DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TREATING CHRONIC TOTAL OCCLUSION

摘要

Catheterization systems and methods for treatment of a condition within a blood vessel are provided that include the use of a catheter, a balloon immediately adjacent to the distal end of the catheter, an inflation device for expanding the balloon, and an occlusion-penetrating device for gaining access through an occlusion. The occlusion penetrating device may include an indeflator configured to injected fluid at a high pressure, an RF wire, a hollow needle wire, a dissection tool, a laser wire, or even a very small balloon to exploit existing microchannels in the occlusion.

主权项

1. A method of treating an occlusion within a blood vessel, the method comprising:
inserting a support catheter defining proximal and distal ends and a central lumen terminating at an aperture at the distal end into the blood vessel, the central lumen being configured to permit the advancement of an occlusion-penetrating device therethrough to the occlusion; inflating an elastomeric membrane mounted on the support catheter so that the elastomeric membrane substantially closes off the blood vessel and stabilizes the longitudinal position of the support catheter within the blood vessel, the elastomeric membrane including a proximal end and an opposite distal end, the distal end of the support catheter projecting beyond the distal end of the elastomeric membrane when the elastomeric membrane is fully inflated, wherein the elastomeric membrane, when inflated, is positioned to minimize contact between the vessel and a treatment fluid and/or debris; and advancing the occlusion-penetrating device through the central lumen to the occlusion; and operating the occlusion-penetrating device to expand an existing microchannel in the occlusion to form a channel at least partially through the occlusion.