Apparatus for safe performance of transseptal technique and placement and positioning of an ablation catheter

Abstract

A steerable catheter system to perform a transseptal puncture procedure comprises a steerable catheter shaft with at least one inner lumen, and an inner element slidably positioned within a shaft lumen, wherein the distal tip of the shaft can be deflected, counter-deflected, rotated, and counter-rotated and wherein the inner element can be deployed or retracted. In one embodiment, a single steerable catheter is capable of performing an intended procedure and a transseptal procedure all in one, wherein the catheter comprises an outer steerable catheter and an inner element which can be deployed to perform a transseptal puncture, and wherein, once the inner element crosses the inter-atrial septum, the catheter itself can slide forward without advancement of the inner element.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a divisional of co-pending, commonly assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 105,820, filed May 11, 2011, which in turn is based upon and claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 333,307, filed May 11, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This application is directed to safe performance of transseptal technique. More particularly, this invention relates to the safe performance of transseptal technique and the placement and positioning of a left-side therapy and / or device such as an ablation catheter, left atrial appendage occlusive device, percutaneous valve or clip, or some other left-sided cardiac procedure, such as valvuloplasty.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The performance of a transseptal procedure is an essential part of a number of left-sided procedures for left-side therapy and / or device such a...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention relates to a system and method for simultaneously operating on both sides of the heart (right and left), which can improve the safety and performance of a transseptal procedure and enhance the stability of a catheter within the heart. This can be achieved by securing the distal ends of two catheters together. The patent text mentions various means for achieving this, such as using fluoroscopy, 3-D mapping, tracers, transducers, and magnetic guidance / coupling.

Problems solved by technology

Many of these transseptal and ablation procedures are performed under administration of therapeutic warfarin, which subjects the patient to additional bleeding risks from the transseptal and / or ablation procedures.

Even if anatomical landmarks are used with fluoroscopic guidance (i.e., catheter visualization) and intracardiac echocardiography, there are significant risks.

One problem with the standard transseptal approach is the mere fact that the needle travels from the safer right side of the heart to the more precarious left side of the heart.

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