Crossing Catheter with Expandable Cage for Fistula Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems for deep vein arterialization and endovascular bypass procedures are inefficient, requiring multiple steps and specialized catheters, and lack flexibility in crossing between arteries and veins, especially when dealing with chronic total occlusions.
Innovation Solution
A catheter set comprising two crossing catheters with expandable cages and stabilizing elements that can move between contracted and laterally expanded configurations to form and expand fistulas, allowing for efficient and flexible procedures with fewer steps and catheters, including features like mesh or screen coatings for antithrombotic properties and radiopaque markers for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple specialized catheters and steps are used for endovascular bypass procedure, then the procedure can be performed with existing technology, but the duration of the procedure is prolonged and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple specialized catheters into a single integrated crossing catheter system. The crossing catheter integrates the penetration tool, stabilizing element, and guidewire capture functionality into one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate catheters and reducing procedural steps
Solution Approach 2:
The crossing catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform penetration, stabilization, and guidewire capture operations. The stabilizing element can be configured in different ways (expandable cage, balloon, malecot) to perform multiple functions within a single catheter structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional catheter systems are used for deep vein arterialization, then the procedure can be performed with existing equipment, but the system lacks flexibility to cross between artery and vein at different points above and below chronic total occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing element is designed to be dynamically configurable, transitioning between contracted and expanded states. The expandable cage structure can be deployed at different locations along the catheter shaft, allowing the operator to adapt the device configuration to different anatomical scenarios and crossing points
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system is segmented into modular components including the catheter shaft, penetration tool, and stabilizing element. This segmentation allows for flexible configuration and adaptation to different procedural requirements while maintaining overall system functionality
3Reliability
If the stabilizing element is expanded laterally to stabilize the catheter, then the catheter can be stabilized in the vessel, but the expandable cage must be contracted to snare the guidewire
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing element is designed with dynamic configurability, allowing transition between expanded (for stabilization) and contracted (for guidewire snaring) states. This dynamic capability enables the same structure to perform both stabilization and guidewire capture functions effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter set for forming a fistula between two adjacent blood vessels. The catheter set comprises two crossing catheters. Each crossing catheter comprising a catheter shaft defining a longitudinal axis and having a distal end section, a stabilizing element disposed in the distal end section of the catheter shaft, and a penetration tool for penetrating vessel walls of two adjacent blood vessels to form the fistula. The penetration tool is disposed within the catheter shaft and is movable between a retracted position and an advanced position. The stabilizing element comprises an expandable cage having a contracted configuration and a laterally expanded configuration. The expandable cage is suitable for snaring a guidewire when moving from the laterally expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.