Expandable transluminal sheath

Abstract

Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration and expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as ureteroscopy, cardiac electrophysiology, gastroenterology, and spinal access.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 60 / 608,355, filed on Sep. 9, 2004, titled Expandable Transluminal Sheath, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to methods and devices for accessing the mammalian urinary tract. In one application, the present invention relates to methods and devices for providing access to the ureter and kidney. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] A wide variety of diagnostic or therapeutic procedures involves the introduction of a device through a natural access pathway. A general objective of access systems, which have been developed for this purpose, is to minimize the cross-sectional area of the access lumen, while maximizing the available space for the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. These procedures are especially suited for th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a device for accessing the kidneys, ureter, or bladder through the ureter. The device includes a sheath with a radially expandable distal end. The sheath can be expanded to a larger diameter through the use of a dilator, which is then removed, allowing for the insertion of instruments or catheters through the sheath. The sheath can be designed to provide minimally invasive access to the body lumen and can be used for therapeutic or diagnostic procedures. The device can be easily inserted and removed from the body lumen.

Problems solved by technology

One of the issues that arise during ureteroscopy is the presence of an obstruction or stenosis in the ureter, which is sometimes called a stricture, that prohibits a catheter with a large enough working channel from being able to be advanced into the ureter.

Such conditions may preclude the minimally invasive approach and require more invasive surgical procedures in order to complete the task.

Alternatively, urologists may start with a larger catheter and then need to downsize to a smaller catheter, a technique that results in a waste of time and expenditure.

Finally, a urologist may need to dilate the ureter with a dilation system before placing the current devices, again a waste of time and a need for multiple devices to perform the procedure.

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