Dilatation Catheter with Enhanced Distal End for Crossing Occluded Lesions

Abstract

A catheter for crossing an occluding lesion with an inflatable balloon and dilating the lesion includes an inner tube that defines a longitudinal axis. The balloon includes a distal section that is bonded to the tube's distal end, a working section, and a conically shaped distal transition section connecting the working and distal section. A plurality of rigid ribs are spaced around the circumference of the balloon near the catheter's distal end. Each rib includes a first elongated portion attached to the balloon's distal section and aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis. A second portion extending from the first portion and at an angle thereto is attached to and lies along the surface of the balloon's distal transition section. The plurality of ribs combine to simulate a stiff, tapered surface that can be wedged into the occluding lesion to create a passageway to cross the lesion with the balloon.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 340,406, filed Jan. 9, 2003.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to surgical instruments. More particularly, the present invention pertains to transluminal dilatation catheters for revascularization of an occluded conduit or connective duct. The present invention is particularly, though not exclusively, useful for crossing an occluding lesion in a vascular conduit with a dilatation balloon and subsequently dilating the lesion to restore blood flow through the conduit.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]In coronary artery disease, the coronary arteries become narrow or blocked due to a gradual build-up of atherosclerotic plaque that affixes to the inner surface of the arterial wall. These lesions restrict the flow of blood through the diseased artery, and, if left untreated can result in complications that include acute myocardial infarction. The firs...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]In operation, a peripheral artery, such as the femoral artery is first pierced to provide access to the vascular tree and a sheath is positioned within the artery. Next, a guidewire is inserted into the peripheral artery, navigated through the vasculature and poked through the targeted occluding lesion. With the guidewire in place, the dilatation balloon is deflated and the distal end of the catheter is threaded onto the guidewire. Next, the distal end of the catheter is inserted into the peripheral artery and pushed through the vasculature with the distal end of the catheter tracking the guidewire until the ribs contact the targeted occluding lesion. Next, the catheter is axially advanced to wedge the simulated tapered surface created by the ribs into the lesion and establish a passageway through the lesion surrounding the guidewire. If desired, the distal end of the catheter can be axially reciprocated back and forth to drive the ribs into the lesion and create the required passageway. Alternatively, the balloon can be partially inflated to assist in the creation of the passageway.

Problems solved by technology

These lesions restrict the flow of blood through the diseased artery, and, if left untreated can result in complications that include acute myocardial infarction.

A traditional limitation of PTCA is the treatment of totally occluded arteries.

Conventional catheters designed with flexible distal portions for trackability lack the necessary stiffness to advance through an occluding lesion, and thus have been generally limited to the treatment of partially blocked arteries.

Images