Method and apparatus for centering a microcatheter within a vasculature
US9358037B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 7, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0681
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for centering a microcatheter within a vasculature. In one aspect, the methods and apparatus can be used to support centering and to facilitate a guidewire to cross through a chronic total occlusion. In one embodiment, the catheter apparatus includes: a microcatheter having a lumen, a distal opening and a distal end; one or more guidewires for passing through the lumen of the microcatheter; an inner shaft having a lumen, a distal opening and a distal end for passing the inner shaft over the microcatheter; an outer shaft having a lumen, a distal opening and a distal end for passing the outer shaft over the inner shaft; and a self-expandable scaffold structure disposed towards the distal end of the inner shaft. The self-expandable scaffold structure is preferably non-occluding thereby allowing blood to flow through the scaffold. Preferably, the inner shaft and microcatheter are capable of being independently operable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.