Device and method for deflation and removal of implantable and inflatable devices

Abstract

A deflation device including a catheter having a proximal opening at a proximal end and a distal opening at a distal end; and a coring member disposed within the catheter and comprising a handle disposed near the proximal end of the catheter, a cable, and a coring tip disposed near the distal end of the catheter; wherein pressing said distal end of said catheter against said wall of said balloon creates a substantially normalized surface of said balloon relative to a coring tip and wherein the coring tip is a sharpened, hollow cylinder. A method for deflating and removing an implantable, inflatable device comprising: pressing a distal end of a catheter against the wall of an inflated balloon of an implanted device; advancing the coring tip within the catheter beyond the distal end of the catheter and into the balloon, whereby a hole adapted for advancing the catheter is created in the wall of the balloon; and advancing the catheter into the balloon.

1 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . An improved medical device, comprising, in combination:
 a catheter having a proximal opening at a proximal end and a distal opening at a distal end;   and a coring member disposed within said catheter and further comprising a handle disposed near said proximal end of said catheter, a cable, and a coring tip disposed near said distal end of said catheter;   wherein said coring tip is a sharpened, hollow cylinder.   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said coring tip is configured to puncture a wall of a balloon when pressed against a portion of said wall of said balloon. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said distal end of said catheter is configured to create a substantially normalized surface of said balloon relative to said coring tip without puncturing said wall of said balloon when pressed against a portion of said wall of said balloon. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 12 , further comprising at least a luer connector assembly disposed adjacent to said proximal end of said catheter. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said cable is configured to transfer to said coring tip at least one of torque, tension, and compression applied to said handle. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , further comprising a threaded mating between said handle and a portion of said catheter, said threaded mating be configured to facilitate rotation of said coring member during longitudinal advancement thereof. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein said catheter is configured to operation within a working channel of a flexible endoscope. 
     
     
         19 . A kit, comprising:
 a catheter having a proximal opening at a proximal end and a distal opening at a distal end;   and a coring member disposed within said catheter and comprising a handle disposed near said proximal end of said catheter, a cable, and a coring tip disposed near said distal end of said catheter;   wherein said coring tip is a sharpened, hollow cylinder; and directions for use.   
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 19 , further comprising a flexible endoscope having a working channel, said catheter being configured to operate within said working channel. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 12  further comprising a flexible endoscope having a working channel, wherein the catheter is at least partially housed within the working channel.