Catheter with enhanced navigability to avoid the ophthalmic artery

Abstract

A catheter (100) includes an elongated body (10), a tip (20), a central lumen (40), and a hump (50). The elongated body includes a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis (106), and an elongated body outer diameter. The tip is disposed along the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated body. The tip includes an opening having a tip outer diameter that is less than the elongated body outer diameter, a neck (22) proximal of the opening having the tip outer diameter, and a shoulder (24) disposed between the neck and the elongated body. The central lumen extends along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end through the tip. The hump extends longitudinally from the elongated body proximate the opening and is partially circumferentially attached to at least a portion of the neck and the elongated body, thereby forming an asymmetric cross-section of the distal end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically to catheters with enhanced navigation capabilities. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of catheters have been developed for use during neurovascular interventions. Regardless of the specific type of catheter chosen, it needs to be able to traverse specific anatomical structures to reach the treatment site. Then, depending on the function of the selected catheter, an implant, another catheter, or other device (e.g., a delivery aid) can pass through its lumen to accomplish a designated task. For example, aspiration catheters are referred to as intermediate or distal entry catheters. Such aspiration catheters can be used in mechanical thrombectomy to perform, for example, direct contact aspiration. In this case, the aspiration catheter navigates through the vascular anatomy to reach the occlusion site, and its proximal end is connected to a syringe or aspiration pump that generates negative pressure to engage or extract the thrombus.

[0003] In navigating a patient's vascular system, factors such as efficiency and navigability are key considerations in evaluating catheter performance. Navigability is a desirable characteristic, especially for distally accessed catheters (e.g., to facilitate navigation and effective aspiration). However, this can be challenging due to the nature of the vascular system through which catheters are navigated. Therefore, there is always a need to improve or enhance the navigability of various catheters. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This document discloses various exemplary catheters with enhanced navigation capabilities that can at least alleviate the aforementioned requirements. Furthermore, a corresponding method for manipulating the catheter is provided in this disclosure.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a catheter includes an elongated body, a distal end, a central lumen, and a ridge. The elongated body includes a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer diameter of the elongated body. The distal end is disposed along the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated body. The distal end includes: an opening having a distal outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the elongated body; a neck proximal to the opening having the distal outer diameter; and a shoulder disposed between the neck and the elongated body. The central lumen extends along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end through the distal end. The ridge extends longitudinally from the elongated body to the vicinity of the opening and is partially circumferentially attached to at least a portion of the neck and the elongated body, thereby forming an asymmetrical cross-section of the distal end.

[0006] In some examples, the asymmetric cross-section has an outer diameter larger than the average inner diameter of the ophthalmic artery to prevent the catheter from entering the ophthalmic artery.

[0007] In some examples, the outer diameter of the asymmetric cross-section is smaller than the average inner diameter of the cerebral blood vessels to allow the catheter to pass through the cerebral blood vessels.

[0008] In some examples, the catheter also includes a side lumen disposed within the sidewall of the catheter, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and exiting through the distal end, the side lumen being configured to receive a guidewire.

[0009] In some examples, the central lumen has a uniform inner diameter.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a catheter includes an elongated body, a distal end, a central lumen, and at least one diverting lumen. The elongated body includes a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer diameter of the elongated body. The distal end is disposed along the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated body. The distal end includes: an opening having a distal outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the elongated body; a neck proximal to the opening having the distal outer diameter; and a shoulder disposed between the neck and the elongated body. The central lumen extends along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end through the distal end. At least one diverting lumen extends along the longitudinal axis within the sidewall of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end through the distal end, and the at least one diverting lumen closes near the opening.

[0011] In some examples, at least one steering lumen includes a steering lumen opening located on the outer surface of the circumferential end near the opening.

[0012] In some examples, the swivel lumen opening extends essentially radially through the sidewall.

[0013] In some examples, at least one steering lumen includes a sealed distal end near the opening.

[0014] In some examples, at least one steering lumen includes at least one branch that extends substantially radially inward and has an inflated internal volume when the liquid injected into it is pressurized.

[0015] In some examples, the catheter includes at least two diverting lumens arranged symmetrically around the entire circumference of the catheter.

[0016] In some examples, the catheter includes at least four diverting lumens.

[0017] In some examples, the catheter also includes a side lumen disposed within the sidewall of the catheter, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and exiting through the distal end, the side lumen being configured to receive a guidewire.

[0018] In some examples, the catheter also includes a side lumen disposed within the sidewall of the catheter, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and exiting through the shoulder; the side lumen is configured to receive a guidewire.

[0019] In some examples, the catheter also includes an inflatable annular balloon that is fully circumferentially attached to at least a portion of the elongated body or a portion of its distal end.

[0020] In some examples, the inflatable ring balloon has an outer diameter that is larger than the average inner diameter of the ophthalmic artery when inflated, to prevent the catheter from entering the ophthalmic artery.

[0021] In some examples, the inflatable ring balloon has an outer diameter smaller than the average inner diameter of cerebral blood vessels when inflated, to allow the catheter to pass through the cerebral blood vessels.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for manipulating a catheter. The catheter includes an elongated body, a distal end, a central lumen, and at least one diverting lumen. The elongated body includes a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer diameter of the elongated body. The distal end is disposed at the distal end of the elongated body along the longitudinal axis. The distal end includes: an opening having a distal outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the elongated body; a neck proximal to the opening having the distal outer diameter; and a shoulder disposed between the neck and the elongated body. The central lumen extends along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end through the distal end. At least one diverting lumen extends along the longitudinal axis within the sidewall of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end through the distal end, and the at least one diverting lumen closes near the opening. The method includes: selecting a diverting lumen from at least one diverting lumen; injecting fluid into the selected diverting lumen; pressurizing the selected diverting lumen; and manipulating the distal end of the catheter.

[0023] In some examples, the method also includes injecting brine into the selected diversion lumen.

[0024] Other aspects and features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after viewing the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will be further discussed with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which similar numbers indicate similar structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; rather, the focus is on illustrating the principles of the invention. The drawings depict one or more specific embodiments of the apparatus of the invention by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

[0026] Figure 1 This is an illustration of an exemplary distal portion of a catheter according to various aspects of the present invention; Figure 2A According to various aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 1 An illustration of an exemplary distal portion of a catheter, the catheter having a raised portion to which it is attached; Figure 2BIt is along the various aspects of the present invention Figure 2A Illustration of an exemplary distal portion of the catheter, taken along line 2-2 and viewed in the direction of the arrow; Figure 3 It is along the various aspects of the present invention Figure 2A A diagram of a cross-sectional view of the duct taken along line 3-3 and observed in the direction of the arrow; Figures 4A to 4B According to various aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 2A The diagram shown illustrates catheter navigation through the vascular system. Figures 5A to 5C According to various aspects of the present invention, the raised portion is attached to such Figure 1 An illustration of an exemplary scenario of the catheter shown; Figure 6A According to various aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 1 The illustration shows an exemplary distal portion of a catheter having a lateral lumen; Figure 6B It is along the various aspects of the present invention Figure 6A An illustration of an exemplary distal portion of the catheter, taken along line 6B-6B and viewed in the direction of the arrow. Figure 6C According to various aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 6A An illustration of a perspective view of an exemplary distal portion of the catheter shown; Figure 6D It is along the various aspects of the present invention Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary distal portion of the catheter, taken along line 6D-6D and viewed in the direction of the arrow, showing the catheter having a lateral lumen; Figure 7A This is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary end of a catheter having a diverting lumen according to various aspects of the present invention; Figure 7B It is along the various aspects of the present invention Figure 7A A diagram illustrating an exemplary cross-sectional view of the end of a catheter, taken along line 7B-7B and viewed in the direction of the arrow; Figure 7C It is along the various aspects of the present invention Figure 7A An illustration of an exemplary cross-sectional view of the end of a catheter, taken along line 7C-7C and viewed in the direction of the arrow; Figure 7D It is along the various aspects of the present invention Figure 7A An illustration of an exemplary sectional view of the end of a catheter, taken along line 7D-7D and viewed in the direction of the arrow; Figure 8 According to various aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 7AAn illustration of an implementation environment for an exemplary distal end of the catheter shown; Figure 9A This is a perspective view illustration of another exemplary end of a catheter having another type of diverting lumen according to various aspects of the present invention; Figure 9B It is along the various aspects of the present invention Figure 9A An illustration of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary end of a catheter, taken along line 9B-9B and viewed in the direction of the arrow; Figure 9C It is along the various aspects of the present invention Figure 9A An illustration of an exemplary sectional view of the end of a catheter, taken along line 9C-9C and viewed in the direction of the arrow; Figure 10 According to various aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 9A An illustration of an exemplary implementation scenario of the exemplified distal end of the catheter; Figures 11A to 11D According to various aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 1 The illustrations depict several exemplary scenarios of an exemplary catheter having an inflatable annular balloon attached to the catheter. Figure 12 According to various aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 11A Illustrations of the exemplary inflatable annular balloon of the illustrated catheter in its resting and inflated states; Figure 13 According to various aspects of the present invention, such as Figure 11A An illustration of an implementation scenario of an exemplary catheter with an inflatable ring balloon; Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for manipulating a catheter according to various aspects of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Generally, the various exemplary catheters described herein possess enhanced navigational capabilities. Utilizing improved navigational performance, catheters (e.g., aspiration catheters) can be better suited for navigation through challenging anatomical structures. For example, catheters can be navigated more easily in cerebral blood vessels. Simultaneously, it can prevent the catheters described in this disclosure from entering the ophthalmic artery. In some examples, catheters with enhanced navigational capabilities may have a swerve designed internally at their distal end, thus becoming more maneuverable. In some other examples, catheters with enhanced navigational capabilities may have an internal guidewire with a lateral lumen designed internally at their distal end. In this case, the catheter may reach the clot within a shorter timeframe. Further advantages of these catheters will be understood through the detailed explanation below, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 An exemplary distal portion of the catheter is illustrated. Figure 1 In this document, catheter 100 may include an elongated body 10 with an outer diameter of D1. The elongated body 10 is shown herein as having a uniform outer diameter. However, it should be understood that catheter 100 is merely an exemplary catheter among various catheters. Therefore, some catheters suitable for implementing the examples described herein may have different shapes and configurations (e.g., non-uniform outer diameters). The elongated body 10 includes a proximal end 102, a distal end 104, and a longitudinal axis 106. At the distal end 104, the external shape of catheter 100 may taper gradually or relatively abruptly to a smaller outer diameter. At such a distal end 104, catheter 100 includes a distal end 20 disposed along the longitudinal axis 106. The distal end 20 includes an opening 30 with an outer diameter of D2. In this document, the outer diameter D2 of the distal end 20 is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the elongated body. As an example, the smaller outer diameter D2 may be as thin as 15 mm. The distal end 20 also includes a neck 22 proximal to the opening 30. The distal end 20 also includes a shoulder 24 disposed between the neck 22 and the elongated body 10. The diameter of the distal end 20 tapers gradually from its proximal end adjacent to the elongated body 10 to its distal end adjacent to the neck 22. The catheter 100 also includes a central lumen 40 extending along a longitudinal axis 106 from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104 through the distal end 20. In this document, the central lumen 40 is shown as having a uniform inner diameter D3. However, it should be understood that, depending on the specific type and function of the catheter, applying the various examples described in this disclosure to the catheter does not require the central lumen to have a uniform inner diameter.

[0029] Figure 2A An example is shown of attaching the raised portion 50 to... Figure 1 The conduit in the middle. Figure 2B It is along Figure 2A The sectional view is taken from line 2-2 and observed along the direction of the arrow. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the duct taken along line 3-3 and viewed in the direction of the arrow. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this case, the raised portion 50 is attached to one side of the catheter 100. In other words, the raised portion 50 is partially circumferentially attached to the catheter. Therefore, referring to... Figure 3 The sectional view of the distal end 104 has an asymmetrical cross-section 60. Figure 3 In the middle, the asymmetric cross-section 60 has an outer diameter D5. (Return to reference) Figure 2A and Figure 2B The raised portion 50 has a length of 51 and extends longitudinally from the elongated body 10 to near the opening 30. Figure 2A and Figure 2BIn the catheter 100, the ridge 50 covers a portion of the elongated body 10, the entire shoulder 24, and a portion of the neck 22. In this way, the ridge 50 covers the portion of the catheter 100 that transitions from the larger outer diameter D1 to the smaller outer diameter D2. The ridge 50 allows the distal end 20 to navigate around bends in the vascular system. Therefore, the ridge 50 makes it easier for the distal end 20, and thus the catheter 100, to navigate around bends, thereby avoiding entry into unwanted vascular system pathways.

[0030] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This illustrates a navigation scenario within the vascular system 70 of catheter 100. For example... Figure 4A and Figure 4B As illustrated, the vascular system 70 includes cerebral vessels 76, wherein the ophthalmic artery 72 branches from the cerebral vessels 76 at a bifurcation point 74. Because the bulge 50 is attached to the distal end 104 of the catheter 100, the catheter 100 can more easily bypass the bifurcation point 74 and avoid the ophthalmic artery 72. Furthermore, as... Figure 4B As illustrated, the bulge 50 can also deform the distal end 20 and thus give it a curved shape. Such a curved shape can further assist the distal end 20 when navigating around bends, branches, etc. (e.g., branches formed around bifurcation point 74). In this document, for navigation within the cerebral blood vessel 76, the outer diameter D5 of the asymmetric cross-section 60 is smaller than the inner diameter D7 of the cerebral blood vessel 76. In this case, the outer diameter D5 is preferably designed to be smaller than the average inner diameter D7 of the human cerebral blood vessel 76.

[0031] In some examples, to prevent the distal end 20 from entering the ophthalmic artery 72, the outer diameter D5 of the asymmetric cross-section 60 can be designed to be larger than the inner diameter D4 of the ophthalmic artery 72. For example, the outer diameter D5 can be designed to be smaller than the average inner diameter D4 of the human ophthalmic artery 72. In this way, the distal end 20 and the corresponding conduit 100 can be prevented from entering the ophthalmic artery 72. For example, the average inner diameter of the ophthalmic artery in men is 1.43 ± 0.24 mm, and in women it is 1.34 ± 0.20 mm. Considering that there is no statistically significant difference in diameter between sexes or ages, the same outer diameter D5 can be used for various patients. However, it should be understood that if the size of the ophthalmic artery varies, such parameters can be designed differently as needed to accommodate different medical needs of different ages and sexes, as long as D5 is greater than the diameter of the ophthalmic artery. As an example, at the entrance of the visual vessel, the average inner diameter D4 can be 1.38 ± 0.23 mm, which is measured at approximately 5 mm from the origin.

[0032] Figures 5A to 5C Three exemplary scenarios are illustrated for attaching the protrusion 50 to the catheter 100. For example... Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs illustrated, the protrusion 50 can be designed to have different outer diameters. Therefore, the outer diameter D5 of the asymmetric cross-section 60 can vary within a certain range (e.g., greater than D4 but less than D7). In this document, the outer diameter D5 is measured from the top 52 of the protrusion 50 to the bottom of the elongated body 10 or the opposite diameter side, as shown. Figure 3 and Figures 5A to 5C As illustrated. In some cases, such as Figure 5C As illustrated, the bulge 50 may cover a portion of the shoulder 24 and a portion of the neck 22, rather than a portion of the elongated body 10, the entire shoulder 24, and a portion of the neck 22.

[0033] Figure 6A Examples Figure 1 Another exemplary embodiment of the distal portion of the catheter 100 in the catheter, Figure 6B Examples are shown along Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the duct, taken along line 6B-6B and viewed in the direction of the arrow. Figure 6C yes Figure 6A A perspective view of the distal portion of the catheter. (See image.) Figures 6A to 6C As shown, the side lumen 110 is disposed within the side wall 108 of the catheter 100, extending along the longitudinal axis 106 from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104 (the longitudinal axis is not shown in the diagram). Figures 6A to 6C (As shown in the diagram). A side lumen 110 exits through the distal end 20, with an opening 112 at the distal end surface of the distal end 20. The side lumen 110 is configured to receive a guidewire 114. In this configuration, the catheter 100 has a double lumen. The guidewire 114 can act as a ridge of the catheter 100, thereby allowing the entire catheter to be manipulated and twisted. Furthermore, since the guidewire 114 is integrated into the catheter 100, time is saved for the physician in the field when installing the guidewire into the catheter 100. In this way, the time spent reaching the clot can be reduced. Additionally, the central lumen 40 remains available for the physician or operator to insert the guidewire they wish to use. (Reference) Figure 6B As an example, guidewire 116 can be inserted into the central lumen 40; this guidewire is selected by the physician or operator. Figures 6A to 6C In the middle, the side lumen 110 gradually tapers together with the catheter 100. However, it should be understood that, where the relevant contours of the catheter's sidewalls allow, the side lumen can also remain straight without the tapering feature.

[0034] Figure 6D Examples are shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the distal portion of the conduit 100, taken along line 6D-6D and viewed in the direction of the arrow. Figure 6DIn this configuration, the lateral lumen 110b is disposed within the sidewall 108 of the catheter 100, extending along the longitudinal axis 106 from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104. However, compared with... Figures 6A to 6C The illustrated implementation schemes differ, in Figure 6D In the middle, the side lumen 110b exits through the shoulder 24 having an opening 112b. Similarly, the side lumen 110 is configured to receive the guidewire 114.

[0035] In order not to obscure the relevant features to be described, Figures 6A to 6D The raised portion 50 is not shown. However, this does not mean that these features are mutually exclusive. On the contrary, a catheter having a raised portion attached to its distal portion may also have a lateral lumen. For example, the raised portion and the lateral lumen may be designed on the same side or different sides of the catheter (e.g., catheter 100 described herein).

[0036] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of an exemplary distal end 20 of catheter 200. In this document, catheter 200 is... Figure 1 The catheter 100 has the same components and therefore shares the same reference numerals. The catheter 200 differs from the catheter 100 in that the catheter 200 has a directional lumen. Figure 7B It is along Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary end 20 of the conduit 200, taken along lines 7B-7B and viewed in the direction of the arrow. (See also...) Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the diversion lumen 80a extends along the longitudinal axis 106 from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104 within the sidewall 108 of the distal end 22 of the conduit 200. The diversion lumen 80a closes near the opening 30. Conversely, reference Figure 7A Each steering cavity 80a has a steering cavity opening 82 located on the circumferential end outer surface 32 near the opening 30. (Reference) Figure 7B The turning lumen opening 82 extends radially through the sidewall 108. Figure 7C and Figure 7D These are cross-sectional views of an exemplary end 20 of the conduit 200, viewed along lines 7C-7C and 7D-7D and in the direction of the arrows. Figure 7C and Figure 7D In the illustrated example, four diverting lumens 80a are configured, which are symmetrically arranged around the entire circumference of the conduit 200.

[0037] It should be understood that Figures 7A to 7DThe scenarios shown are merely exemplary examples and not intended to limit any of the examples described herein. Although four diverting lumens are shown above, catheters implementing examples of this disclosure may have only one diverting lumen, or at least two diverting lumens, or any suitable number to meet a particular need. The diverting lumens may be arranged symmetrically, or alternatively asymmetrically, or a combination thereof.

[0038] Figure 8 Examples are shown as follows Figure 7A The exemplary implementation environment of the distal end 20 of the illustrated catheter 200. With an additional diversion lumen 80a configured within the sidewall 108 of the catheter 200, a fluid 88 (such as, for example, saline) can be injected into the internal diversion lumen 80a. As the fluid 88 is injected through the diversion lumen 80a, it passes through the internal diversion lumen 80a and exits from the diversion lumen 80a through an opening 82 in the sidewall of the distal end 20 of the catheter 20. This process allows the distal end 20 to move away from the wall of the cerebral blood vessel 76. For example, as... Figure 8 Injecting liquid 88 into the upper diversion lumen 80a, as shown, can cause the distal end 20 of the conduit 200 to move downwards. Similarly, if as... Figure 8 Injecting liquid 88 into the lower diversion lumen 80a allows the distal end 20 of catheter 200 to move upwards. Therefore, the diversion lumen 80a allows a physician or operator to manipulate catheter 200 around bends and twists in the blood vessel (e.g., as shown). Figures 4A to 4B (The branch shown).

[0039] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of another exemplary end 20 of the catheter 200, and Figure 9B It is along Figure 9A A sectional view taken along line 9B-9B and viewed in the direction of the arrow. Similar to... Figure 7A , Figure 9A The conduit 200 also has a diversion lumen 80b. However, each diversion lumen 80b has a sealing distal end 86 near the opening 30. Therefore, refer to Figure 9A There is no opening on the outer surface of the neck 22. (Return to reference) Figure 9B The diversion lumen 80b includes an inwardly extending branch 802. In some examples, the branch 802 may extend substantially radially inward. This type of diversion lumen 80b forms a microchannel inside or within the catheter 200. (Reference) Figure 9C It is along Figure 9AThe cross-sectional view along line 9C-9C and viewed in the direction of the arrow shows two diverting lumens 80b configured within the sidewall 108 of the conduit 200. However, it should be understood that any suitable number of diverting lumens 80b can be designed to meet the needs, such as one, two, three, four, or even more. Furthermore, when more than one diverting lumen 80b is deployed, they can be arranged symmetrically, asymmetrically, or in a combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical arrangements around the entire circumference of the conduit 200. In some examples, diverting lumens 80a and 80b can be used together, provided that such a design can meet the requirements with at least the same or better performance than using either 80a or 80b alone.

[0040] Figure 10 Examples are shown as follows Figure 9A An exemplary implementation scenario of the distal end 20 of the illustrated catheter 200. Similar to... Figure 8 In the illustrated implementation scenario, fluid 88 (e.g., brine) can be injected into the steering lumen 80b. When liquid 88 is injected into the steering lumen 80b, side branches 802 disposed along the steering lumen 80b can expand. In other words, when the liquid 88 injected into the branches is pressurized, these branches can have an expanded internal volume. Figure 10 In the upper diversion lumen 80b, branch 802 has a smaller internal volume than branch 802 of the lower diversion lumen 80b because liquid 88 is injected into and pressurized in the lower diversion lumen 80b. The expansion of the smaller branch 802 allows the end 20 of the conduit 200 to bend towards the side of the injected conduit or diversion lumen 80b, such as... Figure 10 As shown. For example, injecting liquid 88 into the lower diversion lumen 80b can cause the distal end 20 to move downwards. Similarly, injecting liquid 88 into the upper diversion lumen 80b can cause the distal end 20 to move upwards. To increase the degree of freedom of the distal end 20, more diversion lumens 80b can be designed inside the conduit 200.

[0041] Figures 11A to 11D Examples are shown as follows Figure 1 Several exemplary scenarios of the exemplary catheter 100 illustrated herein, wherein the catheter shown herein has an inflatable annular balloon 90. In this document, the inflatable annular balloon 90 is attached around the entire circumference of the catheter 100 to act as a protective element against entry into the ocular blood vessel 72. Figures 11A to 11D As illustrated, an inflatable ring-shaped balloon 90 can be attached to catheter 100, thereby covering different portions of its distal portion. See also, as an example. Figure 11AAn inflatable annular balloon 90 may be attached to the elongated body 10 of the catheter 100 and cover only the elongated body of the catheter, at a predetermined distance from the shoulder 24. Alternatively, the inflatable annular balloon 90 may be located near or cover a portion of the shoulder 24, as shown below. Figure 11B and Figure 11C As shown. As another example, the inflatable annular balloon 90 can be attached to the neck 22 of the distal end 20, as shown. Figure 11D As shown. In this regard, it should be understood that such flexibility in the position of the inflatable annular balloon 90 is desirable, given the various types of catheters and therefore the various configurations of the catheters.

[0042] Figure 12 Is it like this? Figure 11A The illustration shows the exemplary inflatable ring balloon of the illustrated catheter in its resting, uninflated, and inflated states. In this document, the resting state of the inflatable ring balloon 90 facilitates navigation of the catheter 100 within the patient's vascular system. The inflated state of the inflatable ring balloon 90 prevents the catheter from entering certain blood vessels (e.g., cerebral vessels).

[0043] Figure 13 An implementation scenario of an exemplary catheter with an inflatable ring balloon 90 is illustrated. In this document, the inflatable ring balloon 90 has an outer diameter D6 when inflated. To allow the catheter 100 to pass through a cerebral vessel 76, D6 is designed to be smaller than the inner diameter D7 of the cerebral vessel 76. For example, D6 is designed to be smaller than the average inner diameter D7 of a human cerebral vessel 76. Similarly, the inflated balloon 90 will prevent the catheter 100 from entering the ophthalmic artery 72. D6 is designed to be larger than the inner diameter D4, which can be the average inner diameter D4 of a human ophthalmic artery. In other words, the diameter of the inflatable ring balloon 90 can be based on the typical size of the ophthalmic artery, such that the inflatable ring balloon 90 is larger than the ophthalmic artery and therefore will not enter the ophthalmic artery 72. As an example, the outer diameter D6 of the inflatable ring balloon can be approximately 1.65 mm ± 0.5 mm, which is larger than the average eye diameter but still smaller than the average cerebral vessel diameter, to allow the delivery aid to pass through the catheter 100.

[0044] It should be understood that, despite Figures 7A to 13 Only diverting lumens or inflatable ring balloons are shown, but the various examples shown in all figures can be combined in any suitable manner to enhance the navigation of the catheter tip. It should also be understood that the materials used and the manner in which the bulge or inflatable ring balloon is attached to the catheter can depend on the characteristics or features of the catheter to achieve the various examples described herein. Any suitable manner can be chosen to implement the specific embodiments of this disclosure.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be understood that in this disclosure, the vascular system 70, ophthalmic artery 72, and cerebral vessels 76 are described as exemplary embodiments. The applications or embodiments of the various examples disclosed herein are not limited to those specific scenarios. For example, other vascular environments may involve different internal diameters. In such cases, all the dimensions discussed herein (e.g., the outer diameter D5 of the bulge 50, the outer diameter D6 of the inflatable annular balloon 90) can be designed differently to adapt to specific environments and meet implementation requirements.

[0046] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for manipulating catheter 200. The catheter can be any particular configuration or any combination thereof having at least one diversion lumen 80a, 80b. At step 1401, a diversion lumen 80a, 80b is selected. Then, at step 1402, fluid is injected into the selected diversion lumen 80a, 80b. At step 1403, the selected diversion lumen 80a, 80b is pressurized, and at step 1404, the distal end 20 of catheter 200 is manipulated. In some examples, the method may also include the step of injecting saline solution into the selected diversion lumen 80a, 80b.

[0047] Various aspects of this disclosure are also provided by the following numbered clauses: Clause 1. A catheter comprising: an elongated body including a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and an elongated body outer diameter; an end disposed along the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated body, the end including: an opening having a distal outer diameter smaller than the elongated body outer diameter; a neck proximal to the opening having the distal outer diameter; and a shoulder disposed between the neck and the elongated body; a central lumen extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end through the end; and a ridge extending longitudinally from the elongated body to near the opening and partially circumferentially attached to at least a portion of the neck and the elongated body, thereby forming an asymmetric cross-section of the distal end.

[0048] Clause 2. The catheter according to Clause 1, wherein the asymmetric cross-section has an outer diameter greater than the average inner diameter of the ophthalmic artery to prevent the catheter from entering the ophthalmic artery.

[0049] Clause 3. The catheter according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the asymmetric cross-section has an outer diameter smaller than the average inner diameter of the cerebral blood vessel to allow the catheter to pass through the cerebral blood vessel.

[0050] Clause 4. The catheter according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes: a side lumen disposed within the side wall of the catheter, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and exiting through the distal end, the side lumen being configured to receive a guidewire.

[0051] Clause 5. The catheter according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the central lumen has a uniform inner diameter.

[0052] Clause 6. A catheter comprising: an elongated body including a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and an elongated body outer diameter; a distal end disposed along the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated body, the distal end including: an opening having a distal outer diameter smaller than the elongated body outer diameter; a neck proximal to the opening having the distal outer diameter; and a shoulder disposed between the neck and the elongated body; a central lumen extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end through the distal end; and at least one diverting lumen extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end within a sidewall of the catheter, the at least one diverting lumen closing near the opening.

[0053] Clause 7. The catheter according to Clause 6, wherein the at least one diverting lumen includes a diverting lumen opening located on a circumferentially distal outer surface near the opening.

[0054] Clause 8. The catheter as described in Clause 7, wherein the diverting lumen opening extends substantially radially through the sidewall.

[0055] Clause 9. The catheter according to Clause 6, wherein the at least one diverting lumen includes a sealed distal end near the opening.

[0056] Clause 10. The catheter according to Clause 9, wherein the at least one diverting lumen includes at least one branch that extends substantially radially inward and has an expanded internal volume when the fluid injected into it is pressurized.

[0057] Clause 11. The catheter according to any one of Clauses 6 to 10 above, wherein the catheter includes at least two diverting lumens arranged symmetrically around the entire circumference of the catheter.

[0058] Clause 12. The catheter according to any one of Clauses 6 to 11 above, wherein the catheter comprises at least four diverting lumens.

[0059] Clause 13. The catheter according to any one of Clauses 6 to 12 further comprises: a side lumen disposed within the side wall of the catheter, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and exiting through the distal end, the side lumen being configured to receive a guidewire.

[0060] Clause 14. The catheter described in Clause 13 further includes a guidewire incorporated within the side lumen.

[0061] Clause 15. The catheter according to any one of Clauses 6 to 12 further comprises: a side lumen disposed within the side wall of the catheter, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and exiting through the shoulder, the side lumen being configured to receive a guidewire.

[0062] Clause 16. The catheter according to any one of Clauses 6 to 14 further comprises: an inflatable annular balloon, said inflatable annular balloon being fully circumferentially attached to at least a portion of the elongated body or a portion of said distal end.

[0063] Clause 17. The catheter according to Clause 16, wherein the inflatable annular balloon, when inflated, has an outer diameter greater than the average inner diameter of the ophthalmic artery to prevent the catheter from entering the ophthalmic artery.

[0064] Clause 18. The catheter according to Clause 16 or 17, wherein the outer diameter of the inflatable annular balloon when inflated is smaller than the average inner diameter of the cerebral blood vessels to allow the catheter to pass through the cerebral blood vessels.

[0065] Clause 19. A method for manipulating a catheter, the catheter comprising an elongated body, a distal end, a central lumen, and at least one diverting lumen, the elongated body including a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer diameter of the elongated body; the distal end being disposed along the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated body, the distal end including: an opening having a distal outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the elongated body; a neck proximal to the opening having the distal outer diameter; and a shoulder disposed between the neck and the elongated body; the central lumen extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end through the distal end; and the at least one diverting lumen extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end within a sidewall of the catheter, the at least one diverting lumen being closed near the opening, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a diverting lumen from the at least one diverting lumen; injecting fluid into the selected diverting lumen; pressurizing the selected diverting lumen; and manipulating the distal end of the catheter.

[0066] Clause 20. The method for manipulating a catheter as described in Clause 19 further includes the step of injecting saline solution into the selected diversion lumen.

[0067] The description contained herein is an example of embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. As described herein, the invention contemplates many variations and modifications of the catheter, including attaching a bulge and / or an inflatable annular balloon to the catheter, and configuring at least one directional lumen within the catheter to enhance its navigation to some extent. Additionally, additional side lumens may be configured, allowing the catheter to have a pre-installed or combined guidewire. Various combinations of these exemplary embodiments can be contemplated and suitably designed. Modifications and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the teachings of this disclosure are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A catheter, comprising: An elongated body, the elongated body including a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer diameter of the elongated body; The end, located along the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated body, includes: An opening having an end outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the elongated body; The neck, located proximal to the opening having the outer diameter of the end; and A shoulder portion, wherein the shoulder portion is disposed between the neck and the elongated body; A central lumen, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and passing through the distal end; and A raised portion extending longitudinally from the elongated body to the vicinity of the opening and partially circumferentially attached to at least a portion of the neck and the elongated body, thereby forming an asymmetrical cross-section at the distal end.

2. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The asymmetric cross-section has an outer diameter larger than the average inner diameter of the ophthalmic artery to prevent the catheter from entering the ophthalmic artery.

3. The catheter according to claim 2, wherein, The outer diameter of the asymmetric cross-section is smaller than the average inner diameter of the cerebral blood vessels to allow the catheter to pass through the cerebral blood vessels.

4. The catheter according to claim 1, further comprising: A side lumen, disposed within the sidewall of the catheter, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and exiting through the distal end, the side lumen being configured to receive a guidewire.

5. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein, The central cavity has a uniform inner diameter.

6. A catheter, comprising: An elongated body, the elongated body including a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer diameter of the elongated body; The end, located along the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated body, includes: An opening having an end outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the elongated body; The neck, located proximal to the opening having the outer diameter of the end; and A shoulder portion, wherein the shoulder portion is disposed between the neck and the elongated body; A central lumen, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and passing through the distal end; and At least one diverting lumen extends along the longitudinal axis within the sidewall of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end, passing through the distal end, and the at least one diverting lumen closes near the opening.

7. The catheter according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one steering lumen includes a steering lumen opening located on the outer surface of the circumferential end near the opening.

8. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein, The opening of the steering cavity extends substantially radially through the sidewall.

9. The catheter according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one steering cavity includes a sealed distal end near the opening.

10. The catheter according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one steering lumen includes at least one branch that extends substantially radially inward and has an inflated internal volume when the liquid injected into it is pressurized.

11. The catheter according to claim 6, wherein, The conduit includes at least two diverting lumens arranged symmetrically around the entire circumference of the conduit.

12. The catheter according to claim 11, wherein, The catheter includes at least four diverting lumens.

13. The catheter according to claim 6, further comprising: A side lumen, disposed within the sidewall of the catheter, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and exiting through the distal end, the side lumen being configured to receive a guidewire.

14. The catheter of claim 13 further includes a guidewire incorporated within the side lumen.

15. The catheter according to claim 6, further comprising: A side lumen, disposed within the sidewall of the catheter, extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and exiting through the shoulder, the side lumen being configured to receive a guidewire.

16. The catheter according to claim 6, further comprising: An inflatable annular balloon is attached circumferentially to at least a portion of the elongated body or a portion of the end portion.

17. The catheter according to claim 16, wherein, The inflatable annular balloon, when inflated, has an outer diameter greater than the average inner diameter of the ophthalmic artery to prevent the catheter from entering the ophthalmic artery.

18. The catheter according to claim 17, wherein, The inflatable annular balloon, when inflated, has an outer diameter smaller than the average inner diameter of the cerebral blood vessels, allowing the catheter to pass through the cerebral blood vessels.

19. A method for manipulating a catheter, the catheter comprising an elongated body, a distal end, a central lumen, and at least one diverting lumen, the elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis, and an outer diameter of the elongated body; the distal end being disposed along the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the elongated body, the distal end comprising: An opening having an end outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the elongated body; The neck, which is located proximal to the opening having the outer diameter of the end; The method includes the following steps: a shoulder portion disposed between the neck and the elongated body; a central lumen extending along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end to the distal end and passing through the distal end; and at least one diverting lumen extending along the longitudinal axis within the sidewall of the catheter from the proximal end to the distal end and passing through the distal end, the at least one diverting lumen closing near the opening. Select a steering lumen from the at least one steering lumen; Inject the fluid into the selected steering lumen; Pressurize the selected steering lumen; and Manipulate the end of the catheter.

20. The method for manipulating a catheter according to claim 19, further comprising the following steps: Inject brine into the selected diversion lumen.

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