Apparatus and methods for coronary sinus access
US6979290B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 29, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0147
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for locating morphological features within a body cavity includes a catheter including proximal and distal ends, a transparent balloon carried on the distal end, and an optical imaging assembly carried on the distal end for imaging through the balloon. The balloon includes a channel extending therethrough to a lumen extending through the catheter. A guidewire or other localization member is received in the lumen that is extendabe through the channel. During use, the catheter is inserted into a right atrium of a heart, and the balloon is expanded and placed against the wall of the heart to locate the coronary sinus. Sufficient force is applied to clear blood between the surface and the wall and clear the field of view of the imaging assembly. The catheter is manipulated to locate the coronary sinus, whereupon the localization member is advanced into the coronary sinus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.