Deflection control catheters, support catheters and methods of use

Abstract

A deflection and support catheter provided for improved manipulation of elongated medical devices used during percutaneous procedures in difficult to reach situations. In particular, the deflection and support catheters can facilitate placement of guidewires, guide catheters, and intervention devices such as angioplasty balloons and stent delivery devices.

1 . A catheter comprising a proximal segment and a rapid exchange segment connected at or near the distal end of the proximal segment, the rapid exchange segment comprising a tubular element with a lumen having a slit structure and sufficient rigidity to track over a section of a catheter or elongated interventional device within the lumen by pushing from the proximal end of the proximal segment. 
   
   
       2 . The catheter of  claim 1  wherein the proximal segment comprises a rod. 
   
   
       3 . The catheter of  claim 2  wherein the rod is solid. 
   
   
       4 . The catheter of  claim 1  wherein the slit comprises overlapping lips. 
   
   
       5 . The catheter of  claim 1  wherein the slit has a spiral configuration. 
   
   
       6 . The catheter of  claim 1  wherein the rapid exchange segment further comprises an overtube that slides over the tubular element with the slit structure. 
   
   
       7 . The catheter of  claim 1  wherein the tubular element comprises a radiopaque marker band. 
   
   
       8 . The catheter of  claim 1  wherein the tubular element comprises a radiopaque-loaded polymer. 
   
   
       9 . A method for the delivery of an elongated medical device into a vessel within a vascular network, the method comprising loading a rapid exchange segment of a catheter onto the elongated medical device, wherein the rapid exchange segment comprises a slit that provides for the loading of the rapid exchange segment onto the elongated medical device without sliding the rapid exchange segment over the proximal end of the elongated medical device. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising using the catheter to provide support for the placement of the elongated medical device into the vessel. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the elongated medical device comprises a balloon or a stent delivery structure. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the elongated medical device comprises a guidewire. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the elongated medical device comprises a guide catheter. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the catheter facilitates the delivery of the elongated medical device past a lesion. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising removing the catheter from interaction with the elongated medical device after placement of the elongated medical device at a desired location. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the removing of the catheter is performed by unloading the rapid exchange segment at the slit. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the catheter comprises a proximal segment extending from the rapid exchange segment, wherein the proximal segment comprises a rod.