Methods and apparatus for crossing vascular occlusions
US6217527A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0197
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for crossing totally to substantially occluded blood vessels by passing a redirectable wire such as a guidewire from a relatively proximal point past the occlusion within a subintimal space formed between the intimal layer and the adventitial layer of a blood vessel wall. The wire may be advanced to a point distal to the occlusion, and thereafter deflected back into the blood vessel lumen, typically using a deflecting catheter which is advanced over the guidewire after it has been positioned within the subintimal space. The deflecting catheter may include a flapper valve assembly or preformed actuator wire for redirecting the guidewire. After the guidewire is returned to the blood vessel lumen, the deflecting catheter may be withdrawn, and the guidewire may be available for introduction of other interventional and diagnostic catheters for performing procedures such as stenting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.