Catheter system for connecting adjacent blood vessels

摘要

The catheter apparatus may be used to assist in creating a fistula between two adjacent blood vessels. The apparatus includes a catheter for inserting into a first blood vessel which lies adjacent to a second blood vessel, the catheter having a plurality of openings through which a physician may navigate a piercing tool. The physician maneuvers the tip of the catheter to a position within the first blood vessel adjacent to a portion of the first blood vessel wall in which the physician intends to create an opening. The physician may then rotate the piercing tool within the catheter and extend the piercing tool through one opening at a time, without rotating the catheter, until the physician chooses an opening that is properly aimed at the second blood vessel. Such a configuration allows for a wide arc of potential firing space.