Method and apparatus for accessing the pericardial space
US6162195A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/00392
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pericardiocentesis apparatus and method for accessing the pericardial space. The invention consists of inserting a percutaneous tube whose tip has a hole which is positioned over and contacts the anterior pericardium. Introducing a vacuum within said tube forms a pericardial bleb within that hole. A guided needle within the tube is advanced to puncture the pericardial bleb while avoiding contact with the epicardium. A hollow filament or electrocardial lead or flexible guide wire within said needle can then be advanced into said pericardial cavity. The guide wire may be used to guide a intrapericardial catheter into the pericardial space for injection or infusion of selected therapeutic agents into the pericardial space to treat various heart and blood vessel diseases. Controlled drug release material(s) can be injected through said needle for the slow and/or sustained delivery of said therapeutic agents into said pericardial cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.