Elongated catheter assembly having a guidewire deflector

Abstract

The elongate catheter assembly defines a catheter lumen configured to receive a distal guidewire section of the guidewire and also defines an axial portal and a radial portal. A guidewire deflector is attached to the elongate catheter assembly. The guidewire deflector is configured to selectively deflect axially biased movement of the distal guidewire section of the guidewire away from the axial portal and toward the radial portal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to the technical field, but is not limited to, of elongate catheter assemblies for use with guidewires (and methods therefor) having guidewire deflectors. [Background technology]

[0002] Known medical devices are configured to facilitate medical procedures and to assist medical personnel in diagnosing and / or treating medical conditions in medical patients. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It will be appreciated that a need exists to alleviate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with existing (known) medical catheter assemblies. After much study of, and experimentation with, existing (known) medical catheter assemblies, an understanding (at least in part) of the problem and a solution thereto has been identified and is manifested (at least in part) as follows:

[0004] Known re-entry catheters rely on the physician's ability to orient the guidewire so that its distal tip is directed toward the side port of the re-entry catheter. The process of orienting the distal tip can be difficult due to manipulation (whipping, rotating, torquing) of the guidewire. Also, determining whether the distal tip (of the guidewire) is pointing toward the side port can be difficult due to image resolution (of the medical images generated by the medical imaging system).

[0005] It may be desirable to provide a guidewire deflector configured to selectively deflect axially biased movement of the guidewire away from an axial portal (front port) and radially toward a radial portal (side port).

[0006] To at least partially alleviate at least one problem associated with existing technology, an apparatus is provided (in accordance with a principal aspect). The apparatus is for use with a guidewire having a distal guidewire section. The apparatus includes, but is not limited to, an elongated catheter assembly defining a catheter lumen configured to receive the distal guidewire section of the guidewire. The catheter lumen also defines an axial portal and a radial portal. A guidewire deflector is attached to the elongated catheter assembly. The guidewire deflector is configured to selectively deflect axially biased movement of the distal guidewire section of the guidewire radially away from the axial portal and toward the radial portal.

[0007] To at least partially alleviate at least one problem associated with the existing technology, an apparatus is provided (in accordance with a principal aspect). The apparatus is for use with a guidewire having a distal guidewire section. The apparatus includes, but is not limited to, an elongated catheter assembly defining a catheter lumen extending axially along the elongated catheter assembly. The catheter lumen is configured to receive a distal guidewire section of the guidewire. The elongated catheter assembly defines an axial portal extending axially from the catheter lumen. The elongated catheter assembly also defines a radial portal extending radially from the catheter lumen. A guidewire deflector is attached to the catheter lumen. The guidewire deflector is configured to selectively deflect axially biased movement of the distal guidewire section of the guidewire (moved axially along the catheter lumen) radially away from the axial portal and toward the radial portal.

[0008] To at least partially alleviate at least one problem associated with existing technology, a method is provided (in accordance with a principal aspect) for using a guidewire having a distal guidewire section configured, but not limited to, to selectively deflect axially biased movement of the distal guidewire section of the guidewire away from the axial portal and radially toward the radial portal using a guidewire deflector attached to an elongate catheter assembly (defining a catheter lumen configured to receive the distal guidewire section of the guidewire and defining an axial portal and a radial portal).

[0009] Other aspects are specified in the claims. Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments will now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. This summary is provided to introduce concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify potentially important features or possible essential features of the disclosed subject matter, nor is it intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as the description proceeds. The figures and the following description more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] Non-limiting embodiments may be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of an elongated catheter assembly having a guidewire deflector. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an elongated catheter assembly having a guidewire deflector. [Diagram 3]1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an elongated catheter assembly having a guidewire deflector. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an elongated catheter assembly having a guidewire deflector. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 12] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 13] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 14] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 15] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1. [Figure 16] 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the guidewire deflector of FIG. 1.

[0011] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, schematic representations, and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for understanding the embodiments (and / or details that make it difficult to perceive other details) may be omitted. Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not shown to scale. Dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to facilitate understanding of the various embodiments disclosed. In addition, common and well-understood elements useful in commercially feasible embodiments are often not shown in order to less obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] List of reference numbers used in the drawings Catheter assembly 102 side wall 103 Distal Section 104 Axial portal 106 Catheter lumen 108 Radial Portal 110 Guidewire deflector 112 Balloon assembly 202 Inflatable lumen 204 First magnet 301 Second magnet 302 Plate element 402 Control Wire 404 Biometrics 800 Biological tube 801 Biological obstruction 802 side wall 803 Guidewire 900 Distal Guidewire Section 90 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" or "illustrative" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All embodiments described below are illustrative embodiments provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make or use embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims. For purposes of explanation, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "portrait," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall refer to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding technical field, background, abstract, or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and / or concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, dimensions and other physical characteristics of the disclosed embodiments are not considered limiting unless expressly stated in the claims. The phrase "at least one" is understood to be equivalent to "a". Aspects (examples, modifications, alterations, options, variations, embodiments, and any equivalents thereof) are described with respect to the drawings. It should be understood that the disclosure is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects depicted and described. It is understood that the scope of meaning of a device configured to be coupled to an item (i.e., connected to an item, interacting with an item, etc.) is to be interpreted as the device being directly or indirectly coupled to the item. Thus, "configured to" may include the meaning of "directly or indirectly" unless otherwise specified.

[0014] 1-6 are perspective side (FIG. 1) and cross-sectional (FIGS. 2-6) views of an embodiment of an elongated catheter assembly 102 having a guidewire deflector 112. The cross-sectional views (FIGS. 2-6) are taken along section line AA in FIG.

[0015] 1, the elongated catheter assembly 102 is configured for use with a guidewire 900 having a distal guidewire section 902. The elongated catheter assembly 102 defines a catheter lumen 108. The catheter lumen 108 extends (axially) along the elongated length of the elongated catheter assembly 102. The proximal section of the catheter lumen 108 (located on the left side of FIG. 1) is configured to receive the distal guidewire section 902 of the guidewire 900. The distal section of the catheter lumen 108 (located on the right side of FIG. 1) defines an axial portal 106 and a radial portal 110 (also referred to as a side port).

[0016] The catheter lumen 108, the axial portal 106 and the radial portal 110 are in communication with each other. The axial portal 106 is positioned axially relative to the catheter lumen 108. The radial portal 110 is positioned radially relative to the catheter lumen 108. The guidewire 900 is configured to be movable (i.e., biased for axial movement) toward (and through) the axial portal 106 along the length of the catheter lumen 108 (i.e., from a proximal section (located on the left side of FIG. 1 ) to a distal section (located on the right side of FIG. 1 ) of the guidewire 900). The elongated catheter assembly 102 is configured to be inserted into a confined space defined by a living body (patient).

[0017] 1, the catheter lumen 108 extends axially along (the longitudinal length of) the elongate catheter assembly 102. The axial portal 106 extends axially from (the distal section of) the catheter lumen 108. The radial portal 110 extends radially from (the distal section of) the catheter lumen 108. The axial portal 106 and the radial portal 110 are preferably located proximate to each other.

[0018] 2-6, the elongate catheter assembly 102 includes a guidewire deflector 112. The guidewire deflector 112 is preferably user controllable. For cases in which the guidewire deflector 112 is not utilized, the distal guidewire section 902 of the guidewire 900 may be biased to travel toward and reach the axial portal 106, thereby biasing the distal guidewire section 902 to travel through (and extend from) the axial portal 106, bypassing the radial portal 110. The guidewire deflector 112 is configured to selectively deflect movement of the distal guidewire section 902 of the guidewire 900 toward the radial portal 110 (once actuated to do so), and thus, in this arrangement, biased movement of the distal guidewire section 902 toward (and extending from) the axial portal 106 (in response to actuation of the guidewire deflector 112) can be avoided.

[0019] 2-6, the components of the elongated catheter assembly 102 and / or guidewire deflector 112 include suitable biocompatible material properties, sufficient performance (electrical strength, thermal performance, electrical insulation, corrosion, water resistance, heat resistance, etc.) to comply with industrial and regulatory safety standards (or medical suitability), etc. For selection of suitable materials, see Vinny R. Sastri, “Plastics in Medical Devices: Properties, Requirements, and Applications,” November 21, 2013, Amsterdam [Netherlands]: Elsevier / William Andrew

[2014] , 2nd ed., hardcover, ISBN: 9781455732012.

[0020] 2-6, the guidewire deflector 112 includes a balloon assembly 202. The balloon assembly 202 is configured to be selectively inflated and deflated. An inflation lumen 204 is attached to (supported by) the elongate catheter assembly 102. The inflation lumen 204 extends along the length of the elongate catheter assembly 102. The inflation lumen 204 is in communication with the balloon assembly 202. The inflation lumen 204 extends from a proximal section of the elongate catheter assembly 102. The proximal section of the inflation lumen 204 is configured to be fluidly connected to an inflation source (known and not depicted). It will be appreciated that the inflation lumen 204 may be disposed in a sidewall of the elongate catheter assembly 102. It will be appreciated that the inflation lumen 204 may be disposed in the catheter lumen 108 (if desired). It will be appreciated that the elongate catheter assembly 102 may provide a multi-lumen shaft to facilitate selective inflation of the balloon assembly 202.

[0021] 1 and 2, the elongate catheter assembly 102 has a sidewall 103. The elongate catheter assembly 102 also has a distal section 104 extending from the sidewall 103. The catheter lumen 108 extends axially toward and through the distal section 104 to an axial portal 106. The distal section 104 is configured to facilitate the distal guidewire section 902 of the guidewire 900 moving axially along the catheter lumen 108 to move toward and through the axial portal 106. The distal section 104 defines a radial portal 110 extending radially from the catheter lumen 108. The radial portal 110 extends radially through the sidewall 103.

[0022] 2, a guidewire deflector 112 is (generally) attached to the elongate catheter assembly 102. The guidewire deflector 112 is configured to selectively deflect axially biased movement of the distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) away from the axial portal 106 and radially towards the radial portal 110 (once appropriately actuated).

[0023] 2, a guidewire deflector 112 is (preferably) attached to the catheter lumen 108 (at the distal section of the catheter lumen 108). The guidewire deflector 112 is configured to selectively deflect axially biased movement of the distal guidewire section 902 of the guidewire 900 away from the axial portal 106 and toward the radial portal 110 (typically, the guidewire 900 is moved axially along the catheter lumen 108 toward the axial portal 106).

[0024] With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a guidewire deflector 112 is attached (positioned) in the catheter lumen 108 at the distal section 104 . A guidewire deflector 112 is also attached (positioned) adjacent to the axial portal 106 .

[0025] With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) is biased to move toward the axial portal 106. 4, the guidewire deflector 112 is not activated (utilized). The distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) reaches the axial portal 106 and can continue to move such that the distal guidewire section 902 extends from the axial portal 106.

[0026] 5, the guidewire deflector 112 is activated (utilized) and the distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) is urged to move toward the axial portal 106, with the guidewire deflector 112 activated in the path of the distal guidewire section 902.

[0027] 6 , the distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) reaches and contacts the guidewire deflector 112. The guidewire deflector 112, in use, deflects the movement of the distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) away from the axial portal 106 and towards the radial portal 110.

[0028] The distal guidewire section 902 can continue to be moved such that the distal guidewire section 902 extends from the radial portal 110 . 1-6, a method is shown for using a guidewire 900 having a distal guidewire section 902. The method includes using a guidewire deflector 112 to selectively deflect axially biased movement of the distal guidewire section 902 of the guidewire 900 away from the axial portal 106 and toward (and preferably through) the radial portal 110.

[0029] 1-6, the distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) is configured to selectively emit energy (such as radio frequency energy and any equivalents thereof). For example, the distal guidewire section 902 and the guidewire 900 may include a radio frequency puncture device, such as a BAYLIS® POWERWIRE® radio frequency guidewire manufactured by BAYLIS MEDICAL COMPANY, Inc. (Headquarters: Canada). According to another embodiment, the distal guidewire section 902 includes, but is not limited to, a distal tip section exhibiting a mechanical cut (where the puncture is formed by physically moving a mechanical cut into a biological feature).

[0030] 1-6, the guidewire deflector 112 (preferably) includes a balloon assembly 202. The balloon assembly 202 may include any device configured to be inflatable and deflatable, expandable and contractable (e.g., expandable and contractable mesh structure, expandable and contractible mesh structure, etc.), and the like. The balloon assembly 202 is preferably positioned and attached to an inner wall (of the elongated catheter assembly 102) facing the catheter lumen 108, and positioned proximate to the axial portal 106 and the radial portal 110. The balloon assembly 202 is configured to direct (deflect) movement of the distal guidewire section 902 of the guidewire 900 toward, into, and beyond the radial portal 110 (thereby preventing the distal guidewire section 902 from moving into and extending beyond the axial portal 106). The balloon assembly 202 may assist in, for example, spatially orienting (assisting in directing) the distal guidewire section 902 for movement in a desired direction. Advantageously, the guidewire deflector 112 may reduce (at least in part) reliance on properties of the guidewire 900 to assist in biased movement of the distal guidewire section 902 through the radial portal 110.

[0031] With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the balloon assembly 202 (preferably) is attached to the distal section 104 of the elongated catheter assembly 102. The balloon assembly 202 is fixed in place (possibly by an adhesive process, or as a function of geometry, etc.), i.e., the balloon assembly 202 may be limited to move due to the reduced inner diameter of the catheter lumen 108 (of the elongated catheter assembly 102). The shape of the balloon assembly 202 may guide the guidewire 900 to move up against the balloon assembly 202 (or the guidewire deflector 112) and out of the radial portal 110 (side port). The balloon assembly 202 is configured to inflate to a predetermined pressure, which may be adjustable or controllable, preferably to avoid overinflation to a burst condition (causing risk to the patient, etc.). The balloon assembly 202 may be capable of resisting compressive forces from the elongate catheter assembly 102 and / or forces from interaction with the guidewire 900 and / or the distal guidewire section 902.

[0032] Figures 7-9 are cross-sectional views illustrating an embodiment of the guidewire deflector 112 of Figure 1. The cross-sectional views (Figures 7-9) are taken along section line AA of Figure 1. 7-9, the elongated catheter assembly 102 is inserted into a biological lumen 801 of a biological feature 800 and then moved toward a biological occlusion 802 (also referred to as an occlusion) located within the biological lumen 801. The biological occlusion 802 blocks movement of the elongated catheter assembly 102. In this case, the elongated catheter assembly 102 can be moved into a sidewall 803 (also referred to as a subintimal space) of the biological feature 800, thereby bypassing the biological occlusion 802, and then urged to move the elongated catheter assembly 102 around the biological occlusion 802 and back into the biological lumen 801.

[0033] 8, the elongated catheter assembly 102 is moved along the sidewall 803 just past the biological occlusion 802. The elongated catheter assembly 102 is stopped once the radial portal 110 is positioned just beyond (past) the biological occlusion 802, and the radial portal 110 faces the biological vessel 801.

[0034] 9, the guidewire deflector 112 is actuated. The guidewire 900 is moved toward the guidewire deflector 112. The guidewire deflector 112 deflects the distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) toward the radial portal 110. The guidewire deflector 112 prevents the distal guidewire section 902 from advancing away from the axial portal 106 and toward the radial portal 110. The distal guidewire section 902 is further urged to move through the radial portal 110 and into the biological vessel 801. Generally, when the elongated catheter assembly 102 is utilized as a re-entry catheter, the distal guidewire section 902 is advanced along and within the sidewall 803 (also referred to as the subintimal space) past the biological occlusion 802 (occlusion). Once the distal guidewire section 902 is positioned proximate to the radial portal 110 (side port), the guidewire deflector 112 (or balloon assembly 202) is actuated (inflated, etc.). The guidewire 900 is advanced (once the balloon assembly 202 is inflated) such that the distal guidewire section 902 may be deflected through (or pushed out of) the radial portal 110. If desired, the distal guidewire section 902 may be utilized (e.g., actuated to emit energy) to puncture the inner surface of the sidewall 803 to gain access to the biological vessel 801 (such as the true lumen of the blood vessel). Advantageously, the guidewire deflector 112 may exert less pressure against the vessel wall (sidewall 803), thereby imposing a less physiologically stressful approach. In accordance with FIG. 9, the balloon assembly 202 may assist the re-entry movement of the distal guidewire section 902 from the sidewall 803 back into the biological vessel 801. The guidewire deflector 112 may help facilitate steering the distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) out of the elongate catheter assembly 102 (also referred to as a re-entry sheath, etc.). The guidewire deflector 112 may allow for easier advancement from the sidewall 803 (subintimal channel) through the intimal layer and back into the biological vessel 801 (vascular lumen).Advantageously, the distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900) may be more easily displaced from the radial portal 110 (of the elongated catheter assembly 102) by avoiding (at least in part) the need to manipulate (by rotating, pushing, pulling, etc.) the guidewire 900 to align the distal guidewire section 902 with the radial portal 110 (side port). Advantageously, the distal guidewire section 902, the guidewire deflector 112, may facilitate the physician to orient the guidewire 900, thereby allowing the distal guidewire section 902 to pass through the radial portal 110 (side port). Advantageously, the guidewire deflector 112 may allow the distal guidewire section 902 to be directed out of the radial portal 110 (side port) with less user manipulation techniques. It will be appreciated that the guidewire deflector 112 may be utilized in a variety of percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention procedures involving occlusions (such as chronic total occlusions). The long catheter assembly 102 and guidewire deflector 112 combination (sometimes referred to as a re-entry device) may also be used to navigate side branches of blood vessels, etc. For example, accessing a coronary artery with a guidewire 900 can be difficult, and thus using the long catheter assembly 102 and guidewire deflector 112 combination may provide a more reliable method of accessing a patient's coronary arteries.

[0035] With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the elongate catheter assembly 102 can be configured as a steerable catheter, if desired. Figures 10-12 are cross-sectional views of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector 112 of Figure 1. The cross-sectional views (Figures 10-12) are taken along section line AA of Figure 1.

[0036] 10-12, the guidewire deflector 112 includes a first magnet 301 and a second magnet 302. The first magnet 301 is attached to a distal guidewire section 902 (of the guidewire 900). The second magnet 302 is movable relative to the first magnet 301. The second magnet 302 is movable along a sidewall 803 (of the biofeature 800) from one side of the biologic occlusion 802 to the other side of the biologic occlusion 802. The first magnet 301 includes a permanent magnet. The second magnet 302 includes an electromagnetic device configured to selectively polarize the second magnet 302 to be (A) attractive to the first magnet 301 or (B) repulsive to the first magnet 301. It will be appreciated that a medical imaging system (known and not depicted) may be utilized to generate images of the components of the elongated catheter assembly 102 and the biometric features 800, and in this manner, images of the biometric features 800 and the elongated catheter assembly 102 may be displayed to the user during the procedure.

[0037] 10, the second magnet 302 and the first magnet 301 are configured to be magnetically attracted to one another (mutually) in such a way that the second magnet 302 magnetically attracts the first magnet 301 across the biological occlusion 802 (through the side wall 803).

[0038] 11, the second magnet 302 and the first magnet 301 are configured to magnetically repel each other. Once the distal guidewire section 902 is positioned proximate to the radial portal 110, the second magnet 302 magnetically pushes (repels) the first magnet 301 to move toward and through the radial portal 110 and into the biological tube 801. It will be appreciated that the first magnet 301 comprises a permanent magnet. The second magnet 302 comprises an electromagnetic device configured to selectively polarize to be either (A) attractive to the first magnet 301 such that the second magnet 302 magnetically attracts the first magnet 301 toward the second magnet 302, or (B) repulsive to the first magnet 301 such that the second magnet 302 magnetically pushes the first magnet 301 away from the second magnet 302. In general, it will be understood that the first magnet 301 and the second magnet 302 are configured to: (A) selectively attract each other; preferably in such a manner that the second magnet 302 magnetically attracts the first magnet 301 towards the second magnet 302, and / or (B) selectively repel each other; preferably in such a manner that the second magnet 302 magnetically pushes the first magnet 301 away from the second magnet 302.

[0039] 12, the second magnet 302 and the first magnet 301 are configured to be magnetically attracted to each other (mutually), preferably such that the second magnet 302 magnetically attracts the first magnet 301 along the biological tube 801.

[0040] Figures 13-16 are cross-sectional views (Figures 13-15) of an embodiment of the guidewire deflector 112 of Figure 1 and a side view (Figure 16) of an embodiment of the elongated catheter assembly 102 of Figure 1. The cross-sectional views (Figures 13-15) are taken along section line AA of Figure 1.

[0041] 13, the guidewire deflector 112 includes a first magnet device 311 and a second magnet device 312. The first magnet device 311 is attached to the distal section 104 (of the elongated catheter assembly 102). The second magnet device 312 is movable relative to the first magnet device 311. The second magnet device 312 is movable along a side wall 803 (of the biometric feature 800) from one side of the biometric occlusion 802 to the other side. The first magnet device 311 includes a permanent magnet. The second magnet device 312 includes an electromagnetic device configured to selectively polarize the second magnet device 312 to be (A) attractive to the first magnet device 311 or (B) repulsive to the first magnet device 311. A medical imaging system (known and not depicted) may be utilized to generate images of the components of the elongated catheter assembly 102 and the biometric feature 800. In this manner, it will be appreciated that images of the biometric feature 800 and the elongated catheter assembly 102 may be displayed to the user during the procedure. The second magnet device 312 is configured to magnetically attract the first magnet device 311 along the side wall 803. Generally, the first magnet device 311 and the second magnet device 312 are configured to: (A) selectively attract each other, or (B) selectively repel each other (mutually).

[0042] 14 and 15, the guidewire deflector 112 includes a plate element 402 and a control wire 404. The plate element 402 is pivotally mounted to an inner surface facing the catheter lumen 108. The plate element 402 is disposed proximate to (mounted on) the axial portal 106 and the radial portal 110. The control wire 404 is attached to the plate element 402. The control wire 404 is configured to selectively move the plate element 402 between a plate working position (as depicted in FIG. 15) and a plate retracted position (as depicted in FIG. 14). The plate element 402 is configured to be pivotally moved between the plate working position (as depicted in FIG. 15) and the plate retracted position (as depicted in FIG. 14) in response to biased movement of the control wire 404. Plate element 402 is configured to selectively deflect biased movement of distal guidewire section 902 (of guidewire 900) toward radial portal 110 (and away from axial portal 106) after plate element 402 is actuated, i.e., once plate element 402 is selectively moved from the plate retracted position (shown in FIG. 14 ) to the plate actuated position (shown in FIG. 15 ) in response to biased movement of control wire 404.

[0043] 16, the distal section 104 of the elongate catheter assembly 102 is configured to be spatially adjustable and / or orientable. In this arrangement, the axial portal 106 and the radial portal 110 can be oriented to face each other in a desired direction.

[0044] The following is presented as a further description of an embodiment in which any one or more of any technical features (described in the detailed description, summary, and claims) can be combined with any other one or more (described in the detailed description, summary, and claims). Each claim in the claims is understood to be an open-ended claim unless otherwise stated. Unless otherwise specified, the relevant terms used in this specification should be interpreted to include a certain tolerance that a person skilled in the art would recognize as providing an equivalent function. For example, the term vertical is not necessarily limited to 90.0 degrees, but can include variations thereof that a person skilled in the art would recognize as providing an equivalent function for the purpose described for the relevant member or element. Terms such as "about" and "substantially" in the context of a configuration generally relate to a configuration, position, or configuration that is accurate or sufficiently close to the location, arrangement, or configuration of the relevant element to preserve the operability of the element in the present disclosure without substantially altering the disclosure. Similarly, unless otherwise clear from the context, numerical values ​​should be interpreted to include a certain tolerance that a person skilled in the art would recognize as having negligible importance since it does not substantially alter the operability of the disclosure. It will be understood that the description and / or drawings specify and explain (explicitly or essentially) embodiments of the device. The device may include any suitable combination and / or permutation of the technical features as specified in the detailed description, as necessary and / or desired to meet a particular technical purpose and / or technical function. It will be understood that, where possible and preferred, any one or more of the technical features of the device can be combined (in any combination and / or permutation) with any other one or more of the technical features of the device. It will be understood that a person skilled in the art will know that the technical features of each embodiment can be deployed (where possible) in other embodiments, even if not so explicitly stated above. It will be understood that a person skilled in the art will know that other options are possible for the configuration of the components of the device to adjust to manufacturing requirements and still remain within the scope set forth in at least one or more of the claims.This written description provides embodiments including the best mode and also enables one skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. The patentable scope may be defined by the claims. The written description and / or drawings may aid in understanding the scope of the claims. All important aspects of the disclosed subject matter are believed to be provided herein. In this document, the word "includes" is understood to be equivalent to the word "comprising" in that both words "includes" and "comprising" are used to mean an open-ended list of assemblies, components, parts, and the like. The term "comprising" is synonymous with the terms "including," "containing," or "characterized by," and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrepresented elements or method steps. "Comprising" is an "open" expression and may cover techniques employing additional unrepresented elements. When used in the claims, the word "comprising" is a transitional verb (transitive term) that separates the technical features of the disclosure from the preamble of the claims. Non-limiting examples have been outlined above. Specific non-limiting examples are described. It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are described by way of example only.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for use with a guidewire having a distal guidewire section, comprising: an elongate catheter assembly defining a catheter lumen extending axially along the elongate catheter assembly; a guidewire deflector mounted in the catheter lumen; the catheter lumen is configured to receive the distal guidewire section of the guidewire; the elongate catheter assembly defining an axial portal extending axially from the catheter lumen; The elongate catheter assembly also defines a radial portal extending radially from the catheter lumen; the catheter lumen, the axial portal, and the radial portal are in communication with one another; The guidewire deflector includes: a balloon assembly configured to selectively inflate and deflate to deflect and direct movement of the distal guidewire section; an inflation lumen extending along a length of the elongate catheter assembly; the inflation lumen is in communication with the balloon assembly; the balloon assembly is configured, when inflated, to selectively deflect axially biased movement of the distal guidewire section of the guidewire moved axially along the catheter lumen away from the axial portal and toward the radial portal relative to the balloon assembly; The device, wherein the balloon assembly is configured, when deflated, to selectively permit axially biased movement of the distal guidewire section of the guidewire, axially along the catheter lumen and through the axial portal.

2. The elongate catheter assembly has a sidewall, The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elongate catheter assembly also includes a distal section extending from the side wall.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the catheter lumen extends axially toward and through a distal section of the elongate catheter assembly to the axial portal.

4. a distal section of the elongate catheter assembly configured to permit movement of the distal guidewire section of the guidewire axially along the catheter lumen toward and through the axial portal; the distal section defines the radial portal extending radially from the catheter lumen; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the radial portal extends radially through a sidewall of the elongate catheter assembly.

5. the guidewire deflector is attached to the catheter lumen at a distal section of the elongate catheter assembly; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the guidewire deflector is mounted adjacent to the axial portal.

6. a proximal section of the catheter lumen configured to receive the distal guidewire section of the guidewire; The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a distal section of the catheter lumen defines the axial portal and the radial portal.

7. An apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the balloon assembly extends distal to the radial portal.

Images