Anchor device for use with catheters

Abstract

An anchor device to simplify catheterization procedures, particularly for insertion and maneuvering of large catheters in tortuous arteries, vessels, or other lumen is disclosed. In some embodiments, the anchor device includes an anchor stent formed from a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire elements that are coupled together. The device further includes a plurality of connector struts attached at a proximal end of the anchor stent, the connector struts coalescing to form a strut tip. A guide device, such as a guidewire, is attached to the anchor stent at the strut tip and may be used to guide the anchor stent into the arteries or other vessels and toward a target treatment site.

1 . An anchor device for use with catheters, the anchor device comprising:
 a guidewire; and   an anchor stent attached to a distal end of the guidewire, the anchor stent to anchor the guidewire against an interior wall of a body lumen, the anchor stent formed from a plurality of wire elements, at least one end of a first wire element in the plurality of wire elements attached to at least one end of a second wire element adjacent to the first wire element, the anchor stent comprising:
 a first expandable stent segment having a first expanded width configured to engage the interior wall of the body lumen; and 
 a second expandable stent segment having a second expanded width different from the first expanded width, the guidewire and the second expandable stent segment of the anchor stent to guide a catheter to a target site within the body lumen. 
   
     
     
         2 . The anchor device of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor stent further comprises a transition portion that gradually tapers between the first expanded width and the second expanded width. 
     
     
         3 . The anchor device of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor stent further comprises a plurality of connector struts, each connector strut having a first end attached to one of the wire elements of the anchor stent, and an opposite second end coalescing to form a strut tip attached to the distal end of the guidewire. 
     
     
         4 . The anchor device of  claim 1 , further comprising a radiopaque marker at a distal end of the anchor stent. 
     
     
         5 . The anchor device of  claim 1 , further comprising a porous barrier attached to a distal end of the anchor stent. 
     
     
         6 . The anchor device of  claim 5 , wherein the porous barrier comprises a graft material. 
     
     
         7 . The anchor device of  claim 5 , wherein the graft material comprises a polyurethane or other polymer. 
     
     
         8 . The anchor device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of wire elements have a zig-zag pattern shape.