Medical catheter

Abstract

This invention provides a medical catheter, comprising: a catheter body, an electrode assembly, and a limiting member; the distal end of the catheter body includes a first portion and a second portion, and both ends of the electrode assembly are respectively connected to the first portion and the second portion; the limiting member is disposed on the electrode assembly, such that the electrode assembly forms a first working area and a second working area along the axial direction of the catheter body; the electrode assembly includes electrodes and a plurality of electrode carriers for supporting the electrodes; the first portion and the second portion are movable relative to each other along the axial direction of the catheter body, thereby changing the working outer diameter of the first working area and the second working area; after the first portion and the second portion approach each other, the electrode carriers and the electrodes on them in the first working area and the second working area are staggered. The medical catheter provided by this invention can apply a larger voltage to the electrodes to achieve deep ablation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a medical catheter. Background Technology

[0002] Denervation therapy is currently widely used in the treatment of various diseases. Among them, catheter ablation surgery is one of the main methods of denervation therapy and is currently being used in clinical research on diseases such as renal hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and COPD.

[0003] Catheter ablation is an interventional procedure that delivers a catheter-based therapeutic electrode through a blood vessel to a predetermined treatment area and applies appropriate therapeutic energy (radiofrequency, cryotherapy, ultrasound, high-voltage pulse, etc.). Nerve tissue is generally distributed at a certain distance from the blood vessel wall, and blood vessels vary in size; therefore, ablation systems need to adapt to blood vessels of different sizes to achieve good adhesion, while also delivering effective energy to deeper tissue sites to cause damage to nerve tissue. However, few existing systems can achieve this. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a medical catheter that can adapt to blood vessels of different sizes to achieve good adhesion, while also delivering effective energy to deeper tissue sites.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a medical catheter, comprising: a catheter body, an electrode assembly, and a limiting member;

[0006] The distal end of the catheter body includes a first part and a second part, and the two ends of the electrode assembly are respectively connected to the first part and the second part;

[0007] The limiting member is disposed on the electrode assembly, such that the electrode assembly forms a first working area and a second working area along the axial direction of the catheter body. The electrode assembly includes electrodes and a plurality of electrode carriers for carrying the electrodes. The first part and the second part can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the catheter body, thereby causing the working outer diameter of the first working area and the second working area to change. After the first part and the second part approach each other, the electrode carriers and the electrodes on them in the first working area and the second working area are staggered on the distal projection surface of the catheter body.

[0008] Optionally, in the medical catheter, the electrode carrier includes a working section and a redundant section connected in sequence. The working section and the redundant section are respectively connected to one of the first part and the second part. When the first part and the second part move relative to each other, the working outer diameter of the working section of the first working area and the second working area changes.

[0009] Optionally, in the medical catheter, the limiting member is located between the first working area and the second working area, and the rigidity of the redundant section is greater than that of the working section.

[0010] Optionally, in the medical catheter, the limiting member includes a first limiting member and a second limiting member, wherein the first limiting member is disposed in the redundant section of the electrode carrier in the first working area, and the second limiting member is disposed in the redundant section of the electrode carrier in the second working area.

[0011] Optionally, in the medical catheter, both the first limiting member and the second limiting member are sleeves with a degree of freedom of movement along the axial direction of the catheter body, and the length of the working section changes as the first limiting member and the second limiting member move.

[0012] Optionally, in the medical catheter, at least one of the first limiting member and the second limiting member has a groove facing the other, the width of which is greater than the outer contour dimension of the other member in the width direction of the groove.

[0013] Optionally, in the medical catheter, the surface of the electrode carrier is coated with a smooth coating.

[0014] Optionally, in the medical catheter, the catheter body includes an outer tube and an inner shaft. The distal end of the outer tube includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is closer to the distal end of the inner shaft than the second portion. One end of the inner shaft is connected to the first portion, and the other end of the inner shaft is movably passed through the second portion along its axial direction.

[0015] Optionally, in the medical catheter, the medical catheter further includes a sealing element disposed on the distal surface of the second portion for sealing the distal surface of the second portion.

[0016] Optionally, in the medical catheter, the medical catheter further includes: a traction body, the traction body being movably inserted along the axial direction of the catheter body, with the proximal end of the traction body extending out of the proximal end of the catheter body, and the distal end of the traction body being connected to the limiting member.

[0017] In summary, the medical catheter provided by this invention includes: a catheter body, an electrode assembly, and a limiting member; the distal end of the catheter body includes a first part and a second part, and the two ends of the electrode assembly are respectively connected to the first part and the second part; the limiting member is disposed on the electrode assembly, such that the electrode assembly forms a first working area and a second working area along the axial direction of the catheter body; the electrode assembly includes electrodes and a plurality of electrode carriers for carrying the electrodes; the first part and the second part can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the catheter body, thereby causing the working outer diameter of the first working area and the second working area to change; after the first part and the second part approach each other, on the distal projection surface of the catheter body, the electrode carriers and the electrodes on them in the first working area and the second working area are staggered. That is, by setting the limiting member on the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly forms two working areas that are sequentially distributed along the axial direction of the catheter body. As the first part and the second part of the distal end of the catheter approach each other, the two working areas can each have a working outer diameter that matches the inner diameter of the blood vessel. In addition, the electrode carriers and electrodes on the two working areas are staggered, thereby increasing the distance between the electrodes and allowing a larger voltage to be applied to the electrodes to achieve deep tissue ablation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the medical catheter provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention in the working state;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing element described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the medical catheter provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention in its working state;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the medical catheter provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention in a non-working state;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the first limiting member and the second limiting member in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0023] The labels in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0024] 11-Catheter body; 12-Electrode carrier; 13-Limiting element; 14-Electrode; 15-Sealing element;

[0025] 121 - First electrode carrier; 122 - Second electrode carrier;

[0026] 111 - Outer tube; 112 - Inner shaft;

[0027] 111a - Part 1; 111b - Part 2;

[0028] 131 - First limiting component; 132 - Second limiting component;

[0029] 100 - First through hole; 200 - Second through hole; 300 - Third through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, advantages, and features of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the drawings are all in a very simplified form and are not drawn to scale, and are only used to facilitate and clearly illustrate the objectives of the embodiments of this invention. Furthermore, the structures shown in the drawings are often part of the actual structures. In particular, different figures may emphasize different aspects and sometimes use different scales. It should also be understood that, unless specifically stated or indicated, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in the specification are only used to distinguish the various components, elements, steps, etc., in the specification, and are not used to indicate the logical or sequential relationships between the various components, elements, steps, etc.

[0031] In this application, "proximal" and "distal" refer to the relative orientation, position, and direction of the components or movements relative to each other from the perspective of the physician using the medical device. Although "proximal" and "distal" are not restrictive, "proximal" usually refers to the end of the medical device that is closer to the physician during normal operation, while "distal" usually refers to the end that first enters the patient's body.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment provides a medical catheter, which includes a catheter body 11, an electrode assembly, and a limiting member 13;

[0034] The distal end of the catheter body 11 includes a first part 111a and a second part 111b, and the two ends of the electrode assembly are respectively connected to the first part 111a and the second part 111b.

[0035] The limiting member 13 is disposed on the electrode assembly, such that the electrode assembly forms a first working area and a second working area along the axial direction of the catheter body 11. The electrode assembly includes an electrode 14 and a plurality of electrode carriers 12 for supporting the electrode 14. The first part 111a and the second part 111b can move relative to each other along the axial direction of the catheter body 11, thereby changing the working outer diameter of the first working area and the second working area. After the first part 111a and the second part 111b approach each other, the electrode carriers of the first working area and the second working area and the electrodes 14 thereon are staggered on the distal projection surface of the catheter body 11.

[0036] The medical catheter provided in this embodiment of the invention, by setting the limiting member 13 on the electrode assembly, makes the electrode assembly form two working areas distributed sequentially along the axial direction of the catheter body 11. As the first part 111a and the second part 111b at the distal end of the catheter approach each other, the two working areas can each have a working outer diameter that matches the inner diameter of the blood vessel. In addition, the electrode carriers 12 and the electrodes 14 on them in the two working areas are staggered, thereby increasing the spacing between the electrodes 14, allowing a larger voltage to be applied to the electrodes 14, and achieving deep tissue ablation.

[0037] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As exemplified, the electrode assembly includes two sets of electrode carriers 12, one set of electrode carriers 12 including two first electrode carriers 121, and the other set of electrode carriers 12 including two second electrode carriers 122. The two first electrode carriers 121 and the two second electrode carriers 122 are alternately distributed along the circumference of the catheter body 11, such that the two first electrode carriers 121 are symmetrically distributed about the axis of the catheter body 11 in a first direction, and the two second electrode carriers 122 are symmetrically distributed about the axis of the catheter body 11 in a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0038] Each of the electrode carriers 12 includes working sections connected in sequence. Figure 1 (The curved section shown) and redundant section ( Figure 1 As shown in the diagram (straight section), the electrode 14 is disposed in the working section of each of the electrode carriers 12. The working section and the redundant section are respectively connected to one of the first part 111a and the second part 111b. When the first part 111a and the second part 111b move relative to each other, the working outer diameter of the first working area and the working outer diameter of the working area change. The working sections of the two first electrode carriers 121 and the electrodes 14 disposed thereon constitute the first working area, and the working sections of the two second electrode carriers 122 and the electrodes 14 disposed thereon constitute the second working area.

[0039] In this embodiment, the working sections and redundant sections of the first electrode carrier 121 and the second electrode carrier 122 are separated by the limiting member 13. That is, the limiting member 13 is located between the first working area and the second working area, and the redundant sections of the two sets of electrode carriers 12 are located on opposite sides of the limiting member 13. Specifically, the connection method can be as follows: the working section of the first electrode carrier 121 is connected to the first part 111a, the redundant section of the first electrode carrier 121 is connected to the second part 111b, the working section of the second electrode carrier 122 is connected to the second part 111b, and the redundant section of the second electrode carrier 122 is connected to the first part 111a. When the first part 111a and the second part 111b are relatively close, the working outer diameter of the working sections of the first electrode carrier 121 and the second electrode carrier 122 changes, resulting in the electrode carriers 12 and their electrodes 14 in the first and second working areas being staggered on the distal projection surface of the catheter body 11.

[0040] Optionally, the limiting member 13 is a sleeve, fitted between the first working area and the second working area. This sleeve is fixedly connected to one set of electrode carriers 12 and has a certain degree of freedom of movement relative to the other set of electrode carriers 12. For example, the sleeve is fitted onto two first electrode carriers 121 and two second electrode carriers 122 respectively, maintaining a fixed connection with the two second electrode carriers 122, but having a certain degree of freedom of movement relative to the two first electrode carriers 121.

[0041] In this embodiment, each electrode 14 is preferably disposed at the maximum outer diameter of the corresponding working section. This design allows each electrode 14 to simultaneously adhere to the wall and perform ablation. In other embodiments, each electrode 14 may also be disposed at other locations within the working section, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0042] In this embodiment, the redundant sections of the first electrode carrier 121 and the second electrode carrier 122 may be made of materials with a certain rigidity or have internal reinforcing wires, so that the redundant sections can maintain a straight shape or exhibit a slightly curved shape in the working state, and at least the rigidity of the redundant sections is greater than that of the working section.

[0043] It should be noted that, although Figure 1The illustration shows an example with two groups of electrode carriers 12, each group including two electrode carriers 12. However, it is understood that in this embodiment, the number of groups of electrode carriers 12 can also be multiple, and each group can include two or more electrode carriers 12. It is only necessary to ensure that the electrode carriers 12 of each group are evenly arranged around the axial direction of the catheter body 11 in an alternating manner, so that the electrode carriers 12 and the electrodes 14 on them in the first working area and the second working area are staggered on the distal projection surface of the catheter body 11.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of this first example, the catheter body 11 includes an outer tube 111 and an inner shaft 112. The distal end of the outer tube 111 includes a first portion 111a and a second portion 111b, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the first part 111a is closer to the distal end of the inner shaft 112 than the second part 111b. One end of the inner shaft 112 is connected to the first part 111a, and the other end of the inner shaft 112 is movably passed through the second part 111b along the axial direction of the second part 111b. For ease of operation, the other end of the inner shaft 112 can extend out of the proximal end of the outer tube 111.

[0045] The inner shaft 112 serves two purposes: firstly, it acts as a centering element, preventing unexpected deviation or deflection of the catheter during operation; secondly, it alters the working outer diameter of the electrode carrier 12. Specifically, after the medical catheter is inserted into the target tissue, pulling the proximal end of the inner shaft 112 causes the first portion 111a to move closer to the second portion 111b. As the second portion 111b and the first portion 111a approach each other, the working sections of each electrode carrier 12 bend outwards, gradually increasing the working outer diameter of the first and second working areas. This results in the electrodes 14 in the first and second working areas being staggered, increasing the distance between the electrodes 14 and allowing a greater voltage to be applied to them, thus achieving deep tissue ablation.

[0046] In other embodiments, the working outer diameter of the electrode carrier 12 can also be changed by drawing a wire. Specifically, one end of the wire is connected to the first portion 111a, and the other end of the wire extends movably through the proximal end of the outer tube 111. Similarly, after the medical catheter is inserted into the target tissue, by pulling the wire, the first portion 111a moves closer to the second portion 111b, thereby increasing the working outer diameter of the first working area and the second working area, ultimately achieving the purpose of deep ablation.

[0047] Alternatively, a combination design of wire drawing and inner shaft 112 can be used. The wire drawing and the inner shaft 112 are connected sequentially. One end of the inner shaft 112 is connected to the first part 111a, and the other end of the inner shaft 112 extends into the second part 111b and is connected to the wire drawing, which is movably inserted through the outer tube 111. The wire drawing drives the inner shaft 112 to move, changing the working outer diameter of the first working area and the second working area, ultimately achieving the purpose of deep ablation. It should be noted that when using this design, the other end of the inner shaft 112 remains within the second part 111b.

[0048] In this embodiment, preferably, the medical catheter further includes a traction body, which is inserted axially along the catheter body 11, with its proximal end extending beyond the proximal end of the catheter body 11, and its distal end connected to the limiting member 13. As mentioned above, the limiting member 13 can be sleeved on the electrode carrier 12. In this configuration, the limiting member 13 has a certain degree of freedom of movement on the electrode carrier 12. In practical applications, the position of the limiting member 13 on the electrode carrier 12 can be changed by pushing or pulling the limiting member 13, thereby changing the length of the working section of the electrode carrier 12 to control the maximum working outer diameter of the electrode carrier 12. In this way, the maximum working outer diameter of the electrode carrier 12 can be matched with the inner diameter of the blood vessel, achieving the best ablation effect.

[0049] Preferably, the distal end of the second part 111b is provided with a seal 15, such as Figure 2 As exemplified, the seal 15 has a first through hole 100 for the traction body to pass through, a second through hole 200 for the inner shaft 112 to pass through, and a third through hole 300 for the electrode carrier to pass through and connect to the second part 111b. The seal 15 seals the distal end of the second part 111b to prevent blood from entering the catheter body 11.

[0050] Furthermore, preferably, the surface of each electrode carrier 12 is coated with a smooth coating, such as a coating formed of Teflon, parylene, or other materials. This smooth coating facilitates the movement of the limiting member 13 on the electrode carrier.

[0051]

Example 2

[0052] For examples different from Example 1, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the limiting member 13 includes a first limiting member 131 and a second limiting member 132. The first limiting member 131 is disposed in the redundant segment of the electrode carrier 12 in the first working area. Figure 3(as shown in the straight section), the second limiting member 132 is provided in the redundant section of the electrode carrier 12 in the second working area.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As exemplified, the electrode assembly includes two sets of electrode carriers 12, which have the composition and connection method described in Embodiment 1. The first limiting member 131 is disposed on the redundant section of the two first electrode carriers 121, which serves to limit the radial displacement of the two first electrode carriers 121. The second limiting member 132 is disposed on the redundant section of the two second sets of electrode carriers, which serves to limit the radial displacement of the two second electrode carriers 122.

[0054] When the first part 111a and the second part 111b are by Figure 4 When the initial states shown are close to each other, the redundant section of the first electrode carrier 121, due to the limitation of its radial displacement by the first limiting member 131, still maintains a straight shape or is slightly curved, while the working section of the first electrode carrier 121 ( Figure 3 The curved section shown can bend until its working outer diameter matches the inner diameter of the blood vessel reached by the catheter; correspondingly, the redundant section of the second electrode carrier 122 remains straight or slightly curved due to the limitation of its radial displacement by the second limiting member 132, while the working section of the second electrode carrier 122 can bend until its working outer diameter matches the inner diameter of the blood vessel reached by the catheter; because the working sections of the first electrode carrier 121 and the second electrode carrier 122 are bent, the distance between the electrodes 14 located in the working sections is increased, thereby allowing a greater voltage to be applied to the electrodes 14 to achieve deep tissue ablation.

[0055] In this embodiment, preferably, both the first limiting member 131 and the second limiting member 132 are sleeved members. The first limiting member 131 is sleeved on the redundant segment of the electrode carrier 12 in the first working area, and the second limiting member 132 is sleeved on the redundant segment of the electrode carrier 12 in the second working area. When the first limiting member 131 and the second limiting member 132 are sleeved members, they have a certain degree of freedom of movement on the electrode carrier 12. Thus, the length of the working segment of the electrode carrier 12 can be changed by moving the first limiting member 131 and the second limiting member 132, thereby controlling the maximum outer diameter of the working segment and ensuring that its maximum outer diameter always matches the inner diameter of the blood vessel.

[0056] Correspondingly, in this embodiment, a first traction body can be provided to push or pull the first limiting member 131 to change the position of the first limiting member 131 on the electrode carrier 12, and a second traction body can be provided to push or pull the second limiting member 132 to change the position of the second limiting member 132 on the electrode carrier 12. The arrangement of the first and second traction bodies is similar to that of the traction body described in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0057] Since the two sets of electrode carriers 12 are symmetrical about the axial direction of the catheter body 11 in two mutually perpendicular directions, therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, the first limiting member 131 and the second limiting member 132, which are respectively sleeved on the two sets of electrode carriers 12, are also perpendicular to each other.

[0058] Preferably, at least one of the first limiting member 131 and the second limiting member 132 has a groove facing the other, the width of which is greater than the outer contour width of the other member in the width direction of the groove. By providing the groove, the working outer diameter of the first working area and / or the second working area can be increased, thereby accommodating the wall adhesion requirements of larger blood vessels.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since both the first limiting member 131 and the second limiting member 132 are sleeved members, if an electrode 14 is not located at the maximum outer diameter of its working area in the current state, the position of the corresponding limiting member in the current state can be adjusted so that each electrode 14 is located at the maximum outer diameter of its working area, thereby enabling the electrodes 14 of each electrode carrier 12 to simultaneously adhere to the wall for ablation.

[0060] In other embodiments, the first limiting member 131 and the second limiting member 132 may also be fixedly disposed on the electrode carrier 12, for example, fixed to the side wall of the electrode carrier 12 and interference fit with the electrode carrier 12, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0061] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. In addition, different parts between embodiments can also be combined with each other, and this invention does not limit this.

[0062] It should also be noted that, since the ablation process requires a high degree of adhesion between the catheter and the target tissue, the above embodiments are described in terms of ablation of the target tissue using the medical catheter. However, it should be understood that the medical catheter provided by the present invention is not limited to an ablation catheter, but may also include catheters that integrate ablation and mapping.

[0063] In summary, the medical catheter provided by the present invention includes a catheter body, an electrode carrier, a limiting member, and an electrode. By fitting the limiting member onto the electrode carrier, the axial displacement of a portion of the electrode carrier is restricted. This allows the working section of the electrode carrier with the electrode, where the axial displacement is not restricted by the limiting member, to bend under the traction of the wire, thereby achieving a working outer diameter that matches the inner diameter of the blood vessel wall. Furthermore, the working sections of different electrode carrier groups are sequentially distributed along the axial direction of the catheter body, and the electrodes are staggered in the circumferential direction of the catheter body, thereby increasing the spacing between the electrodes and allowing a greater voltage to be applied to the electrodes to achieve deep tissue ablation.

[0064] Furthermore, it should be understood that although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. For any person skilled in the art, many possible variations and modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention based on the disclosed technical content, or equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A medical catheter, characterized in that, The medical catheter comprises: a catheter body, an electrode assembly and a limiting member; a distal end of the catheter body comprises a first part and a second part, two ends of the electrode assembly are connected with the first part and the second part respectively; the limiting member is arranged on the electrode assembly, so that the electrode assembly forms a first working zone and a second working zone along an axial direction of the catheter body, the electrode assembly comprises electrodes and a plurality of electrode carriers for carrying the electrodes, the first part and the second part are relatively movable along the axial direction of the catheter body, so that a working outer diameter of the first working zone and the second working zone changes, after the first part and the second part are close to each other, the electrode carriers and the electrodes thereon of the first working zone and the second working zone are staggered on a projection plane of the distal end of the catheter body; the electrode carrier comprises a working section and a redundant section connected in sequence, the working section and the redundant section are connected with one of the first part and the second part respectively, the limiting member separates the working section and the redundant section, and a working outer diameter of the working section of the first working zone and the second working zone changes when the first part and the second part are relatively moved.

2. The medical catheter of claim 1, wherein, The limiting member is arranged between the first working zone and the second working zone, and a rigidity of the redundant section is greater than that of the working section.

3. The medical catheter of claim 1, wherein, A surface of the electrode carrier is coated with a smooth coating.

4. The medical catheter of claim 1, wherein, The catheter body comprises an outer tube and an inner shaft, a distal end of the outer tube comprises the first part and the second part, and the first part is closer to a distal end of the inner shaft than the second part, one end of the inner shaft is connected with the first part, and the other end of the inner shaft is movably arranged through the second part along an axial direction of the second part.

5. The medical catheter of claim 4, wherein, The medical catheter further comprises a sealing member arranged on a distal end surface of the second part, for sealing the distal end surface of the second part.

6. The medical catheter of claim 1, wherein, The medical catheter further comprises a traction body movably arranged along an axial direction of the catheter body, a proximal end of the traction body is arranged out of a proximal end of the catheter body, and a distal end of the traction body is connected with the limiting member.

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