Structure for coupling a guidewire and a catheter
US5046497A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1988 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0183
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for introducing one or more devices into a biological fluid vessel. The system includes a device having a coupling structure comprising a pair of spaced-apart fingers adapted for receiving a guidewire therebetween. Preferably, the system includes a guidewire having a constricted fitting region at its proximal end where the coupling structure may be easily connected to the guidewire. In one use, the method is used in coronary angioplasty to diagnose and treat stenosis across a coronary valve or other vessel in the coronary arterial tree. In this method, a guiding catheter is percutaneously inserted with its distal end proximate the ostium. A guidewire is inserted through the guiding catheter and subselectively positioned in a region of interest in the coronary arterial tree. Multiple devices may be coupled to the guidewire in accordance with the present invention and then threaded down the guidewire and positioned in the region of interest. Advantageously, the diagnostic and therapeutic devices are small (approximately 3 French in diameter), allowing multiple devices to be threaded through the guiding catheter and positioned in the small arteries of the coronary …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.