the heart
showing the placement of the guiding introducer system in the left
ventricle with the distal end of an ablation catheter extending
from the distal end of the outer guiding introducer to ablate in
two different locations under the mitral valve.
[0030] FIG. 2A is a side view of the inner and outer guiding
introducers in combination with the distal end of the inner guiding
introducer extended from the distal end of the outer guiding
introducer.
[0031] FIG. 2B is a side view of the inner and outer guiding
introducers in combination as shown in FIG. 2A rotated 90 degrees
from the position shown in FIG. 2A when viewed from the perspective
of the proximal end of the inner and outer guiding introducers.
[0032] FIG. 3A is a side view of the inner guiding introducer
attached to a hemostasis valve and side port with the side port
directed to the left of the inner guiding introducer.
[0033] FIG. 3B is a side view of the inner guiding introducer of
FIG. 3A rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the position shown in
FIG. 3A when viewed from the perspective of the proximal end of the
inner guiding introducer.
[0034] FIG. 4A is a side view of the outer guiding introducer
attached to a hemostasis valve and side port with the side port
directed to the left of the outer guiding introducer.
[0035] FIG. 4B is a side view of the outer guiding introducer of
FIG. 4A rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the position shown in
FIG. 4A when viewed from the perspective of the proximal end of the
outer guiding introducer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] A typical human heart includes a right ventricle, a right
atrium, left ventricle and left atrium. The right atrium is in
fluid communication with the superior vena cava and the inferior
vena cava. The atrioventricular septum separates the atria from the
ventricles. The tricuspid valve contained within the
atrioventricular septum communicates the right atrium with the
right ventricle. The mitral valve contained within the
atrioventricular septum communicates the left atrium with the left
ventricle. On the inner wall of the right atrium, where it is
connected with the left atrium, is a recessed portion, the fossa
ovalis. Between the fossa ovalis and the tricuspid valve is the
opening or ostium for the coronary sinus. The coronary sinus is a
large epicardial vein which accommodates most of the venous blood
which drains from the myocardium into the right atrium.
[0037] In the normal heart, contraction and relaxation of the heart
muscle (myocardium) takes place in an organized fashion as
electrochemical signals pass sequentially through the myocardium
from the atrial to the ventricular tissue along a well defined
route which includes the His-Purkinje system. Initial electric
impulses are generated at the sinoatrial (SA) node and conducted to
the atrioventricular (AV) node. The AV node lies near the ostium of
the coronary sinus in the interatrial septum in the right atrium.
The His-Purkinje system begins at the AV node and follows along the
membranous interatrial septum toward the tricuspid valve through
the atrioventricular septum and into the membranous
interventricular septum. At about the middle of the
interventricular septum, the His-Purkinje system splits into right
and left branches which straddle the summit of the muscular part of
the interventricular septum.
[0038] Sometimes abnormal rhythms occur in the heart which are
referred to as arrhythmia. For example, patients diagnosed with WPW
have an arrhythmia, the cause of which is believed to be the
existence of an anomalous conduction pathway or pathways that
connect the atrial muscle tissue directly to the ventricular muscle
tissue, thus bypassing the normal His-Purkinje system. These
pathways are usually located in the fibrous tissue that connects
the atrium and the ventricle.
[0039] Another arrhythmia is ventricular tachycardia ("V.T."). VT
is a disease of the ventricles of the heart in which the heart's
normal arrhythmic contraction is altered. Frequently, the rate of
heart beat is too fast, although the conditions of the disease
itself are generally quite complex. VT occurs most often in
patients following a myocardial infarction. A myocardial
infarction, commonly referred to as a heart attack, is a loss of
blood to a region of the heart causing the myocardial tissue in
that region to die and be replaced by an area of scar tissue known
as a myocardial infarct. Frequently, the myocardial infarct is
present in the left ventricle.
[0040] As a result of the myocardial infarct, circular pathways
("reentry circuits") are frequently created within the left
ventricle which conduct electrical impulses of the heart. These
reentry circuits cause the electrical impulses of the heart to
travel in circles about the myocardial infarct, frequently causing
an erratic and sometimes accelerated beating of the heart. These
reentry circuits may also occur around discreet elements of the
heart, such as valves. In addition, the reentry circuits sometime
occur around both the myocardial infarct and the discreet elements
of the heart.
[0041] In the past arrhythmia have been generally treated by the
use of drugs, such as lidocaine, quinidine and procainamide. More
recently, beta-blocking drugs have been used for this treatment. In
cases where drug therapy has been ineffective, surgical procedures
have sometimes been used to excise the tissue causing the
arrhythmia. The procedure involves the removal of a portion of the
heart muscle, particularly that portion around which the reentry
circuit has formed. By the excision of this portion of the heart
muscle, scar tissue is formed which prevents the reformation of the
reentry circuit. Obviously such procedures are high risk,
frequently requiring prolonged periods of hospitalization and
recuperation. As an alternative to these procedures, ablation
devices have been used for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac
arrhythmias. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,222,501. Also,
guiding introducers have been used to guide ablation catheters for
the treatment of atrial arrhythmias in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,497,724 and
5,427,119.
[0042] Ablation procedures, however, are frequently unsuccessful
unless repeated many times. It is presumed that one reason for the
lack of success of ablation of ventricular tissue is the failure to
destroy completely the reentry circuit in the ventricular tissue
because of its inherent thickness and the size of the reentry
circuit itself. To effectively ablate the ventricular tissue, the
ablation catheter must be positioned precisely within the ventricle
and maintained in contact with the ventricular tissue throughout
the ablation procedure. Such procedures may require the ablation
electrode of the ablation catheter to remain in contact with the
ventricular tissue for a period of time well over a minute. This is
particularly difficult when the heart is beating, sometimes
irregularly, during the entire ablation procedure. Thus, it is
critical that the ablation electrode be maintained at the desired
location and also be constrained from movement throughout the
ablation procedure.
[0043] Historically, there are two approaches to the positioning of
an ablation catheter in the left ventricle for ablation procedures.
The first approach is to introduce the catheter into the femoral
artery using a standard introducer and advance it up the aorta,
across the aortic valve into the left ventricle and then position
its electrode adjacent to a wall of the left ventricle. This is
commonly referred to as a "retrograde" approach. This approach is
discussed in patent application Ser. No. 08/388,800 filed Feb. 14,
1995 and patent application Ser. No. 08/389,252 filed Feb. 16,
1995. Specific locations for the mapping or ablation of the
ventricular tissue, include locations on the lateral freewall,
posterior freewall, septal wall and anterior freewall. The
retrograde approach to the left ventricle for ablation procedures
is frequently difficult for many reasons including the structure of
the left ventricle, the fact that it requires arterial access and
potential problems associated with ablation of ventricle tissue,
such as the creation of a substrate for a future arrhythmia which
could result in sudden cardiac death. Thus, this retrograde
approach is not preferred.
[0044] A second approach to positioning an ablation catheter for
treatment of arrhythmia located in the left ventricle is from the
atrial side of the mitral valve. This approach is referred to as
the transseptal approach as the ablation catheter passes through
the interatrial septum between the right and left atria. In this
procedure, a transseptal sheath apparatus, comprising a
conventional transseptal introducer, such as is produced by Daig
Corporation, is introduced into the right femoral vein and advanced
through the inferior vena cava into the right atrium. A puncture is
then made through the interatrial septum, preferably at the fossa
ovalis, and the apparatus is then advanced into the left atrium
where the needle and dilator of the apparatus are removed leaving
the introducer in place in the left atrium. An ablation catheter is
then advanced through this introducer adjacent to or through the
mitral valve for treatment of various arrhythmia associated with
the left ventricle.
[0045] Mere introduction of the ablation and mapping catheter into
the left ventricle is not sufficient to effectively and efficiently
perform the ablation procedures to eliminate arrhythmia located in
the left ventricle. The medical practitioner commonly monitors the
introduction of the catheter and its progress through the vascular
system by a fluoroscope. Such fluoroscopes can not easily identify
the specific features of the heart in general, and the critically
important structures associated with the left ventricle in
specific, thus making placement of the ablation electrode
difficult. This placement is especially difficult as the beating
heart is in motion. As a result, the catheter is moving within the
chambers of the heart as blood is being pumped through the heart
throughout the procedure. The guiding introducer system of the
instant invention addresses and solves these problems.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, the guiding introducer
system of the present invention for procedures in the left
ventricle for the treatment of arrhythmia associated with the
mitral valve from the ventricular side, such as WPW, and various
ventricle tachycardia is comprised of an inner and outer guiding
introducer. See FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B. Each introducer is divided
into a first and second sections. (Each section is preferably
formed as an integral portion of the entire guiding introducer
without discrete divisions. However, the division of each guiding
introducer into different sections better illustrates the overall
shape of the guiding introducers.) Each of the guiding introducers
will be shown in two views. See FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B. In each of
the views for ease of analysis, the guiding introducer will be
secured to a hemostasis valve with side port for attachment to
conventional side port tubing and a stop cock. In each such
arrangement, the shape of the guiding introducer and each of its
sections will be described, making reference to its position in
relation to the side port which is attached to the proximal end of
the guiding introducer.
[0047] The guiding introducer system for use in the left ventricle
is comprised of an inner and an outer guiding introducer. See FIGS.
2A and 2B. A dilator is also preferably used, wherein the dilator
preferably is a transseptal dilator used with cardiac procedures
requiring a Brockenbrough needle for a transseptal puncture.
Generally the distal end of the dilator is curved in a curve with
an arc of about 20 to about 70 degrees ending in its distal tip.
The overall length of the dilator is conventional.
[0048] The inner guiding introducer is generally comprised of two
sections. See FIGS. 3A and 3B. The first section is a conventional
generally elongated, hollow straight section of sufficient length
for introduction into the patient and for manipulation from the
point of insertion to the specific desired location within the
heart. Merged with the distal end of the first section of the
guiding introducer, but an integral part of the entire guiding
introducer, is the second section which is a curved section, curved
with a radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5 in., preferably from about
0.7 to about 1.3 in. and most preferably about 0.9 to about 1.1 in.
to form an arc of approximately 45 to about 135 degrees, preferably
about 60 to about 120 degrees, and most preferably about 70 to
about 110 degrees ending in a distal tip.
[0049] The outer guiding introducer for use in the left ventricle
is comprised of a first and second sections. See FIGS. 4A and 4B.
The first section is a conventional, generally elongated hollow
straight section of sufficient length for introduction into the
patient and for manipulation from the point of insertion to the
specific desired location within the heart. Merged with the distal
end of the first section of the guiding introducer is the second
section which is preferably a compound curved section curving first
in a first curved portion with a radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5
in., preferably from about 1.0 to about 1.4 in., and most
preferably about 1.1 to about 1.3 in. with an arc of approximately
10 to about 50 degrees, preferably about 10 to about 30 degrees and
most preferably about 15 to about 25 degrees. Following the first
curved portion is the second curved portion which curves with a
radius of about 0.5 to about 1.5 in., preferably from about 0.7 to
about 1.3 in., and most preferably about 0.9 to about 1.1 in. with
an arc of approximately 135 to about 225 degrees, preferably from
about 170 to about 210 degrees and most preferably about 180 to
about 200 degrees ending in the distal tip of the outer guiding
introducer. Preferably, the first and second curved portions are
generally coplanar, preferably within about 20 degrees of being
within the same plane. As an alternative to the compound curved
section, a single curved portion may be used wherein the radius of
this single curved portion is from about 0.5 to about 1.5 in.,
preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.2 in. and most preferably
about 0.9 to about 1.1 in. with an arc from about 145 to about 260
degrees, preferably from about 180 to about 240 degrees and most
preferably about 200 to about 220 degrees ending in the distal tip
of the second section of the outer guiding introducer.
[0050] While the above described shapes are preferred, the shape of
the sections of each guiding introducer of the guiding introducer
system may be modified by use of one or more straight or curved
sections as long as the overall, general shape of each of the
guiding introducers is approximately as described above. In
addition, the particular order of the curves may be changed as long
as the overall curvature of each of the guiding introducers
delivers the mapping and ablation catheter to approximately the
same location as the guiding introducer system above described as
the preferred embodiment. Further, one or more curves of the
guiding introducers may be combined or split into additional curved
or curved and straight sections as long as the general overall
shape of the precurved, guiding introducers is maintained.
[0051] The design feature of the guiding introducer system provides
a stable platform supported by the cardiac anatomy to permit an
ablation or mapping catheter to be advanced and withdrawn without
the need for repositioning the guiding introducer system. By
extending the distal tip of the inner guiding introducer away from
the distal tip of the outer guiding introducer and by rotating the
inner guiding introducer with respect to the outer guiding
introducer, a variety of shapes of the guiding introducer system
are formed to direct the mapping and/or ablation catheter toward a
particular site within the left ventricle. See FIGS. 1A and 1B
where the distal end of the inner guiding introducer is rotated
and/or extended to permit the ablation catheter contained therein
to ablate various locations within the left ventricle. These shapes
permit ablation procedures to be performed in the left ventricle
associated with the mitral valve annulus from the ventricular side,
for example, in a position anterior to anterolateral to lateral to
posterolateral to posteroseptal to septal to the mitral valve. See
FIG. 1B. In addition, by adjusting the extension and direction of
the inner guiding introducer within the outer guiding introducer,
ablation and mapping catheters can be directed for procedures on
the left ventricular anterior free wall and toward the septal wall
for treatment of Belhassen Tachycardia. See FIG. 1A. The various
locations can be treated by extending the inner guiding introducer
further from the outer guiding introducer which forms a different
overall shape and/or by rotating the inner guiding introducer with
respect to the outer guiding introducer. Being able to extend the
inner guiding introducer within the outer guiding introducer and to
rotate the inner guiding introducer within the outer guiding
introducer permits a wide variety of overall shapes, which is
particularly useful to medical practitioners. The medical
practitioner is able to determine the relative location of the
inner and outer guiding introducers because of tip markers located
near the distal tip of both the inner and outer guiding
introducers.
[0052] The distal tip of both the inner and outer guiding
introducers may be, and generally will be, tapered to form a good
transition with the dilator.
[0053] The relative size of the outer guiding introducer in
relation to the inner guiding introducer should be sufficient to
permit the inner guiding introducer to be torqued or rotated within
the outer guiding introducer without undue restriction on such
movement. Preferably, the difference in size between the inner and
outer guiding introducer should be at least about 3 "French" (1
French equals about one-third of a millimeter). For example in one
preferred embodiment, the outer guiding introducer is 11 French in
size and the inner guiding introducer is 8 French. By this
difference in diameter, there is approximately 1 French unit of
volume available between the outer surface of the inner guiding
introducer and the inner surface of the outer guiding introducer.
Preferably, this volume of space between the inner and outer
guiding introducer is filled with a biocompatible solution, such as
a saline solution, preferably a heparinized saline solution. This
saline solution also provides lubricity to the two guiding
introducers, allowing more accurate torquing of the inner guiding
introducer within the outer guiding introducer. In addition, it is
preferable that the structure of both the inner and the outer
guiding introducer have a high torsional constant to allow for the
full utilization of the various shapes available by rotation and
extension of the inner and outer guiding introducer. To permit this
high torsional constant, in one preferred embodiment the inner
guiding introducer is braided to provide further strength and
structural stability.
[0054] The guiding introducers may be made of any material suitable
for use in humans, which has a memory or permits distortion from
and subsequent substantial return to the desired three dimensional
shape. For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, the
internal diameter of the tip of the guiding introducers may vary
from about 6 to about 10 "French" Such guiding introducers can
accept dilators from about 6 to about 10 French and appropriate
guidewires. Obviously if larger, or smaller dilators and catheters
are used in conjunction with the guiding introducers of the instant
invention, modification can be made in the size of the instant
guiding introducers.
[0055] The inner and outer guiding introducers also preferably
contain one or a plurality of vents near the distal tip of the
guiding introducers, preferably 3 or 4 of such vents. The vents are
preferably located no more than about 5 to 6 cm. from the tip of
the guiding introducers and more preferably 0.5 cm. to about 4.0
cm. from the tip. The size of these vents should be in the range of
about 20 to 60 {fraction ({fraction (1/1000)})}of an inch in
diameter. These vents are generally designed to prevent air
embolisms from entering the guiding introducers caused by the
withdrawal of a catheter contained within the guiding introducers
in the event the distal tip of one of the guiding introducers is
occluded. For example, if the tip of the inner guiding introducer
is placed against the myocardium and the catheter located within
the inner guiding introducer is withdrawn, a vacuum may be created
within the inner guiding introducer if no vents are provided. If
such vacuum is formed, air may be forced back into the guiding
introducer by the reintroduction of a catheter into the lumen of
the guiding introducers. Such air embolism could cause problems to
the patient including the possibility of a stroke, heart attack or
other such problems common with air embolisms in the heart. The
addition of vents near the distal tip of the guiding introducers
prevents the formation of such vacuum by permitting fluid,
presumably blood, to be drawn into the lumen of the guiding
introducers as the catheter is being removed, thus preventing the
possibility of formation of an air embolism.
[0056] Variances in size or shape of the pair of guiding
introducers are also intended to encompass pediatric uses, although
the preferred use is for adult human hearts. It is well recognized
that pediatric uses may require reductions in size of the various
sections of the guiding introducers in particular the first
section, but without any significant modification to the shape or
curves of the guiding introducers. However, because incremental
changes can be made in the overall shape of the pair of guiding
introducers, the system can better adjust to differing shapes and
sizes of heart than can a single guiding introducer.
[0057] In operation, a modified Seldinger technique is normally
used for the insertion of a catheter into either an artery or vein
of the body. Using this procedure, a small skin incision is made at
the appropriate location to facilitate the catheter and dilator
passage. A soft flexible tip of an appropriate sized guidewire is
inserted through and a short distance beyond a needle which has
been introduced into the vessel. Firmly holding the guidewire in
place, the needle is removed. The guidewire is then advanced
through the vessel into the right atrium. With the guidewire in
place, a dilator is then placed over the guidewire with the pair of
guiding introducers placed over the dilator. The dilator and pair
of guiding introducers generally form an assembly to be advanced
together along the guidewire into the right atrium. After insertion
of the assembly, the guidewire is then withdrawn. A Brockenbrough
or trocar needle is then inserted through the lumen of the dilator
to the right atrium to be used to create an opening through the
interatrial septum, preferably at the fossa ovalis. The tip rests
against the interatrial septum at the level of the fossa ovalis.
The Brockenbrough needle is then advanced within the dilator to the
fossa ovalis. After the opening is made through the interatrial
septum, the needle, dilator and pair of guiding introducers are
advanced into the left atrium. After the pair of guiding
introducers are advanced through the interatrial septum into the
left atrium, the Brockenbrough or trocar and dilator are removed,
leaving the pair of guiding introducers in the left atrium. The
distal tips of the inner and outer guiding introducers are then
advanced through the mitral valve into the left ventricle. The
catheter to be used for analysis and/or treatment of the
ventricular tachycardia or other arrhythmia associated with the
left ventricle, such as WPW, about the mitral valve is then
advanced through the lumen of the pair of guiding introducers and
is placed at an appropriate location in the left ventricle. See
FIG. 1. By extending and withdrawing the inner guiding introducer
from the outer guiding introducer and by rotating the inner guiding
introducer within the outer guiding introducer, great variances in
the overall shape of the guiding introducer system can be
achieved.
[0058] By movement of the inner guiding introducer within the outer
guiding introducer in conjunction with fluoroscopic viewing, the
distal portion of the inner guiding introducer can be manipulated
to direct the distal end of a catheter to a specific internal
surface within the left ventricle. See FIGS. 1A and 1B. In
addition, by providing sufficient rigidity, the distal end of the
inner guiding catheter can be maintained in that fixed location or
surface position of the endocardial structure to permit it to act
as a stationary platform for the appropriate procedures to be
performed. If sensing procedures are involved, the pair of guiding
introducers are placed in the desired location. At that point, the
electrical activity of the heart peculiar to that location can be
precisely determined by use of an electrophysiology catheter placed
within the guiding introducers and extended from the distal tip of
the inner guiding introducer to the surface of the heart. As the
pair of guiding introducers permit precise location of catheters,
an ablation catheter may be placed at the precise location
necessary for destruction of the cardiac tissue by the use of
energy, for example, radio frequency, thermal, laser or direct
current (high energy direct, low energy direct and fulgutronization
procedures). The precise placement of the ablation catheter tip on
the cardiac tissue is important as there will be no dilution of the
energy delivered due to unfocused energy being dissipated over the
entire cardiac chamber and lost in the circulating blood by
constant movement of the tip of the ablating catheter. This permits
a significantly reduced amount of energy to be applied, while still
achieving efficient ablation. Further, time used to perform the
procedure is significantly reduced over procedures where no guiding
introducers are used.
[0059] It will be apparent from the foregoing that while particular
forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that this
invention be limited except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *