Steerable endoluminal punch

Abstract

This invention is a transvascularly placed punch, further including internal steerability and the ability to articulate in a direction at right angles to its longitudinal axis at or near its distal end. The punch is generally fabricated from stainless steel and includes an outer tube, an intermediate tube, a central stylet, hub structures, and a distal articulating region. The punch can be advanced through a body lumen in its straight configuration and then be selectively articulated or curved to permit negotiation of tortuous curvature or to permit optimal approach or access to a puncture site. The punch is able to create holes in the atrial septum of the heart or other structures and is easier to use than punches that are pre-curved near their distal tip since it is easier to advance through accessory catheters.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM [0001] This application claims priority benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 702,239, filed Jul. 25, 2005, entitled STEERABLE ENDOLUMINAL PUNCH, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to devices and methods for performing endovascular access to the cardiovascular system or other body vessels or body lumens, especially procedures performed in the fields of cardiology, radiology, electrophysiology, and surgery. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] During certain interventional procedures that are directed at cardiac access, the patient is catheterized through an access point in a vein or artery. A catheter is routed to the heart or other region of the cardiovascular system through the access point, which may be created by a cutdown or a percutaneous access procedure. The catheter may be routed to a target location within the heart, cerebrovasculature, or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may

Problems solved by technology

Erroneous placement of the punch can lead to penetration of adjacent structures such as the aorta, damage to which would cause potentially severe hemorrhage and potentially compromise the health of the patient.

A main disadvantage of this system is that the Brockenbrough needle system is pre-curved at its distal end and is relatively rigid.

The material carved from the guide catheter could potentially be released into the cardiovascular system and generate emboli with any number of serious clinical sequelae.

Furthermore, advancing a pre-curved, rigid punch through the cardiova

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