Endovascular treatment apparatus and method

摘要

An endovascular sheath device for use with a thermal treatment apparatus is provided. The device includes a longitudinal tube which is designed to receive a thermal treatment device and is designed to be inserted into a blood vessel. An ultrasonically visible reinforcement element is disposed along the length of the longitudinal tube. The reinforcement element such as a braided wire provides several functions including increased visibility under ultrasound, clearer identification of sheath tip, and increased durability to protect the fiber from needle punctures during tumescent injections into the perivenous space. The wire reinforcement also increases shaft torquability and kink resistance during sheath insertion and withdrawal.

主权项

1. A method of using an endovascular thermal treatment delivery device comprising the steps of:
inserting into a blood vessel a longitudinal tube having an ultrasonically visible reinforcement element disposed along a wall of the longitudinal tube; positioning a tip of the longitudinal tube at a target site using the ultrasonically visible reinforcement element in the longitudinal tube as an ultrasonic guide; and inserting a thermal treatment device through a lumen of the longitudinal tube; wherein the thermal treatment device is an optical fiber, said method including the step of visually checking an aiming beam to locate an optical fiber tip while the optical fiber is being inserted through the longitudinal tube.