U.S. patent application number 11/761371 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for rapid exchange catheter with stent deployment, therapeutic infusion, and lesion sampling features.
Invention is credited to William D. Hare, Russell A. Houser.
Application Number | 20080058715 11/761371 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27403988 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080058715 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Houser; Russell A. ; et
al. |
March 6, 2008 |
Rapid Exchange Catheter with Stent Deployment, Therapeutic
Infusion, and Lesion Sampling Features
Abstract
A catheter is insertable into a vessel within a mammalian body.
The catheter includes a tubular body, at least one channel
extending along the tubular body; and a central lumen. The tubular
body includes an exterior surface, a first end and a second end,
and defines a length between the first end and the second end. The
channel passes between a first opening and a second opening and
includes a slot in the tubular body between the channel and the
exterior surface of the tubular body such that a tubular member can
be passed between the channel and the exterior surface. The slot
extends from the first opening to the second opening and includes a
pair of edges. The central lumen extends along the tubular body at
least for a portion of the length of the tubular body. The catheter
can be used as a rapid exchange catheter, for stent deployment, for
drug delivery or therapeutic infusion with or without
electroporation, to provide localized heat, to provide ultrasonic
visualization and ablation, and to examine for vulnerable plaque.
The catheter may have multiple balloons.
Inventors: |
Houser; Russell A.;
(Livermore, CA) ; Hare; William D.; (Princeton,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM DOUGLAS HARE
3 ANDERSON LANE
PRINCETON
NJ
08540
US
|
Family ID: |
27403988 |
Appl. No.: |
11/761371 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10290534 |
Nov 8, 2002 |
7229431 |
|
|
11761371 |
Jun 12, 2007 |
|
|
|
60331125 |
Nov 8, 2001 |
|
|
|
60347291 |
Jan 14, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/103.04 ;
604/96.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2025/0183 20130101;
A61M 2025/1072 20130101; A61M 25/104 20130101; A61M 2025/1095
20130101; A61F 2/958 20130101; A61F 2/95 20130101; A61M 2025/107
20130101; A61M 2025/1056 20130101; A61F 2002/821 20130101; A61M
2025/1047 20130101; A61F 2250/0098 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/103.04 ;
604/096.01 |
International
Class: |
A61M 25/10 20060101
A61M025/10; A61M 25/01 20060101 A61M025/01 |
Claims
1.-37. (canceled)
38. A catheter configured to be inserted into a vessel within a
mammalian body, the catheter comprising: a tubular body having an
exterior surface, a first end and a second end that define a length
between the first end and the second end, and a central lumen
extending along the tubular body at least for a portion of the
length of the tubular body; and at least one channel extending
along the exterior surface of the tubular body at least for a
portion of the length of the tubular body, the channel including a
first opening, a second opening, and the channel passing between
the first opening and the second opening, wherein the channel
includes a slot opening into the channel such that a tubular member
can be passed between the channel and the exterior surface of the
tubular body, wherein the slot extends from the first opening to
the second opening and includes a pair of edges, wherein the
tubular body has a circumference that defines a non-circular
shape.
39. The catheter of claim 38, further comprising a balloon
extending around the tubular body proximal of the second end of the
tubular body.
40. The catheter of claim 39, wherein at least a portion of the
balloon is in contact with the exterior surface of the tubular body
and the channel.
41. The catheter of claim 39, wherein the balloon extends into the
channel for at least a portion of the length of the channel.
42. The catheter of claim 41, wherein the balloon further includes
a first surface extending from the channel and a second surface
extending from the channel.
43. The catheter of claim 42, wherein each of the first surface and
the second surface include a radially extending channel passing
between the channel and an opening on an outer surface of the
balloon.
44. The catheter of claim 40, further comprising a band encircling
at least a portion of a circumference of the tubular body under the
balloon.
45. The catheter of claim 39, wherein the balloon comprises at
least two discrete diameters.
46. The catheter of claim 39, wherein the balloon comprises a
diameter that is tapered along a length of the balloon.
47. The catheter of claim 39, wherein the balloon is a stent
delivery balloon.
48. The catheter of claim 38, wherein the edges of the slot
overlap.
49. The catheter of claim 38, wherein the edges of the slot are
aligned and in contact along at least a portion of the length of
the edges without being connected.
50. The catheter of claim 38, wherein the edges are aligned and
spaced apart from one another.
51. The catheter of claim 38, wherein the non-circular shape
comprises a generally oval shape.
52. The catheter of claim 38, wherein the non-circular shape
comprises a height that is greater than a width.
53. The catheter of claim 38, wherein the tubular body and channel
are integrally formed.
54. The catheter of claim 53, wherein the slot opening into the
channel is formed in a secondary operation.
55. The catheter of claim 53, wherein integrally forming the
tubular body and the channel comprises extruding the tubular body
and channel together.
56. The catheter of claim 38, wherein at least a portion of the
central lumen of the tubular body and the channel run parallel to
each other within an oval-shaped segment of the catheter.
57. The catheter of claim 38, further comprising a second channel
extending longitudinally along the tubular body at least for a
portion of the length of the tubular body.
58. The catheter of claim 38, wherein the catheter is intended to
be used to carry a guide wire or pacemaker lead in the channel.
59. The catheter of claim 38, wherein the tubular member comprises
a guide wire or pacemaker lead.
60. A catheter and guide wire exchange system comprising a catheter
configured to be inserted into a vessel within a mammalian body,
the catheter comprising: a tubular body having an exterior surface,
a first end and a second end that define a length between the first
end and the second end, a central lumen extending along the tubular
body at least for a portion of the length of the tubular body, and
a stiffening member positioned within at least a portion of the
length of the tubular body; and at least one channel extending
along the exterior surface of the tubular body at least for a
portion of the length of the tubular body, the channel including a
first opening, a second opening, and the channel passing between
the first opening and the second opening, wherein the channel
includes a slot opening into the channel such that a tubular member
can be passed between the channel and the exterior surface of the
tubular body, wherein the slot extends from the first opening to
the second opening and includes a pair of edges, wherein the
tubular body has a circumference that defines a non-circular
shape.
61. The catheter and guide wire exchange system of claim 60,
wherein the stiffening member is one or more of a metal wire, a
metal tube, a metal alloy tube, a coil, polyimide tube, or
polyimide tube with a coil.
62. The catheter and guide wire exchange system of claim 61,
wherein the catheter shaft has been formed by continually extruding
thermoplastic over one or more of the metal tubing, metal wire,
coil, metal alloy tube, a coil, polyimide tube, or polyimide tube
with a coil, then cutting the extrudate into individual catheter
lengths.
63. The catheter and guide wire exchange system of claim 61,
wherein the catheter shaft has been formed by extruding
thermoplastic over discrete lengths of one or more of the metal
tubing, metal wire, metal alloy tube, coil, polyimide tube, or a
polyimide tube with a coil.
64. The catheter and guide wire exchange system of claim 60,
further comprising a balloon extending around the channel and the
tubular body proximal of the second end of the tubular body.
65. The catheter and guide wire exchange system of claim 64,
wherein the balloon is a stent delivery balloon.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/331,125, filed on Nov. 8, 2001, and
titled Marker Catheter with Optional Rapid Exchange Capabilities,
and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/347,291, filed on
Jan. 14, 2002 and titled Slot for Directing a Wire along a Portion
of a Tubular Vessel.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to a rapid exchange catheter with
multiple utilities for use inside mammalian tubular vessels or
structures, and more particularly allows the catheter to be removed
from around a guide wire by using a slot or channel to hold the
guide wire.
BACKGROUND
[0003] During catheter-based procedures, the physician often
visualizes the area being treated under fluoroscopy and visualizes
the catheter and/or treatment area using radiopaque materials. One
method of visualizing is to fabricate the catheter from a polymer
that has been compounded with any of the radiopaque materials that
are known in the art, such as barium sulfate, bismuth trioxide,
bismuth subcarbonate, tantalum and/or other known combination of
radiopaque additives. Another known method is to put one or more
marker bands around the outer diameter of the catheter at various
positions at the distal end of the catheter. The marker bands can
be spaced at known distances along the length of the catheter such
that a fluoroscopic procedure can be used to determine distances
of, for example, a lesion. Contrast dyes also are used to visualize
the treated area by injecting a contrast dye through the catheter
while the fluoroscope is being operated. The physician then can see
the vessel in which the catheter is positioned, as well as any
lesion past which the contrast dye flows.
[0004] In the procedure, the physician may use a guiding device,
such as a guide wire, to controllably reach the lesion or area to
be treated. Once the guide wire is in position, the physician may
need to pass one or more catheters, tubular devices, and/or medical
devices along the guide wire to the lesion or treatment area. The
physician may pull the catheter or tubular device back along the
guide wire and finally off of the guide wire. A difficulty of this,
however, is that the guide wire must be very long (i.e., longer
than the catheter) in order to pull the catheter off the guide wire
without needing to first or also pull the guide wire out of the
patient. A known solution to this problem is the use of a rapid
exchange configuration in which the distal end of the catheter has
a pair of opening into a lumen and through which the guide wire may
be passed by inserting the proximal end of the guide wire through
the distal most opening and then passing the proximal end of the
guide wire out of the proximal opening of the lumen. For example,
such a configuration is described by Yock (U.S. Pat. No.
5,451,233), which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0005] One common application of rapid exchange and marker
catheters is during coronary angioplasty, which refers to the use
of an inflatable balloon to increase the blood flow through a
stenosis (i.e., a partially blocked section of a blood vessel
feeding the heart). A typical coronary angioplasty consists of
three steps. First, a physician inserts a guiding catheter into a
patient's blood vessel, typically through the femoral artery at the
top of the patient's leg. The guiding catheter is advanced toward
the heart through the patient's blood vessel, stopping short of the
coronary arteries, and is then fixed in place. Next, the physician
inserts a guide wire into the guiding catheter until the distal end
of the guide wire exits the guiding catheter and enters the
coronary artery. The physician then positions the guide wire across
the stenosis to be treated in the coronary artery, and the guide
wire is fixed in place. Finally, the physician advances a balloon
catheter along the guide wire until the balloon exits the guiding
catheter and is positioned across the stenosis. The physician then
inflates the balloon to treat the stenosis, deflates the balloon,
and removes the balloon catheter without disturbing the placement
of either the guide wire or the guiding catheter.
[0006] Physicians frequently need to exchange balloon catheters
during a single coronary angioplasty procedure. For example, if a
stenosis blocks most of the blood flow through a vessel, the
physician may first need to use a small balloon to increase the
size of the opening through the stenosis, and then use a larger
balloon to further increase the opening. Another example of a
catheter exchange is when a physician uses a first balloon catheter
to open a lumen and a second catheter to deploy a stent.
SUMMARY
[0007] In one general aspect, a catheter is configured to be
inserted into a vessel within a mammalian body. The catheter
includes a tubular body, at least one channel extending along the
tubular body; and a central lumen. The tubular body includes an
exterior surface, a first end and a second end, and defines a
length between the first end and the second end. The channel passes
between a first opening and a second opening and includes a slot in
the tubular body between the channel and the exterior surface of
the tubular body such that a tubular member can be passed between
the channel and the exterior surface. The slot extends from the
first opening to the second opening and includes a pair of edges.
The central lumen extends along the tubular body at least for a
portion of the length of the tubular body.
[0008] Embodiments of the catheter may include one or more of the
following features. For example, the catheter may further include a
balloon extending around the tubular body proximal of the second
end of the tubular body, at least a portion of the balloon being in
contact with the exterior surface of the tubular body. The balloon
may extend into the channel for at least a portion of the length of
the channel. The balloon may further include a first surface
extending from the channel and a second surface extending from the
channel. Each of the first surface and the second surface may
include a radially extending channel passing between the channel in
the tubular body and an opening on an outer surface of the balloon.
The catheter may further include a band encircling at least a
portion of a circumference of the tubular body under the
balloon.
[0009] The edges of the slot may overlap, be aligned and in contact
along at least a portion of the length of the edges without being
connected, or be aligned and spaced apart from one another.
[0010] The balloon may include at least two discrete diameters. The
balloon may include a diameter that is tapered along a length of
the balloon.
[0011] The catheter may further include a band encircling at least
a portion of a circumference of the tubular body proximal of the
second end of the tubular body. The channel may pass below the
band.
[0012] In another general aspect, a catheter is configured to be
inserted into a vessel within a mammalian body. The catheter
includes a tubular body and at least one tube. The tubular body
includes an exterior surface, a first end and a second end that
define a length between the first end and the second end, and a
central lumen extending along the tubular body at least for a
portion of the length of the tubular body. The tube has an exterior
surface and extends along the exterior surface of the tubular body
at least for a portion of the length of the tubular body. The tube
includes a first opening, a second opening, and a passage way
passing between the first opening and the second opening.
[0013] Embodiments of the catheter may include one or more of the
following features. For example, the catheter may further include a
balloon extending around the tube and the tubular body proximal of
the second end of the tubular body, at least a portion of the
balloon being in contact with the exterior surface of the tubular
body and the exterior surface of the t tube. The tube may include a
channel that includes a slot opening into the passage way such that
a tubular member can be passed between the channel and the exterior
surface of the tube. The slot extends from the first opening to the
second opening and includes a pair of edges.
[0014] The catheter may further include a band encircling at least
a portion of a circumference of the tube proximal of the second
opening of the tube.
[0015] The balloon may extend into the channel for at least a
portion of the length of the channel. The balloon may further
include a first surface extending from the channel and a second
surface extending from the channel. Each of the first surface and
the second surface may include a radially extending channel passing
between the channel in the tube and an opening on an outer surface
of the balloon. The catheter may further include a band encircling
at least a portion of a circumference of the tube under the
balloon.
[0016] The edges of the slot may overlap, be aligned and in contact
along at least a portion of the length of the edges without being
connected, or be aligned and spaced apart from one another.
[0017] The balloon may include at least two discrete diameters. The
balloon may include a diameter that is tapered along a length of
the balloon.
[0018] In another general aspect, a catheter is configured to be
inserted into a vessel within a mammalian body and track a guide
wire. The catheter includes a tubular body and at least one coiled
member extending from the tubular body. The tubular body has an
exterior surface, a first end and a second end, a length defined
between the first end and the second end, and a central lumen
extending along the tubular body at least for a portion of the
length of the tubular body. The coiled member extends from the
second end of the tubular body and includes one or more extension
members and one or more loop members configured to receive a guide
wire and defining an inner diameter of each loop. The loop members
are connected to the extension members and define a first opening
and a second opening.
[0019] Embodiments of the catheter may include one or more of the
following features. For example, the catheter may further include a
balloon extending around the tubular body proximal of the second
end of the tubular body and being in contact with the exterior
surface of the tubular body. The loop member may have a closed
circumference. The closed circumference may be openable. The loop
member may have an open circumference.
[0020] In another general aspect, a guide wire can be removed from
a catheter. The method of removing a guide wire from a catheter
includes providing a catheter that includes a tubular body, at
least one channel extending along the tubular body, and a central
lumen. The tubular body includes an exterior surface, a first end
and a second end, and defines a length between the first end and
the second end. The channel extends along the tubular body at least
for a portion of the length of the tubular body. The channel passes
between a first opening and a second opening and has a slot in the
tubular body between the channel and the exterior surface of the
tubular body. The slot extends from the first opening to the second
opening and includes a pair of edges. The central lumen extends
along the tubular body at least for a portion of the length of the
tubular body. The method also includes inserting a guide wire into
the channel, advancing the catheter along the guide wire, and
removing the guide wire from the channel. Removing the guide wire
includes passing the guide wire from the channel to the exterior
surface of the tubular body through the slot in the tubular body.
Embodiments of the method may include one or more of the features
described above.
[0021] In another general aspect, a guide wire can be removed from
a catheter. The method of removing a guide wire from a catheter
includes providing a catheter that includes a tubular body and a
tube. The tubular body includes an exterior surface, a first end
and a second end, a length defined between the first end and the
second end, and a central lumen extending along the tubular body at
least for a portion of the length of the tubular body. The tube
includes an exterior surface and extends along the exterior surface
of tubular body at least for a portion of the length of the tubular
body. The tube includes a first opening, a second opening, and a
passage way passing between the first opening and the second
opening. The method also includes inserting a guide wire into
passage way in the tube through either of the first opening and the
second opening in the tube, advancing the catheter along the guide
wire through the tube; and removing the guide wire from the passage
way. Removing the guide wire includes withdrawing the guide wire
from the passage way through either of the first opening and the
second opening in the tube. Embodiments of the method may include
one or more of the features described above.
[0022] In another general aspect, a guide wire can be removed from
a catheter. The method of removing a guide wire from a catheter
includes providing a catheter that includes a tubular body and at
least one coiled member. The a tubular body includes an exterior
surface, a first end and a second end, a length defined between the
first end and the second end, and a central lumen extending along
the tubular body at least for a portion of the length of the
tubular body. The coiled member extends from the second end of the
tubular body and includes one or more extension members and one or
more loop members configured to receive a guide wire and define an
inner diameter of each loop. The loop members are connected to the
extension members and define a first opening and a second opening.
The method also includes inserting a guide wire into the loop
member through either of the first opening or the second opening,
advancing the catheter along the guide wire through the loop
member, and removing the guide wire from the loop member. Removing
the guide wire includes withdrawing the guide wire from the loop
member through either of the first opening or the second opening.
Embodiments of the method may include one or more of the features
described above.
[0023] The catheters, marker attachment, band, and/or coil devices
and techniques described herein can advantageously enable the
physician to more accurately determine the length and diameter of a
lesion. In this manner, the physician can properly size a
subsequent step, secondary operation, or therapy, such as the
placement and inflation of a balloon and/or stent to open and
maintain the patency of a vessel. The catheters, marker attachment,
band, and/or coil devices and techniques can advantageously
facilitate rapid exchange over a guide wire, reduce or eliminate
the need for a long guide wire, provide improved visualization of
the device and/or lesion, and provide accurate measurement of, for
example, the length and diameter of a lesion, such as in a coronary
artery. In particular, they allow a physician to remove a catheter
from around a guide wire. The catheters, marker attachment, band,
and/or coil devices and techniques can advantageously provide
accurate sizing of a secondary therapeutic device, such as a stent
or balloon, to the lesion, is easy to use, provides rapid exchange
between guide and diagnostic catheters, between diagnostic and
therapeutic catheters or device, and between therapeutic devices of
different sizes. The marker attachment, band, and/or coil devices
and techniques can advantageously be fabricated as a separate
stand-alone device that can be attached to commercially available
catheters and devices at the time of use or during manufacture of
the catheter. Thus, the physician can decide at the time of a
procedure to take a measurement and mount a marker attachment,
band, or coil to, for example, an inexpensive off-the-shelf
diagnostic, guide, infusion, or angioplasty catheter or device and
take the measurement.
[0024] The rapid exchange catheter designs herein advantageously do
not require an internal guide wire lumen, can allow complete
removal of a catheter from around the side of a guide wire, can
provide vessel access through an inflated balloon for several
purposes including lesion sample access and retrieval, and can
provide non-complete circumferential inflated balloon geometry.
Non-complete circumferential geometry can advantageously provide
alignment of the balloon void area with a calcified lesion so that
the remainder of the vessel cross section can be safely dilated.
This avoids putting excessive force on the hardened lesion, which
in turn puts focused pressure on the wall of the artery at that
site. A nonconcentric stent also may be loaded onto such a device
to avoid a hardened lesion, while still supporting or reinforcing
the remainder of the cross section of the vessel.
[0025] The catheter designs also may advantageously allow multiple
guide wires to be used with the device for several purposes,
including guiding a second catheter to a branched, or bifurcated
section of an artery. Additional advantageous features include
perfusion without the requirement of an internal catheter lumen as
well as being compatible with devices such as those used for
embolic protection. The designs also advantageously provide a
device that can be produced as a separate component that can be
used with other commercially available catheters, e.g., converting
an Over-the-Wire (OTW) catheter to a Rapid Exchange (RX) catheter.
The catheter designs can utilize a standard 0.014'' guide wire as
well as a hollow tipped-guide wire for tissue and lesion sampling
and retrieval.
[0026] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a first embodiment of a
marker catheter.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of an open coil marker
attachment.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of a closed coil marker
attachment.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of a closable coil marker
attachment.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of the closable coil
marker attachment of FIG. 4 with the closable coil being partially
opened.
[0032] FIG. 6 is an end view of the marker catheter of FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of the tubular
body/catheter shaft of the marker catheter of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of a marker attachment
with a staggered profile.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of a marker attachment
having a reduced diameter wire and constant inner diameters of the
coils.
[0036] FIGS. 10-12 are perspective side views of a marker
attachment with parallel extensions connecting the coils.
[0037] FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective side views of increased
flexibility marker attachments with alternatively placed extensions
connecting the coils.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a perspective side view of a catheter with a
radiopaque tube marker attachment.
[0039] FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective side views of marker
attachments with radiopaque tubes and coils.
[0040] FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective side views of marker
attachments with radiopaque bands.
[0041] FIG. 20 is a perspective side view of a marker attachment
with a slotted radiopaque tube.
[0042] FIG. 21 is a perspective side view of a catheter with a
marker attachment mounted to the distal end of the catheter.
[0043] FIG. 22 is a perspective side view of a catheter with a
marker attachment mounted to the distal end of the catheter with an
attachment band.
[0044] FIG. 23 is a perspective side view of a catheter with an
integrally formed marker attachment.
[0045] FIG. 24 is a perspective side view of a catheter with an
integrally formed marker attachment with marker bands.
[0046] FIG. 25 is a perspective side view of an integrally formed
marker attachment tip.
[0047] FIG. 26 is a perspective side view of a dual lumen,
integrally formed marker attachment tip.
[0048] FIG. 27 is a perspective side view of the dual lumen
attachment tip prior to formation of the coil.
[0049] FIGS. 28-30 are perspective side, top, and end views of an
embodiment of a marker attachment with multiple marker coils
configured to track a guide wire.
[0050] FIGS. 31-33 are perspective side, top, and end views of an
embodiment of a marker attachment with a single marker coil
configured to track a guide wire.
[0051] FIGS. 34-36 are perspective side views of an embodiment of a
marker attachment with a mounting band or tip.
[0052] FIGS. 37-39 are top views of a mounting end of marker
attachments.
[0053] FIGS. 40 and 41 are top and end views, respectively, of one
side of a heated compression die for mounting a marker attachment
to a catheter.
[0054] FIGS. 42 and 43 are top and end views, respectively, of one
side of a heating element to contain and heat the compression die
of FIGS. 40 and 41.
[0055] FIG. 44 is a side view of a catheter having a guide wire
slot for rapid exchange of the guide wire.
[0056] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional side view of the shaft of the
catheter of FIG. 44 taken at section mark A.
[0057] FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional side view of the shaft of the
catheter of FIG. 44 taken at section mark B showing the guide wire
slot.
[0058] FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional side view of the shaft of the
catheter of FIG. 44 taken at section mark C.
[0059] FIG. 48 is a side view of the catheter of FIG. 44 with an
optionally closed guide wire channel.
[0060] FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional side view of the shaft of the
catheter of FIG. 48 taken that at the distal end of the catheter
and shown at the point where the balloon and the guide wire slot
are adjacent to each other.
[0061] FIG. 50 is a side view of a rapid exchange catheter having a
guide wire passage in the catheter shaft wall.
[0062] FIGS. 51-54 are cross-sectional side views of the catheter
shaft taken at points A, B, C, and D, respectively, of the catheter
of FIG. 50.
[0063] FIG. 55 is side view of a rapid exchange catheter having a
detent or groove with an option guide passage tube.
[0064] FIGS. 56-59 are cross-sectional side views of the catheter
shaft taken at points A, B, C, and distal tip, respectively, of the
catheter of FIG. 55.
[0065] FIG. 60 is a side view of a catheter having an embedded
guide wire passage between an inflatable balloon and the catheter
shaft.
[0066] FIGS. 61-63 are cross-sectional side views of the catheter
shaft taken at points A, B, and C, respectively, of the catheter of
FIG. 60.
[0067] FIGS. 64-71 are various side and cross-sectional shaft views
of rapid exchange and marker catheters.
[0068] FIGS. 72 and 73 are side and perspective side view,
respectively, of a marker catheter formed using a reinforcing wire
as a shaft component for pushability, as a radiopaque marker, and
as a rapid exchange member.
[0069] FIGS. 74-76 are a side and two cross-sectional shaft views,
respectively, of a catheter having one or more slots for rapid
exchange of the guide wire and passage of a therapeutic or
protective device.
[0070] FIGS. 77 and 78 are side and cross-sectional shaft views,
respectively, of a rapid exchange catheter having one or more
passages in the catheter shaft wall for passage of a guide wire and
passage of a therapeutic or protective device.
[0071] FIGS. 79a, 79b, and 79c are a side and two cross-sectional
shaft views, respectively, of a catheter having one or more detents
or grooves with an optional guide wire passage tube and a passage
tube for a therapeutic or protective device.
[0072] FIGS. 80 and 81 are side and cross-sectional shaft views,
respectively, of a catheter having one or more passages in the
catheter shaft wall for passage of a guide wire and passage of a
therapeutic or protective device.
[0073] FIGS. 82a-82h are side and cross-sectional side views of a
catheter having a slot along its length
[0074] FIGS. 83a-83g are side and cross-sectional side view of a
catheter having a slot along its length and protrusions in the
slot.
[0075] FIGS. 84a-84g are side and cross-sectional side views of a
catheter having a guide tube integrally mounted or firmly attached
to a catheter shaft.
[0076] FIGS. 85a-85g are side and cross-sectional side views of a
catheter having a slotted guide tube integrally mounted or firmly
attached to a catheter shaft.
[0077] FIGS. 86a-86h are side and cross-section side views of a
catheter having a longitudinal slot along its length.
[0078] FIGS. 87a-87j are side and cross-section side views of a
catheter having one or more guide sections.
[0079] FIG. 88 is a cross-sectional side view of a
multi-compartment balloon catheter.
[0080] FIG. 89a is a cross-sectional side view indicating the
formation of the multi-compartment balloon catheter of FIG. 88.
[0081] FIGS. 89b-89e are side views of a multi-diameter balloon for
placing a stent in the coronary artery at a position distal to the
coronary ostium.
[0082] FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional side view of the
multi-compartment balloon catheter of FIG. 88 inserted within an
obstructed vessel.
[0083] FIGS. 91a-91g are side and cross-sectional views of a
balloon catheter having a slotted guide wire/perfusion channel, a
marker band, and a balloon with one or more compartments.
[0084] FIGS. 92a-92f are side and cross-sectional views of a second
balloon catheter having a second implementation of a slotted guide
wire/perfusion channel, a marker band, and a balloon with one or
more compartments.
[0085] FIGS. 93a-93f are side and cross-section views of a catheter
that includes a peelable guide wire opening.
[0086] FIGS. 94a-94d are cross-sectional views of a catheter having
a collapsible balloon inflation/deflation lumen.
[0087] FIGS. 95a-95s and 96a-96s are examples of specific
implementations of the techniques and features described herein and
include specific details to enable one of skill in the art to
implement the techniques and features described herein.
[0088] FIGS. 97a-97e are side and cross-sectional views of a
catheter that includes one or more guide wire channels and one or
more balloons.
[0089] FIGS. 98a-98d are side and cross-sectional views of a
catheter that includes a radially extending channel formed in a
fold in a balloon and extending from a guide wire channel to a side
port in the balloon.
[0090] FIG. 98e is a cross-sectional side view of the catheter of
FIG. 98a and a hollow-tipped guide wire placed within the lumen of
a blood vessel.
[0091] FIGS. 98f and 98g are a perspective view and an end view of
the hollow-tipped guide wire of FIG. 98e.
[0092] FIG. 98h is a cross sectional side view of the distal end of
the hollow-tipped guide wire and a section of plaque.
[0093] FIG. 99a is a side view of the balloon portion of a catheter
showing hidden views and a radially extending channel formed in
balloon folds.
[0094] FIGS. 99b and 99c are cross-sectional side views of the
balloon portion of the catheter of FIG. 99a taken along section
lines b-b and c-c.
[0095] FIG. 99d is a top view of the balloon portion of the
catheter of FIG. 99a.
[0096] FIG. 99e is a side view of a cylindrical member used to form
the radially extending channel of FIG. 99a.
[0097] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0098] FIGS. 1-7 illustrate an example of a rapid exchange catheter
100 that also can be easily installed over a guide wire or other
tubular guiding device, or any other catheter that utilizes a guide
wire. The rapid exchange catheter can be used in a variety of
procedures, including orthopedic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular,
and radiological. Specific cardiovascular uses include percutaneous
coronary transluminal angioplasty ("PTCA"), stent placement, graft
deployment (e.g., aortic replacement or reinforcement), and/or
therapeutic infusion. The marker catheter 100 is configured as a
balloon catheter and includes a tubular body 105, a mounting lumen
110, a central lumen 115, a marker attachment 120, and an
inflatable balloon 125. The tubular body 105 can be fabricated from
any medical grade polymer, including any well known polymer, such
as nylon, polyethylene, Pebax.TM., polyimide, polyamide, polyester,
polypropylene, and/or any combination of these or other suitable
materials. The shaft of the tubular body optionally can be
reinforced using a polymer, a metal, a metal alloy (e.g., nitinol,
stainless steel, Elgiloy.TM., inconel, 17-7 PH.TM.), and/or any
combination of these or other suitable materials. The shaft also
can be reinforced, or separately reinforced, using a reinforcing
component or technique, such as one or more wires having a shape
that is round, flat or of another geometry; multiple tubing layers,
with or without a tie, or bonding layer; a mandrel; a hypotube; by
irradiation; using variable wall thickness; and/or any combination
of these or by another suitable reinforcing components and
techniques. Reinforcing shaft components can include a mandrel, a
hypotube, or any other article that can be used inside the shaft,
outside the shaft, or be used as the catheter shaft itself, or
other configuration. The reinforcing shaft components can be
movable, removable, or fixed. The reinforcement can be along the
entire length, or a partial length at selected locations, and can
be used to improve catheter trackability, pushability, and provide
a strain relief transition between bonded catheter segments. The
tubular body 105 can be formed using any of the known methods of
fabricating tubular bodies, including extrusion (single or multiple
layer), casting, injection molding, dip coating, and/or any
combination of these methods or other known, suitable fabrication
processes or methods. The tubular body 105 also can be reinforced
by using a coil, braid, wrap, combination of these reinforcement
configurations, or any other suitable process, configuration, or
method.
[0099] The marker attachment 120 extends from the mounting lumen
110 from the distal end of the marker catheter 100 (FIGS. 6 and 7)
and includes a coil or loop configuration with one or more coils or
loops 130. The coils or loops 130 are placed apart from each other
at a known distance or distances. For example, if there are more
than two coils 130 the first two coils can be a first distance
apart and the distance between the second and third coils can be a
second distance apart. If there are additional coils, the marker
attachment can be configured to have additional known
distances.
[0100] The coils 130 also are open such that a physician can easily
place the marker attachment 120 over, and remove from, a guide wire
135 without having to slide the catheter 100 all the way to the
proximal end of the guide wire 135 or slide the catheter from the
proximal end of the guide wire. The distal-most coil 140 can be
open (FIG. 2), closed (FIG. 3), or closable (FIG. 4). For example,
the open coil configuration (FIG. 2) is formed without any closed
loop so that the guide wire can be inserted into the coils. The
distal end of the coil can be configured as a blunt end or an end
that is turned back towards the distal end of the catheter so that
it does not puncture a vessel while sliding along a guide wire. Of
course, the distal end and the coil itself can be configured to
advance through a lesion or vessel occlusion based on an advancing
force and a simultaneous rotational or twisting force. The closed
coil configuration (FIG. 3) may have open coils along its length
and a closed distal coil or closed coils along its length and a
closed or open distal coil. The coil is closed by, for example,
soldering the end of the coil to itself, using an adhesive to
adhere the end of the coil to itself, or by forming a micro loop at
the end such that it can be positioned around the coil. If the
coils 130 are closed, the guide wire is inserted through the coils
by inserting the proximal end of the guide wire through the coils.
This configuration ensures that the marker attachment 120 will not
release from the guide wire. The closable coil (FIG. 4) is formed
by bending the coil such that it contacts itself but can be
flexibly bent to open the coil (FIG. 5). In this manner, the
physician can easily mount the marker attachment or remove the
marker attachment from a guide wire at any position along the guide
wire's length. The marker attachment can be fabricated from a
flexible metal, polymer, or combination. To visualize the marker
attachment under fluoroscopy, the metal or polymer must be
radiopaque. For example, the polymer can be compounded with any
known radiopaque additive or material, as described above, and as
is well known in the art of catheter design and fabrication. A
radiopaque material may be deposited, or applied to the coil using
ion deposition, sputter coating, spraying, dipping, or any
combination of these or other suitable methods. The outer diameter
of the coils 130 also can vary along the length such that each coil
has a different outer diameter and can be used to gauge the
diameter of, for example, a lesion. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the
proximal most coil can have a first outer diameter and the distal
most coil can have a second, smaller outer diameter. The marker
catheter can be advanced into the lesion until it cannot be
advanced further because one of the two or more coils reaches a
diameter of the lesion that is narrower than the outer diameter of
one of the coils.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 8, in another embodiment of the marker
attachment, the coils 130 can be arranged such that each marker
attachment is formed from one or more extensions 145 connecting one
or more coils. The coils can be of decreasing inner and outer
diameter such that consecutive extensions 145 are staggered
inwardly or outwardly in a step-wise manner. If the outer diameter
of the individual coils 130 is known, advancing the marker
attachment into the lesion will permit the physician to size the
inner diameter of the lesion based on which coil is unable to
proceed further into the lesion. Moreover, because the coils 130
are spaced apart known distances, the physician will be able to
gauge the length of the lesion, as well as the inner diameter of
the lesion.
[0102] Of course, the coils 130 all can be of the same outer and
inner diameter with an inner diameter that is slightly larger than
the outer diameter of the guide wire, and the marker attachment
material being made of a thin diameter metal or polymer wire or
tube. In this manner, the marker attachment has a minimized
profile, optionally less than the outer diameter of the catheter to
which it is attached.
[0103] Referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, the marker
attachment 120 can be fabricated from a wire or tube that has been
drawn to have a decreasing diameter along its length. The marker
attachment can be formed, for example, by using a nitinol or other
shape memory or superelastic wire or tube that can be wrapped
around a constant diameter mandrel and heat formed into that
configuration using techniques that are well known in the art for
fabricating articles from shape memory or superelastic metals such
as nitinol. The marker attachment embodiment of FIG. 9 will have
coils 130 having a constant inner diameter but a changing outer
diameter along its length, for example, an outer diameter that is
decreasing from the proximal end to the distal end of the marker
attachment 120.
[0104] Other configurations and embodiments of the marker
attachment 120 are illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. FIGS. 10-12
illustrate embodiments of marker attachments with parallel
extensions 145 connecting the coils 130. The marker attachment 120
can be formed by taking a single wire or tube, such as a nitinol
wire or tube, and wrapping coils 130 separated by extensions 145
along the mandrel's length. At the distal most coil 130, the wire
or tube can be reversed in direction to form extensions 145 that
are parallel to the already formed extensions and coils 130 that
are adjacent to the already formed coils (FIG. 9). Alternatively,
the wire or tube can be reversed in direction to form coils 130
that are adjacent to the already formed extensions and extensions
that are adjacent to the already formed coils. These techniques can
be selected to adjust the flexibility of the marker attachment to
track a guide wire or guiding device. The marker attachment then
can be heat formed into that configuration using techniques that
are well known in the art for fabricating articles from shape
memory or superelastic metals such as nitinol.
[0105] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate embodiments of marker attachments
120 that have alternatively placed extensions 145. The marker
attachments of FIGS. 13 and 14 can be formed, for example, by
wrapping a wire or tube one and one-half times around a mandrel and
then forming an extension 145, wrapping the wire or tube one and
one-half times around the mandrel, and so on until the desired
number of coils 130 and extensions 145 are formed. This
configuration provides increased flexibility of the marker
attachment. Although FIGS. 13 and 14 are shown with the inner
diameter and the outer diameter of the coils 130 being the same,
the can be varied to use any of the configurations described above
for providing a gauge of the inner diameter and the length of the
lesion into which the marker attachment is inserted or passed.
[0106] Referring to FIGS. 15-22, the catheter 100 can be
implemented with a marker attachment 120 that includes a radiopaque
tube 150 mounted to the extension 145. The radiopaque tube 150 can
be a metal or polymer tube having an inner diameter, an outer
diameter, and a channel passing between a pair of openings. This
marker attachment tracks a guide wire smoothly and also provides
rapid exchange for the physician. The inner diameter, the outer
diameter, and the length of the radiopaque tube 150 can be sized
according to any of the configurations described above. For
example, the inner diameter of the radiopaque tube can be slightly
larger than the inner diameter of the guide wire over which it will
be tracked. The outer diameter of the radiopaque tube can be
constant or varied. For example, the outer diameter of the tube can
gradually transition or use step transitions to go from a first
known, smaller diameter at the distal end to a second known, larger
diameter at the proximal end. This will help to gauge the length
and inner diameter of a lesion. The tube also can be of a known
length to provide a gauge to size the length of a lesion.
[0107] One end of the extension 145 can be mounted on the outer
surface of the tube 150, the inner diameter of the tube, or to the
wall surface formed between the inner and outer diameters. Of
course, the extension 145 and the tube 150 can be formed as a
single piece, for example by casting, machining, or other material
removing operation, such as etching or electron discharge
machining. The extension 145 and/or tube 150 also can be fabricated
from a radiopaque polymer that has been loaded with a radiopaque
additive or material.
[0108] Various configurations of the radiopaque tube 150 and the
coils 130 described above are possible. For example, the marker
attachment can be formed with a single coil 130 and a pair of
radiopaque tubes 150 (FIG. 16). The coil can be positioned between
or on either side of the tubes. The marker attachment also can be
formed with a single coil (FIG. 16) and a single radiopaque tube
150 (FIG. 17). The radiopaque tube also can be fabricated without a
complete circumference, for example, as a slotted radiopaque tube.
For example, a percentage of the circumference of the tube can be
open with a slot 160 so that, for example, a guide wire can be
pressed through the slot 160 into the channel in the tube. This
facilitates rapid exchange of the guide wire (FIG. 20). Although
the term channel is used throughout this application to refer to a
passage way with an opening along at least one portion of the
passage way, the term channel also encompasses a slot, groove,
opening, detent, cross-sectional voids, or other configurations
that have do not have a complete circumferential closure at least
at one potion along the length of the passage way.
[0109] If the extension 145 and the tube 150 are formed from a
non-radiopaque material, such as a polymer without radiopaque
additives, radiopaque gauge or marker bands 155 can be placed along
the length of the extension 145 at known distances so that they can
be visualized under fluoroscopy (FIG. 18). The extension also can
be formed without the tube 150 and use just the marker bands 155
mounted on the flexible extension 145 (FIG. 19).
[0110] The marker attachment using a radiopaque tube, as well as
the other marker attachments described herein, can be used on any
tubular device. In the cardiovascular field, the marker attachments
can be used, for example, on guide catheters, diagnostic catheters,
infusion catheters, etc. As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the
marker attachment with the radiopaque tube 150 is mounted to a
catheter that does not have an inflatable balloon. The marker
attachment can be mounted to the inner surface, the outer surface,
the edge wall, or into the wall or between layers of the catheter
(FIG. 21). For example, the marker attachment can be formed as part
of a tip in a first operation and that tip is fused to the distal
end of the catheter in a subsequent operation. The marker
attachment also can be mounted to the catheter by using an
attachment band 170 to hold the extension 145 to the catheter
100.
[0111] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, a catheter 200, which may be
implemented as an inflatable balloon catheter, a guiding catheter,
a diagnostic catheter, an infusion catheter, etc., includes a shaft
205 and a coiled tip 210. The tip is coiled to track a guide wire
with the capability of being rapidly exchanged because of the coil
shape. The coiled tip 210 is formed separately and subsequently
attached to the shaft or formed integrally with the shaft 205. For
example, to form the tip integrally, the distal end of the shaft is
inserted into a hot die to compress and shape the tip into a coiled
shape. The heat and compression impart a usable balance between
flexibility and stiffness on the coiled tip so that the coiled tip
will track a guide wire but not be so flexible that it falls off
and not be so stiff that it damages the tubular vessel in which it
is inserted. The coiled tip also can be formed by drawing down the
shaft over a mandrel to impart the coiled shape. The coiled tip
also can be formed by placing a shaped thin wire or tube within the
distal end of the shaft and heating the distal length of the shaft
to shrink it over the thin wire or tube so that the distal end of
the shaft is imparted the shape of the wire or tube. The wire or
tube can be made from, for example, a shape memory or superelastic
metal, such as nitinol. The wire or tube can be straight at the
first cooler temperature in which it is inserted into the shaft and
then when the shaft is heated, for example, by reaching body
temperature, the wire or tube will regain its initially formed
coiled-shape, which will be imparted to the shaft. An inflatable
balloon 213 optionally can be mounted to the shaft. Optionally,
marker bands 215 can be placed around the coiled tip 210 after it
is formed (FIG. 24). The distance between the bands 215 can be
known and calibrated so that it can be used to gauge lengths and
positions within the tubular vessel in which the catheter 200 is
inserted.
[0112] As illustrated in FIGS. 25-27, the coiled tip 210 can be
formed as a separate tip that is formed to be coiled using any of
the methods described above, and then fused to the catheter using
any of the well-known fusing techniques, such as hot die fusing,
thermal fusing, laser fusing, and/or RF-induction fusing or
heating. The tip can be formed with a dual lumen and the upper
lumen 225 cut away so that an opening 230 of that lumen remains
(FIG. 27). The lower lumen 235 then is formed as a coil and then
fused to the catheter. In this manner, the catheter lumen remains
open along its entire length, including through the tip.
[0113] Referring to FIGS. 28-39, various embodiments,
configurations, and further details of the marker attachments
described above are shown. For example, FIGS. 28-30 show a marker
attachment 120 with coils 130 that are open such that a guide wire
can easily be inserted into each coil. The coils 130 are separated
from each other by known distances. This embodiment of the marker
attachment has a common, minimized outer diameter and an inner
diameter configured to smoothly and tightly track a guide wire.
[0114] Referring to FIGS. 31-33, a marker attachment 120 can be
formed with a single extension 145 and a single coil 130. The coil
can be flexibly closed so that a guide wire can be inserted through
the inner diameter of the coil or the coil can be flexibly opened
so that the guide wire can be inserted and removed through the slot
formed in that manner.
[0115] Referring to FIGS. 34-36, the marker attachment 120 can be
formed with a mounting tip or mounting band 250 that is integral
with the extension 145 and used to mount the marker attachment to
the catheter. The tip or band 250 can be flared down or of a
constant outer diameter. The coils can be formed such that a guide
wire can be inserted into an opening in the coils so that the
marker attachment and catheter will track the guide wire. The tip
or band 250 can be adhered to the catheter tip by an adhesive or by
compression of the band. For example, the band can be formed with
an opening or slot to that it can be compressed together to be
retained in place on the catheter.
[0116] Referring to FIGS. 37-39, the marker attachments described
above can be configured to have mounting ends 275 that enhance
attachment to a catheter. For example, referring to FIG. 37, the
mounting end 275 includes extensions 280 on the edges and
projections 285 on the sides. When the mounting end is mounted with
the catheter, for example, in the mounting lumen, the extensions
and projections further secure the end within the mounting lumen.
Referring to FIG. 38, the mounting end 275 includes openings 290
through which an adhesive can flow or polymer in the mounting lumen
can be compressed to further secure the end within the mounting
lumen. Finally, referring to FIG. 39, the mounting end 275 can have
a roughened or dimpled surface 295 that enhances adhesion. The
extensions 280, projections 285, openings 290, and surface 295 can
be formed using any known technique, including stamping, cutting,
machining, etching, electron discharge machining ("EDM"), laser
cutting, etc.
[0117] Referring also to FIGS. 40-43, the mounting ends 275 of the
marker attachments 120 can be mounted in the mounting lumen 110
(FIG. 7) by using a split die system 300. Of course, many other
conventional systems are known and this is merely one exemplary
method. The split die system 300 includes a heated half die 305 and
a heating half die retaining element 310. The die and element can
be formed as an integral unit. However, as illustrated in FIGS.
40-43, which shows one half of the system 300, the die and element
also can be separated formed and mounted together. The half die 305
includes a tapered channel 315 that includes a first length 316 and
a second tapered length 317. The die 305 receives the shaft 105
with the mounting attachment 120 inserted. The half die 305 also
includes male and female mating sections 320 for mating with
opposite mating sections of the other half die 305, and mating
sections 325 for mating with opposite mating sections in the die
element 310. These can be configured as channels that slide over
rails. The half die can be made of, for example, a heatable
material with a nonstick surface, such as Teflon.TM. (i.e.,
polytetrafluoroethylene ("PTFE")). The die element 310 includes a
channel 330 configured to retain the half die 305 and rails 335
configured to keep the die in position. The element also includes
male and female mating sections 340 for mating with the other half
of the element during compression. The element can be heated using
any conventional means. In use, the catheter with marker attachment
inserted is placed in the first length 316 and the two die halves
305 are closed together to compress and heat the catheter. The
catheter is then manually or automatically advanced such that the
distal tip is advanced into the tapered length 317. This forces the
plastic of the catheter to be compressed around the marker
attachment's mounting end 275 (FIGS. 37-39), which secure the
marker attachment to the catheter. The die halves then are
separated and the catheter removed. An inflatable balloon can be
attached to the catheter before or after this operation, if
desired.
[0118] Referring to FIGS. 44-48, although the catheter 100
described above can be configured with a marker attachment to track
a guide wire and be easily and rapidly exchanged, a catheter 400
also can be configured to track a guide wire, and be easily and
rapidly exchanged without the use of a marker attachment or marker
system at all. For example, the catheter 400 includes a hub 405, a
shaft 410, a slotted, open channel 415, an inflatable balloon 420,
and an inflation lumen 425 for inflating the balloon 420. A guide
wire 425 can be inserted and passed through the slotted, open
channel 415.
[0119] In general, the catheter 400 has a non-concentric balloon
cross-sectional profile, with the slotted channel 415 (including
and being formed to include a guide wire channel 417 and a guide
wire slot 418) located on the outside of the main shaft 410, at the
longitudinal balloon seam, or generally in the area where the
balloon is in contact with the outer surface of catheter shaft 410,
even when the balloon is inflated. The guide wire slot or groove
415 can have an internal, concave profile. The open groove or slot
415 is smaller than the diameter of the guide wire, allowing the
wire to move freely within the channel, but without coming out of
the slot or groove unless it is pulled out by the physician. The
wall of the slot 415 can be somewhat flexible so that the guide
wire can be easily inserted through and removed from the channel
415 to easy exchange of the catheter over the guide wire.
[0120] Moreover, in a modification of the catheter 400, a
conventional marker band can be optionally placed around the slot
415 at its distal most end to provide a highly visible radiopaque
indicator and give a sense assurance that the guide wire is less
likely to come out of the slot unless the physician slidably
removes the guide wire through the marker. Of course, the marker
band is optional in this configuration and the catheter 400 will be
extremely functional and usable for easy and rapid exchange of
guide wires without the marker band. In another modification, the
guide wire channel or slot (415, 417, and 418) may be positioned
along a detented longitudinal area of the balloon 420.
[0121] The guide wire 425 also may be inserted into the proximal
end of the guide wire slot 418, or, through the top opening of the
slot or grove, and then snapped or positioned into place. In this
manner, the concave geometry and size of the interior of the groove
or slot prevents the guide wire from falling out.
[0122] The catheter 400 is formed using conventional techniques as
are known in the art of catheter fabrication. For example, the
shaft can be fabricated by pressure extrusion or tubing extrusion
such that the tube has a cross-sectional profile of the inflation
lumen 425 and the channel 415. The proximal end of the channel 415
then is removed such that only the distal end of the catheter has
the channel 415. The inflation lumen 425 then is closed to have a
taper (FIG. 47) and a balloon next is formed on the shaft, as
illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 46.
[0123] Of course, the catheter can be formed by extruding a single
lumen tube having the cross-sectional profile of FIG. 45, extruding
a tube having the lumen of FIG. 46 (without the balloon), and then
fusing the two tubes together. Such fusing techniques are well
known in the art and include hot die compression fusing, directed
hot air, and RF-induction fusing.
[0124] As illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49, the slot can be open, or
can be open for most of the length and completely closed only for a
short portion.
[0125] Referring to FIGS. 50-54, a catheter 500 includes a hub 505,
a first shaft segment 510, a second shaft segment 515, a third
shaft segment 520, and fourth shaft segment 525. The first shaft
segment 510 includes an inflation lumen 530. The second shaft
segment 515 includes the inflation lumen 530 and guide wire lumen
535. The third shaft segment 520 includes the inflation lumen, the
guide wire lumen 535, and an inflatable balloon surrounding its
outer circumference. Finally, the fourth shaft segment 525 includes
the guide wire lumen 535 opening to the distal end of the catheter
offset from the center of the catheter, or centered with the
catheter, and the inflation lumen 530 is sealed closed by, for
example, heating, compressing, and optionally pulling the tip or
distal end in a tapered die and/or with the use of an adhesive to
close the distal end of the inflation lumen. In this configuration,
the guide wire passes through a first proximal opening 540 in the
guide wire lumen and exits through a second distal opening 545 in
the guide wire lumen. The length of the guide wire lumen can be
less than, for example, 20, 15, or 10 cm. It can be, for example,
less than 5 cm, and can even be approximately two cm in length.
Moreover, the proximal opening 540 can be less than 20, 15, or 10
cm from the balloon, such as, for example, approximately 0.5 cm
from the balloon, or between 0.5 cm and 10 cm from the balloon. The
first segment 510 can be formed separately from the other segments
(515, 520, 525) and then fused or otherwise attached to the second
segment 515 using known methods from the catheter art.
[0126] Referring to FIGS. 55-59, another embodiment of a radiopaque
marker catheter 550 that can be rapidly exchanged over a guide wire
includes a hub 555, a first shaft segment 560, a second shaft
segment 565, a third shaft segment 570, and a fourth shaft segment
575. The first shaft segment, the second shaft segment, and the
third shaft segment include an inflation lumen 580. The third shaft
segment 570 optionally includes a detent or longitudinal groove 583
in which the guide wire 425 can pass or be received during balloon
inflation to prevent excessive force on the wire against the vessel
wall. The formation of such longitudinal detents or grooves is
disclosed and taught by Houser (U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,801), which is
incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. The distal end of
the catheter, the region below the balloon, and/or the proximally
of the balloon, also could include a conventional marker band 585
that encircles the groove 583 and under which the guide wire could
pass to advance the catheter along the guide wire. In this
embodiment, a balloon 590 is non-concentrically placed around the
catheter shaft segment 570 such that the groove is exposed. A tube
593 optionally can be mounted to the groove to provide a passage
for the guide wire. The tube can be configured according to any of
the concepts and techniques described above and can be configured
as a radiopaque marker or gauge. This tube receives the guide wire
during inflation to prevent it from being pressed against the
vessel wall under the extreme pressures of balloon inflation.
[0127] Referring to FIGS. 60-63, a rapid exchange catheter 600
includes a hub 605, a first shaft segment 610, a second shaft
segment 615, a third shaft segment 620, an inflatable balloon 625,
and a guide wire lumen tube 630. An inflation lumen 635 passes
through the first shaft segment, the second shaft segment, and the
third shaft segment. The tube 630 starts proximally of, and ends
distally of, the balloon 625. The distal end of the catheter after
the balloon also can be formed with a groove through which the
guide wire passes. The groove can be slotted, as described above to
better retain, remove, and exchange the guide wire. This also
provides a centering of the guide wire when it exits the
catheter.
[0128] In other embodiments of the rapid exchange catheter, a guide
wire lumen can be formed inside the catheter tubing wall rather
than as a separate lumen. The guide wire lumen can be, for example,
0.5 cm long or less, and pass under a distal-most marker band.
Where the catheter includes the guide wire being compressed between
the balloon tubing and the vessel wall, longitudinal grooves,
detents, valleys, cross-sectional voids, or other similar
configurations in the balloon that would allow the wire to lay in a
channel or groove-like region, and not be forced into the vessel
wall under the pressures of balloon inflation. Additionally, the
guide wire lumen can be formed separately as a separate piece that
then is bonded under the balloon, and may or may not optionally
continue or extend to the tip of the catheter. Finally, the
catheter may be formed from multi-lumen tubing with one or more
lumens removed at specific areas along the catheter length.
[0129] The catheter shafts described above can be formed from any
biocompatible medical grade polymer, such as nylon, polyethylene,
Pebax.RTM., polyimide, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene or any
other combination of these or other suitable materials. The shaft
can be reinforced to provide, for example, increased pushability,
with a polymer or polymers, metals, metal alloys (such as nitinol,
stainless steel, Elgiloy.RTM., inconel, 17-7 PH.TM.), or any
combination of these or other suitable materials. Reinforcing shaft
components can include a mandrel, a hypotube, or any other article
that can be used inside the shaft, outside the shaft, or be used as
the catheter shaft itself, or other configuration. The reinforcing
shaft components can be movable, removable, or fixed. The
reinforcement can be along the entire length, or a partial length
at selected locations, and can be used to improve catheter
trackability, pushability, and provide a strain relief transition
between bonded catheter segments. Other shaft reinforcing
components include wire or tube (shaped to be round, flat, or any
other geometry); multiple tubing layer(s), with or without a tie or
bonding layer; a mandrel; a hypotube; by irradiation; by using a
variable wall thickness; and/or any combination of these or other
suitable component(s). The balloon material can be compliant or
non-compliant. Examples of compliant balloon materials include but
are not limited to polyethylene; polyurethane; Tecoflex.RTM.; or
any combination of these or other suitable materials. Examples of
non-compliant balloon materials include nylon; polyester
(PET--polyethylene terephthalate, or other); Pebax.RTM.; polyimide;
polyamide; or any combination of these or other suitable
materials.
[0130] Radiopaque marker bands or marker attachments can be formed
form gold, platinum/iridium, tantalum, or any combination of these
or other suitable materials.
[0131] The proximal adapter, adapters, or hub can be configured as
a Luer or other type fitting to enable connection to an inflation
source and be fabricated from, for example, polycarbonate,
polyurethane, polyester, or any combination of these or other
suitable materials.
[0132] The catheter shaft can be fabricated by extrusion (e.g.,
single or multiple layer extrusion, tubing extrusion, pressure
extrusion), casting, injection molding, dip coating, or any
combination of these or other suitable methods or processes. The
catheter shaft can be formed as multiple shaft pieces with tubing
bonding, balloon to shaft bonding, and shaft to proximal adapter
bonding. The bonding can include thermal (including RF-induction,
forced heated air, laser, etc.), adhesive, ultrasonic welding,
molding, or any combination of these or other suitable methods and
processes.
[0133] To reinforce the shaft, the methods and materials usable
include coils and coiling, braids and braiding, wraps and wrapping,
or any combination of these or other suitable methods and
materials. These reinforcements can be positioned or located
inside, outside, within the shaft, in between, or any combination
of these on the catheter.
[0134] The balloon fabrication process includes heat forming, cold
forming, or any combination of these or other suitable methods and
processes.
[0135] The catheter or the various parts of the catheter can be
coated (static or active eluding) to be lubricious,
anti-thrombogenic, therapeutic, or any combination of these or
other suitable coating types, materials, and objectives. For
example, the marker attachments and coils can be coated with a low
durometer polymer to increase the softness of the attachment for
less trauma during interaction with lesions.
[0136] Alternative applications for the rapid exchange feature
include percutaneous transluminal angioplasty ("PTA"), stent and
graft deployment catheters, therapeutic infusion, and any other
catheter or medical device that utilizes a guide wire or guiding
member.
[0137] The catheter size ranges for the catheters described above
may include a catheter shaft having different proximal and distal
diameters in the range of approximately 2 to 5 French, or greater.
The balloon may have an inflated diameter that is between
approximately 1.5 and 4.5 mm, or greater or less, and may be
tapered. The length of the balloon may be approximately 10 to 40
mm, or greater or less. The guide wire may be approximately 0.014''
diameter, although larger and smaller guide wire diameters are
envisioned depending upon the application.
[0138] Additional views and embodiments of rapid exchange and
marker catheters are illustrated in FIGS. 64-71. These provide
rapid exchange of a guide wire and optional marker bands for sizing
and gauging dimensions of a lesion. Moreover, referring to FIGS. 72
and 73, the marker attachment 120 can be formed from a long wire or
tube 700 that is removably or permanently fixed in the mounting
lumen of the catheter. If the wire or tube is formed from a rigid
material, it will improve the pushability of the catheter in which
it is installed. The wire or tube can be hollow and have a distal
opening and a proximal opening, and can be used to tailor the
stiffness and/or to inject a diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent or
fluid, such as a radioactive agent, a gene therapy agent, or other
biological or pharmacological agent. Moreover, a rigidity-imparting
member, such as a mandrel, can be inserted in the hollow wire or
tube to cause a change in stiffness of the wire or tube and,
consequently the stiffness of the catheter. In addition, this
configuration will reduce the manufacturing steps because it will
be easier to mount the long wire or tube rather than the short
mounting end 275 (FIGS. 37-39).
[0139] Referring to FIGS. 74-87, the catheters illustrated in FIGS.
44-63 also can be configured to provide perfusion of distal tissue
during balloon inflation because these catheters include a slot or
channel (415, 593) or lumen (535, 630) that provides an inlet for
the blood flow proximal to the balloon and an outlet for the blood
flow distal to the balloon. Moreover, these catheters can be used
to deploy, position, and/or guide, in addition to a first guide
wire, a second guide wire or other device, such as an embolic trap
or embolic catching device 700 for deployment in the vessel distal
to the balloon during angioplasty. In this manner, when the balloon
is in place, the embolic trap 700 can be deployed through the
channel or lumen, opened, and then the balloon can be inflated. Any
embolic material created during the balloon inflation will be
captured by the embolic trap 700 and will be removed from the
vessel when the balloon catheter and embolic trap are removed. For
example, referring specifically to FIGS. 74-76, a catheter 710 is
configured similarly to the catheter 400 of FIGS. 44-47 and
includes a slotted, open channel 715 (FIG. 75) or a pair of slotted
open channels 715 (FIG. 76). The slots provide a passage way from
the proximal end to the distal end of the balloon. The channel(s)
715 provide a passage way for distal perfusion during balloon
inflation, a first and/or second guide wire 425, a therapeutic or
diagnostic device, such as an embolic trap 700. Optionally, one or
more tubes can be positioned within the slot or slots 715 to more
further define the passage way. Referring specifically to FIGS. 77
and 78, a catheter 730 is configured similarly to the catheter 500
of FIGS. 50-54 and includes a pair of passage ways 535 passing
longitudinally through the wall of the catheter shaft. One passage
way can be used to deploy or track a guide wire and the other to
carry, deploy, or position a therapeutic or protective device, such
as the embolic trap 700. The other passage way also can be used to
deploy or track a second guide wire, or a therapeutic or diagnostic
device. The channels or passage ways 715 can be, for example,
grooves, slots, detents, distal coils, or combination of these or
other suitable channel. The channels or passage way may be
interrupted, full catheter length, placed distal only, or partially
along the length of the catheter (e.g., the distal end of one of
the channels or passage ways may end before the end of the
catheter--under or near the balloon region). As described in
greater detail below, a first guide wire may then be able to exit
the channel or passage way from a location other than the distal
end (e.g., tip) of the catheter--for example, through a void or
opening through the balloon--while enabling a second guide wire to
exit a second channel or passage way at the distal end of the
catheter. The guide wire may be positioned into a side branching
vessel, to direct another catheter (e.g., for PTCA, stent
deployment, or other) into the side branch. Such a placement can be
particularly beneficial when deploying a second stent (e.g., a
bifurcated stent segment or other configuration of a stent) or
other therapeutic or diagnostic device to or around the treatment
site.
[0140] Referring specifically to FIGS. 79a, 79b, and 79c, a
catheter 750 is configured similarly to the catheter 550 of FIGS.
55-59 and includes one or more detents or longitudinal grooves 755
in which one or more tubes 760 can be mounted to provide a passage
for the guide wire 425, the embolic trap 700 or any other
therapeutic, diagnostic, or protective device to be carried,
deployed, or positioned. For example, one tube 760 can be used to
track the guide wire 425 and the other tube 760 can be used to
carry, deploy, and position the embolic trap 700. The tubes 760 can
be configured according to any of the concepts and techniques
described above and can be configured as a radiopaque marker or
gauge. These tubes receive the guide wire and a portion of the
length of the embolic trap device 700 during inflation to prevent
it from being pressed against the vessel wall under the extreme
pressures of balloon inflation.
[0141] Referring specifically to FIGS. 80 and 81, a catheter 775 is
configured similarly to the catheter 600 of FIGS. 60-63 and
includes one or more lumen tubes 780. The tubes 780 start
proximally of, and end distally of, the balloon. One of the lumen
tubes 780 can be used to deploy or track a guide wire and the other
to carry, deploy, or position a therapeutic or protective device,
such as the embolic trap 700. The distal end of the catheter after
the balloon also can be formed with one or more grooves through
which the guide wire passes. The groove can be slotted, as
described above to better retain, remove, and exchange the guide
wire and/or the embolic trap. This also provides a centering of the
guide wire and embolic trap where it exits the catheter. The
techniques and devices for providing a method of deploying an
embolic device or trap 700 can be applied to other types of
catheters as well, such as diagnostic, therapeutic, guiding, and
other types of catheters.
[0142] Referring to FIGS. 82a-82g, a rapid exchange catheter 800
includes a slot 805 along its length. The slot extends from any
position proximal of an inflatable balloon 810 to a position distal
of the inflatable balloon, and is configured to accept and
removably retain a guide wire 135. The guide wire can pass under
the balloon as illustrated in FIG. 82e or in an opening 815 between
a pair of non-circumferential balloons 820, as illustrated in FIG.
82g. The catheter 800 can be extruded as a dual lumen shaft having
an inflation lumen 825 and a guide wire channel 830 that is
modified to be the slot 805 (FIG. 82b). The slot 805 is formed to
have an opening 835 that has a width that is narrower than a width
of the guide wire channel 830. For example, the slot 805 can be
formed from a pair of longitudinal edges 840 which run the length
of the slot. The slot can be formed by a cutting operation or other
material removal operation. If the catheter 800 is formed from a
flexible polymer, the longitudinal edges will be flexible enough to
flex to intentionally receive and intentionally remove the guide
wire 135 but the combination of the flexibility and the width of
the slot will be such that the guide wire will not easily pass
through the slot without the physician applying force to pull it
through. The distal end of the slot may open to the side of the
catheter or to the distal tip of the catheter. In either
configuration, the catheter will track the guide wire and can be
rapidly exchanged because the guide wire can be pulled through the
slot until it exits the slot at a point just proximal of the
balloon.
[0143] The slot can be formed to start adjacent to the hub,
adjacent to the inflatable balloon, or at any position in between.
For example, if the slot starts adjacent to the hub, the
pushability and the trackability of the catheter 800 may be
perceived to be better. Then, to remove the catheter from the guide
wire, the guide wire can be pulled out of the slot until it is just
proximal to the balloon. If the slot 805 starts in the vicinity of
the balloon, that portion of the channel 830 between the hub and
the slot can have a mandril inserted within to improve pushability
and rigidity, as necessary or desirable. The mandril can be
movable, removable, or fixed.
[0144] The catheter 800 can be modified to have slot 840 with a
narrow width or wider width. For example, the distance between the
longitudinal edges 840 can be less than 0.005 inches. If the
catheter 800 is made from a flexible polymer, the edges will
nonetheless be flexible enough such that the guide wire 135 still
can be received or removed through the slot. The slot also can be
wider so that the distance between the edges 840 is slightly less
than the diameter of the guide wire, for example, 0.005 inches less
than the diameter of the guide wire. In this manner the guide wire
will still be retained within the slot but will be even more easily
received and removed through the slot.
[0145] The channel 835 can be formed to have any cross-sectional
profile to the extent that a guide wire can be at least partially
retained within the channel. Moreover, the cross-sectional area of
the channel only needs to be large enough to receive at least a
part of the guide wire.
[0146] Referring to FIGS. 83a-83g, a rapid exchange catheter 850
includes a slot 855 along at least a portion of its length and
protrusions 860 that extend from opposite longitudinal edges 865 of
the slot. The protrusions 860 can be offset (FIG. 83a) or aligned
(FIG. 83g) and can be continuous along the length of the slot or
discontinued under the balloon 810 (FIG. 83F). The catheter is
formed by, for example, extrusion and includes a pair of lumens 825
and 830. The lumen 830 is converted to a channel by forming a slot
into the lumen. The slot 855 is formed by, for example, removing
wall material of the catheter to form an opening into the lumen
830. The material can be removed in short or long segments,
depending upon whether the protrusions 860 are to be offset or
aligned. The protrusions then can be formed by cutting them in the
center between the edges 865 (aligned protrusions) or adjacent to
the edges (offset protrusions).
[0147] The protrusions 860 are flexible enough to allow the guide
wire to be inserted and removed between them (aligned protrusions)
or between the protrusion and the longitudinal edge 865 (offset
protrusions). In this manner, the guide wire can be easily removed
from the catheter in a rapid exchange procedure.
[0148] The slot 855 can be formed to start adjacent to the hub,
adjacent to the inflatable balloon, or at any position in between.
For example, if the slot starts adjacent to the hub, the
pushability and the trackability of the catheter 850 may be
perceived to be better. Then, to remove the catheter from the guide
wire, the guide wire can be pulled out of the slot until it is just
proximal to the balloon. If the slot 855 starts in the vicinity of
the balloon, that portion of the channel 830 between the hub and
the slot can have a mandril inserted within to improve pushability
and rigidity, as necessary or desirable.
[0149] The catheter 850 can be modified to have slot 855 with a
narrow width or wider width. For example, the distance between the
longitudinal edges 865 and the protrusions 860 can be less than
approximately 0.005 inches or more than approximately 0.005 inches.
If the catheter 850 is made from a flexible polymer, the edges will
nonetheless be flexible enough such that the guide wire 135 still
can be received or removed through the slot. The slot also can be
wider so that the distance between the edges 865 and protrusions
860 is slightly less than the diameter of the guide wire, for
example, 0.005 inches less than the diameter of the guide wire. In
this manner the guide wire will still be retained within the slot
but will be even more easily received and removed through the
slot.
[0150] The channel 835 can be formed to have any cross-sectional
profile to the extent that a guide wire can be at least partially
retained within the channel. Moreover, the cross-sectional area of
the channel only needs to be large enough to receive at least a
part of the guide wire.
[0151] Referring to FIGS. 84a-84g, a rapid exchange catheter 900
includes a guide tube 905 integrally mounted or firmly attached to
a catheter shaft 910. The catheter shaft 910 includes an inflation
lumen 825 to inflate an inflatable balloon 810. The guide tube 905
includes a guide wire channel 830 through which a guide wire can
pass and/or which can be used as perfusion channel. The guide tube
905 may be separately extruded and then mounted to the catheter
shaft (FIGS. 84c and 84d). The guide tube 905 also may be
integrally formed with the catheter shaft, for example by
extrusion, and then the proximal most portion of the guide tube
removed in a material removal operation, as is well known in the
extrusion and plastic fabrication arts (FIGS. 84f and 84g). The
guide tube 905 can pass under the balloon 810 and extend to the
distal tip of the catheter, as illustrated in FIG. 84a. The guide
tube also can end proximally of the balloon 810 and then the guide
wire could pass underneath or on top of the balloon. The guide tube
also can be mounted to the catheter such that only the proximal end
and the distal end of the tube are mounted to the catheter, using
an adhesive for example, and the middle section of the tube are not
physically attached to the catheter. In this manner, if the
proximal end and the distal end of the tube are outside of the ends
of the balloon, the balloon can be mounted underneath the tube such
that the balloon forms a fold up and around the tube. If the tube
additionally includes a side port opening, a guide wire can be
passed through that opening to access a side branch of a vessel.
Moreover, a radially extending channel can be formed in the folds
of the balloon, as described herein, and that channel used to guide
the guide wire to the side branch. The guide tube also can extend
part way or all the way underneath the balloon but then terminate
such that the distal tip of the catheter 900 has a smaller
diameter.
[0152] By having a short guide tube 905, the catheter 900 can be
easily and rapidly removed and exchanged from the guide wire 135.
Moreover, the guide tube 905 can be fabricated to have a slotted
configuration, as described above with respect to FIGS. 82a-82h and
FIGS. 83a-83g, or with any of the configuration described below
(FIGS. 85a-85g, FIGS. 86a-86f, or FIGS. 87a-87g).
[0153] Referring to FIGS. 85a-85g, a rapid exchange catheter 920
includes a slotted guide tube 925 and a catheter shaft 930 upon
which the guide tube is integrally mounted or firmly attached. The
slotted guide tube 925 includes a slot 935 that opens into a
channel 830 and is formed by an upper edge 940 and a lower edge
945. To insert the guide wire 135 into the channel 830, the guide
wire is pressed lengthwise of end first between the two edges 940
and 945. The distance or clearance between the edges may be less
than the diameter of the guide wire such that guide wire must be
forced between the edges, whether the guide wire is being inserted
or removed from the channel 830. Once the guide wire is within the
channel 830, the edges must be separated to remove the guide
wire.
[0154] The slotted guide tube 925 may extend distally from the
balloon a short distance, all the way to the distal tip, or not at
all. The tube 925 may extend proximally from the balloon 810 a
short distance, all the way to a position adjacent to the hub, or a
position in between. As such, because the guide wire can be removed
from the channel 830 at any point along its length, the length of
the guide tube can be any length and not adversely affect the
ability of the physician to remove the guide wire. Thus, the length
of the guide tube can be tailored to beneficially affect other
characteristics of the catheter 920 as needed.
[0155] The slotted guide tube 925 may be formed as a separated
extruded tube that then is firmly attached to a separated extruded
catheter shaft 930 (FIGS. 85c-85e). The slotted guide tube 925 also
may be formed by sequentially extruding a dual lumen catheter shaft
930, forming a slot in a slot forming operation, and removing a
proximal and/or distal portion of the guide tube 925 in an optional
material removing operation to set the length of the guide tube. In
the slot forming operation, a longitudinal cut can be formed along
at least a portion of the length of the guide tube. The lower edge
945 then is pressed down and inwardly below the upper edge 940. The
upper edge 940 can simultaneously or later by pressed downwardly
and over the lower edge. The edges then can be set in place
relative to each other by, for example, applying heat.
[0156] Referring to FIGS. 86a-86h, a rapid exchange catheter 950
includes a slot 955 along its length. The slot 955 includes one or
two flexible edges 930 that meet along a longitudinal perforation
or weakened section 935 (FIG. 86c, 86d, 86f). The flexible edges
930 can be joined and the section 935 can be perforated such that a
guide wire can be pulled out of a guide wire channel 960 by
rupturing the longitudinal perforations 935 (FIG. 86g). In another
implementation, the flexible edges 930 can be joined and the
section 935 can be scored such that the weakened section 935 can be
longitudinally torn by pulling the guide wire out of the guide wire
channel 830 (FIG. 86g). The perforation or weakened section 935 can
be formed by merely scoring or perforating along the length, for
example, by extruding such that the upper wall of the weakened
section is extruded relatively thin. In another implementation, the
perforation or weakened section can be formed by initially removing
an outer wall thickness and then perforating or scoring the thinned
wall. In either manner, the weakened section 935 will be more
easily opened such that the guide wire can be removed from the
channel 830.
[0157] The slot 955 may extend distally from the balloon a short
distance, all the way to the distal tip, or not at all. The slot
955 may extend proximally from the balloon 810 a short distance,
all the way to a position adjacent to the hub, or a position in
between. As such, because the guide wire can be removed from the
channel 830 at any point along its length, the length of the slot
can be any length and not adversely affect the ability of the
physician to remove the guide wire. Thus, the length of the slot
955 relative to the remainder of the channel 830 can be tailored to
beneficially affect other characteristics of the catheter 950 as
needed by, for example, placing a mandril in the remainder of the
channel 830.
[0158] The slot 955 may be formed in a separately extruded tube,
perforated or weakened, and then firmly attached to the catheter.
In another implementation, the catheter is extruded as a dual lumen
catheter and then the perforation or weakening is performed.
[0159] Referring to FIGS. 87a-87j, a rapid exchange catheter 975
includes one or more guide sections 980. The guide sections 980
include a longitudinal channel 830 sized to receive a guide wire.
The guide sections can include a longitudinal slot as described in
the various configurations above (FIGS. 87h, 87i, 87j). The guide
sections can have tapered leading and trailing edges 990 that
provide for atraumatic insertion and removal of the catheter 975.
The guide sections 980 can be formed as a separately extruded tube
that then is firmly attached to the catheter or extruded integrally
with the catheter 975 as a dual lumen catheter shaft with a
subsequent material removal operation.
[0160] Although the catheters described above are illustrated to
have only a single chamber balloon, a multiple chamber balloon
(i.e., two balloon chambers, three balloon chamber, four balloon
chambers, or more) also can be used. As illustrated in FIGS. 88 and
89a, a multi-chamber dilation balloon 1000 is formed to extend
axially along a distal end region of a catheter. The balloon 1000
has several longitudinal compartments 1005, 1010, 1020, and 1025
all angularly adjacent to one another and cooperating to surround
the catheter as seen in FIG. 88. The compartments 1005, 1010, 1020,
and 1025 have radially outward wall segments 1030, 1035, 1040, and
1045, respectively, which cooperate to provide a continuous outer
wall 1050 for the balloon 1000 and are adapted to engage a tissue
wall segment of a vessel, such as an artery, over substantially the
balloon's entire surface area. The balloon also has interior walls
1050, 1055, 1060, and 1065, respectively, which angularly divide
the balloon 1000 into the plurality of the dilatation compartments
1005, 1010, 1020, and 1025 adjacent to one another and arranged
angularly about the catheter tubing or shaft 1070. As seen in FIG.
88, each compartment extends approximately 90.degree. angularly or
circumferentially about the catheter tubing or shaft 1070. Each of
the compartments is fluid tight and in fluid isolation from the
other compartments. Thus, each compartment can be inflated to a
different pressure to provide an eccentric cross-sectional profile.
As one skilled in the art can appreciate, the balloon 1000 can be
constructed to have any desired number of dilatation compartments
and the balloon may have any range of accepted inflated diameters,
such as an outer diameter of 3 mm when it is inflated about the
catheter shaft. Each compartment 1005, 1010, 1020, and 1025 has a
separate inflation lumen 1006, 1011, 1021, and 1026 for
individually controlling the inflation of that lumen. The balloon
material may be made of a compliant material such as polyethylene
or polyurethane or other similar suitable material, etc.
Alternatively, it may be an inextensible material such as nylon,
PET and polyamide, or other similar suitable material, etc.
[0161] The interior balloon walls are formed by overlapping two
layers of the balloon material. The four-compartment balloon 1000
is constructed by using a clip 1075 with four prongs 1080 that are
used to draw or press portions of an inflated balloon against the
outside surface of catheter 1070 as shown in FIG. 89a. The
configuration then is set using methods known in the art, such as
applying heat. Another method of construction is to create one
balloon with interior walls of single thickness. For example, the
balloon can be blown inside of a glass mold with the desired
configuration. Moreover, the balloon 1000 can have any of the guide
wire/perfusion configurations describe above. For example, the
catheter can have a slotted channel that passes through the shaft
and or a slotted channel that passes over the shaft.
[0162] The balloon may have a tapered geometry and/or two different
diameters. One advantage of a tapered and/or multiple diameter
balloon is that a larger section can function as a guide,
reference, or stop when deploying a stent in the ostium to treat
ostial lesions. Because of its size, it is unlikely that the larger
diameter can be inserted into the coronary artery to allow accurate
stent placement. A major complication that can occur when stenting
the ostium is that of a section of the stent being deployed
partially outside of the ostium and partially in the aorta. In this
manner, the balloon can be partially inflated such that the larger
diameter proximal section of the balloon is inflated and when
pressed up against the coronary artery, the inflated balloon
prevents that portion of the balloon from entering the coronary
artery. Referring to FIGS. 89b-89e, if a stent 1081 is placed on a
smaller diameter distal portion 1082 of a balloon 1083, only that
portion of the balloon, along with the stent, will be inserted into
a coronary artery 1084. A larger diameter portion 1085 of the
balloon 1083 will not enter the coronary artery 1084 when the
larger diameter portion is at least partially inflated. Then, by
inflating the balloon 1083 completely, the smaller diameter distal
portion 1082 of the balloon will be inflated sufficiently to deploy
the stent 1081 in the coronary artery without any of the stent
extending into the aorta. In an alternative method, the balloon can
have a constant diameter and the stent again placed on the distal
portion of the balloon. Then, by partially inflating the balloon to
a pressure sufficient to expand the portion of the balloon around
which the stent has not been placed or crimped but not enough to
deploy the stent, a larger diameter portion of the balloon will be
created. When the catheter is advanced into the coronary artery,
the expanded portion of the balloon will be unable to enter the
coronary artery if the balloon has been sized properly. Thus, the
stent will be entirely within the coronary artery and not extend
into the aorta. The balloon can then be completely inflated and the
stent deployed. Although described above with respect to one
particular anatomical position, this technique can be implemented
in other anatomical locations within the body.
[0163] The balloon 1000 and rapid exchange catheters described
above can be used in balloon angioplasty, stent deployment and
other procedures. For example, the inflatable balloon catheter 1000
having four dilatation compartments 1005, 1010, 1020, and 1025 can
be inserted in a vessel until it reaches the obstructed area.
Radiopaque markers can be placed on the catheter shaft under the
balloon 1000 to assist the physician in positioning the balloon
adjacent an obstruction. The multiple compartments of the balloon
are then inflated to contact the obstruction.
[0164] The balloon catheter also may additionally be used in stent
deployment. A plastically expandable stent 1085 that substantially
surrounds the balloon 1000 of a catheter, in any of the embodiments
describe above, may have the four dilatation compartments 1005,
1010, 1020, and 1025. Once the balloon 1000 and the stent are
located at the appropriate location within the vessel and adjacent
an obstruction 1090, the balloon compartments are inflated to
deform the stent into contact with the obstruction. The physician
is able to control stent deployment by adjusting the inflation of
the balloon dilatation compartments as necessary. Greater inflation
may be required for dilatation compartments 1015 and 1020 than
compartments 1005 and 1010. Thus, compartments 1015 and 1020 can be
monitored so that over inflation (that could cause vessel damage)
in the obstructed area 1090 would be avoided. Furthermore, by
viewing the pressure between the artery wall and balloon with
regard to the balloon inflation pressure, the physician can
determine that the stent 1085 is fully deployed.
[0165] For multi-balloon versions of the catheter, the individual
balloons may be tailored or designed for specific purposes. For
example, the balloon intended to open an occlusion, may be
different than the balloon that is intended to deploy a stent or a
balloon with therapeutic infusion features. Examples of different
version are found in Houser (U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,801), which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
[0166] FIGS. 91a-91g and FIGS. 92a-92f are examples of
implementations of the multi-compartment balloon 1000 mounted on
the catheters describe above. For example, FIGS. 91a-91g illustrate
a balloon catheter 1100 having one or more slotted guide
wire/perfusion channels 1105, a marker band 1110, and a balloon
with one or more compartments 1115, 1120, 1125, and 1130.
[0167] FIGS. 92a-92f are side and cross-sectional views of a second
balloon catheter 1150 having the multi-compartment balloon 1000
mounted on a catheter as described above and includes one or more
slotted guide wire/perfusion channels 1105, a marker band 1110, and
a balloon with one or more compartments 1115, 1120, 1125, and
1130.
[0168] Referring to FIGS. 93a-93f, a catheter 1200 can be
fabricated with a peelable guide wire opening 1205. In this
configuration, the catheter shaft is extruded with an inflation
lumen 825, a guide wire lumen 830, and a peelable lumen 1210 that
is accessed by pulling a wire 1215 along a portion of the length of
the catheter. As best seen in FIG. 93e, the catheter shaft is
extruded with the peelable lumen containing a wire or mandril 1220.
A thin catheter wall is between the wire 1220 and the outer
diameter of the catheter. A thin wall also is between the wire 1220
and the guide wire lumen 830. To remove the guide wire 135, the
physician nicks the catheter shaft with, for example, a scalpel or
pair of scissors, to expose the wire 1220 and bends the shaft to
more easily access the wire. The wire 1220 then can be pulled
longitudinally along the length of the catheter shaft or along a
portion of the length of the catheter shaft to create the opening
1205 to the lumen 1210 (FIG. 93b). The physician can use, for
example, a pair of tweezers or hemostats to pull a loop of wire
from the lumen 1210 to initiate the opening. Once the opening 1210
is made, the physician can slightly bend the catheter to manipulate
the guide wire 135 through the wall between the guide wire lumen
830 and the lumen 1210, and out the opening 1205 (FIG. 93c).
[0169] The peelable configuration has been described with reference
to a catheter. However, this configuration also can be applied to a
method and design of other medical products, such as a vascular
introducer, sheath, or deployment device for deploying a medical
device. The wire can be configured as a string, wire,
multi-filament wire, polymer cord, polymer strand, multiple polymer
strands, or any similar element.
[0170] Referring to FIGS. 94a-94d, the catheters described above
can be made to have a reduced diameter cross-sectional profile by
incorporating those features on a catheter 1225 having a
collapsible balloon inflation/deflation lumen 825. For example, the
collapsible inflation/deflation lumen 825 can extend the full
length of the catheter or be confined to the distal section only.
The collapsible lumen is configured to collapse onto itself when a
negative pressure or vacuum is applied. During insertion, this is
beneficial to further reduce the crossing profile. This
characteristic may be accomplished by making the lumen walls
thinner at the desired area(s), or other method, while still being
able to contain the internal pressure when the balloon is inflated.
This also may be accomplished by making the catheter shaft from two
materials in a co-extrusion. A first material 1230 surrounds the
guide wire lumen and a second material 1235 surrounds the
collapsible lumen. The first material is more rigid than the second
material and therefore is less likely to collapse upon itself when
vacuum is applied. The second material is more flexible and
collapses at a lower pressure than does the second material. The
configurations of FIGS. 94a and 94b also can be fabricated with the
materials 1230 and 1235.
[0171] FIGS. 95a-95s and 96a-96s are examples of more specific
implementations of the techniques and features described above and
include more specific detail to enable one of skill in the art in
implementing the techniques and features described above. These
implementations are merely representative examples of two
implementations and, as such, the specific values provided below
are expected to differ significantly and/or insignificantly in
other implementations.
[0172] In particular, referring to FIGS. 95a-95s, a catheter 1300
includes a hub 1305, a shaft 1310, an inflatable balloon 1315, and
a distal tip 1320. A guide wire 135 extends from the distal tip. As
illustrated in FIG. 95b, at section D-D the shaft 1310 has an inner
diameter of 0.020 inches and an outer diameter of 0.036 inches and
a single lumen 1325. As illustrated at FIG. 95c, at section E-E,
the shaft 1310 has an outer diameter of 0.039 inches and includes
the lumen 1325, which is used to inflate the balloon 1315, and a
channel 1330 that is used to carry or contain a guide wire. FIG.
95d is a cross-sectional view of the guide wire, shaft and balloon
at section F-F and illustrates the balloon 1315 having two edges
1335 in contact above an opening 1340 into the channel 1330. A
0.014 inch guide wire 135 is shown being in the channel. The
opening 1340 of FIGS. 95c and 95d is wide enough to receive and
remove the guide wire 135. The opening also is wide enough to
include the walls of the balloon, which is bonded to the catheter
inside the channel 1330. An inflation opening 1345 is shown passing
between the inflation lumen 1325 and the interior of the balloon
1315. The only openings into the interior of the balloon are the
inflation opening(s). The inflation opening is shown as being 0.020
inches wide at section F-F and the catheter shaft passing through
the balloon is shown as having a 0.039 inch diameter. FIG. 95e is a
cross-section view of the guide wire, shaft and balloon at section
G-G and illustrates the guide wire passing through the guide wire
channel 1330. FIG. 95f is a cross-sectional view of the guide wire
and shaft at the distal tip 1320. Again, the guide wire is within a
channel 1330 having an opening 1340 that is configured to receive a
guide wire and allow the guide wire to be easily removed from the
channel.
[0173] The catheter 1300 of FIGS. 95a-95s is fabricated with the
balloon 1315 being bonded within the channel 1330 and the ends of
the balloon being bonded to the shaft, as best illustrated in FIGS.
95i and 95k. The balloon is placed around the shaft (i.e., insert
the shaft into the channel through the balloon) and the balloon
ends and a longitudinal length of the balloon are bonded to the
portions of the shaft and within the guide wire channel,
respectively. The edges of the balloon formed at the channel then
will meet when the balloon is inflated.
[0174] FIG. 95g illustrates the length of the catheter 1300 being
approximately 140 cm from the hub to the distal tip of the catheter
1300. FIG. 95i illustrates a close-up view of the balloon and shows
how the guide wire is underneath the two joined edges 1335 of the
balloon. FIG. 95i also illustrates the tapered end of the distal
end of the balloon, which has a taper length of approximately 0.097
inches (2.5 mm). FIG. 95h illustrates that the proximal shaft may
have a diameter of approximately 0.036 inches and the distal shaft
(although proximal to the balloon) may have a diameter of
approximately 0.038-0.039 inches with a transition area 1350
between the distal and proximal shaft. The distal shaft may be
approximately 20 cm, and the entry of the guide wire into the guide
wire channel may be approximately 15 cm from the distal tip of the
catheter.
[0175] FIGS. 95j and 95k illustrate the balloon 1315 and an
optional marker band 1355 placed under the balloon around the
shaft. The marker band can be used to restrain the guide wire or
direct its passage. FIGS. 95l, 95m, 95n, and 95o provide additional
details about the balloon that are specific to this particular
implementation. In this implementation, the balloon has an outer
diameter of approximately 0.118 inches (3 mm), a wall thickness of
0.003 inches, a taper width of 0.006 inches between the balloon
edges 1335, and a length of approximately 20 cm.
[0176] FIGS. 95p-s illustrate additional details about the shaft.
For example, the inflation lumen is shown as having a width of
approximately 0.028 inches, a center height of approximately 0.006
inches, a wall thickness around the inflation lumen of
approximately 0.005 inches, an opening 1340 into the guide wire
channel of approximately 0.012 inches, edges of approximately 0.005
inches in thickness, and a guide wire channel diameter of
approximately 0.020 inches.
[0177] FIGS. 96a-96s illustrate a catheter 1400 that is similar in
many respect to the catheter 1300 describe above. However, the
catheter 1400 includes a narrower opening 1405 into a guide wire
channel 1410. For example, the narrower opening 1405 may be
approximately 0.006 inches (instead of the approximately 0.012
inches of the catheter 1300) because the catheter has the balloon
bonded around the outer circumference of the shaft rather than in
the guide wire channel, as is the manner with catheter 1300. The
balloon is wrapped around the catheter shaft until the balloon
edges are adjacent and then the balloon is bonded to the shaft. As
such, the two edges of the balloon will contact each other upon
inflation.
[0178] In general, the catheters described above have a proximal
adapter that can be configured as, for example, a single Luer
fitting for a single chamber or compartment balloon inflation, or
multiple fittings for multiple balloon chamber, compartment, or
segment inflation. The multiple balloon chamber or segment
inflation can be individual and/or simultaneous. The multiple
balloon chambers or segments may or may not be in fluid
communication with each other.
[0179] The proximal shaft can be bonded together with the distal
shaft using a Teflon coated mandrel that is inserted into the
inflation lumen and heated to join both tubing sections together.
FEP or PTFE tubing can be placed on the outside of the tubing to
maintain the OD size during the joining process and then removed.
The proximal shaft also can include a moveable/replaceable
reinforcing or shaping member, as described above. The member may
or may not continue through the distal section of the catheter and
may be inserted into a dedicated lumen, or may use the
inflation/deflation lumen during insertion. The distal shaft also
may include the same or a different moveable/replaceable
reinforcing member as described above. The member may be inserted
into a dedicated lumen, or the inflation/deflation lumen during
insertion and removed for the inflation.
[0180] The guide wire can be contained as described above along the
entire catheter length; in the distal section only; in the proximal
section only; through, over, or parallel to the balloon; in the
distal tip only; on top of the tip; inside the tip; inside the tip
in between or under a marker band; and/or with an eyelet or coil
configuration. The containment of the guide wire can also serve as
a perfusion lumen and can be a channel having incomplete
circumferential coverage with interior geometry matching the radius
of the guide wire; a channel with one or more guide wire "hold
downs" (i.e., partial coverage in a manner that is similar to
catheter packaging trays); a limited length lumen or channel that
is under and through the balloon but on top of catheter shaft;
constrained in between balloon segments or detent(s), on top of the
balloon, or on top of the catheter shaft; and/or on top of, or
through the distal tip (i.e., at a position forward of the
balloon).
[0181] The balloon can be a single chamber balloon with non
circumferential geometry (i.e., incomplete circle, cross section
void) in which the non circumferential geometry section is partial
of the balloon height (i.e., above the shaft) or in contact and
bonded together with the top of the shaft. When a grooved balloon
is used with incomplete circumferential cross section geometry, the
seam where the ends of the balloon come together may be
longitudinal, or other, such as spiral, and can have interlocking
end geometries ("S" or other profile).
[0182] The balloon also can be a multi-chamber or compartment
balloon as described in Houser, U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,801, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. When multiple
grooved balloons are used (i.e., with an incomplete circumferential
cross section geometry), the seam where the ends of the balloon
come together may be longitudinal, or other, and can have
interlocking end geometries ("S" or other profile).
[0183] The balloon inflation can be accomplished in a number of
ways. For example, the non-circumferential geometry balloon may
have circumferential interior vessel contact when inflated.
Inflation of the balloon in a confined space will cause the radial
ends of the balloon to come together, in particular when the
balloon is made, partially or completely, from a compliant
material, such as the materials described in Houser, U.S. Pat. No.
5,865,801.
[0184] The balloon is bonded to the catheter shaft by using a
variety of methods, as described above, and includes the use of
adhesives, solvents, heat, a combination of these, or other any
other suitable method as known to those in the art.
[0185] The bonding of the balloon to the catheter shaft may further
be configured in the traditional method, namely, the balloon
shoulders being bonded to the catheter shaft. The balloon also may
be bonded to the top with the balloon wall bonded inside the guide
wire channel (maintaining channel geometry). The outside of the top
of balloon may be bonded to the bottom of the shaft, with the
balloon shoulders being modified (i.e., sections removed so that
there are not two layers of balloon material where the shoulders
are bonded to the shaft). The balloon also may have a hole that is
positioned and secured to align with the inflation/deflation port
on the catheter shaft. The longitudinal edges of the balloon may be
designed to expand and come in contact closest to the shaft
initially, but with increasing internal balloon pressure, the
contact of the balloon edges continues in an outward direction from
the shaft to the outer surface of the balloon.
[0186] The balloon may be a single or dual longitudinally spaced
balloons that are inflatable independently, or simultaneously. The
balloon geometry may be different between balloons and non
concentric, non circumferential balloon geometries may be used. The
balloon may have openings to bond onto the shaft at the proximal
and distal ends. The balloon also may also have a longitudinal
edge, seam, opening, or cross-sectional void, to allow longitudinal
bonding of the balloon directly to the catheter shaft, and also to
create a void for the guide wire channel. The balloon strength may
be increased by exposing the balloon material to radiation which
causes cross-linking of the polymer chain.
[0187] The balloon also can be processed to impart a smaller cross
section "memory" profile, after the balloon (and or balloon
chambers or segments) has been inflated, deflated, and is ready to
be withdrawn from the body (causing the balloon "wings" to be
closer to the catheter shaft after deflation making it less likely
to dislodge emboli or cause other deleterious effects during
withdrawal of the catheter from the body). The process may include
irradiation to cross-link, or heating to anneal, the balloon
material while in a constrained configuration. Certain balloon
materials and or compound additives, such as, for example, ProRad,
may be used to impart this characteristic.
[0188] The balloon also may be designed to have sections that
expand at different rates and/or lengths during inflation. This
characteristic may be realized by several methods, such as by
thinning the balloon wall in the areas to allow for more expansion,
and/or a special extrusion with different materials at different
areas around the circumference of the balloon tubing (e.g.,
extruding more elastic material in the areas that are desired to
expand more). This method also may produce a balloon with
asymmetric inflation utility.
[0189] The balloon also may have a reduced diameter profile in the
area just under the stent, such as the sides, to reduce the
crossing profile as well as to "nest" the ends of the stent, which
reduces the potential for the stent end to abrade the inside of the
vessel during stent advancement in the vessel.
[0190] A coil or other mandrel may be inserted into the inflation
lumen during the inserting into the vascular system, to provide
additional pushability. The coil or other mandrel may or may not be
removed prior to inflating the balloon.
[0191] The distal tip may be heat formed to taper to seal the
inflation/deflation lumen and provide a tapered transition between
the guide wire and tip of catheter
[0192] The catheter can be used in stent deployment, drug delivery,
therapeutic infusion, and/or other diagnostic, therapeutic,
preventative procedures or any combination of these or other
suitable procedure. For example, the catheter can be used for
therapeutic infusion by including ports or "weeping" through on the
balloon, recessed region in the balloon for pooling of therapeutics
for prolonged exposure, as described in greater detail in Houser
(U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,801). The catheter also can be configured to
have an infusion port in between a pair of lumens. The infusion
port may be in fluid communication with the proximal end of the
catheter using a Luer fitting or other suitable fitting. The
infusion port also can be implemented using a separate, full
catheter length lumen.
[0193] The catheter also can be configured to include one or more
lumens and port(s) that exit the catheter wall, are located
proximal to and/or distal to the balloon, or in the case of
multiple balloons, in-between multiple balloons. This feature may
be used for therapeutic or diagnostic fluid suction and/or
infusion, or may used for other purposes, such as to insert a
device or other object.
[0194] The balloon may be formed as described, for example, in
Anderson (U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,517), which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. The balloon may be formed with flow
channels for perfusion or guide wire passages passing through it.
The channels or passages can be formed by molding and/or extrusion
techniques. In one method, a modified modeling process, prior to
the molding process, both the proximal and distal ends of the
balloon are affixed to the catheter shaft. The balloon has excess
material about the sites where one or more channels are to be
formed. The excess material corresponds to the surface(s) on the
interior to the balloon and therefore will be sufficient to permit
formation of inner channels or passages. If the channel or passage
material should be thicker than typical, the manufacturer can use
thicker material in this region where excess material is desired.
This can be accomplished in several ways. In one aspect, prior to
bonding to the shaft, the balloon material is extended with
thickened walls in the regions where a channel is to be formed. The
quantities of excess balloon material and proper thickness can be
determined in a given case by routine experimentation. Upon
molding, the thicker regions form the channels. Alternatively, one
can layer standard longitudinal sections of balloon material in
those regions where thickening is required using bonding techniques
and then mold the balloon. The bonded layer not only thickens the
regions needed to form the channels but functions as a scaffold.
Conventional adhesives also can be used to bond the extruded
balloon to the shaft. The layers also can be conventionally
heat-sealed. The channel walls also can includes materials other
than balloon materials that are adjoined to the balloon to form the
channels. In addition, the channel walls can be treated to increase
strength.
[0195] During manufacturing, one or more cylindrical members may be
placed within a balloon mold in the position of the one or more
desired channel(s). The members may be pre-mounted to the mold.
When the balloon is inflated within the mold, the excess balloon
material envelopes the cylindrical members. During or after the
molding process, the contiguous balloon material is conventionally
heat sealed to form the channel(s) or is otherwise sealed using,
for example, adhesives. For example, once the balloon molding is
completed, the mold is separated, the cylindrical members used to
support the flow channels during molding are removed, and the
initially excess balloon material is bonded together using the
techniques describe above to complete its circumference. That
excess material will have formed channel(s) and includes the
outermost portion of the channels. It is also possible to use one
or more movable cylindrical members that are moved toward each
other during the molding process to facilitate achievement of the
channels.
[0196] In another manufacturing method, the balloon and its one or
more channels are extruded using conventional plastic extrusion
technology. The one or more interior channels are achieved by
extrusion of one or more cylinders or mandrils or wires having
walls of a desired thickness within the larger cylinder that is the
balloon. The inner channel may be extruded at the same time as the
exterior balloon in a single process. The channel(s) also may be
separately extruded and then added to the interior of the larger,
exterior balloon at the time of assembly by sealing using, for
example, adhesives or by heat sealing and cutting away the openings
to the channels.
[0197] Referring to FIGS. 97a-97e, a catheter 1500 includes a hub
1505, a shaft 1510, one or more balloons 1515, and one or more
slotted guide wire tubes 1520 through which guide wires, embolic
devices, or other therapeutic or diagnostic devices can be passed.
A central lumen 1525 of the shaft 1510 can include a pair of lumens
1530 and 1535 for, e.g., inflating the balloon(s) 1515, passing
additional devices, or infusing therapeutic or diagnostic agents.
The slotted guide wire tubes 1520 include a channel 1540 into which
the guide wire can be slidably inserted and/or press through the
slot into the channel 1540. Although a single slotted guide wire
tube 1520 is illustrated, additional guide wire tubes 1520 can be
placed along the entire length, part of the length, or at any
position along the length of the catheter. The balloons 1515 can be
separately inflated or simultaneously inflated and can be
configured as a pair of balloons (FIG. 97b), a single balloon that
encircles a portion of the circumference of the catheter 1500 (FIG.
97c); four balloons (FIG. 97d), or three balloons (FIG. 97d).
Although a catheter 1500 is illustrated with one to four balloons,
more balloons can be placed around the circumference of the
catheter.
[0198] The potential benefits of these balloon designs include the
ability to position a non-balloon section or a reduced balloon
section over a calcified lesion to reduce or eliminate direct
pressure at that site, which is believed to be useful in preventing
damage to the vessel. The dual balloon configuration (FIG. 97b) has
a generally hour-glass shaped balloon configuration that allows
radial expansion in a single plane or reduced circumferential
distance, rather than the completely circumferential expansion as
the typical balloon catheter is inflated.
[0199] Referring to FIGS. 98a-98d, a balloon catheter 1550 is
configured to provide a side port 1555 through a balloon 1560 for
advancing a device, such as a guide wire 1565. In this manner,
guide wires can be placed for advancing a bifurcated stent into a
main vessel and a side branch of that main vessel. In contrast to
the balloon catheter 1500, the balloon catheter 1550 is formed in
the balloon forming process with a fold 1570 along its length. The
catheter 1550 includes a shaft 1575 having at least one lumen 1580
and a pair of guide wire channels 1585, 1590 that run along at
least a portion of the length of the shaft. For example, either or
both of the channels 1585, 1590 can pass along the catheter shaft
1575 below the balloon 1560 for the entire length of the balloon or
a portion of the length of the balloon, as illustrated in FIG. 98a.
The fold 1570 can be positioned above one of the channels 1590 and
a radial channel 1595 formed in the fold between the channel 1590
and the side port 1555. As described below, the radial channel 1595
can be formed, for example, during the balloon formation process by
inserting a pin between the folds. The radial channel 1595 may be
an indention in the balloon material that forms the channel when
the opposing sides of the fold are apposed upon inflation. The
guide wire channel 1590 can terminate or have an opening that is
contiguous with the radial channel 1595. In this manner, a guide
wire in the guide wire channel 1590 can be advanced forward into
the vessel in which the catheter 1550 is placed by leaving the
balloon deflated or by inflating the balloon and advancing the
guide wire into the radial channel 1595, through the side port
1555, and into a branch of the vessel from the main vessel. Or, as
described below, a diagnostic or therapeutic device can be passed
through the radial channel 1595 into the side wall of the vessel
surrounding the catheter.
[0200] Referring also to FIGS. 98e-98h, in one implementation, the
diagnostic device can be a hollow-tipped guide wire 1600 that can
be inserted into tissue and/or plaque 1605 to obtain a biopsy or
plaque sample from a vessel 1610. The guide wire tip 1615 is hollow
or includes an opening 1620 to received tissue or plaque 1605. The
tip 1615 may be sharpened to facilitate insertion into tissue or
plaque 1605. The length of a hollow section 1625 is long enough to
provide a sufficient quantity of material to analyze. Although the
device is described as being a hollow-tipped guide wire, it also
may be a tube, probe, or other similar device that can be guided
along the catheter, through a portion of an inflated balloon (or,
alternatively a catheter without a balloon), and be directed
through the vasculature to a desired location along the vessel
wall. For example, a diagnostic instrument such as an ultrasonic
transducer or device for visualizing or ablating, a tissue
density-measuring device, an oxygen-sensing probe, a
temperature-sensing probe, or other suitable type of probe may be
used to analyze the characteristics of the plaque.
[0201] The hollow tipped guide wire or other suitable device is
used to access, capture, and retrieve a sample of the lesion
(including plaque or other type of occlusion) for better diagnosis
and to choose the best mode of treatment. For example, the
retrieved tissue, lesion, or plaque may be analyzed to determine
its physical and chemical composition before the physician decides
the most appropriate treatment method for that particular site. For
therapeutic purposes, a special hollow guide wire or infusion
device may be used to infuse a therapeutic material, such as a
pharmacological or gene-therapy based agent at, in or near the
plaque, occlusion or vessel wall. The infused or applied material
may include materials that would bind, reinforce, seal or stabilize
the occlusion to prevent or make the vulnerable plaque less likely
to rupture. Examples of the general classes of these materials
include an adhesive and/or a pharmacological material. The infused
material may be a liquid that becomes a solid or gel upon placement
and/or activation.
[0202] The guide wire 1600 can be used in the diagnosis and
treatment of vulnerable plaque by obtaining a sample of plaque and
identifying characteristics of vulnerable plaque: Some of the
diagnostic methods include temperature measurement (by means of one
or more of a thermocouple, thermistor, fluorescing means or other
temperature sensing means), density measurement, oxygen content
measurement, composition analysis, shape or size characteristics,
location within the lesion, and/or physical strength.
[0203] In this implementation, a first guide wire 1630 may be used
to direct the catheter to the desired location and a second guide
wire 1600 may be the hollow guide wire for tissue or plaque access
and retrieval. When the catheter is used to access and retrieve a
lesion sample, the balloon 1560 may be inflated to a lower pressure
than would be used for a therapeutic dilatation so that the lesion
remains stable during the process of accessing and removing the
sample. The balloon can remain inflated, if necessary, to keep it
stable during the time required to analyze the sample to determine
it composition and the best treatment for the particular lesion.
For periods of extended balloon inflation, a perfusion feature
(e.g., a perfusion lumen in or on catheter shaft or openings
through the tubing wall placed proximal and distal to the balloon)
may be included in the catheter design.
[0204] Referring to FIGS. 99a-99e, a catheter 1650 can be
configured with a guide wire channel 1655 that is within a catheter
shaft 1660, a balloon 1665 that includes a radially extending
channel 1670 that terminates at a side port 1675. The radially
extending channel 1670 is formed in a fold 1680 in the balloon
1665. In contrast to the balloon catheter 1550 of FIGS. 98a-98d,
the balloon 1665 and the fold 1680 extend into the guide wire
channel 1655. The guide wire channel 1655 can extend the entire
length of the balloon 1665, as illustrated in FIGS. 99a-99d, or
only a portion of the length of the balloon. For example, the
balloon can extend only to the radially extending channel 1670 such
that a guide wire or other device that is inserted into the guide
wire channel 1655 will pass into the radially extending channel and
can be advanced into a branch vessel or into the vessel wall or
plaque, as described above.
[0205] The fold 1680 and radially extending channel 1670 can be
formed by placing a cylindrical member, such as a pin 1690 (FIG.
99e) in a mold and forming the balloon around the pin. The pin 1690
include a first section 1692 and a second section 1694. The first
section 1692 and the second section 1694 are joined at an angle A.
The first section 1692 is placed within the guide wire channel 1655
and the second section 1694 then corresponds to the radially
extending channel 1670. The angle A can be set at any angle between
slightly greater than 0.degree. and slightly less than 180.degree.,
although the most typical angle will be an angle between
approximately 90.degree. and approximately 150.degree..
[0206] Although only one cylindrical member or pin can be used in
forming the radially extending channel, one or more cylindrical
members or pins can placed within the balloon mold in the position
of the one or more desired channels. When inflating the balloon
within the mold, the balloon material envelopes the one or more
cylindrical members to form one or more radially extending
channels. The members may be pre-attached to the mold or may be a
separate piece or pieces. These and other balloon forming methods
known to those of skill in the art are disclosed in Houser (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,865,801) and Anderson (U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,517), both of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0207] Another version of the catheter design may be implemented
without a balloon. This implementation may be used as a carrier for
insertion of multiple guide wires, catheters, and/or other devices,
such as leads, at various locations within the cardiovascular
system, particularly the main and branching coronary arteries. Once
the guide wires have been inserted into the desired vessels (e.g.,
main vessel and side branch) the guide wire carrier catheter is
withdrawn. The proximal ends of the guide wires may be temporarily
or permanently marked with the specific anatomic location of each
guide wire. Therapeutic, diagnostic or other medical devices
(including other catheters) may then be guided to the appropriate
anatomic location by the previously inserted guide wires.
[0208] The catheters described herein optionally can be configured
to provide electroporation during therapeutic infusion. In this
mode, the catheters provide the ability to actively stimulate
tissue to facilitate intracellular application of the therapeutic
solutions. For example, a section of the balloon or catheter body
may include a component or coating that can function as an
electrode to deliver high voltage electrical pulses into adjacent
tissue to cause electroporation of tissue within the desired
region, for greater absorption of the therapeutic fluid into the
tissue.
[0209] The catheters described herein also optionally can be
configured to include a piezoelectric film on the balloon for
inducement of cavitation (e.g., during therapeutic infusion), an
ultrasonic transducer to provide for visualization, ultrasonic
ablation, electroporation, and/or pressure sensing devices. The
catheters also can optionally include heating capabilities without
or without temperature sensing or control using direct resistive
element or ohmic tissue methods to treat tissue, deliver or deploy
a shape memory stent or other shape memory device. The heating
capabilities can be provided using one or more heating means, such
as a thin film heating element, a resistive wire or strip (e.g.,
for resistive element heating), a conductive wire or strip (e.g.,
for ohmic tissue heating), or an ultrasonic transducer. The heating
means can be positioned on the catheter, on or inside the balloon,
or as a separate device positioned within or adjacent to the
catheter. Many of these features and capabilities are described in
Houser (U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,801).
[0210] While several particular forms of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various
modifications and combinations of the invention detailed in the
text and drawings can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, references to materials of
construction, methods of construction, specific dimensions, shapes,
utilities or applications are also not intended to be limiting in
any manner and other materials and dimensions could be substituted
and remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. Finally,
it is contemplated that any single feature or any combination of
optional features of the inventive variations described herein may
be specifically excluded from the claimed invention and be so
described as a negative invention. Accordingly, it is not intended
that the invention be limited, except as by the appended
claims.
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