U.S. patent application number 15/357893 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-18 for occlusion perfusion catheter.
The applicant listed for this patent is ADVANCED CATHETER THERAPIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Dirk V. Hoyns, C. Rex TEESLINK.
Application Number | 20170136220 15/357893 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42226351 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170136220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TEESLINK; C. Rex ; et
al. |
May 18, 2017 |
OCCLUSION PERFUSION CATHETER
Abstract
Catheters for occluding, visualizing, irrigating, evacuating,
and delivering agents to a treatment area are disclosed. The
catheters comprise a catheter body comprising five lumens, first
and second occlusion balloons coupled to the catheter body, an
optional space-occupying balloon coupled to the catheter body and
disposed between the first and second occlusion balloons, and an
optional visualization means that enables visualization between the
first and second occlusion balloons. Methods for using these
catheters are also disclosed. A method comprises inflating the
first and second occlusion balloons, inflating the space-occupying
balloon, allowing fluid to exit via an evacuation lumen, optionally
irrigating or aspirating to facilitate fluid exit via said lumen,
and delivering an agent to a treatment area via the agent
lumen.
Inventors: |
TEESLINK; C. Rex; (Augusta,
GA) ; Hoyns; Dirk V.; (Jackson, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ADVANCED CATHETER THERAPIES, INC. |
Chattanooga |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
42226351 |
Appl. No.: |
15/357893 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14680233 |
Apr 7, 2015 |
9526874 |
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15357893 |
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13763592 |
Feb 8, 2013 |
9017285 |
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14680233 |
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13184300 |
Jul 15, 2011 |
8398589 |
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13763592 |
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12611796 |
Nov 3, 2009 |
8088103 |
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13184300 |
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61110744 |
Nov 3, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2025/105 20130101;
A61M 2025/1052 20130101; A61M 5/007 20130101; A61M 1/0088 20130101;
A61M 2205/3306 20130101; A61M 2205/3344 20130101; A61M 39/24
20130101; A61B 5/6853 20130101; A61B 17/12136 20130101; A61B 1/04
20130101; A61M 2205/3337 20130101; A61M 2025/1097 20130101; A61B
5/02154 20130101; A61B 17/12045 20130101; A61B 2017/12127 20130101;
A61B 17/12109 20130101; A61M 2025/1013 20130101; A61M 25/1011
20130101; A61B 5/02158 20130101; A61M 2025/1079 20130101; A61M
2025/1093 20130101; A61M 2025/0183 20130101; A61B 2017/00893
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 25/10 20060101
A61M025/10; A61B 1/04 20060101 A61B001/04; A61M 1/00 20060101
A61M001/00; A61M 5/00 20060101 A61M005/00; A61M 39/24 20060101
A61M039/24 |
Claims
1. A catheter comprising: a) a catheter shaft having a distal end
having a shaft distal tip and a proximal end; b) a first balloon
positioned on the shaft proximal to the shaft distal tip; c) a
second balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the first
balloon; d) a third balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the
second balloon; e) an agent delivery segment positioned on the
shaft between the first and third balloons and having one orifice
formed therein; f) an aspiration segment positioned on the shaft
between the first and third balloons and having one orifice formed
therein; and g) a guidewire lumen formed within the shaft and in
communication with: an opening formed in a proximal end of the
catheter; and an opening formed in a distal end of the
catheter.
2. The catheter of claim 1, further comprising a first
pressure-sensing means having proximal and distal ends and a length
therebetween, wherein said distal end is at or near the agent
delivery segment orifice.
3. The catheter of claim 2, wherein said first pressure-sensing
means proximal end is in communication with a connector formed on
the proximal end of the catheter shaft.
4. The catheter of claim 1, further comprising a first inflation
lumen in communication with the first and third balloons.
5. The catheter of claim 4, wherein said first inflation lumen is
further in communication with a first balloon inflation port formed
on the proximal end of the catheter shaft.
6. The catheter of claim 1, further comprising a second inflation
lumen in communication with the second balloon.
7. The catheter of claim 6, wherein said second inflation lumen is
further in communication with a second balloon inflation port
formed on the proximal end of the catheter shaft.
8. The catheter of claim 1, further comprising an aspiration lumen
in communication with the aspiration segment orifice.
9. The catheter of claim 8, wherein said aspiration lumen is
further in communication with an aspiration port formed on the
proximal end of the catheter shaft.
10. The catheter of claim 9, further comprising a valve in
communication with said aspiration port.
11. The catheter of claim 1, further comprising an agent delivery
lumen in communication with the agent delivery segment orifice.
12. The catheter of claim 11, wherein said agent delivery lumen is
further in communication with an agent delivery port formed on the
proximal end of the catheter shaft.
13. The catheter of claim 11, further comprising a first
pressure-sensing means having proximal and distal ends and a length
therebetween, wherein said first pressure-sensing means proximal
end is in communication with a connector formed on the proximal end
of the catheter shaft and said first pressure-sensing means distal
end is at or near the agent delivery segment orifice.
14. The catheter of claim 13, further comprising a second
pressure-sensing means having proximal and distal ends and a length
therebetween, wherein said second pressure-sensing means proximal
end is in communication with the connector formed on the proximal
end of the catheter shaft and said second pressure-sensing means
distal end is located within the agent delivery lumen.
15. A catheter comprising: a) a catheter shaft having a distal end
having a shaft distal tip and a proximal end; b) a first balloon
positioned on the shaft proximal to the shaft distal tip, a second
balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the first balloon, and
a third balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the second
balloon; c) a first inflation lumen in communication with the first
and third balloons, wherein said first inflation lumen is further
in communication with a first balloon inflation port formed on the
proximal end of the catheter shaft; d) a second inflation lumen in
communication with the second balloon, wherein said second
inflation lumen is further in communication with a second balloon
inflation port formed on the proximal end of the catheter shaft; e)
an agent delivery segment positioned on the shaft between the
second and third balloons and having one orifice formed therein,
wherein the agent delivery lumen is in communication with the agent
delivery segment orifice and an agent delivery port formed on the
proximal end of the catheter shaft; f) an aspiration segment
positioned on the shaft between the first and second balloons and
having one orifice formed therein, wherein the aspiration lumen is
in communication with the aspiration segment orifice and an
aspiration port formed on the proximal end of the catheter shaft,
said aspiration port optionally further comprising a valve in
communication with the aspiration port; g) a guidewire lumen formed
within the shaft and in communication with an opening formed in a
proximal end of the catheter and an opening formed in a distal end
of the catheter; h) a first pressure-sensing means having proximal
and distal ends and a length therebetween, wherein said first
pressure-sensing means proximal end is in communication with a
connector formed on the proximal end of the catheter shaft and said
first pressure-sensing means distal end is at or near the agent
delivery segment orifice; and i) a second pressure-sensing means
having proximal and distal ends and a length therebetween, wherein
said second pressure-sensing means proximal end is in communication
with the connector formed on the proximal end of the catheter shaft
and said second pressure-sensing means distal end is located within
the agent delivery lumen.
16. A catheter comprising: a) a catheter shaft having a distal end
having a shaft distal tip and a proximal end; b) a first balloon
positioned on the shaft proximal to the shaft distal tip; c) a
second balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the first
balloon; d) an agent delivery segment positioned on the shaft
between the first and second balloons and having one orifice formed
therein; e) an aspiration segment positioned on the shaft between
the first and second balloons and having one orifice formed
therein; f) a visualization means, wherein said visualization means
enables visualization between the first and second balloons; and g)
a guidewire lumen formed within the shaft and in communication
with: an opening formed in a proximal end of the catheter; and an
opening formed in a distal end of the catheter.
17. The catheter of claim 16, further comprising a first inflation
lumen in communication with the first and second balloons, wherein
said first inflation lumen is further in communication with a first
balloon inflation port formed on the proximal end of the catheter
shaft.
18. The catheter of claim 16, further comprising a visualization
means lumen in communication with a visualization means slot and
containing at least a portion of said visualization means.
19. The catheter of claim 16, further comprising an aspiration
lumen in communication with the aspiration segment orifice, wherein
said aspiration lumen is further in communication with an
aspiration port formed on the proximal end of the catheter
shaft.
20. The catheter of claim 16, further comprising an agent delivery
lumen in communication with the agent delivery segment orifice
wherein said agent delivery lumen is further in communication with
an agent delivery port formed on the proximal end of the catheter
shaft.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/680,233, filed 7 Apr. 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/763,592, filed 8 Feb. 2013, now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,017,285 (issued 28 Apr. 2015), which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/184,300, filed 15 Jul. 2011,
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,398,589 (issued 19 Mar. 2013), which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/611,796, filed
3 Nov. 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,088,103 (issued 3 Jan. 2012),
which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/110,744, filed 3 Nov. 2008, and which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to catheter devices
and methods for the site-specific delivery of agents to biological
spaces in medical procedures. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to catheter devices comprising multiple
inflatable means carried by the catheters, with at least one radial
opening located between at least a pair of inflatable means. The
present disclosure also relates to methods for site-specific
delivery of agents into blood vessels (including the blood vessel
lumen and the vessel wall) for treatment of said blood vessels
and/or other organ systems, as well as methods of visualizing the
lumen of said blood vessels and/or other organ systems.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Regardless of the interventional treatment utilized to
maintain vessel patency in vascular disease, there will always be
restenosis and/or occlusions. The reason for this is that all of
these treatment modalities create an intentional "controlled
injury" of the vessel wall. In the healing process of this injury,
neointimal hyperplasia (a form of scar tissue) develops. It
develops because some of the cells of the vessel wall have been
damaged, become "angry" (inflamed) and causes proliferation and
migration of muscle cells from the media of the vessel wall into
the lumen of the vessel. This process is called neointimal
hyperplasia. The commonly-accepted method of controlling the
development of neointimal hyperplasia is to treat it at the
cellular level. These proliferating cells need the ability to
function as normal cells and not become "angry". This can be
accomplished by treating this "controlled injury" at the cellular
level utilizing biopharmaceuticals, conventional small-molecule
pharmaceuticals, live cells, or other new therapies (referred to
collectively herein as "therapeutic agents" or simply "agents").
Pharmaceutical and other companies are gearing up to develop these
live cells and therapies. This live cell technology has to be
delivered locally to the area of "controlled injury" of the media
of the vessel wall. Such therapies are particularly susceptible to
environmental factors inherent to the delivery process, such as
fluid pressure and shear stress, and devices of the prior art do
not address these factors adequately.
[0006] Pharmaceutical companies have developed, or have the ability
to develop, pharmaceuticals that will also affect proliferation and
migration of these cells. The problem is that most or all of these
have the potential to be toxic when given systemically. However,
when applied regionally to a localized area of "controlled injury"
(e.g., in "controlled" or discrete amounts), these agents have the
potential of being effective, but non-toxic (or at least
significantly less toxic).
[0007] The technical problem underlying the present disclosure was
therefore to overcome these prior art difficulties by creating
devices providing for controlled, focal delivery and subsequent
aspiration of therapeutic agents. The solution to this technical
problem is provided by the embodiments characterized in the
claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure provides an improved agent delivery
catheter that obviates the above-mentioned limitations, and further
provides methods of using the same. The catheter provides a vehicle
for local delivery of any of the aforementioned forms of therapy to
a site of injury, as well as means for visualizing said site.
[0009] The catheter is a five-lumen catheter designed with at least
two occlusion balloons, one proximal and one distal.
[0010] In one embodiment, a space-occupying balloon is provided
between the two occlusion balloons, to occupy space, so producing
an occlusion-perfusion catheter, or "OPC." When the space-occupying
balloon is present and inflated, the result is a volume of space
between the space occupying balloon, the two occlusion balloons,
and the vessel wall--the area of controlled injury (the "treatment
region"). In other words, the volume of said space is less than
when the space-occupying balloon is either absent or is deflated.
Pharmaceuticals, live cells, etc. ("agents") can then be injected
into said space surrounding the balloons and bounded by the vessel
wall. The agents can be perfused through the area(s) of controlled
injury and optionally further forced into the media of the vessel
wall via elevated fluid pressure (elevated pressure within the
treatment region). The agent can then be aspirated as well, which
may be important if toxic agents are used. The agent can be
aspirated via the same catheter lumen used to inject the agent
and/or via a separate dedicated catheter lumen. The intended result
is to minimize restenosis of the vessel. Because an agent can be
introduced into the treatment region via one catheter lumen and
aspirated via a different catheter lumen, one may "flush" the
treatment region if such is desired (e.g., with saline).
[0011] In one embodiment, a fiber optic device or other means known
to those of ordinary skill in the art may be incorporated into the
catheter to permit illumination and remote visualization of the
treatment region ("visualization means"), so producing an
occlusion-visualization catheter, or "OVC." In this embodiment,
comprising visualization means, the space-occupying balloon is
absent. Pharmaceuticals, live cells, etc. ("agents") can then be
injected--via a dedicated catheter lumen--into the treatment
region. The agents can be perfused through the area(s) of
controlled injury and optionally further forced into the media of
the vessel wall via elevated fluid pressure. The agent can then be
aspirated as well, which may be important if toxic agents are used.
The agent can be aspirated via the same catheter lumen used to
inject the agent and/or via a separate dedicated catheter lumen.
The intended result is to minimize restenosis of the vessel.
Because an agent can be introduced into the treatment region via
one catheter lumen and aspirated via a different catheter lumen,
one may "flush" the treatment region if such is desired (e.g., with
saline). By flushing the treatment region, one may improve
visualization of the treatment region.
[0012] The device comprises a five-lumen extrusion, two occlusion
balloons, a guide wire lumen, a perfusion lumen, an evacuation
lumen, a balloon inflation hub, a therapeutic agent
perfusion/evacuation/guide wire hub that allow selective access to
the various lumens, and either visualization means, or a space
occupying balloon. The purposes and functions of the five lumens
are as follows: (a) guide wire lumen--allows the catheter to track
over guide wire to treatment site; (b) space occupying balloon
inflation lumen--allows inflation/deflation control of space
occupying balloon, or provides passage for visualization means; (c)
therapeutic agent perfusion lumen--allows access to treatment
region for perfusion of therapeutic agent; (d) occlusion balloon
inflation lumen--allows simultaneous inflation/deflation control of
occlusion balloons; and (e) evacuation lumen--allows evacuation of,
or exit path from treatment region for therapeutic agent, or a
second, individually controlled perfusion lumen for two-part
therapeutic agents.
[0013] The two occlusion balloons, one distal and one proximal,
define the treatment region (the area of controlled injury) as the
volume contained between them. When present, the optional space
occupying balloon allows adjustment of the treatment region volume
(the volume between the two occlusion balloons) by simply adjusting
the fill volume of the space occupying balloon. In other words, by
inflating the space occupying balloon, less therapeutic agent is
required to be delivered to the treatment region between the two
occlusion balloons than would be required if the space occupying
balloon were not inflated (or were absent entirely, as when the
visualization means is provided).
[0014] In all cases, the OPC or OVC is delivered to the treatment
site via a minimally invasive insertion technique (for example, the
Seldinger technique). The applicants anticipate an "over the wire"
or "rapid exchange" (i.e. "monorail") type of delivery, which are
the two typical methods in use by interventional radiologists,
cardiologists, and vascular surgeons, not to mention other medical
specialists. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in
the art that other methods of delivery may be employed that keep
within the spirit of the disclosure of the device and the
method.
[0015] The present disclosure provides, in one embodiment, a
five-lumen catheter comprising: a catheter shaft comprising a
distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a shaft distal
tip; a first balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the shaft
distal tip; a second balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to
the first balloon; an agent delivery segment positioned on the
shaft between the first and second balloons, distal to the second
balloon, and having one orifice (the agent delivery segment skive)
formed therein; an aspiration segment positioned on the shaft
between the first and second balloons, proximal to the first
balloon, and having one orifice (the aspiration segment skive)
formed therein; visualization means positioned between the first
and second balloons; a balloon inflation hub coupled to the shaft
proximal end; a therapeutic agent perfusion/evacuation/guide wire
hub coupled to the balloon inflation hub; and a guidewire lumen
formed within the shaft and in communication with an opening formed
in the distal end of the catheter and with an opening formed in the
proximal end of the catheter. As will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art, the aspiration segment may be positioned
on the shaft between the first and second balloons and proximal to
the agent delivery segment, or between the first and second
balloons and distal to the agent delivery segment.
[0016] The present disclosure provides, in one embodiment, a
five-lumen catheter comprising: a catheter shaft comprising a
distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a shaft distal
tip; a first balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the shaft
distal tip; a second balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to
the first balloon; a third balloon positioned on the shaft proximal
to the second balloon; an agent delivery segment positioned on the
shaft between the second and third balloons and having one orifice
formed therein; an aspiration segment positioned on the shaft
between the first and second balloons and having one orifice formed
therein; a balloon inflation hub coupled to the shaft proximal end;
a therapeutic agent perfusion/evacuation/guide wire hub coupled to
the balloon inflation hub; and a guidewire lumen formed within the
shaft and in communication with an opening formed in the distal end
of the catheter and with an opening formed in the proximal end of
the catheter. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in
the art, the aspiration segment may be positioned on the shaft
between the first and second balloons with the agent delivery
segment positioned between the second and third balloons, or the
aspiration segment may be positioned between the second and third
balloons with the agent delivery segment positioned between the
first and second balloons. Either of these arrangements are within
the scope of the present disclosure.
[0017] In further embodiments, the catheters of the present
disclosure optionally comprise a first pressure sensing means,
whereby the pressure of the fluid environment at or near the agent
delivery segment can be measured, known, or estimated. In this
context, the term "fluid" indicates a continuous amorphous
substance whose molecules and any suspended or dispersed components
(e.g., cells, amino acids, polypeptides, nucleic acids,
polynucleotides, vehicles, liposomes, micelles, nanoparticles, and
combinations thereof) move freely past one another, has the
tendency to assume the shape of its container (e.g., a liquid), and
that is capable of flowing. It includes therapeutic agents injected
via the device of the present disclosure, including but not limited
to: solutions, drugs or other therapeutic agents dissolved in
solution; cells suspended in solution; proteins dissolved or
suspended in solution; nucleic acids dissolved or suspended in
solution; vehicles (e.g., liposomes, micelles, vectors,
nanoparticles, phospholipid dispersions, lamellar layers, liquid
crystals, etc.); and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the
therapeutic agent perfusion/evacuation/guide wire hub further
comprises a pressure sensor connector. The first pressure sensing
means is contained at least partly within the agent perfusion
lumen, and comprises a proximal and a distal end, where the distal
end is located at or near the agent delivery segment skive and the
proximal end is coupled to the pressure sensor connector.
[0018] In further embodiments, the OPC and OVC catheters of the
present disclosure optionally comprise a second pressure sensing
means (either independently of or together with the first pressure
sensing means described above), having a proximal and a distal end,
whereby the pressure of the fluid environment within the
therapeutic agent perfusion lumen--at or near the perfusion
skive--can be known or estimated. In this aspect, the second
pressure sensing means may be located alongside the proximal end of
the first pressure sensing means, with the second pressure sensing
means proximal end also located at the pressure sensor connector,
but with the second pressure sensing means distal end located
within the therapeutic agent perfusion lumen at or near the
perfusion skive. Without intending to be bound to a particular
pressure sensor, an example of a pressure sensor suitable for this
embodiment is the FOP-MIV (Sequoia Technology, Ltd.; Reading,
UK)--a fiber optic pressure sensor.
[0019] In further embodiments, the catheters of the present
disclosure optionally comprise a first two- or three-way valve or
check valve in fluid communication with the perfusion port and the
therapeutic agent delivery lumen so that fluid may be
delivered--but not aspirated--via the agent delivery segment. In
related embodiments, the catheters of the present disclosure
optionally comprise a second two- or three-way valve or check valve
in fluid communication with the aspiration port and the aspiration
lumen so that fluid may be aspirated--but not delivered--via the
aspiration segment. In preferred embodiments, the catheters of the
present disclosure optionally comprise a first two- or three-way
valve or check valve in fluid communication with the perfusion port
and the therapeutic agent delivery lumen, and a second two- or
three-way valve or check valve in fluid communication with the
aspiration port and the aspiration lumen. The optional first and/or
second two- or three-way valve or check valves may be present
either independently of or together with the first pressure sensing
means described above and/or the second pressure sensing means
described above.
[0020] Disclosed herein is a catheter comprising: a catheter shaft
having a distal end having a shaft distal tip and a proximal end; a
first balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the shaft distal
tip; a second balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the first
balloon; a third balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the
second balloon; an agent delivery segment positioned on the shaft
between the first and third balloons and having one orifice formed
therein; an aspiration segment positioned on the shaft between the
first and third balloons and having one orifice formed therein; and
a guidewire lumen formed within the shaft and in communication
with: an opening formed in a proximal end of the catheter; and an
opening formed in a distal end of the catheter.
[0021] In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise a first
pressure-sensing means having proximal and distal ends and a length
therebetween, wherein said distal end is at or near the agent
delivery segment orifice. Furthermore, said first pressure-sensing
means proximal end is in communication with a connector formed on
the proximal end of the catheter shaft.
[0022] In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise a first
inflation lumen in communication with the first and third balloons.
The first inflation lumen may be further in communication with a
first balloon inflation port formed on the proximal end of the
catheter shaft.
[0023] In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise a
second inflation lumen in communication with the second balloon.
Furthermore, the second inflation lumen may be further in
communication with a second balloon inflation port formed on the
proximal end of the catheter shaft.
[0024] In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise an
aspiration lumen in communication with the aspiration segment
orifice. Furthermore, the aspiration lumen may be further in
communication with an aspiration port formed on the proximal end of
the catheter shaft.
[0025] In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise a valve
in communication with said aspiration port.
[0026] In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise an
agent delivery lumen in communication with the agent delivery
segment orifice. Furthermore, the agent delivery lumen may be
further in communication with an agent delivery port formed on the
proximal end of the catheter shaft.
[0027] In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise a first
pressure-sensing means having proximal and distal ends and a length
therebetween, wherein said first pressure-sensing means proximal
end is in communication with a connector formed on the proximal end
of the catheter shaft and said first pressure-sensing means distal
end is at or near the agent delivery segment orifice.
[0028] In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise a
second pressure-sensing means having proximal and distal ends and a
length therebetween, wherein said second pressure-sensing means
proximal end is in communication with the connector formed on the
proximal end of the catheter shaft and said second pressure-sensing
means distal end is located within the agent delivery lumen.
[0029] Also disclosed herein is a catheter comprising: a catheter
shaft having a distal end having a shaft distal tip and a proximal
end; a first balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the shaft
distal tip, a second balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to
the first balloon, and a third balloon positioned on the shaft
proximal to the second balloon; a first inflation lumen in
communication with the first and third balloons, wherein said first
inflation lumen is further in communication with a first balloon
inflation port formed on the proximal end of the catheter shaft; a
second inflation lumen in communication with the second balloon,
wherein said second inflation lumen is further in communication
with a second balloon inflation port formed on the proximal end of
the catheter shaft; an agent delivery segment positioned on the
shaft between the second and third balloons and having one orifice
formed therein, wherein the agent delivery lumen is in
communication with the agent delivery segment orifice and an agent
delivery port formed on the proximal end of the catheter shaft; an
aspiration segment positioned on the shaft between the first and
second balloons and having one orifice formed therein, wherein the
aspiration lumen is in communication with the aspiration segment
orifice and an aspiration port formed on the proximal end of the
catheter shaft, said aspiration port optionally further comprising
a valve in communication with the aspiration port; a guidewire
lumen formed within the shaft and in communication with an opening
formed in a proximal end of the catheter and an opening formed in a
distal end of the catheter; a first pressure-sensing means having
proximal and distal ends and a length therebetween, wherein said
first pressure-sensing means proximal end is in communication with
a connector formed on the proximal end of the catheter shaft and
said first pressure-sensing means distal end is at or near the
agent delivery segment orifice; and a second pressure-sensing means
having proximal and distal ends and a length therebetween, wherein
said second pressure-sensing means proximal end is in communication
with the connector formed on the proximal end of the catheter shaft
and said second pressure-sensing means distal end is located within
the agent delivery lumen.
[0030] Also described herein is a catheter comprising: a catheter
shaft having a distal end having a shaft distal tip and a proximal
end; a first balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to the shaft
distal tip; a second balloon positioned on the shaft proximal to
the first balloon; an agent delivery segment positioned on the
shaft between the first and second balloons and having one orifice
formed therein; an aspiration segment positioned on the shaft
between the first and second balloons and having one orifice formed
therein; a visualization means, wherein said visualization means
enables visualization between the first and second balloons; and a
guidewire lumen formed within the shaft and in communication with:
an opening formed in a proximal end of the catheter; and an opening
formed in a distal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, the
catheter may further comprise a first inflation lumen in
communication with the first and second balloons, wherein said
first inflation lumen is further in communication with a first
balloon inflation port formed on the proximal end of the catheter
shaft. In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise a
visualization means lumen in communication with a visualization
means slot and containing at least a portion of said visualization
means. In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise an
aspiration lumen in communication with the aspiration segment
orifice, wherein said aspiration lumen is further in communication
with an aspiration port formed on the proximal end of the catheter
shaft. In one embodiment, the catheter may further comprise an
agent delivery lumen in communication with the agent delivery
segment orifice wherein said agent delivery lumen is further in
communication with an agent delivery port formed on the proximal
end of the catheter shaft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and
advantages of the devices and methods of the present disclosure,
reference should be had to the following detailed description, read
in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like elements.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a side elevational view of one embodiment of a
catheter of the present disclosure. For clarity, the entire device
has not been shown and the figure is not drawn to scale. The jagged
line M-M represents a break in the continuum of the catheter.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a catheter
of the present disclosure in its assembled form.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B as
shown in FIG. 1, displaying a distal occluding balloon, five lumens
which may be employed to inflate and deflate balloons or deliver
and remove therapeutic agents or biologic samples, and a skive port
extending through the thickness of the catheter wall such that
occluding balloon inflation lumen of the catheter is in
communication with the catheter exterior wall for inflating and
deflating the distal occluding balloon.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C as
shown in FIG. 1, displaying five lumens which may be employed to
inflate and deflate balloons or to deliver and remove therapeutic
agents, and an aspiration skive port extending through the
thickness of the catheter wall such that aspiration lumen of the
catheter is in communication with the catheter exterior wall for
aspirating therapeutic agents or fluid samples from the lumen of a
blood vessel.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D as
shown in FIG. 1, displaying a space occupying balloon, five lumens
which may be employed to inflate and deflate balloons or to deliver
and remove therapeutic agents, and a skive port extending through
the thickness of the catheter wall such that space-occupying
balloon inflation lumen of the catheter is in communication with
the catheter exterior wall for inflating and deflating the space
occupying balloon.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E as
shown in FIG. 1, displaying five lumens which may be employed to
inflate and deflate balloons or to deliver and remove therapeutic
agents, and a skive port extending through the thickness of the
catheter wall such that therapeutic agent delivery lumen of the
catheter is in communication with the catheter exterior wall for
delivering therapeutic agents to the lumen of a blood vessel.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F as
shown in FIG. 1, displaying a proximal occluding balloon, five
lumens which may be employed to inflate and deflate balloons or to
deliver and remove therapeutic agents, and a skive port extending
through the thickness of the catheter wall such that occluding
balloon inflation lumen of the catheter is in communication with
the catheter exterior wall for inflating and deflating the proximal
occluding balloon.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a side view of the catheter assembly of the
present disclosure, showing the therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (the "perfusion/aspiration
hub") in a plane perpendicular to the balloon inflation hub.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the balloon
inflation hub of the present disclosure, taken along the line H-H,
as shown in FIG. 8. For the sake of clarity, the therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub is not shown in this FIG.
9.
[0041] FIG. 10 is a side view of the catheter assembly of the
present disclosure, showing the balloon inflation hub in a plane
perpendicular to the therapeutic agent perfusion/aspiration and
guidewire hub.
[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub of the present disclosure,
taken along the line G-G, as shown in FIG. 10. For the sake of
clarity, the balloon inflation hub is not shown in this FIG.
11.
[0043] FIGS. 12A and 12B show an embodiment of an aspect of a
catheter of the present disclosure which has been inserted into a
blood vessel. For clarity, the entire device has not been shown and
the figure is not drawn to scale. FIG. 12A shows the distal portion
of the catheter of the present disclosure with the distal and
proximal occluding balloons inflated, and the space occupying
balloon deflated. FIG. 12B shows the result of inflating space
occupying balloon.
[0044] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a catheter assembly of the present
disclosure, showing the therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration/guidewire/pressure sensor hub in a plane
perpendicular to the balloon inflation hub.
[0045] FIG. 14 depicts detail 14, as indicated in FIG. 13, and
shows the distal end of the pressure sensing means, located at the
therapeutic agent delivery segment.
[0046] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the catheter assembly of the
present disclosure, showing the therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration/guidewire/pressure sensor hub in a plane
perpendicular to the balloon inflation hub, and showing the
pressure sensor connector.
[0047] FIG. 16 is a plan view of the catheter assembly of the
present disclosure, showing three-way stopcock in line with
aspiration port of therapeutic agent perfusion/aspiration/guidewire
hub.
[0048] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the catheter assembly of the
present disclosure, showing three-way stopcock in line with
aspiration port of therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration/guidewire/pressure sensor hub.
[0049] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration/guidewire/pressure sensor hub of the present
disclosure, taken along the line J-J, as shown in FIG. 13. For the
sake of clarity, the balloon inflation hub is not shown in this
FIG. 18.
[0050] FIG. 19A shows a side elevational view of one embodiment of
a catheter of the present disclosure. For clarity, the entire
device has not been shown and the figure is not drawn to scale.
FIG. 19B shows a cross-sectional side view of the balloon
inflation/visualization hub of the present disclosure, taken along
the line N-N, as shown in FIG. 19A. For the sake of clarity, the
therapeutic agent perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub is not
shown in this FIG. 19B. FIG. 19C shows a cross-sectional side view
of therapeutic agent perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub of the
present disclosure, along the plane of the page, as shown in FIG.
19A. For the sake of clarity, the balloon inflation/visualization
hub is not shown in this FIG. 19C.
[0051] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B as
shown in FIG. 19, displaying a distal occluding balloon, five
lumens (which may be employed to inflate and deflate balloons,
deliver and remove therapeutic agents or biologic samples, or
accommodate a visualization means), and a skive port extending
through the thickness of the catheter wall such that occluding
balloon inflation lumen of the catheter is in communication with
the catheter exterior wall for inflating and deflating the distal
occluding balloon.
[0052] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C as
shown in FIG. 19, displaying five lumens (which may be employed to
inflate and deflate balloons, deliver and remove therapeutic agents
or biologic samples, or accommodate a visualization means), and an
aspiration skive port extending through the thickness of the
catheter wall such that aspiration lumen of the catheter is in
communication with the catheter exterior wall for aspirating
therapeutic agents or fluid samples from the lumen of a blood
vessel.
[0053] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D as
shown in FIG. 19, displaying a space occupying balloon, five lumens
(which may be employed to inflate and deflate balloons, deliver and
remove therapeutic agents, or accommodate a visualization means),
visualization means, and a skive port extending through the
thickness of the catheter wall such that the visualization lumen of
the catheter is in communication with the catheter exterior wall
for visualizing the treatment region.
[0054] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E as
shown in FIG. 19, displaying five lumens (which may be employed to
inflate and deflate balloons, deliver and remove therapeutic
agents, or accommodate a visualization means), a visualization
means, and a skive port extending through the thickness of the
catheter wall such that therapeutic agent delivery lumen of the
catheter is in communication with the catheter exterior wall for
delivering therapeutic agents to the lumen of a blood vessel.
[0055] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F as
shown in FIG. 19, displaying a proximal occluding balloon, five
lumens (which may be employed to inflate and deflate balloons,
deliver and remove therapeutic agents, or accommodate a
visualization means), a visualization means, and a skive port
extending through the thickness of the catheter wall such that
occluding balloon inflation lumen of the catheter is in
communication with the catheter exterior wall for inflating and
deflating the proximal occluding balloon.
[0056] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the distal portion of
a catheter of the present disclosure with the distal and proximal
occluding balloons inflated, the visualization means slot between
said balloons, and the visualization means exiting the
visualization means slot.
[0057] FIG. 26 depicts detail 26, as indicated in FIG. 25, and
shows the visualization means exiting the visualization means
slot.
[0058] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the distal portion of
a catheter of the present disclosure with the distal and proximal
occluding balloons inflated, the visualization means slot between
said balloons, and the visualization means more fully outside the
visualization means slot.
[0059] FIG. 28 depicts detail 28, as indicated in FIG. 27, and
shows the visualization means more fully outside the visualization
means slot.
[0060] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a catheter of the present
invention, showing the visualization means attachment to the
proximal end adapter.
[0061] FIG. 30 depicts detail 30, as indicated in FIG. 29, and
shows the visualization means attachment to the proximal end
adapter
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0062] Before the catheter of the present disclosure is further
described, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not
limited to the particular embodiments described below, as
variations of the particular embodiments may be made and still fall
within the scope of the appended claims. It is also to be
understood that the terminology employed is for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be
limiting. Instead, the scope of the present disclosure will be
established by the appended claims.
[0063] In this specification and the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this disclosure belongs.
[0064] As used herein, the term "skive" or "skive port" is
synonymous with "orifice."
[0065] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 12A and 12B, one embodiment of
the catheter assembly (100) comprises a catheter (150) extending
from a proximal end adapter (110) and longitudinally movable within
a vessel (10) (see FIGS. 12A and 12B) along the catheter
longitudinal axis (170). Catheter (150) includes elongate catheter
shaft (160) having longitudinal axis (170) and defining five lumens
therein. At its distal end (140), the catheter assembly (100) has
an atraumatic tapered distal tip (200). A distal occluding balloon
(210) is located proximal to the tapered distal tip (200) along the
longitudinal axis (170) of the catheter (150), a space-occupying
balloon (230) is located proximal to the distal occluding balloon
(210) along the longitudinal axis (170) of the catheter (150), and
a proximal occluding balloon (250) is located proximal to the
space-occupying balloon (230) along the longitudinal axis (170) of
the catheter (150). Between the distal occluding balloon (210) and
the space-occupying balloon (230) is an aspiration segment (220),
and between the space-occupying balloon (230) and the proximal
occluding balloon (250) is located an agent delivery segment (240).
Each of the aspiration segment (220) and the agent delivery segment
(240) have at least one skive port (420 and 440, respectively)
formed therein (see also: FIGS. 12A and 12B). Proximal end adapter
(110) includes occluding balloon inflation hub (120) and delivery
hub (130).
[0066] As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 9, occluding balloon inflation
hub (120) comprises distal and proximal occluding balloon inflation
port (510) and space-occupying balloon inflation port (530). Distal
and proximal occluding balloon inflation port (510) communicates
with distal and proximal occluding balloon inflation lumen (310)
via skive port (610), and permits distal and proximal occluding
balloons (210 and 250, respectively), discussed below, to be
inflated and deflated--in tandem during use. Space-occupying
balloon inflation port (530) communicates with space occupying
balloon inflation lumen (330) via skive port (630), and permits
space-occupying balloon (230), discussed below, to be inflated and
deflated--independently of the distal and proximal occluding
balloons--during use.
[0067] As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 11, therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (the "perfusion/aspiration
hub," 130) comprises therapeutic agent delivery port (540),
therapeutic agent aspiration port (520), and guidewire port (500).
Therapeutic agent delivery port (540) communicates with therapeutic
agent delivery lumen (340) via skive port (640), and permits
delivery of therapeutic agent via skive port (440) to the lumen
(18) of a blood vessel (10). Therapeutic agent aspiration port
(520) communicates with aspiration lumen (320) via skive port
(620), and permits aspiration of therapeutic agents or fluid
samples via skive port (420) from the lumen (18) of a blood vessel
(10) (see, e.g., FIG. 12B). Guidewire port (500) is in
communication with guidewire lumen (300), which extends the entire
length of the catheter (150) to emerge at atraumatic tapered tip
(200) as distal opening (202), and permits "over-the-wire" use. As
will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, and as
indicated by the jagged line breaks in FIGS. 1, 2, 8, 10, 12A, 12B,
13, and 15-18, the catheter (100) may be either longer or shorter
so that the distal end (140) may reach the desired location within
a patient while the proximal end adapter (110) remains outside the
patient. Between therapeutic agent perfusion/aspiration and
guidewire hub (130) and occluding balloon inflation hub (120), the
catheter (180) possesses three lumens (300, 320, 340).
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, 9, and 11, FIG. 3 is a
cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 1 taken along line
B-B, and illustrates: distal occluding balloon (210); guidewire
lumen (300), which communicates with guidewire port (500); distal
and proximal occluding balloon inflation lumen (310), which
communicates with occlusion balloon inflation port (510) via skive
port (610); space occupying balloon inflation lumen (330), which
communicates with space-occupying balloon inflation port (530) via
skive port (630); aspiration lumen (320), which communicates with
aspiration port (520) via skive port (620); therapeutic agent
delivery lumen (340), which communicates with drug delivery port
(540) via skive port (640); and distal occluding balloon inflation
skive port (410). Distal occluding balloon inflation skive port
(410) extends through the thickness of the catheter exterior wall
(380) such that occluding balloon inflation lumen (310) of the
catheter (150) is in communication with the catheter exterior wall
(380) for inflating the distal occluding balloon (210).
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 9, and 11, FIG. 4 is a
cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 1 taken along line
C-C, and illustrates a cross-sectional view of the therapeutic
agent aspiration segment (220). Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 9,
and 11, FIG. 4 shows: guidewire lumen (300), which communicates
with guidewire port (500); distal and proximal occluding balloon
inflation lumen (310), which communicates with occlusion balloon
inflation port (510) via skive port (610); space occupying balloon
inflation lumen (330), which communicates with space-occupying
balloon inflation port (530) via skive port (630); aspiration lumen
(320), which communicates with aspiration port (520) via skive port
(620); therapeutic agent delivery lumen (340), which communicates
with perfusion port (540) via skive port (640); and aspiration
skive port (420). Aspiration skive port (420) extends through the
thickness of the catheter exterior wall (380) such that aspiration
lumen (320) of the catheter (150) is in communication with the
catheter exterior wall (380) for aspirating therapeutic agents or
liquid samples from the lumen (18) of a blood vessel (10) (see,
e.g., FIGS. 12A and 12B).
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 9, and 11, FIG. 5 is a
cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 1 taken along line
D-D, and illustrates: space-occupying balloon (230); guidewire
lumen (300), which communicates with guidewire port (500); distal
and proximal occluding balloon inflation lumen (310), which
communicates with occlusion balloon inflation port (510) via skive
port (610); space occupying balloon inflation lumen (330), which
communicates with space-occupying balloon inflation port (530) via
skive port (630); aspiration lumen (320), which communicates with
aspiration port (520) via skive port (620); therapeutic agent
delivery lumen (340), which communicates with drug delivery port
(540) via skive port (640); and space-occupying balloon inflation
skive port (430). Space-occupying balloon inflation skive port
(430) extends through the thickness of the catheter exterior wall
(380) such that space-occupying balloon inflation lumen (330) of
the catheter (150) is in communication with the catheter exterior
wall (380) for inflating and deflating the space occupying balloon
(230).
[0071] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 1
taken along line E-E, and illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
therapeutic agent delivery segment (240). Referring now to FIGS. 1,
2, 6, 9, and 11, FIG. 6 shows: guidewire lumen (300), which
communicates with guidewire port (500); distal and proximal
occluding balloon inflation lumen (310), which communicates with
occlusion balloon inflation port (510) via skive port (610); space
occupying balloon inflation lumen (330), which communicates with
space-occupying balloon inflation port (530) via skive port (630);
aspiration lumen (320), which communicates with aspiration port
(520) via skive port (620); therapeutic agent delivery lumen (340),
which communicates with perfusion port (540) via skive port (640);
and drug delivery skive port (440). Drug delivery skive port (440)
extends through the thickness of the catheter exterior wall (380)
such that drug delivery lumen (340) of the catheter (150) is in
communication with the catheter exterior wall (380) for delivering
therapeutic agents to the lumen (18) of a blood vessel (10) (see,
e.g., FIGS. 12A and 12B).
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 9, and 11, FIG. 7 is a
cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 1 taken along line
F-F. FIG. 7 illustrates: proximal occluding balloon (250);
guidewire lumen (300), which communicates with guidewire port
(500); distal and proximal occluding balloon inflation lumen (310),
which communicates with occlusion balloon inflation port (510) via
skive port (610); space occupying balloon inflation lumen (330),
which communicates with space-occupying balloon inflation port
(530) via skive port (630); aspiration lumen (320), which
communicates with aspiration port (520) via skive port (620);
therapeutic agent delivery lumen (340), which communicates with
drug delivery port (540) via skive port (640); and proximal
occluding balloon inflation skive port (450). Proximal occluding
balloon inflation skive port (450) extends through the thickness of
the catheter exterior wall (380) such that occluding balloon
inflation lumen (310) of the catheter (150) is in communication
with the catheter exterior wall (380) for inflating the proximal
occluding balloon (250).
[0073] Referring to FIGS. 3-7, the catheter (160) has a catheter
exterior wall (380) and a catheter interior wall (390). As may be
appreciated from FIGS. 2, 3-7, 9, and 11, the catheter interior
wall (390) defines the guide wire lumen (300). Lumens (330, 340,
310, 320) are peripheral to guidewire lumen (300); they are formed
within the catheter (150) and located between the catheter interior
wall (390) and the catheter exterior wall (380). The five lumens
(300, 310, 340, 330, 320) extend longitudinally through the
catheter (150), interconnecting the open proximal end (500, 510,
540, 530, and 520, respectively) with the open distal end (202,
410/450, 440, 430, and 420, respectively).
[0074] As seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, balloon inflation hub (120) is a
component of the proximal end adapter (110), lying proximal to the
distal end (140) and distal to the therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (130). It will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
positions of the balloon inflation hub (120) and the therapeutic
agent perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (130) may be reversed
with respect to one another so that the therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (130) lies between the
distal end (140) and the balloon inflation hub (120).
[0075] The balloon inflation hub (120) is comprised of occlusion
balloon inflation port (510), space occupying balloon inflation
port (530), and catheter shaft (160). Occlusion balloon inflation
port (510) is communicably connected to occlusion balloon inflation
lumen (310) of catheter shaft (160) via occlusion balloons hub
inflation skive (610). Space occupying balloon inflation port (530)
is communicably connected to space occupying balloon inflation
lumen (330) of catheter shaft (160) via space occupying balloon hub
inflation skive (630).
[0076] As seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (130) is a component of the
proximal end adapter (110), lying proximal to the distal end (140)
and proximal to the balloon inflation hub (120). The therapeutic
agent perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (130) is comprised of
therapeutic agent perfusion port (540), aspiration port (520),
guidewire port (500), and catheter shaft (160). Therapeutic agent
perfusion port (540) is communicably connected to therapeutic agent
perfusion lumen (340) of catheter shaft (160) via perfusion hub
skive (640). Aspiration port (520) is communicably connected to
aspiration lumen (320) of catheter shaft (160) via aspiration hub
skive (620). Guidewire port (500) is communicably connected to
guidewire lumen (300), which encloses the longitudinal axis (170)
of the OPC (100). In the present embodiment, and as shown in FIGS.
3-7, the longitudinal axis (170) is centered within the circular
cross-section of the guidewire lumen (300).
[0077] FIGS. 12A and 12B show the distal and proximal occlusion
balloons (210, 250) as they would appear when inflated inside a
vessel (10) or other hollow body structure. It will be appreciated
by those of ordinary skill in the art that occluding balloons (210,
250), space-occupying balloon (230), catheter (150, 160), and other
components of the device of the present disclosure (100) may be
sized appropriately to account for the dimensions that would be
required in other hollow body structures (for example, but without
intending to be limited, vessels of the lymphatic system, the
gastroesophageal tract, the portal-caval system of the liver, the
gall bladder and bile ducts, the urinary system, the respiratory
system, ducts of the endocrine and exocrine organs, and
reproductive organs). FIGS. 12A and 12B show space-occupying
balloon (230) as it would appear before inflation and after
inflation, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 2, 12A, and 12B, distal
and proximal radio-opaque marker bands (260, 270, respectively) are
also shown located on the "shoulders" of the space-occupying
balloon (230) to facilitate visualization, under fluoroscopic
imaging, of the catheter (150) within a vessel (10). It will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that radio-opaque
markers may also be located upon the catheter shaft (for example,
and without limitation, along the aspiration segment (220) or the
therapeutic agent delivery segment (240). More preferably, one of
the marker bands is located on the shaft (150) at the most distal
portion of the aspiration segment (220), and a second marker band
is located on the shaft (150) at the most proximal portion of the
therapeutic agent delivery segment (240). Alternatively, one of the
marker bands is located on the shaft (150) at or near distal
occlusion balloon inflation skive (FIG. 3, 410), and a second
marker band is located on the shaft (150) at or near proximal
occluding balloon inflation skive (FIG. 7, 450). In either of these
embodiments, the gap between the two radio-opaque marker bands aids
in approximating the treatment volume and treatment location. It
will also be appreciated that one marker band may be used, instead
of a plurality. The marker bands (260, 270) may optionally be
rotationally specific (e.g., having a generally "U-shaped"
configuration) so that the rotational position of the distal end
(140) of the catheter (150) will be apparent when the markers are
observed in a two-dimensional fluoroscopic image. Alternatively,
contrast fluid may be used to inflate any one or all of the
balloons (210, 230, and/or 250), or may be injected through drug
delivery skive port (440) or through guidewire lumen (300) to
emerge at the distal tapered tip (200) from the opening (202).
[0078] As seen in FIG. 12A, the inflation of distal and proximal
occlusion balloons (210, 250) inside the lumen (20) of a blood
vessel (10), without inflation of space-occupying balloon (230),
leads to their contact with vessel endothelium (50) and occlusion
of a comparatively large intraluminal space (30). Subsequent
inflation of the space occupying balloon (230), as shown in FIG.
12B, reduces the intraluminal volume exterior to the balloons to
produce occlusion of a comparatively small intraluminal space (40),
and thus reduces the treatment volume of the targeted vessel
segment (60). By "treatment volume" is meant the volume of the
vessel, between the expanded occlusion balloons (210, 250), minus
the volume of the space-occupying balloon (230). Consequently,
deflation of the space-occupying balloon leads to increased
treatment volume while inflation of the space-occupying balloon
reduces the treatment volume. As can be seen in FIG. 12B, fluid
communication between therapeutic agent delivery segment (240) and
aspiration segment (220) is maintained (40) despite inflation of
space-occupying balloon (230) because the balloon (230) is not in
contact with vessel endothelium (50).
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 3-7, the longitudinal axis (170) is
contained within the guide wire lumen (300), but persons having
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the arrangement of
lumens may be altered to offset the central lumen (300) from the
longitudinal axis (170). Lumens (330, 340, 310, and 320) are formed
within the catheter (150) and are located substantially between the
catheter exterior wall (380) and the catheter interior wall (390).
The lumens (300, 330, 340, 310, and 320) extend longitudinally
through the catheter (150), but only guidewire lumen (300) is
patent along the entire length of the catheter (150), emerging at
the distal tapered tip (200) as opening (202) and so allowing
"over-the-wire" use.
[0080] Inflation of the distal occluding balloon (210) and the
proximal occluding balloon (250) creates a substantially
cylindrical delivery region bounded distally and proximally by the
inflated distal and proximal occluding balloons (210 and 250,
respectively) and bounded circumferentially by vessel (10), as
shown in FIG. 12A. Distal and proximal occluding balloons (210 and
250, respectively) are constructed of a compliant to semi-compliant
material (e.g., without limitation, polyethylene terephthalate,
nylon, polyurethane, or other thermoplastic polymers), which means
that they retain their shape as they generate force and form a seal
against blood flow without imparting excessive pressure to the
blood vessel. With only the distal and proximal occluding balloons
(210 and 250, respectively) inflated and the space-filling balloon
(230) deflated, though, a relatively large treatment volume remains
within the occluded vessel lumen (30), as shown in FIG. 12A. This
large volume is particularly undesirable when scarce or expensive
agents are delivered; it is potentially harmful when toxic agents
are to be delivered because a greater volume of those agents is
required. The greater treatment volume thus produces increased
expense and risk.
[0081] Inflation of the space-occupying balloon (230) dramatically
reduces the space remaining within the occluded vessel lumen (40),
as shown in FIG. 12B, thereby increasing the effective application
of agent delivered while simultaneously reducing the amount of
agent needed. The space occupying balloon (230) is constructed of a
non-compliant to semi-compliant material (e.g., without limitation,
polyurethane, nylon elastomers, polyethylene terephthalate, or
other thermoplastic polymers). The space-occupying balloon (230) is
inflated to a degree that it does not contact the vessel
endothelium (50), thus leaving the entire region of endothelium
(50) between the inflated distal and proximal occluding balloons
(210 and 250, respectively) available for exposure to the delivered
agent.
[0082] In one embodiment, the guide wire lumen (300) provides
access to a guidewire (not shown), via distal opening (202) in
atraumatic tapered tip (200), while distal and proximal occluding
balloon inflation lumen (310) and space-occupying balloon inflation
lumen (330) provide access for balloon inflation ports (510 and
530, respectively) for the distal (210) and proximal (250)
occluding balloons and for the space-occupying balloon (230),
respectively. Agent delivery port (540) is in communication with
agent delivery lumen (340) via skive port (640), and agent delivery
lumen (340) is also in communication with vessel lumen (18) via
skive port (440) at agent delivery segment (240), for the delivery
of therapeutic agents to the occluded vessel lumen (18, 30, 40).
Aspiration port (520) is in communication with aspiration lumen
(320) via skive port (620), and aspiration lumen (320) is in
communication with vessel lumen (18) via skive port (420) at
aspiration segment (220), for aspiration of agents or other fluid
samples from the vessel lumen (18, 30, 40). In one aspect of this
embodiment, there may be provided a two- or three-way valve or
check valve (710) in fluid communication with the agent delivery
lumen (340), the aspiration lumen (320, as shown in FIGS. 16 and
17), or both, to prevent injection via the aspiration lumen (320),
aspiration or backflow via the agent delivery lumen (340), or both
(respectively).
[0083] In another aspect of this embodiment, the catheter (100) may
include a first pressure sensing means (700), as seen in FIGS.
13-15 and 18, incorporated into the catheter shaft (190, 192) and
hub (130a) of the adapter (110). Without intending to be limited
thereby, an example of a suitable pressure sensing means (700) is
the FOP-MIV (Sequoia Technology, Ltd.; Reading, UK)-- a fiber optic
pressure sensor. Such pressure sensing means has a distal end
(702), a proximal end (701) located at pressure sensor connector
(550), and a length therebetween. Via pressure sensor connector
(550), which is in fluid communication with therapeutic agent
perfusion lumen (340), the pressure sensing means enters
therapeutic agent perfusion lumen (340) and extends to a position
at or near perfusion/delivery skive (440) at therapeutic agent
delivery segment (240), as shown in FIG. 14. Via skive (440),
therapeutic agent delivery lumen (340) of the catheter (150) is in
communication with the catheter exterior wall (380) for delivering
therapeutic agents to the lumen (18, 30, 40) of a blood vessel
(10), as seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Thus, the pressure sensing
means distal end (702) is in communication with the treatment
region (60). In this aspect of the catheter (100) of the present
disclosure, there may be provided a two- or three-way valve or
check valve (710) in line with the agent delivery lumen (340), the
aspiration lumen (320, via aspiration port (520), as shown in FIGS.
16-17), or both, to prevent injection via the aspiration lumen
(320), aspiration or backflow via the agent delivery lumen (340),
or both (respectively). For the sake of clarity, and to reduce
redundancy, the two- or three-way valve or check valve (710) is
shown attached to the aspiration port (520). It will be appreciated
by those of ordinary skill in the art that such a valve (710) or a
plurality thereof may be incorporated to any of the ports (500,
510, 520, 530, 540). As will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art, the catheter (100) may also be constructed so
that first pressure sensing means (700) occupies its own separate
and dedicated lumen within the catheter (150), and having a
proximal opening at pressure sensor connector (550) and distal
opening at or near perfusion/delivery skive (440). Between
therapeutic agent perfusion/aspiration/guidewire/pressure sensor
hub (130a) and occluding balloon inflation hub (120), as indicated
by FIGS. 15 and 18, the catheter (190) possesses three lumens (300,
320, 340), but may possess a dedicated lumen to house the first
pressure sensor (700).
[0084] In a related aspect of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18,
the catheter (100) of the present disclosure may further comprise a
second pressure sensing means (704) incorporated into the catheter
shaft (190, 192) and hub (130a) of the adapter (110), whereby the
pressure of the fluid environment within the therapeutic agent
perfusion lumen (340)--at or near the perfusion skive (640), or at
any point within the therapeutic agent perfusion lumen (340)--can
be known or estimated. In this aspect, the second pressure sensing
means (704) may be located alongside the proximal end of the first
pressure sensing means (700), with the second pressure sensing
means proximal end (705) also located at the pressure sensor
connector (550), but with its distal end (706) located within the
therapeutic agent perfusion lumen (340) at or near the perfusion
skive (640), or at any point within the therapeutic agent perfusion
lumen (340). Without intending to be bound to a particular pressure
sensor, an example of a pressure sensor suitable for this
embodiment is the FOP-MIV (Sequoia Technology, Ltd.; Reading,
UK)--a fiber optic pressure sensor. Via the second pressure sensing
means (704), a user of the device (100) can know or estimate the
pressure experienced by a therapeutic agent at or near the
perfusion skive (640). Such information may be particularly
relevant for the delivery of such agents as live cell suspensions
or other materials that may be susceptible to pressure and/or shear
stress. In this embodiment, and as explained above for the example
with a first pressure sensing means (700), there may be provided a
two- or three-way valve or check valve (710) in line with the agent
delivery lumen (340), the aspiration lumen (320, via aspiration
port (520), as shown in FIGS. 16-17), or both, to prevent injection
via the aspiration lumen (320), aspiration or backflow via the
agent delivery lumen (340), or both (respectively).
[0085] As illustrated in FIGS. 19A-C, and 25-30, an embodiment of
the catheter assembly (105) comprises a catheter (150) extending
from a proximal end adapter (110) and longitudinally movable within
a vessel (10) along the catheter longitudinal axis (170). Catheter
(150) includes elongate catheter shaft (160) having longitudinal
axis (170) and defining five lumens therein. At its distal end
(140), the catheter assembly (105) has an atraumatic tapered distal
tip (200). A distal occluding balloon (210) is located proximal to
the tapered distal tip (200) along the longitudinal axis (170) of
the catheter (150), a visualization means slot (435) is located
proximal to the distal occluding balloon (210) along the
longitudinal axis (170) of the catheter (150), and a proximal
occluding balloon (250) is located proximal to the visualization
means slot (435) along the longitudinal axis (170) of the catheter
(150). Between the distal occluding balloon (210) and the
visualization means slot (435) is an aspiration segment (220), and
between the visualization means slot (435) and the proximal
occluding balloon (250) is located an agent delivery segment (240).
Each of the aspiration segment (220) and the agent delivery segment
(240) have at least one skive port (420 and 440, respectively)
formed therein (see also FIGS. 12A and 12B). Proximal end adapter
(110) includes balloon inflation/visualization & illumination
means hub (125) and delivery hub (130).
[0086] As seen in FIGS. 19A-C, 20-24, and 30, balloon
inflation/visualization & illumination means hub (125)
comprises distal and proximal occluding balloon inflation port
(510) and visualization means port (535) (see, e.g., FIG. 19B).
Distal and proximal occluding balloon inflation port (510)
communicates with distal and proximal occluding balloon inflation
lumen (310) via skive port (610), and permits distal and proximal
occluding balloons (210 and 250, respectively), discussed below, to
be inflated and deflated--in tandem--during use. Visualization
means port (535) communicates with visualization means lumen (335)
via skive port (635), and permits the visualization means (235),
discussed below, to pass through the visualization means lumen
(335) to reach and emerge from the visualization means slot (435).
The visualization means port (535) may further comprise a valve
(710) (e.g., a Tuohy Borst adapter, a two-way, three-way, or check
valve, etc.) to prevent backflow via the visualization means lumen
(335). The visualization means (235) further comprises output
(238), whereby the visualization means (235) may convey information
(e.g., to a monitor, a computer, etc.), which may be visualized
and/or recorded by means readily available and known in the
art.
[0087] As seen in FIGS. 19A-C, 20-24, and 30, therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (the "perfusion/aspiration
hub," 130) comprises therapeutic agent delivery port (540),
therapeutic agent aspiration port (520), and guidewire port (500)
(see, e.g., FIG. 19C). Therapeutic agent delivery port (540)
communicates with therapeutic agent delivery lumen (340) via skive
port (640), and permits delivery of therapeutic agent via skive
port (440) to the lumen (18) of a blood vessel (10) (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 12A & 12B). Therapeutic agent aspiration port (520)
communicates with aspiration lumen (320) via skive port (620), and
permits aspiration of therapeutic agents or fluid samples via skive
port (420) from the lumen (18) of a blood vessel (10) (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 12A & 12B). Guidewire port (500) is in communication with
guidewire lumen (300), which extends the entire length of the
catheter (150) to emerge at atraumatic tapered tip (200) as distal
opening (202), and permits "over-the-wire" use. As will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, and as indicated
by the jagged line breaks in FIG. 19, the catheter (105) may be
either longer or shorter so that the distal end (140) may reach the
desired location within a patient while the proximal end adapter
(110) remains outside the patient. Between therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (130) and balloon
inflation/visualization & illumination means hub (125), the
catheter (180) possesses three lumens (300, 320, 340).
[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 19A-C, 20, and 25-28, FIG. 20 is a
cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 19 taken along line
I-I, and illustrates: distal occluding balloon (210); guidewire
lumen (300), which communicates with guidewire port (500); distal
and proximal occluding balloon inflation lumen (310), which
communicates with occlusion balloon inflation port (510) via skive
port (610); visualization means lumen (335), which communicates
with visualization means port (535) via skive port (635);
aspiration lumen (320), which communicates with aspiration port
(520) via skive port (620); therapeutic agent delivery lumen (340),
which communicates with drug delivery port (540) via skive port
(640); and distal occluding balloon inflation skive port (410).
Distal occluding balloon inflation skive port (410) extends through
the thickness of the catheter exterior wall (380) such that
occluding balloon inflation lumen (310) of the catheter (150) is in
communication with the catheter exterior wall (380) for inflating
the distal occluding balloon (210).
[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 19A-C, 21, and 25-28, FIG. 21 is a
cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 19 taken along line
J-J, and illustrates a cross-sectional view of the therapeutic
agent aspiration segment (220), showing: guidewire lumen (300),
which communicates with guidewire port (500); distal and proximal
occluding balloon inflation lumen (310), which communicates with
occlusion balloon inflation port (510) via skive port (610);
visualization means lumen (335), which communicates with
visualization means port (535) via skive port (635); aspiration
lumen (320), which communicates with aspiration port (520) via
skive port (620); therapeutic agent delivery lumen (340), which
communicates with perfusion port (540) via skive port (640); and
aspiration skive port (420). Aspiration skive port (420) extends
through the thickness of the catheter exterior wall (380) such that
aspiration lumen (320) of the catheter (150) is in communication
with the catheter exterior wall (380) for aspirating therapeutic
agents or liquid samples from the lumen (18) of a blood vessel (10)
(see, e.g., FIGS. 12A and 12B).
[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 19A-C, 22, and 25-28, FIG. 22 is a
cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 19 taken along line
K-K, and illustrates: guidewire lumen (300), which communicates
with guidewire port (500); distal and proximal occluding balloon
inflation lumen (310), which communicates with occlusion balloon
inflation port (510) via skive port (610); visualization means
(235) contained within visualization means lumen (335), which
communicates with visualization means port (535) via skive port
(635); aspiration lumen (320), which communicates with aspiration
port (520) via skive port (620); therapeutic agent delivery lumen
(340), which communicates with drug delivery port (540) via skive
port (640); and space-occupying balloon inflation skive port (430).
Visualization means slot (435) extends through the thickness of the
catheter exterior wall (380) such that visualization means lumen
(335) of the catheter (150) is in communication with the catheter
exterior wall (380) for allowing the visualization means (235) to
exit the visualization means slot (435) and lumen (335) and enter
the lumen (18) of a blood vessel (10). Visualization means slot
(435) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (170) and between
aspiration segment (220) and therapeutic agent delivery segment
(240) for a length sufficient to allow the visualization means
(235) to exit the visualization means slot (435), as shown in FIGS.
27 and 28. By exiting the visualization means slot (435), the
visualization means (235) enables visualization of the vessel lumen
in a 360.degree. radius (that is, all of the vessel inner wall,
without the view being obstructed by the catheter itself).
[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 19A-C, 23, and 25-28, FIG. 23 is a
cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 19 taken along line
L-L, and shows: guidewire lumen (300), which communicates with
guidewire port (500); distal and proximal occluding balloon
inflation lumen (310), which communicates with occlusion balloon
inflation port (510) via skive port (610); visualization means
(235) contained within visualization means lumen (335), which
communicates with visualization means port (535) via skive port
(635); aspiration lumen (320), which communicates with aspiration
port (520) via skive port (620); therapeutic agent delivery lumen
(340), which communicates with perfusion port (540) via skive port
(640); and drug delivery skive port (440). Drug delivery skive port
(440) extends through the thickness of the catheter exterior wall
(380) such that drug delivery lumen (340) of the catheter (150) is
in communication with the catheter exterior wall (380) for
delivering therapeutic agents to the lumen (18) of a blood vessel
(10) (see, e.g., FIGS. 12A and 12B).
[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 19A-C, 24, and 25-28, FIG. 24 is a
cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 19 taken along line
M-M, and shows: proximal occluding balloon (250); guidewire lumen
(300), which communicates with guidewire port (500); distal and
proximal occluding balloon inflation lumen (310), which
communicates with occlusion balloon inflation port (510) via skive
port (610); visualization means (235) contained within
visualization means lumen (335), which communicates with
visualization means port (535) via skive port (635); aspiration
lumen (320), which communicates with aspiration port (520) via
skive port (620); therapeutic agent delivery lumen (340), which
communicates with drug delivery port (540) via skive port (640);
and proximal occluding balloon inflation skive port (450). Proximal
occluding balloon inflation skive port (450) extends through the
thickness of the catheter exterior wall (380) such that occluding
balloon inflation lumen (310) of the catheter (150) is in
communication with the catheter exterior wall (380) for inflating
the proximal occluding balloon (250).
[0093] Referring to FIGS. 20-24, the catheter (160) has a catheter
exterior wall (380) and a catheter interior wall (390). As may be
appreciated from FIGS. 19A-C, and 20-28, the catheter interior wall
(390) defines the guide wire lumen (300). Lumens (335, 340, 310,
320) are peripheral to guidewire lumen (300); they are formed
within the catheter (150) and located between the catheter interior
wall (390) and the catheter exterior wall (380). The five lumens
(300, 310, 340, 335, 320) extend longitudinally through the
catheter (150), interconnecting the open proximal end (500, 510,
540, 535, and 520, respectively) with the open distal end (202,
410/450, 440, 435, and 420, respectively).
[0094] As seen in FIGS. 19A and 19B, balloon
inflation/visualization & illumination means hub (125) is a
component of the proximal end adapter (110), lying proximal to the
distal end (140) and distal to the therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (130). It will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
positions of the balloon inflation/visualization & illumination
means hub (125) and the therapeutic agent perfusion/aspiration and
guidewire hub (130) may be reversed with respect to one another so
that the therapeutic agent perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub
(130) lies between the distal end (140) and the balloon
inflation/visualization & illumination means hub (125). The
balloon inflation/visualization & illumination means hub (125)
is comprised of occlusion balloon inflation port (510),
visualization means port (535), and catheter shaft (160). Occlusion
balloon inflation port (510) is communicably connected to occlusion
balloon inflation lumen (310) of catheter shaft (160) via occlusion
balloons hub inflation skive (610). Visualization means port (535)
is communicably connected to visualization means lumen (335) of
catheter shaft (160) via skive port (635).
[0095] As seen in FIGS. 19A and 19C, therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (130) is a component of the
proximal end adapter (110), lying proximal to the distal end (140)
and proximal to the balloon inflation/visualization &
illumination means hub (125). The therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration and guidewire hub (130) is comprised of
therapeutic agent perfusion port (540), aspiration port (520),
guidewire port (500), and catheter shaft (160). Therapeutic agent
perfusion port (540) is communicably connected to therapeutic agent
perfusion lumen (340) of catheter shaft (160) via perfusion hub
skive (640). Aspiration port (520) is communicably connected to
aspiration lumen (320) of catheter shaft (160) via aspiration hub
skive (620). Guidewire port (500) is communicably connected to
guidewire lumen (300), which encloses the longitudinal axis (170)
of the OVC (105). In the present embodiment, and as shown in FIGS.
20-24, the longitudinal axis (170) is centered within the circular
cross-section of the guidewire lumen (300).
[0096] FIGS. 25-28 and 12B show the distal and proximal occlusion
balloons (210, 250) as they would appear when inflated inside a
vessel (10) or other hollow body structure, and show the
visualization means (235) as it would appear as it exits the
visualization means slot (435). It will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art that occluding balloons (210, 250),
visualization means (235), catheter (150, 160), and other
components of the device of the present disclosure (105) may be
sized appropriately to account for the dimensions that would be
required in other hollow body structures (for example, but without
intending to be limited, vessels of the lymphatic system, the
gastroesophageal tract, the portal-caval system of the liver, the
gall bladder and bile ducts, the urinary system, the respiratory
system, ducts of the endocrine and exocrine organs, and
reproductive organs). Referring to FIG. 25, distal and proximal
radio-opaque marker bands (260, 270, respectively) are also shown
located on the catheter distal end (140) to facilitate
visualization, under fluoroscopic imaging, of the device (105)
within a vessel (10). It will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art that radio-opaque markers may also be located upon
other portions of the device (105), for example, and without
limitation, along the aspiration segment (220), the therapeutic
agent delivery segment (240), the occlusion balloons (210, 250),
and as described above for the OPC (100). Alternatively, contrast
fluid may be used to inflate the occlusion balloons (210, 250), or
may be injected through drug delivery skive port (440) or through
guidewire lumen (300) to emerge at the distal tapered tip (200)
from the opening (202).
[0097] As seen in FIGS. 25 and 26, the visualization means (235)
may exit the visualization means slot (435) at the slot's most
proximal end. The visualization means (235) may, optionally,
comprise a bend at its most distal end to facilitate exit from the
visualization means lumen (335) and visualization means slot (435).
Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, as the visualization means (235)
is inserted further distally, along the visualization means lumen
(335), the visualization means (235) may further exit the
visualization means lumen (335) via the visualization means slot
(435) so that the visualization means (235) distal end lies further
from the longitudinal axis (170). By allowing the visualization
means (235) distal end to depart from the longitudinal axis (170),
as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, and by applying torque to the
visualization means (235), the visualization means may turn about
the longitudinal axis (170) and so enables visualization of the
entire vessel lumen surrounding the device and between the
occluding balloons (210, 250). Inflation of the distal occluding
balloon (210) and the proximal occluding balloon (250) creates a
substantially cylindrical visualization region bounded distally and
proximally by the inflated distal and proximal occluding balloons
(210 and 250, respectively) and bounded circumferentially by vessel
(10), as shown, for example, in FIG. 12A. With only the distal and
proximal occluding balloons (210 and 250, respectively) of the
device (105) inflated, a relatively large volume remains within the
occluded vessel lumen (30), which may advantageously be visualized
in its entirety via the visualization means (235).
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 20-24, the longitudinal axis (170) is
contained within the guide wire lumen (300), but persons having
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the arrangement of
lumens may be altered to offset the central lumen (300) from the
longitudinal axis (170). Lumens (335, 340, 310, and 320) are formed
within the catheter (150) and are located substantially between the
catheter exterior wall (380) and the catheter interior wall (390).
The lumens (300, 335, 340, 310, and 320) extend longitudinally
through the catheter (150), but only guidewire lumen (300) is
patent along the entire length of the catheter (150), emerging at
the distal tapered tip (200) as opening (202) and so allowing
"over-the-wire" use.
[0099] In one aspect of this embodiment the catheter (105) may
further comprise one or more two- or three-way valves or check
valves (710) in fluid communication with the agent delivery lumen
(340), the aspiration lumen (320), the visualization means lumen
(335) or all three, to prevent injection via the aspiration lumen
(320), aspiration or backflow via the agent delivery lumen (340),
backflow via the visualization means lumen (335) or all three
(respectively). As shown in FIG. 30, a one-way check valve (e.g., a
Tuohy-Borst adapter, 710) may be used to prevent backflow via the
visualization means lumen (335).
[0100] In another aspect of this embodiment, the OVC catheter (105)
may include a first pressure sensing means incorporated into the
catheter shaft and therapeutic agent perfusion/aspiration/guide
wire hub of the adapter (110), as shown and described above for the
OPC (100). Without intending to be limited thereby, an example of a
suitable pressure sensing means is the FOP-MIV (Sequoia Technology,
Ltd.; Reading, UK)--a fiber optic pressure sensor. In a related
aspect of this embodiment, the OVC catheter (105) of the present
disclosure may further comprise a second pressure sensing means
incorporated into the catheter shaft and therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration/guide wire hub of the adapter (110), as shown
and described above for the OPC (100), whereby the pressure of the
fluid environment within the therapeutic agent perfusion lumen
(340)--at or near the perfusion skive (640), or at any point within
the therapeutic agent perfusion lumen (340)--can be known or
estimated.
[0101] In all embodiments, the catheter (100) can be used with a
guide wire (not shown), via guide wire lumen (300), to assist in
guiding the catheter (100) to the target segment (60) of the vessel
(10). The catheter shafts (150) of the present disclosure are
preferably between about 2-7 French units ("Fr." where one French
equals 1/3 of a millimeter, or about 0.013 inches). The catheter
shafts to be used in coronary arteries are preferably between about
3-5 Fr. in diameter, and most preferably about 3 Fr. The catheter
shafts to be used in peripheral vessels are preferably between
about 5-8 Fr. in diameter, and most preferably 5 Fr.
[0102] The catheter shafts can be made of materials including, but
not limited to polymers, natural or synthetic rubber, metal and
plastic or combinations thereof, nylon, Pebax, nylon/Pebax blend,
Hytrel.RTM. and polyethylene. The shaft materials can be selected
so as to maximize column strength to the longitudinal length of the
shaft. Further, the shaft materials can be braided, so as to
provide sufficient column strength. The shaft materials can also be
selected so as to allow the device to move smoothly along a guide
wire. The catheter (100) can also be provided with a lubricious
coating as well as antimicrobial and antithrombogenic coatings, as
are known to those of skill in the art. The shaft materials can
also be selected so as to maximize bonding of the shaft to the
balloon materials. The shaft materials should be selected so as not
to interfere with the efficacy of the agent to be delivered or
collected. This interference may take the form of absorbing the
agent, adhering to the agent or altering the agent in any way, for
example.
[0103] The balloons can be made of materials including, but not
limited to Kraton.RTM., polyurethane, polyolefin or any other
biocompatible, elastometric material, or other soft materials. The
materials of the balloons may be selected so as to maximize
pliability and/or reduce the risk of damage to tissues. The balloon
materials should be selected so as not to interfere with the
efficacy of the agent to be delivered or collected. Balloon (210,
230, 250) inflation sources can be syringes in communication with
lumens (310, 330) via proximal ports (510, 530), or other inflation
sources known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The
syringes--individually or separately--may contain contrast media or
gas or other fluids known to those skilled in the art to be safe
and effective for inflating the balloon.
[0104] The distal and proximal occlusion balloons (210, 250) used
for coronary arteries are preferably 2 to 4 mm in diameter when
inflated. The distal and proximal occlusion balloons (210, 250)
used for peripheral vessels are preferably 5 to 10 mm in diameter
when inflated. The distal and proximal occlusion balloons (210,
250) are preferably about 1 to 2 cm in length, and football-shaped
or spherical, or any suitable shape that a compliant to
semi-compliant balloon can achieve. The balloons (210, 250) are
most preferably about 1 cm long. However, the length and diameter
of the balloons can be selected so as to minimize tissue damage.
The force exerted against the vessel interior by occlusion balloons
(210, 250) is sufficiently great enough to hold the catheter (100)
in a stationary position within the vessel or other hollow body
structure and provide an adequate seal to control blood or fluid
flow. However, the force is not so great as to damage the interior
surface of the vessel or other hollow body structure.
[0105] Preferably, each occlusion balloon (210, 250) is separated
from space occupying balloon (230) by about 1 to 10 mm, or more
preferably by about 1 to 7 mm, or most preferably by about 1 to 3
mm. The distance between the most proximal edge of distal occlusion
balloon (210) and the most distal edge of space-occupying balloon
(230) defines the aspiration segment (220) length; the distance
between the most distal edge of proximal occlusion balloon (250)
and the most proximal edge of space-occupying balloon (230) defines
the therapeutic agent delivery segment (240) length. The aspiration
and therapeutic agent delivery segment lengths are preferably about
1 to 10 mm, or more preferably about 1 to 7 mm, or most preferably
about 1 to 3 mm.
[0106] When using a guide wire, whether the catheter (100) is being
used in the coronary arteries or in the peripheral vasculature, the
guide wire is preferably about 0.014 to 0.018 inches in
diameter.
[0107] Therapeutic agents useful with the device of the present
disclosure include any one of or a combination of several agents
which are gas, liquid, suspensions, emulsions, or solids, which may
be delivered or collected from the vessel for therapeutic or
diagnostic purposes. Therapeutic agents include biologically active
substances, or substances capable of eliciting a biological
response, including, but not limited to endogenous substances
(growth factors or cytokines, including, but not limited to basic
fibroblast growth factor, acidic fibroblast growth factor, vascular
endothelial growth factor, angiogenic factors), viral vectors, DNA
capable of expressing proteins, sustained release polymers, and
unmodified or modified cells. Therapeutic agents can include
angiogenic agents which induce the formation of new blood vessels.
Therapeutic agents can also include anti-stenosis or
anti-restenosis agents which are used to treat the narrowing of
blood vessel walls.
[0108] The rate of therapeutic agent delivery to the targeted
vessel segment (60), as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, can be selected
so as to minimize tissue damage. The rate of therapeutic agent
delivery can depend upon at least the size of perfusion/delivery
skive (440) and the pressure under which the agent is passed
through the skive (440). The rate of therapeutic agent delivery can
be controlled by, for example, an osmotic pump or an infusion pump
attached in line with perfusion port (540), perfusion lumen (340),
and perfusion skive (440); use of a perfusion pump is also
compatible with a two- or three-way valve or check valve
appropriately in line with such an arrangement.
[0109] Other target spaces that may be accessed by the catheter
(100) include but are not limited to any other hollow viscera of
the body such as: any of the blood vessels of the cardiovascular
system (arteries and veins); vessels of the lymphatic system; the
gastroesophageal tract; the portal-caval system of the liver; the
gall bladder and bile ducts; the urinary system; the respiratory
system; ducts of the endocrine and exocrine organs; and
reproductive organs.
[0110] The present disclosure also contemplates a method of using
balloon occlusion catheters, such as catheter assembly (100), with
or without a pressure sensing means (700 and/or 704), and with or
without a two- or three-way or check valve (710), for the delivery
and/or the collection of agents from a targeted vessel segment (60)
in vivo.
[0111] The following examples of use are not intended to be an
exhaustive list, as those familiar in the art will know many more
sub-categories of treatment that keep within the spirit of the
disclosure of the device and the method.
Example 1
General Steps for Using the OPC
[0112] The OPC would be delivered to the treatment site via a
minimally invasive insertion technique, over a guidewire, to the
treatment area, and the occlusion balloons (210, 250) inflated to
isolate the treatment region. Blood and any other fluid trapped
between the two inflated occlusion balloons (210, 250) would be
aspirated from the treatment region, and the treatment region
flushed with saline. The saline would then be aspirated from the
treatment region, the space occupying balloon would be inflated,
and the agent would be injected into the treatment region. As
appropriate, the aspiration lumen could be controlled via the
proximal two- or three-way stopcock or check valve to allow the
agent to enter the treatment region and prevent the agent from
exiting the treatment region prematurely, and further allow
selected fluid pressures within the treatment region to be
achieved. The space occupying balloon could be optionally deflated,
partially, to allow the injection of more agent, whereupon the
space occupying balloon would be re-inflated to achieve a greater
pressure within the treatment area and to force the agent into the
media of the vessel wall. After an appropriate treatment time, the
space occupying balloon would be deflated, the agent would be
optionally aspirated from the treatment region, and the treatment
region optionally flushed (e.g., with saline). Finally, the
occlusion balloons would be deflated and the OPC could be withdrawn
from the treatment site.
[0113] If the lesion being treated is long, or there are multiple
lesions present, the OPC can be repositioned and the steps set
forth above repeated. As will be clear to those of ordinary skill
in the art, the steps set forth herein are susceptible of multiple
variations that lie within the scope of the present disclosure
(e.g., the space occupying balloon need not be deflated and then
re-inflated, or one may elect not to flush the treatment region).
The space occupying balloon presents at least two advantages: by
taking up space, it decreases the volume of agent required (which
is important, given that such agents are generally quite
expensive); and it is used to increase pressure within the
treatment region, and so push the agent into the media of the
vessel wall--the end target of treatment.
Example 2
[0114] Simultaneous Perfuse in/Drain Out (Simultaneous Exchange of
Fluids in the Isolated Volume).
[0115] The OPC would be delivered to the treatment site via a
minimally invasive insertion technique, over a guidewire, and the
occlusion balloons (210, 250) inflated to isolate the treatment
region. The space occupying balloon (230) would be inflated to
minimize the treatment volume, with the displaced blood draining
out through the evacuation lumen (320). Saline could be used as a
flushing agent, or the therapeutic agent could be directly injected
in through the perfusion lumen (340), displacing the remainder of
the blood. Once the treatment region (60) is filled with the
therapeutic agent, a stopcock connected to the device (via the
evacuation port (520) would be closed, allowing controlled pressure
to be built-up in the treatment region with the continued injection
of therapeutic agent, resulting in perfusion into the damaged area
of the blood vessel/body lumen. Once treatment is complete, the
stopcock would be opened, and saline would be injected in through
the perfusion lumen (340), flushing the treatment region. The space
occupying balloon (230) and the occlusion balloons (210, 250) would
then be deflated, allowing movement or removal of the device.
Example 3
Two-Part Polymeric Agent/Gel Treatment.
[0116] This modality allows polymerization at the treatment site.
The OPC would be delivered to the treatment site via a minimally
invasive insertion technique, over a guidewire, and the occlusion
balloons (210, 250) inflated to isolate the treatment region. The
space occupying balloon (230) would be inflated to minimize the
treatment volume, with the displaced blood draining out through the
evacuation lumen (320). The remainder of the blood is aspirated out
through the evacuation lumen (320), creating a vacuum in the
treatment region. A stopcock attached to the evacuation port (520)
would be closed, maintaining the vacuum. Once the treatment region
is under vacuum, a two part polymeric agent would be injected into
the treatment region--part "A" goes in one port (the perfusion
lumen (340) for example), while part "B" goes in through the other
(the evacuation lumen (320) for example) so that polymerization
takes place in the treatment region. Controlled pressure to be
built-up in the treatment region with the continued injection of
two-part therapeutic agent, or increasing the pressure of the space
occupying balloon, resulting in perfusion/treatment into the
damaged area of the blood vessel/body lumen. Once treatment is
complete, saline could be injected in through the evacuation lumen
(320) while aspiration is facilitated through the perfusion lumen
(340), which due to its larger size, would be more appropriate for
removal of a polymerized solution or gel, flushing the treatment
region. The space occupying balloon (230) and the occlusion
balloons (210, 250) would then be deflated, allowing movement or
removal of the device. This technique may provide an alternative to
therapies that might be too time-consuming if the polymer is too
thick to otherwise inject in through the lumens directly.
Example 4
[0117] Simultaneous Perfuse in/Aspirate Out (Simultaneous Exchange
of Fluids in the Treatment Region).
[0118] The OPC would be delivered to the treatment site via a
minimally invasive insertion technique, over a guidewire, and the
occlusion balloons (210, 250) inflated to isolate the treatment
region. The space occupying balloon (230) would be inflated to
minimize the treatment volume, with the displaced blood draining
out through the evacuation lumen (320). Saline could be used as a
flushing agent, or the therapeutic agent could be directly injected
in through the perfusion lumen (340), while the remainder of the
blood is simultaneously aspirated out through the evacuation lumen
(320). Once the treatment region is filled with the therapeutic
agent, a stopcock connected to the device (via the evacuation port
(520) would be closed, allowing controlled pressure to be built-up
in the treatment region with the continued injection of therapeutic
agent, resulting in perfusion into the damaged area of the body
lumen. Once treatment is complete, the stopcock would be opened,
and saline would be injected in through the perfusion lumen (340),
while aspiration is facilitated through the evacuation lumen (320),
flushing the treatment region. The space occupying balloon (230)
and the occlusion balloons (210, 250) would then be deflated,
allowing movement or removal of the device.
Example 5
Sequential Aspirate Out/Perfuse in (Sequential Exchange of Fluids
in the Treatment Region).
[0119] The OPC would be delivered to the treatment site via a
minimally invasive insertion technique, over a guidewire, and the
occlusion balloons (210, 250) inflated to isolate the treatment
region. The space occupying balloon (230) would be inflated to
minimize the treatment volume, with the displaced blood draining
out through the evacuation lumen (320). The remainder of the blood
is aspirated out through the evacuation lumen (320), creating a
vacuum in the treatment region. A stopcock attached to the
evacuation port (520) would be closed, maintaining the vacuum. Once
the treatment region is under vacuum, therapeutic agent would be
injected through the perfusion lumen (340), potentially opening up
damaged regions in the intimae for more effective treatment.
Controlled pressure to be built-up in the treatment region with the
continued injection of therapeutic agent, resulting in perfusion
into the damaged area of the blood vessel/body lumen. Once
treatment is complete, the stopcock would be opened, and saline
would be injected in through the perfusion lumen (340), while
aspiration is facilitated through the evacuation lumen (320),
flushing the treatment region. The space occupying balloon (230)
and the occlusion balloons (210, 250) would then be deflated,
allowing movement or removal of the device.
Example 6
[0120] Perfuse into the treatment region using one of the
techniques described above and utilize the space occupying balloon
to deploy a stent-graft, trapping the agent between the stent-graft
& intimae. This technique would delay the inflation of the
space occupying balloon (230) until the therapeutic agent has
filled the volume of the treatment region.
Example 7
General Steps for Using the OVC
[0121] The OVC would be delivered to the treatment site via a
minimally invasive insertion technique, over a guidewire, to the
treatment area, and the occlusion balloons (210, 250) inflated to
isolate the treatment region. Blood and any other fluid trapped
between the two inflated occlusion balloons (210, 250) would be
aspirated from the treatment region, and the treatment region
flushed with saline. Optionally, saline could remain within the
treatment region to facilitate visualization. The visualization
means (235) would be inserted into the visualization lumen (335),
permitting visualization of the treatment region. If present, the
saline could be aspirated and the occlusion balloons deflated.
Then, the OVC could be repositioned or removed. The visualization
means (235) could be removed from the visualization lumen (335) at
the user's convenience (e.g., between repositioning steps, at
completion of the procedure, etc.).
[0122] The OVC may also be used as an agent-delivery catheter,
wherein the steps for delivering an agent would be the same as for
the OPC, but without the steps involving the space-occupying
balloon. Pressure to push the agent into the media of the vessel
wall could be applied via the agent delivery lumen (340).
[0123] For the reader's convenience, the following TABLE is
provided, listing the enumerated elements described above:
TABLE-US-00001 No. Description 10 Blood Vessel 20 Lumen 30 Occluded
vessel lumen 40 Occluded vessel lumen 50 Vessel endothelium 60
Targeted vessel segment 100 Occlusion Perfusion Catheter (OPC) 105
Occlusion Visualization Catheter (OVC) 110 Proximal End Adapter 120
Balloon inflation hub 125 Balloon inflation/visualization &
illumination means hub 130 Therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration/guide wire hub 130a Therapeutic agent
perfusion/aspiration/guide wire/pressure sensor hub 140 Distal End
150 Catheter 160 5-lumen extruded catheter shaft 170 Longitudinal
Axis 180 3-Lumen catheter shaft between hubs (120) and (130) 190
3-Lumen catheter shaft between hubs (120) and (130), with sensor
192 5-lumen extruded catheter shaft, with sensor 200 Atraumatic
tapered tip 202 Distal opening 210 Distal occlusion balloon 220
Aspiration segment 230 Space occupying balloon 235 Visualization
& illumination means 238 Output 240 Therapeutic agent delivery
segment 250 Proximal occlusion balloon 260 Distal marker band 270
Proximal marker band 300 Guide wire lumen 310 Occlusion balloon
inflation lumen 320 Aspiration lumen (evacuates defined volume) 330
Space occupying balloon inflation lumen 335
Visualization/illumination lumen 340 Therapeutic agent perfusion
lumen (fills defined treatment volume) 380 Catheter exterior wall
390 Catheter interior wall 410 Distal occlusion balloon inflation
skive (catheter distal end) 420 Aspiration (evacuate) skive
(catheter distal end) 430 Space occupying balloon inflation skive
(catheter distal end) 435 Visualization/illumination means slot 440
Perfusion (delivery) skive (catheter distal end) 450 Proximal
occlusion balloon inflation skive (catheter distal end) 500 Guide
wire port 510 Occlusion balloon inflation port (inflates both
proximal & distal) 520 Aspiration (evacuation) port 530 Space
occupying balloon inflation port 535 Visualization means port 540
Therapeutic agent delivery (perfusion/fill) port 550 Fiber optic
pressure sensor connector 610 Occlusion balloons hub inflation
skive (catheter proximal end) 620 Aspiration (evacuation) hub skive
(catheter proximal end) 630 Space occupying balloon hub inflation
skive (catheter proximal end) 635 Visualization & illumination
means hub skive 640 Perfusion (fill) hub skive (catheter proximal
end) 700 First fiber optic pressure sensor 701 First fiber optic
pressure sensor proximal end 702 First fiber optic pressure sensor
distal end 704 Second fiber optic pressure sensor 705 Second fiber
optic pressure sensor proximal end 706 Second fiber optic pressure
sensor distal end 710 Two-or three-way valve or check valve
[0124] All references cited in this specification are herein
incorporated by reference as though each reference was specifically
and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The
citation of any reference is for its disclosure prior to the filing
date and should not be construed as an admission that the present
disclosure is not entitled to antedate such reference by virtue of
prior invention.
[0125] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together may also find a useful application
in other types of methods differing from the type described above.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the
gist of the present disclosure that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without
omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly
constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific
aspects of this disclosure set forth in the appended claims. The
foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the
scope of the present disclosure is to be limited only by the
following claims.
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