System and method for manipulating insertion pathways for accessing target sites

Abstract

A method for accessing a target site in the body by transferring a guidewire from an initial insertion site on the body to a different insertion site on the body is provided. In one aspect, a method for transferring a medical device or component, such as a sensor lead, from an initial insertion site to another insertion site is also provided. A guidewire of sufficient length, pliancy and deformability to perform a transfer from one insertion site to another insertion site is provided. In one aspect, the guidewire comprises a removable core mandrel to increase rigidity, facilitate insertion and / or improve steerability. A kit or system, comprising introducers, guidewires and catheters for performing a guidewire or device transfer is also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 622,654, filed Jan. 12, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 764,878, filed Feb. 3, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention generally relates to a system and method for transferring a device from an initial insertion site on the body to a different insertion site on the body.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]The placement of a permanently or temporarily implantable device in the left side of the heart, and particularly the left atrium, may be difficult at a particular site of insertion because an operator must contend with the anatomical obstacles or equipment limitations presented by the catheter's route to the left heart. For example, it is more difficult to access the left atrium by performing an atrial transseptal puncture from an insertion point on the neck or near t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a new method for transferring a guidewire from one insertion site to another insertion site in the body. This method involves using a conduit, such as a catheter, to connect the two insertion sites and allow for the transfer of the guidewire. The technical effect of this method is the ability to access difficult-to-reach areas in the heart and blood vessels through a more direct and flexible route, which may be advantageous in certain medical procedures.

Problems solved by technology

The placement of a permanently or temporarily implantable device in the left side of the heart, and particularly the left atrium, may be difficult at a particular site of insertion because an operator must contend with the anatomical obstacles or equipment limitations presented by the catheter's route to the left heart.

For example, it is more difficult to access the left atrium by performing an atrial transseptal puncture from an insertion point on the neck or near the shoulder than it is to perform a standard transfemoral Brockenbrough needle puncture of the intra-atrial septum from the right groin region.

A superior insertion site, however, provides a significantly tortuous and winding pathway to the intra-atrial septum, which makes the use of a Brockenbrough needle puncture technically more difficult from this insertion site.

For example, it can be difficult to perform mitral balloon valvuloplasty from the inferior venous approach because an abrupt curve must be made in the left atrium to reach the mitral valve.

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