US20030028182A1 - Cryoablation catheter handle - Google Patents
Cryoablation catheter handle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030028182A1 US20030028182A1 US10/256,756 US25675602A US2003028182A1 US 20030028182 A1 US20030028182 A1 US 20030028182A1 US 25675602 A US25675602 A US 25675602A US 2003028182 A1 US2003028182 A1 US 2003028182A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- central axis
- axis
- male
- fluid flow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/02—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
- A61M25/0105—Steering means as part of the catheter or advancing means; Markers for positioning
- A61M25/0133—Tip steering devices
- A61M25/0136—Handles therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
- A61M39/1011—Locking means for securing connection; Additional tamper safeties
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
- A61M39/105—Multi-channel connectors or couplings, e.g. for connecting multi-lumen tubes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/00234—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
- A61B2017/00292—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/02—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques
- A61B2018/0212—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques using an instrument inserted into a body lumen, e.g. catheter
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
- A61M25/0105—Steering means as part of the catheter or advancing means; Markers for positioning
- A61M25/0133—Tip steering devices
- A61M25/0147—Tip steering devices with movable mechanical means, e.g. pull wires
Definitions
- This invention relates to catheters, and more particularly to handles and connectors for cryogenic catheters.
- a cryogenic catheter can generally be described as an elongate, slender, flexible body that is capable of delivering extreme cold to provide a medically therapeutic effect.
- a catheter can be a part of a system that includes several components, such as a console, an umbilical, a cryoablation catheter and a handle.
- the console houses the electronics and software for controlling an ablation procedure. Additionally, the console controls delivery of a refrigerant through the umbilical to the catheter, and controls recovery of the refrigerant from the catheter.
- the umbilical connecting the catheter and/or handle to the console provides mechanical connections for refrigerant transport and electrical connection for electrical devices and sensors.
- the handle in addition to providing an appropriate graspable structure, can include controls for catheter steering, as well as other catheter functions.
- cryogenic catheter systems provide a unitary handle and catheter which is intended for a single use.
- attention to the percentage and content of a system that is disposable (or that which must be disposed of for sanitary reasons), as well as attention to the cost of replacement items, can have a substantial effect on the cost of acquisition and operation of the system.
- it would help to reduce cost of the system if only the catheter (or a portion thereof) were disposable and, under most circumstances, the handle were available for reuse.
- cryogenic catheter that provides the benefits of a disposable component and which is easy to use, without safety or performance limitations.
- a connector suited for use with cryogenic catheters which would allow for the quick, efficient, and secure connection of catheter components, such as injection tubes, containment sleeves, electrical connections, sensors, and the like.
- connectors which may be configured at various junctions of the catheter assembly so as to allow for detachable and disposable cryoablation catheter systems.
- a connector including a male coupling body having a central shank defining first and second lumens, a female coupling body matable with the male coupling body and defining third and fourth lumens matable to be in fluid communication with the first and second lumens, respectively, to define first and second fluid flow pathways, respectively, through the connector when the male coupling body is mated with the female coupling body.
- the second fluid flow pathway is co-axially disposed about a central axis coincident with the first fluid flow pathway.
- the connector includes a mating mechanism for spatially locking the male and female coupling bodies with respect to each other.
- a connector including, a first coupling member having a first central longitudinal axis, a second coupling member having a second central longitudinal axis coincident with the first central longitudinal axis, and a means for coupling the first and second coupling members.
- the second coupling member is insertable into the first coupling member to define first and second fluid flow pathways.
- the first fluid flow pathway is coincident with the first central longitudinal axis.
- the second fluid flow pathway is co-axially disposed around the first fluid flow pathway and first central longitudinal axis.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a cryogenic catheter system generally
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a handle as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the two handle portions are not mated;
- FIG. 2A depicts the first and second handle portions of FIG. 2 in a mated state
- FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a two-part handle
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a two-part co-axial connector
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the two-part co-axial connector of FIG. 4 in a partially mated state
- FIG. 6 illustrates additional features of the connector of FIG. 4 in an exploded cutaway view
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a co-axial connector
- FIG. 8 is yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector
- FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector
- FIG. 9B is a side view of the connector of FIG. 9A is assembled form
- FIG. 9C is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 9B taken along section X-X in FIG. 9B, without the injection and co-axial tubing inserted therein;
- FIG. 9D is an enlarged sectional view of the connector of FIG. 9B taken along section W-W in FIG. 9B, with the injection and co-axial tubing inserted therein;
- FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector
- FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 10A in assembled form
- FIG. 10C is a side view of the connector of FIG. 10A is assembled form
- FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector
- FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 11A in assembled form
- FIG. 11C is a side view of the male coupling of the connector of FIG. 11A, viewed in the direction X-X of FIG. 11A;
- FIG. 12A is a first exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector
- FIG. 12B is a second exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 12A;
- FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 12C in assembled form
- FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector
- FIG. 13B is an enlarged sectional view of the connector of FIG. 13A;
- FIG. 14A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector
- FIG. 14B is a partially exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 14A in partially assembled form
- FIG. 14C is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 14A in fully assembled form
- FIG. 14D is a side view of the connector of FIG. 14A in fully assembled form
- FIG. 14E is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 14A taken along section A-A in FIG. 14D;
- FIG. 14F is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 14A taken along section Z-Z in FIG. 14D;
- FIG. 15A is a cutaway, exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector
- FIG. 15B is an enlarged cutaway, exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 15A in mated form.
- FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 15A in mated form.
- FIG. 1 depicts a cryogenic catheter system in accordance with the invention.
- the system includes a catheter 10 , such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,899,898 and 5,899,899 to Arless, which are incorporated herein by reference.
- the system also includes a handle 12 having a first portion 14 and a second portion 16 .
- First and second umbilicals 18 and 20 respectively, connect the second portion 16 of the handle 12 to a console 22 .
- the first umbilical 18 provides a path for a liquid or gas refrigerant to be transferred between the console 22 and the handle 12 ; and the second umbilical 20 provides a signal path, such as for electrical signals, between the console 22 and the handle.
- Additional umbilicals can be provided as required, and the functions of more than one umbilical can be provided in a single, multifunction umbilical. Further, additional devices, such as a connector box 24 can be placed in electrical communication with an umbilical. As shown in FIG. 1, the connector box 24 provides for connection to ECG apparatus (not shown). Also, one or more of the umbilicals can be divisible into two or more portions as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the first umbilical includes portion 18 and 18 ′, and the second umbilical includes portions 20 and 20 ′.
- a first handle portion 14 is shown mated to a cryogenic catheter 10 and a second handle portion 16 is shown mated to a single, multipurpose umbilical 26 .
- the first handle portion 14 defines or includes a portion of a first fluid pathway 28 and a portion of a second fluid pathway 30 .
- the second handle portion 16 defines or contains a second portion of the first fluid pathway 28 ′ and a second portion of the second fluid pathway 30 ′.
- first handle portion 14 includes a portion of one or more electrical or fiber-optic lines 31 and the second handle portion 16 includes a second portion of the one or more electrical or fiber-optic lines 31 ′.
- first handle portion 14 includes a portion of one or more steering elements, such a pull wire 33 and the second handle portion 16 includes a second portion of the steering elements 33 ′.
- first and second handle portions, as well as the first and second fluid pathways, one or more electrical or fiber-optic lines, and one or more steering elements are held together by complimentary locking elements 32 and 34 as is known in the art, such as locking clips, bayonet, or twist-lock.
- the fluid paths are mated with couplings, the wires with electrical connectors, and the steering elements with mechanical connectors.
- the catheter 10 can be disconnected from the umbilical 14 and discarded, while allowing the first handle portion 18 , which can include steering mechanisms and other controls, to be retained for further use.
- FIG. 2 shows a steering actuator, such as a thumb wheel, for selectively positioning a steering element in the second portion 16 of the handle 12
- FIG. 3 shows an arrangement where the steering actuator 36 is located in the first portion 14 . Additional features visible in FIG. 3 include a blood sensor 38 located and configured in such a manner so as to detect blood being withdrawn from the catheter 10 through a low pressure or vacuum exhaust line 40 along with refrigerant injected through a supply tube 42 . Also shown are electrical controls 44 in communication with electrical wires 46 .
- the refrigerant injection and low pressure or vacuum return lines can be configured coaxially either in an umbilical 18 , catheter body 10 , or in the handle 12 , as shown in FIG. 4.
- an umbilical 48 a first connector 50 , a second connector 52 , and second umbilical 54 or catheter are shown.
- the umbilical 48 includes an outer tube 56 and an inner tube 58 .
- the inner tube 58 provides a path for fluid (e.g., refrigerant) under positive pressure
- the outer tube 56 provides a path for fluid under reduced or low pressure (e.g., in connection to a vacuum pump 55 ).
- the low pressure environment allows the leak to be contained, thereby preventing refrigerant from escaping the umbilical 48 .
- Additional safety is provided by a sensor 59 in communication with the low-pressure fluid path defined by the outer tube 56 .
- the sensor 59 is tuned to detect a change in pressure within the outer tube 56 , and when a change is detected, fluid flow into the system is turned off, as a change in pressure can be an indicator that a leak is present in the system.
- the umbilical 48 is mated to the first connector 50 and the umbilical 54 is mated to the second connector 52 .
- the first connector 50 includes O-rings 60 and 62 and is matable with the second connecter 52 , as shown in greater detail in the figures that follow, to provide a fluid-tight connection.
- the first connector 50 can be locked to the second connector 52 with the assistance of a bayonet-type connection having complimentary protuberances 64 and engagement slots 66 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial connector of FIG. 4 along line 5 - 5 .
- the first connector 50 is shown almost fully mated to the second connector 52 .
- the inner tube 58 is shown mated to an inner portion 68 of the first connector 50 .
- the inner portion 68 defines a fluid path 69 leading to an outlet 70 that, when the first and second connectors 50 and 52 are mated, aligns with a fluid inlet 72 to an injection tube 74 .
- the O-ring 62 ensures good sealing of the connection.
- the outer tube 56 is shown mated to an outer portion 76 of the first connector 50 .
- the outer portion defines a fluid path 78 that is in fluid communication with a fluid path 80 defined by the second connector 52 .
- the fluid path 80 leads to, and is in communication with, a fluid path 82 in the umbilical 54 .
- the O-ring 60 ensures a good seal between the first and second connectors 50 and 52 , respectively.
- FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of the assembly shown in FIG. 4. In this view, the fluid path 69 , outlet 70 , fluid inlet 72 , fluid path 78 , fluid path 80 are all clearly visible.
- FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a coaxial arrangement. Shown is a first connector 84 and a second connector 86 .
- a male Leur taper fitting 88 is receivable within a female Leur taper receptacle 90 as complimentary locking threads 92 and 94 on the first and second connectors are engaged.
- an O-ring seal 96 prevents leakage for connecting fluid flow paths 98 and 100 .
- an o-ring seal 102 prevents leakage for connecting fluid flow paths 104 and 106 . Exemplary fluid flow through flow paths 104 and 106 is shown by arrows.
- FIG. 8 Yet another connector embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. This embodiment provides connections that are not coaxial.
- a first connector 108 is mated to an outer tube or catheter shaft 110 with a rigid sleeve 112 and a flexible strain relief element.
- An fluid injection tube 114 is connected to a high-pressure female connector fitting 116 with a flexible connector tube 118 .
- Electrical wires 120 that pass through the outer tube 110 terminate at a female pin wire connector 122 .
- a pull-wire 124 passes through the outer tube 110 and a pull-wire seal fitting 126 to a female pull-wire connector 128 .
- a pull-wire tension adjuster 130 can also be provided.
- a second connector 132 includes a male, high-pressure connector 134 that is matable with the fitting 116 to provide a continuous fluid path.
- a male pull-wire connector 136 matable with the connector 128 , is axially movable within a portion of the second connector 132 as shown by the double-headed arrow.
- the connector 136 is secured to a pull-wire 137 that is in turn secured to an actuator (such as element 36 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).
- an actuator such as element 36 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3
- a bias force can be applied by a bias element 138 , such as a spring, to push the connector 136 to a selected point when axial tension is reduced on the pull-wire.
- a male wire pin connector 140 is also shown.
- the present invention therefore provides for a number of fluid flow channels, tubes, or lumens to run through a two part detachable connector.
- the flow lumens generally consist of at least two lumens: one injection lumen, usually a conduit for high-pressure fluid flow, and one containment or return lumen, usually conduit for lower pressure fluid flow.
- the injection lumen allows for fluid to flow from the source to the tip of the catheter 10
- the return lumen allows for fluid flow to flow back from the tip of the catheter 10 to the console or recovery unit 22 .
- the term “lumen” shall mean any channel, conduit, or other enclosed space through which a fluid may flow, and may be defined by a single unitary element such as a tube or duct, or may be defined by a multitude of elements and surfaces.
- the injection and return lumens may be arranged co-axially around a common primary axis, often being parallel to the axis of general fluid flow.
- the lumens may not be co-axially arranged, as in the connector of FIG. 8.
- the co-axial arrangement is advantageous in that when the return lumen surrounds the injection lumen, any leak from the injection lumen may be contained by the return lumen.
- the pressure in the return lumen may be lower than the ambient pressure outside the catheter, such as a negative gauge pressure, such that any rupture in the return lumen will not result in fluid escaping from the catheter. This greatly enhances the safety and efficacy of the catheter.
- FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a co-axial dual lumen connector, labeled generally as 200.
- Connector 200 includes a male coupling 201 , a female coupling 202 , and two plug fittings 203 and 204 for the male and female couplings 201 and 202 , respectively.
- An inner O-ring 210 and an outer O-ring 211 are adapted to fit inside an inner circular groove 212 and an outer circular groove 213 , respectively, on a shank 215 protruding from the body 220 of the male coupling 201 , as shown.
- the male coupling 201 further includes a mating mechanism which includes two opposing locking prongs 225 , with shoulders 226 , protruding from the body 220 , parallel to each other at opposite equidistant lateral positions spaced apart from the shank 215 .
- the locking prongs 225 are adapted to be inserted into matching slots defined inside of opposing flanges 229 extruding from the body 222 of the female coupling 202 , as shown.
- Each of the prongs 225 are flexible enough to be displaced inwards in the direction of arrows T towards the shank 215 such that the shoulder 226 abuts directly behind the flange 229 when the prong 225 is inserted through slot 228 , thereby securing the male and female couplings 201 and 202 to each other.
- a number of tubes and sleeves may be inserted into a number of channels or lumens (not shown) in both the male and female couplings 201 and 202 .
- This includes a first injection tube 230 , a second injection tube 232 , co-axial injection sleeve 234 , a first co-axial return tube 236 and a second co-axial return tube 238 .
- the diameters of each tube are such that the co-axial injection sleeve is adapted to circumscribe the first injection tube 230 without leaving any space therebetween, while the first co-axial return tube is adapted to envelop the sleeve 234 so as to define a co-axial lumen therebetween, such lumen to form part of a return lumen throughout the connector.
- Sleeve 234 also protects the first injection tube 230 from kinking as well as insulating the fluid flowing therein.
- FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of the assembled connector 200 , showing the male coupling 201 .
- the body 220 is shown having the plug fitting 203 inserted therein, as well as the injection tube 230 and sleeve 234 .
- the plug 203 circumscribes an annular space 241 where the first co-axial return tube (not shown) is to be inserted.
- the plug also includes four spars 243 orthogonally disposed around an inner conduit 244 .
- Inner conduit 244 of the plug 203 mates with another inner conduit (not shown) of disposed inside of the male coupling 201 , such inner conduit of the male coupling circumscribing a portion of the injection tubing and sleeve 230 and 234 .
- This annulus 241 further circumscribes the return lumen 245 defined between the inner surface of the annulus 241 and outer surface of sleeve 234 .
- the injection tube 230 defines the injection lumen 250 which is centered directly co-incident which the central longitudinal axis (not shown) of the connector 200 .
- FIG. 9C illustrates a sectional view of the connector 200 taken along section X-X in FIG. 9B.
- the central longitudinal axis 255 is shown running through the injection lumen 250 .
- the injection lumen itself includes a number of sections or lumens in fluid communication along the central longitudinal axis 255 .
- This aggregation of longitudinal lumen sections disposed though the male coupling 201 is in fluid communication with an aggregation of longitudinal lumen sections disposed though the female coupling 202 , including central lumen 263 defined by an inner conduit (not shown) in the female coupling 202 , followed by a central lumen 264 defined by plug fitting 204 .
- the return lumen is not shown in FIG.
- FIG. 9C due to the orientation of the spars, such as spars 243 through the plug 203 , which run the length of the return lumen in each of the plug fittings 203 and 204 , and the male and female couplings 201 and 202 .
- Each set of spars is orthogonally disposed in general alignment with each other, such that section X-X runs directly through a plane coincident with a pair of diametrically opposed spars in each of the plug fittings 203 and 204 , and the male and female couplings 201 and 202 .
- FIG. 9C does not illustrate the first injection tube 230 , second injection tube 232 , co-axial injection sleeve 234 , first co-axial return tube 236 and second co-axial return tube 238 inserted into connector 200 .
- FIG. 9D is an enlarged alternate sectional view of the connector 200 taken along section W-W in FIG. 9B.
- FIG. 9D includes the first injection tube 230 , second injection tube 232 , co-axial injection sleeve 234 , first co-axial return tube 236 and second co-axial return tube 238 inserted into connector 200 .
- injection tube 230 is inserted co-axially around the central axis 255 into the central lumen 261 of the male coupling 201 .
- Central lumen 261 is in turn defined by inner conduit 265 , which is also co-axially centered around central axis 255 .
- Sleeve 234 is disposed around a portion of injection tube 230 through central lumen 260 defined by inner conduit 244 of plug fitting 203 , and extends outwardly from the connector 200 as shown.
- the sleeve 234 functions to anchor the injection tube 230 in place around the central axis 255 when the respective parts of the connector 200 are assembled and connected. Additionally, the first co-axial return tube 236 is shown inserted into plug 203 , while the second co-axial return tube 238 is shown inserted into the plug 204 .
- the injection tube 230 runs straight through the length of shank 215 of the male coupling 201 and through the central lumen 262 defined by the tip portion of said shank 215 .
- the distal end of the injection tube 230 is therefore in direct fluid communication with the central lumen 263 of the female coupling 202 , defined by inner conduit 267 .
- central lumen 264 is in fluid communication with central lumen 264 defined by inner conduit 268 of plug 204 inserted into the female coupling 202 .
- a second injection tube 232 is in turn inserted into a portion of the central lumen 264 and is in fluid communication therewith.
- fluid entering or leaving through the proximal end of injection tube 230 will flow through the tube 230 , through male coupling 201 , into female coupling 202 and through injection tube 232 , always centered around central axis 255 .
- the flow of fluid through such a fluid pathway is suitable for high pressure, pure or mixed phase refrigerants, gases, or liquids, adapted for cryogenic expansion and evaporation at the catheter tip so as to trigger cryoablation.
- the fluid is hence “injected” to the tip of the catheter through such an injection pathway.
- the injection of such fluid may be in either direction, whether from the male coupling 201 to the female coupling 202 , or from the female coupling 202 to the male coupling 201 , depending on the particular orientation of the connector 200 in the catheter system.
- the connector 200 provides a second fluid flow pathway, disposed co-axially about the first fluid flow pathway and central longitudinal axis, as more fully described below.
- a second flow pathway or channel is advantageous in several ways. First, it provides a means by which the fluid injected to the catheter tip may be recovered by the catheter system in a closed loop flow configuration. For this function, such a pathway, which runs through a significant length of the catheter and catheter system, may be referred to as a “return” lumen. Second, it provides a means whereby the flow of fluid throughout the catheter may be contained so as to prevent leaks.
- the return lumen is generally at a pressure lower than that of the pressure along the first fluid pathway, and often lower than the ambient pressure found outside the catheter itself. Such lower pressures may at times be below zero gauge pressure so as to render the return lumen a “vacuum return lumen.”
- the second fluid flow pathway through connector 200 (being the portion of the return lumen of the catheter system which runs through the connector 200 ) is defined by several sections of lumen disposed co-axially around the central axis 255 . If the flow of fluid were to flow along the path traced arrows F shown in FIG. 9D, the return lumen would commence with co-axial lumen 270 defined by the annular space between the first co-axial return tube 236 and sleeve 234 . Co-axial lumen 270 is in fluid communication with co-axial lumen 271 defined by the annular space between the outer rim of plug 203 and its inner conduit 244 .
- the second fluid pathway continues with co-axial lumen 272 defined by the annular space enveloping inner conduit 265 of male coupling 201 .
- the second fluid pathway thereafter exits the distal end of male coupling 201 through shank 215 and enters the narrow annular disk of space 266 defined by the mating of male coupling 201 and female coupling 202 .
- Outer O-ring 211 prevents the escape of fluid from space 266 out of connector 200 .
- the second flow pathway continues with co-axial lumen 273 which is in fluid communication with space 266 and is defined by an annular space enveloping inner conduit 267 of female coupling 202 .
- Lumen 273 is in fluid communication with co-axial lumen 274 defined by the annular space between the outer rim of plug 204 and its inner conduit 268 .
- Lumen 274 is in fluid communication with annular lumen 275 defined by the second co-axial return tube 238 and second injection tube 232 .
- the flow of fluid runs through the second pathway along direction F as shown.
- the fluid flow may be reversed and runs opposite to the direction F as shown.
- the flow of fluid in the second pathway is generally opposite in direction to the flow of fluid through the first pathway or injection lumen.
- representative fluid pressures range from 400 to 800 psia in the first, injection flow pathway and 0 to 20 psia in the second, return flow pathway.
- FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view of another catheter connector in accordance with the principles of the present invention, labeled generally as 300.
- Connector 300 is another embodiment of a co-axial, dual flow pathway connector.
- Connector 300 is suitable for use with high pressure catheter systems and shares many of the same internal flow lumen, conduit, and fluid channel configurations as connector 200 .
- connector 300 includes a female coupling member 301 , a male coupling member 302 , a female co-axial plug member 303 , and a male co-axial plug member 304 . All of the components of connector 300 are co-axially centered on a central longitudinal axis 305 as shown.
- Male coupling 302 includes a shank 310 very similar to that of shank 215 of male coupling 201 of connector 200 .
- shank 310 includes two diametrically opposed protuberances 312 adapted to slide into diametrically opposed arcuate grooves 315 disposed into the mating end 316 of female coupling 301 .
- a “protuberance” shall mean any structural element extending from a body or surface, such as a flange, beam, finger, or other extrusion.
- protuberances 312 are cylindrically shaped beams jutting out from opposing lateral sides of shank 310 .
- Shank 310 also includes two O-rings (not shown) adapted to fit into circumferential grooves 317 and 318 , much like the O-rings of connector 200 .
- the orientation of the protuberances 312 are such that when male coupling 302 is rotated 180 degrees about central axis 305 its geometric orientation does not change.
- the protuberances 312 are positioned the same with respect to a fixed point in space.
- the same rotational symmetry applies to female coupling 301 .
- the arcuate grooves 315 are positioned the same with respect to a fixed point in space.
- arcuate grooves 315 are J-shaped and span an arc of about ninety degrees.
- the male and female couplings of connector 300 are connected when the male coupling 302 is inserted into the female coupling 301 such that protuberances 312 slide into the mating end 316 of grooves 315 and by rotating the male coupling 302 relative to the female coupling 301 by about 45 degrees in the direction C as shown.
- the assembled connector is shown in FIG. 10B.
- Each of grooves 315 includes a semi-circular locking enclosure 320 at its distal end, shaped to conform tightly with the outline of protuberance 312 so as to frictionally grip the protuberance 312 in place and thereby hold couplings 301 and 302 together.
- FIG. 10C shows the connector of FIG. 10B on a plane to which axis 305 is a normal axis, illustrating the orientation of protuberances 312 .
- protuberances 312 jut out non-perpendicular to the surface of shank 310 , so as to fit into grooves 315 when inserted therein in a rotating path.
- Connector 300 has certain advantages over previous known catheter connectors of this type, and indeed over the connector 200 previously discussed herein. Because male coupling 302 can only be inserted into female coupling 301 by inserting the protuberances 312 into grooves 301 , the co-axial connection of first and second fluid pathways therein is made only by properly locking the couplings into place. This may not have been the case with connector 200 for example. It will appreciated, by careful examination of the orientation of components of connector 200 in FIG. 9A, that shank 215 could potentially be inserted into female coupling 202 without having to inserted prongs 225 though slots 228 . All the internal fluid pathways would still be linked, due to the co-axial geometry of such flow pathways, but the locking mechanism of connector 200 would not be properly engaged. Connector 300 however, solves this problem by allowing the couplings 301 and 302 to be coupled only by simultaneous engagement of the locking mechanism.
- FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial dual lumen catheter connector, labeled generally as 400.
- Connector 400 is similar to connectors 200 and 300 in that it shares the same internal dual co-axial flow pathway arrangement.
- Connector 400 is also similar to connector 300 in that it shares a locking mechanism which must be simultaneously engaged as the couplings of the connector are mated.
- Connector 400 includes a female coupling 401 and a male coupling 402 , each with respective mating ends 403 and 404 . Both of couplings 401 and 402 are co-axially centered on a central longitudinal axis 405 as shown.
- Male coupling 402 includes a shank 410 jutting out from its mating end 404 , very similar to the shanks of connectors 200 and 300 .
- male coupling 402 also includes two diametrically opposed L-shaped locking prongs 415 circumferentially disposed about shank 410 , and jutting out from mating end 404 as shown.
- Female coupling 401 includes a pair of diametrically opposed L-shaped enclosures or cavities 417 , partially defined by a pair of diametrically opposed extrusions 418 spacedly disposed apart from an outer rim 420 enclosing the recess 422 for receiving shank 410 .
- an “enclosure” shall mean any space or void of a particular shape adapted to receive a structural element of similar shape and dimension, and as defined by various structural elements adjacent thereto, such as, a groove, a slot, a cavity, or a hollow.
- Each locking prong 415 is separated from shank 410 by an annular sector (not clearly shown) into which the outer rim 420 slides when the two couplings are engaged as shown in FIG. 11B.
- FIG. 11C illustrates a view of the mating end 404 of male coupling 402 .
- the prongs 415 are radially spaced apart from shank 410 by annular sectors or grooves 425 , which tightly receive outer rim 420 of female coupling 401 .
- male coupling 402 is inserted into female coupling 401 by aligning the prongs 415 to be positioned just laterally of extrusions 418 .
- the shank 410 is thereafter inserted into recess 422 while male coupling is rotated relative to the female coupling about axis 405 in the direction C as shown.
- Connector 400 therefore functions in much the same way as connector 300 , except that the frictional contact surface area between L-shaped prongs 415 and their complementary L-shaped enclosures 417 is much higher than that of the protuberances 312 and locking enclosures 320 of connector 300 , thereby allowing for greater control of the locking force and overall coupling action of the connector.
- FIG. 12A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial dual lumen catheter connector, labeled generally as 500.
- Connector 500 is similar to connectors 200 , 300 and 400 in that it shares the same internal dual co-axial flow pathway arrangement.
- Connector 500 is also similar to connector 300 and 400 in that it shares a locking mechanism which must be simultaneously engaged as the couplings of the connector are mated.
- Connector 500 includes a male coupling 501 and a female coupling 502 , each of which are co-axially centered on a central longitudinal axis 503 as shown.
- Male coupling 501 includes a shank 505 very similar to the shanks 215 , 310 , and 410 of connectors 200 , 300 , and 400 respectively.
- shank 505 also includes a pair of diametrically opposed spiral ledges 515 that each run 180 degrees about the base 516 of shank 505 as shown.
- Each ledge 516 commences at the base 516 of the shank 505 and spirals around the shank 505 for 180 degrees about axis 503 , and spirals a longitudinal distance along central axis 503 as shown, to end just short of the outer O-ring (not shown) circumferential groove 517 .
- Another ledge 515 is disposed about the other 180 degrees of the base 516 of shank 505 , sloping away from the base 516 at its starting point 519 , in the direction C about axis 503 .
- Male coupling 501 also includes two diametrically opposed locking prongs 510 spaced apart from shank 505 .
- Female coupling 502 also includes a pair of diametrically opposed hooks 520 . When male coupling 501 is inserted into female coupling 502 , each locking prong 510 is adapted to be partially enclosed by its complementary hook 520 .
- male coupling 501 is not insertable into female coupling 502 simply by inserting the prongs directly into hooks 520 in the direction of arrows A as shown in FIG. 12A.
- the inner surface 522 of recess 523 of female coupling 502 includes two diametrically opposed spiral ledges 525 .
- Each ledge 525 is complementary to a ledge 515 of the male coupling 501 , such that when the two couplings arc fully mated, the entirety of each of ledge 525 is in contact with the entirety of each of ledge 525 .
- Female coupling 502 is thus mated to male coupling 501 by first rotating the female coupling 502 relative to male coupling 501 about axis 503 in the direction C shown in FIG. 12A such that each hook 520 is radially displaced away from prong 510 .
- the two couplings are thereafter mated together by rotatably (in the direction opposite to C about axis 503 ) inserting the shank 505 into recess 523 such that the ledges 515 and 525 come into contact and slide relative to each other until the endpoint 527 of ledge 525 is proximate the starting point 519 of ledge 515 .
- FIG. 12C shows the two couplings 501 and 502 in mated form.
- FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a co-axial dual lumen connector, labeled generally as 600.
- Connector 600 includes a male coupling 601 , a female coupling 602 , and two plug fittings 603 and 604 for the male and female couplings 601 and 602 , respectively.
- An inner O-ring 610 and an outer O-ring 611 are adapted to fit inside an inner circular groove 612 and an outer circular groove 613 , respectively, on a shank 615 protruding from the body 620 of the male coupling 601 , as shown.
- the male coupling 601 further includes two opposing locking prongs 625 , with shoulders 626 , protruding from the body 620 , parallel to each other at opposite equidistant lateral positions spaced apart from the shank 615 .
- the locking prongs 625 are adapted to be inserted through any one of six enclosures 627 defined by outer ring 628 and any two adjacent spars 629 connecting outer ring 628 to the body 622 of female coupling 602 , as shown.
- Each of the prongs 625 are flexible enough to be displaced inwards in the direction of arrows T towards the shank 615 such that the shoulder 626 abuts directly behind the outer ring 628 when the prong 625 is inserted through enclosure 627 , thereby securing the male and female couplings 601 and 602 to each other.
- a number of tubes and sleeves may be inserted into a number of channels or lumens (not shown) in both the male and female couplings 601 and 602 .
- This includes a first injection tube 630 , a second injection tube 632 , co-axial injection sleeve 634 , a first co-axial return tube 636 and a second co-axial return tube 638 .
- each tube The diameters of each tube are such that the co-axial injection sleeve 634 is adapted to circumscribe the first injection tube 630 without leaving any space therebetween, while the first co-axial return tube 636 is adapted to envelop the sleeve 634 so as to define a co-axial lumen therebetween, such lumen to form part of a return lumen throughout the connector, similar to the arrangement of components of connector 200 .
- FIG. 13B illustrates connector 600 in mated form taken along a longitudinal section coincident with central axis 640 of FIG. 13A. Both the injection fluid flow pathway, coincident with central axis 640 , and the co-axial return flow pathway co-incident with arrows F as shown. Thus the internal flow lumen arrangement of connector 600 is very similar to that of connector 200 . In addition, a ridge 645 is shown extruding from outer ring 628 .
- Ridge 645 runs around the entire circumference of outer ring 628 , and is disposed such that when prong 625 is inserted into female coupling 602 , the shoulder 626 of prong 625 abuts against the ridge 645 , locking the male coupling 601 with female coupling 602 .
- FIG. 14A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a double co-axial or “tri-axial” connector, labeled generally as 700.
- Connector 700 includes a male coupling 701 , a female coupling 702 , and two plug fittings 703 and 704 for the male and female couplings 701 and 702 , respectively.
- An inner O-ring 709 , an intermediate O-ring 710 , and an outer O-ring 711 are adapted to fit inside an inner circular grooves 712 , 713 , and 714 , respectively, on a shank 715 protruding from the body 720 of the male coupling 701 , as shown.
- the male coupling 701 further includes two opposing locking prongs 725 , with shoulders 726 , protruding from the body 720 , parallel to each other at opposite equidistant lateral positions spaced apart from the shank 715 .
- the locking prongs 725 are adapted to be inserted U-shaped slot enclosures 727 defined by outer ring 728 of female coupling 702 , as shown.
- Each of the prongs 725 are flexible enough to be displaced inwards in the direction of arrows T towards the shank 715 such that the shoulder 726 abuts directly behind a respective U-shaped slot enclosures 727 when prong 725 is inserted therein, thereby securing the male and female couplings 701 and 702 to each other.
- a number of tubes and sleeves may be inserted into a number of channels or lumens (not shown) in both the male and female couplings 701 and 702 .
- This includes a first injection tube 730 , a second injection tube 732 , a first co-axial injection sleeve 734 , a second co-axial injection sleeve 735 , a first co-axial return tube 736 and a second co-axial return tube 738 .
- the diameters of the tubes are such that the first co-axial injection sleeve 734 is adapted to circumscribe the first injection tube 730 without leaving any space therebetween, while the first co-axial return tube 736 is adapted to envelop the sleeve 734 so as to define a co-axial lumen therebetween, such lumen to form part of a return lumen throughout the connector, similar to the arrangement of components of connectors 200 and 600 .
- FIG. 14B illustrated the connector 700 in partially mated form, with each of male coupling 701 and female coupling 702 having its respective injection and co-axial tubing inserted.
- FIG. 14C shows the connector 700 in fully mated form.
- connector 700 provides a second lumen in addition to the first lumen, such that connector 700 provides first, second, and third fluid flow pathways.
- the second lumen may be co-axial around the first and second fluid flow pathways, or it may simply be separate and distinct from the first lumen, and may be incorporated in the first return tube 736 and second return tube 738 .
- the outermost co-axial lumen may therefore serve as a “double vacuum” lumen, providing yet another layer of safety and vacuum operation to the catheter system.
- FIG. 14D is a side view of the connector of FIG. 14A in fully assembled form, showing the female coupling 702 .
- FIG. 14E is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 14A taken along section A-A in FIG. 14D
- FIG. 14F is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 14A taken along section Z-Z in FIG. 14D.
- the first fluid pathway, or injection lumen 740 , second fluid pathway, or first return lumen 745 , and third fluid pathway, or second return lumen 750 are shown.
- FIG. 15A is a cutaway, exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a coaxial connector of the present invention, labeled generally as 800.
- Connector 800 includes a male coupling 801 and a female coupling 802 , each of which are co-axially centered on a central longitudinal axis 803 as shown.
- Male coupling 801 includes a tapered central shank 805 which fits into a complementary tapered female recess 806 in female coupling 802 .
- Each male and female coupling further includes a central injection lumen 807 a and 807 b, respectively, centered about central longitudinal axis 803 as shown.
- Each male and female coupling further includes a plurality of co-axial lumens 808 a and 808 b, respectively, centered about central longitudinal axis 803 , and about the injection lumens 807 a and 807 b, as shown.
- Female coupling 802 includes a circumferential slot 810 , being an annular recess disposed within the mating end 812 of the female coupling 802 .
- Male coupling 801 includes a pair of diametrically opposed locking prongs 812 included outside of the inner lumens that are disposed to slide into the circumferential slot 810 .
- FIG. 15B is an enlarged cutaway, exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 15A in mated form.
- central injection lumens 807 a and 807 b mate to form a contiguous central lumen which acts as a first pathway for fluid flow.
- outer co-axial lumens 808 a and 808 b merge to form several outer co-axial pathways for fluid flow, of which only a portion are shown, due the cutaway view.
- the locking prongs 812 are shown engaged into the slot 810 , thereby fastening and mating the two couplings 801 and 802 together.
- FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 15A in mated form.
- the first fluid pathway is defined by arrows F, wherein fluid is free to move in either direction along pathway F along the central lumen formed by the merging of lumens 807 a and 807 b.
- a second fluid pathway is defined by the plurality of outer co-axial lumens 808 a and 808 b along the direction of arrows C. Once again, fluid is passable in either direction.
- Connector 800 further includes an O-ring 815 to seal the inner lumens from the outside environment.
- the interface 820 between the male tapered shank 805 and the female recess 806 is sealed by the shear action between the respective surfaces when couplings 801 and 802 are mated. This sealing along interface 820 isolated the central injection lumen from the outer co-axial lumens.
- an outer sliding sleeve 825 is circumferentially disposed about the male coupling 801 .
- the sleeve 825 slides in the direction R as shown, which in turn forces prongs 812 to deflect inwards in the direction of arrows T as shown, thereby translating free of slot 810 to decouple the couplings.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
- Media Introduction/Drainage Providing Device (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of pending application Ser. No. 10/202,991 filed Jul. 25, 2002, by Marwan Abboud, et al., entitled CRYOABLATION CATHETER HANDLE, which is a continuation of allowed application Ser. No. 09/556,042, filed Apr. 21, 2000, by Marwan Abboud, et al., entitled CRYOABLATION CATHETER HANDLE, which application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/130,538, filed Apr. 21, 1999, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- n/a
- This invention relates to catheters, and more particularly to handles and connectors for cryogenic catheters.
- A cryogenic catheter can generally be described as an elongate, slender, flexible body that is capable of delivering extreme cold to provide a medically therapeutic effect. Such a catheter can be a part of a system that includes several components, such as a console, an umbilical, a cryoablation catheter and a handle.
- The console houses the electronics and software for controlling an ablation procedure. Additionally, the console controls delivery of a refrigerant through the umbilical to the catheter, and controls recovery of the refrigerant from the catheter.
- The umbilical connecting the catheter and/or handle to the console provides mechanical connections for refrigerant transport and electrical connection for electrical devices and sensors. The handle, in addition to providing an appropriate graspable structure, can include controls for catheter steering, as well as other catheter functions.
- Known cryogenic catheter systems provide a unitary handle and catheter which is intended for a single use. As with other devices, attention to the percentage and content of a system that is disposable (or that which must be disposed of for sanitary reasons), as well as attention to the cost of replacement items, can have a substantial effect on the cost of acquisition and operation of the system. Thus, if possible, it would help to reduce cost of the system if only the catheter (or a portion thereof) were disposable and, under most circumstances, the handle were available for reuse.
- Ideally, the inclusion of disposable system elements does not compromise system performance or patient safety. However, known attempts to provide disposable catheter elements have been less than ideal. For example, providing a catheter that is removable from the handle requires not only connection to refrigerant, steering elements and electrical elements, but also a creation of a fluid-tight seal at the catheter/handle interface. Not only can it be tedious to make such connections, known devices or connectors with this type of feature have not proved to be acceptable with respect to either performance or safety.
- It would therefore be desirable to provide a cryogenic catheter that provides the benefits of a disposable component and which is easy to use, without safety or performance limitations. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a connector suited for use with cryogenic catheters which would allow for the quick, efficient, and secure connection of catheter components, such as injection tubes, containment sleeves, electrical connections, sensors, and the like. Additionally, it would be desirable to provide connectors which may be configured at various junctions of the catheter assembly so as to allow for detachable and disposable cryoablation catheter systems.
- A connector is provided, including a male coupling body having a central shank defining first and second lumens, a female coupling body matable with the male coupling body and defining third and fourth lumens matable to be in fluid communication with the first and second lumens, respectively, to define first and second fluid flow pathways, respectively, through the connector when the male coupling body is mated with the female coupling body. The second fluid flow pathway is co-axially disposed about a central axis coincident with the first fluid flow pathway. The connector includes a mating mechanism for spatially locking the male and female coupling bodies with respect to each other.
- Furthermore, a connector is provided, including, a first coupling member having a first central longitudinal axis, a second coupling member having a second central longitudinal axis coincident with the first central longitudinal axis, and a means for coupling the first and second coupling members. The second coupling member is insertable into the first coupling member to define first and second fluid flow pathways. The first fluid flow pathway is coincident with the first central longitudinal axis. The second fluid flow pathway is co-axially disposed around the first fluid flow pathway and first central longitudinal axis.
- A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 illustrates a cryogenic catheter system generally;
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a handle as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the two handle portions are not mated;
- FIG. 2A depicts the first and second handle portions of FIG. 2 in a mated state;
- FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a two-part handle;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a two-part co-axial connector;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the two-part co-axial connector of FIG. 4 in a partially mated state;
- FIG. 6 illustrates additional features of the connector of FIG. 4 in an exploded cutaway view;
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a co-axial connector;
- FIG. 8 is yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector;
- FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector;
- FIG. 9B is a side view of the connector of FIG. 9A is assembled form;
- FIG. 9C is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 9B taken along section X-X in FIG. 9B, without the injection and co-axial tubing inserted therein;
- FIG. 9D is an enlarged sectional view of the connector of FIG. 9B taken along section W-W in FIG. 9B, with the injection and co-axial tubing inserted therein;
- FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector;
- FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 10A in assembled form;
- FIG. 10C is a side view of the connector of FIG. 10A is assembled form;
- FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector;
- FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 11A in assembled form;
- FIG. 11C is a side view of the male coupling of the connector of FIG. 11A, viewed in the direction X-X of FIG. 11A;
- FIG. 12A is a first exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector;
- FIG. 12B is a second exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 12A;
- FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 12C in assembled form;
- FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector;
- FIG. 13B is an enlarged sectional view of the connector of FIG. 13A;
- FIG. 14A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector;
- FIG. 14B is a partially exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 14A in partially assembled form;
- FIG. 14C is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 14A in fully assembled form;
- FIG. 14D is a side view of the connector of FIG. 14A in fully assembled form;
- FIG. 14E is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 14A taken along section A-A in FIG. 14D;
- FIG. 14F is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 14A taken along section Z-Z in FIG. 14D;
- FIG. 15A is a cutaway, exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial connector;
- FIG. 15B is an enlarged cutaway, exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 15A in mated form; and
- FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 15A in mated form.
- FIG. 1 depicts a cryogenic catheter system in accordance with the invention. The system includes a
catheter 10, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,899,898 and 5,899,899 to Arless, which are incorporated herein by reference. The system also includes ahandle 12 having afirst portion 14 and asecond portion 16. First andsecond umbilicals second portion 16 of thehandle 12 to aconsole 22. The first umbilical 18 provides a path for a liquid or gas refrigerant to be transferred between theconsole 22 and thehandle 12; and the second umbilical 20 provides a signal path, such as for electrical signals, between theconsole 22 and the handle. Additional umbilicals can be provided as required, and the functions of more than one umbilical can be provided in a single, multifunction umbilical. Further, additional devices, such as aconnector box 24 can be placed in electrical communication with an umbilical. As shown in FIG. 1, theconnector box 24 provides for connection to ECG apparatus (not shown). Also, one or more of the umbilicals can be divisible into two or more portions as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the first umbilical includesportion portions - Referring now to FIG. 2, additional details of an exemplary two-
part handle 12 are discussed in greater detail. Afirst handle portion 14 is shown mated to acryogenic catheter 10 and asecond handle portion 16 is shown mated to a single, multipurpose umbilical 26. Thefirst handle portion 14 defines or includes a portion of afirst fluid pathway 28 and a portion of asecond fluid pathway 30. Thesecond handle portion 16 defines or contains a second portion of thefirst fluid pathway 28′ and a second portion of thesecond fluid pathway 30′. When the first and second portions of the first and second fluid pathways are mated, as shown in FIG. 2A, continuous fluid paths are provided. Similarly, thefirst handle portion 14 includes a portion of one or more electrical or fiber-optic lines 31 and thesecond handle portion 16 includes a second portion of the one or more electrical or fiber-optic lines 31′. Further, thefirst handle portion 14 includes a portion of one or more steering elements, such apull wire 33 and thesecond handle portion 16 includes a second portion of thesteering elements 33′. - The first and second handle portions, as well as the first and second fluid pathways, one or more electrical or fiber-optic lines, and one or more steering elements are held together by
complimentary locking elements catheter 10 can be disconnected from the umbilical 14 and discarded, while allowing thefirst handle portion 18, which can include steering mechanisms and other controls, to be retained for further use. - Whereas FIG. 2 shows a steering actuator, such as a thumb wheel, for selectively positioning a steering element in the
second portion 16 of thehandle 12, FIG. 3 shows an arrangement where thesteering actuator 36 is located in thefirst portion 14. Additional features visible in FIG. 3 include ablood sensor 38 located and configured in such a manner so as to detect blood being withdrawn from thecatheter 10 through a low pressure orvacuum exhaust line 40 along with refrigerant injected through asupply tube 42. Also shown areelectrical controls 44 in communication withelectrical wires 46. - In addition to the above features, the refrigerant injection and low pressure or vacuum return lines can be configured coaxially either in an umbilical18,
catheter body 10, or in thehandle 12, as shown in FIG. 4. In this illustration an umbilical 48, afirst connector 50, asecond connector 52, and second umbilical 54 or catheter are shown. The umbilical 48 includes anouter tube 56 and aninner tube 58. In the exemplary embodiment, theinner tube 58 provides a path for fluid (e.g., refrigerant) under positive pressure, whereas theouter tube 56 provides a path for fluid under reduced or low pressure (e.g., in connection to a vacuum pump 55). Thus, if a leak should occur at some point along theinner tube 58 or its connections to other components, the low pressure environment allows the leak to be contained, thereby preventing refrigerant from escaping the umbilical 48. Additional safety is provided by asensor 59 in communication with the low-pressure fluid path defined by theouter tube 56. Thesensor 59 is tuned to detect a change in pressure within theouter tube 56, and when a change is detected, fluid flow into the system is turned off, as a change in pressure can be an indicator that a leak is present in the system. - Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, the umbilical48 is mated to the
first connector 50 and the umbilical 54 is mated to thesecond connector 52. Thefirst connector 50 includes O-rings second connecter 52, as shown in greater detail in the figures that follow, to provide a fluid-tight connection. Thefirst connector 50 can be locked to thesecond connector 52 with the assistance of a bayonet-type connection havingcomplimentary protuberances 64 andengagement slots 66. - FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coaxial connector of FIG. 4 along line5-5. In this view, the
first connector 50 is shown almost fully mated to thesecond connector 52. In this view theinner tube 58 is shown mated to aninner portion 68 of thefirst connector 50. Theinner portion 68 defines afluid path 69 leading to anoutlet 70 that, when the first andsecond connectors fluid inlet 72 to aninjection tube 74. The O-ring 62 ensures good sealing of the connection. - Similarly, the
outer tube 56 is shown mated to anouter portion 76 of thefirst connector 50. The outer portion defines afluid path 78 that is in fluid communication with afluid path 80 defined by thesecond connector 52. Thefluid path 80 leads to, and is in communication with, afluid path 82 in the umbilical 54. The O-ring 60 ensures a good seal between the first andsecond connectors - FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of the assembly shown in FIG. 4. In this view, the
fluid path 69,outlet 70,fluid inlet 72,fluid path 78,fluid path 80 are all clearly visible. - FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a coaxial arrangement. Shown is a
first connector 84 and asecond connector 86. In this embodiment, a male Leur taper fitting 88 is receivable within a femaleLeur taper receptacle 90 ascomplimentary locking threads ring seal 96 prevents leakage for connectingfluid flow paths ring seal 102 prevents leakage for connectingfluid flow paths flow paths - Yet another connector embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. This embodiment provides connections that are not coaxial. As shown, a
first connector 108 is mated to an outer tube orcatheter shaft 110 with arigid sleeve 112 and a flexible strain relief element. Anfluid injection tube 114 is connected to a high-pressure female connector fitting 116 with aflexible connector tube 118.Electrical wires 120 that pass through theouter tube 110 terminate at a femalepin wire connector 122. A pull-wire 124 passes through theouter tube 110 and a pull-wire seal fitting 126 to a female pull-wire connector 128. A pull-wire tension adjuster 130 can also be provided. - A
second connector 132 includes a male, high-pressure connector 134 that is matable with the fitting 116 to provide a continuous fluid path. A male pull-wire connector 136, matable with theconnector 128, is axially movable within a portion of thesecond connector 132 as shown by the double-headed arrow. Theconnector 136 is secured to a pull-wire 137 that is in turn secured to an actuator (such aselement 36 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). Thus, when the pull-wire 137 is moved axially, theconnector 136 moves axially. A bias force can be applied by abias element 138, such as a spring, to push theconnector 136 to a selected point when axial tension is reduced on the pull-wire. Also shown is a malewire pin connector 140. - The present invention therefore provides for a number of fluid flow channels, tubes, or lumens to run through a two part detachable connector. The flow lumens generally consist of at least two lumens: one injection lumen, usually a conduit for high-pressure fluid flow, and one containment or return lumen, usually conduit for lower pressure fluid flow. Generally, the injection lumen allows for fluid to flow from the source to the tip of the
catheter 10, while the return lumen allows for fluid flow to flow back from the tip of thecatheter 10 to the console orrecovery unit 22. As used herein, the term “lumen” shall mean any channel, conduit, or other enclosed space through which a fluid may flow, and may be defined by a single unitary element such as a tube or duct, or may be defined by a multitude of elements and surfaces. - The injection and return lumens may be arranged co-axially around a common primary axis, often being parallel to the axis of general fluid flow. Alternatively, the lumens may not be co-axially arranged, as in the connector of FIG. 8. However, the co-axial arrangement is advantageous in that when the return lumen surrounds the injection lumen, any leak from the injection lumen may be contained by the return lumen. Furthermore, the pressure in the return lumen may be lower than the ambient pressure outside the catheter, such as a negative gauge pressure, such that any rupture in the return lumen will not result in fluid escaping from the catheter. This greatly enhances the safety and efficacy of the catheter.
- FIG. 9A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a co-axial dual lumen connector, labeled generally as 200.
Connector 200 includes amale coupling 201, afemale coupling 202, and twoplug fittings female couplings ring 210 and an outer O-ring 211 are adapted to fit inside an innercircular groove 212 and an outercircular groove 213, respectively, on ashank 215 protruding from thebody 220 of themale coupling 201, as shown. - The
male coupling 201 further includes a mating mechanism which includes two opposing lockingprongs 225, withshoulders 226, protruding from thebody 220, parallel to each other at opposite equidistant lateral positions spaced apart from theshank 215. The locking prongs 225 are adapted to be inserted into matching slots defined inside of opposingflanges 229 extruding from thebody 222 of thefemale coupling 202, as shown. Each of theprongs 225 are flexible enough to be displaced inwards in the direction of arrows T towards theshank 215 such that theshoulder 226 abuts directly behind theflange 229 when theprong 225 is inserted throughslot 228, thereby securing the male andfemale couplings - A number of tubes and sleeves may be inserted into a number of channels or lumens (not shown) in both the male and
female couplings first injection tube 230, asecond injection tube 232,co-axial injection sleeve 234, a firstco-axial return tube 236 and a secondco-axial return tube 238. The diameters of each tube are such that the co-axial injection sleeve is adapted to circumscribe thefirst injection tube 230 without leaving any space therebetween, while the first co-axial return tube is adapted to envelop thesleeve 234 so as to define a co-axial lumen therebetween, such lumen to form part of a return lumen throughout the connector.Sleeve 234 also protects thefirst injection tube 230 from kinking as well as insulating the fluid flowing therein. - FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of the assembled
connector 200, showing themale coupling 201. Thebody 220 is shown having the plug fitting 203 inserted therein, as well as theinjection tube 230 andsleeve 234. Theplug 203 circumscribes anannular space 241 where the first co-axial return tube (not shown) is to be inserted. The plug also includes fourspars 243 orthogonally disposed around aninner conduit 244.Inner conduit 244 of theplug 203 mates with another inner conduit (not shown) of disposed inside of themale coupling 201, such inner conduit of the male coupling circumscribing a portion of the injection tubing andsleeve annulus 241 further circumscribes thereturn lumen 245 defined between the inner surface of theannulus 241 and outer surface ofsleeve 234. Theinjection tube 230 defines theinjection lumen 250 which is centered directly co-incident which the central longitudinal axis (not shown) of theconnector 200. - FIG. 9C illustrates a sectional view of the
connector 200 taken along section X-X in FIG. 9B. In FIG. 9C, in addition to the elements shown and discussed in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the centrallongitudinal axis 255 is shown running through theinjection lumen 250. The injection lumen itself includes a number of sections or lumens in fluid communication along the centrallongitudinal axis 255. This includes acentral injection lumen 260 defined by the male plug fitting 203, followed by acentral injection lumen 261 defined by the inner tube (not shown) disposed inside of themale coupling 201, followed by acentral lumen 262 disposed at the tip of theshank 215 of themale coupling 201 and proximate the inner O-ring 210. This aggregation of longitudinal lumen sections disposed though themale coupling 201 is in fluid communication with an aggregation of longitudinal lumen sections disposed though thefemale coupling 202, includingcentral lumen 263 defined by an inner conduit (not shown) in thefemale coupling 202, followed by acentral lumen 264 defined by plug fitting 204. The return lumen is not shown in FIG. 9C due to the orientation of the spars, such asspars 243 through theplug 203, which run the length of the return lumen in each of theplug fittings female couplings plug fittings female couplings first injection tube 230,second injection tube 232,co-axial injection sleeve 234, firstco-axial return tube 236 and secondco-axial return tube 238 inserted intoconnector 200. - FIG. 9D is an enlarged alternate sectional view of the
connector 200 taken along section W-W in FIG. 9B. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 9C, FIG. 9D includes thefirst injection tube 230,second injection tube 232,co-axial injection sleeve 234, firstco-axial return tube 236 and secondco-axial return tube 238 inserted intoconnector 200. As shown in FIG. 9D,injection tube 230 is inserted co-axially around thecentral axis 255 into thecentral lumen 261 of themale coupling 201.Central lumen 261 is in turn defined byinner conduit 265, which is also co-axially centered aroundcentral axis 255.Sleeve 234 is disposed around a portion ofinjection tube 230 throughcentral lumen 260 defined byinner conduit 244 of plug fitting 203, and extends outwardly from theconnector 200 as shown. Thesleeve 234 functions to anchor theinjection tube 230 in place around thecentral axis 255 when the respective parts of theconnector 200 are assembled and connected. Additionally, the firstco-axial return tube 236 is shown inserted intoplug 203, while the secondco-axial return tube 238 is shown inserted into theplug 204. - The
injection tube 230 runs straight through the length ofshank 215 of themale coupling 201 and through thecentral lumen 262 defined by the tip portion of saidshank 215. The distal end of theinjection tube 230 is therefore in direct fluid communication with thecentral lumen 263 of thefemale coupling 202, defined byinner conduit 267. As shown in FIG. 9D,central lumen 264 is in fluid communication withcentral lumen 264 defined byinner conduit 268 ofplug 204 inserted into thefemale coupling 202. Asecond injection tube 232 is in turn inserted into a portion of thecentral lumen 264 and is in fluid communication therewith. Thus fluid entering or leaving through the proximal end ofinjection tube 230 will flow through thetube 230, throughmale coupling 201, intofemale coupling 202 and throughinjection tube 232, always centered aroundcentral axis 255. Generally the flow of fluid through such a fluid pathway is suitable for high pressure, pure or mixed phase refrigerants, gases, or liquids, adapted for cryogenic expansion and evaporation at the catheter tip so as to trigger cryoablation. The fluid is hence “injected” to the tip of the catheter through such an injection pathway. It will be appreciated that the injection of such fluid may be in either direction, whether from themale coupling 201 to thefemale coupling 202, or from thefemale coupling 202 to themale coupling 201, depending on the particular orientation of theconnector 200 in the catheter system. - In addition to flow of injection fluid through a first fluid flow pathway along a central longitudinal axis, the
connector 200 provides a second fluid flow pathway, disposed co-axially about the first fluid flow pathway and central longitudinal axis, as more fully described below. Such a second flow pathway or channel is advantageous in several ways. First, it provides a means by which the fluid injected to the catheter tip may be recovered by the catheter system in a closed loop flow configuration. For this function, such a pathway, which runs through a significant length of the catheter and catheter system, may be referred to as a “return” lumen. Second, it provides a means whereby the flow of fluid throughout the catheter may be contained so as to prevent leaks. For both functions, the return lumen is generally at a pressure lower than that of the pressure along the first fluid pathway, and often lower than the ambient pressure found outside the catheter itself. Such lower pressures may at times be below zero gauge pressure so as to render the return lumen a “vacuum return lumen.” - As shown in FIG. 9D, the second fluid flow pathway through connector200 (being the portion of the return lumen of the catheter system which runs through the connector 200) is defined by several sections of lumen disposed co-axially around the
central axis 255. If the flow of fluid were to flow along the path traced arrows F shown in FIG. 9D, the return lumen would commence withco-axial lumen 270 defined by the annular space between the firstco-axial return tube 236 andsleeve 234.Co-axial lumen 270 is in fluid communication withco-axial lumen 271 defined by the annular space between the outer rim ofplug 203 and itsinner conduit 244. The second fluid pathway continues withco-axial lumen 272 defined by the annular space envelopinginner conduit 265 ofmale coupling 201. The second fluid pathway thereafter exits the distal end ofmale coupling 201 throughshank 215 and enters the narrow annular disk ofspace 266 defined by the mating ofmale coupling 201 andfemale coupling 202. Outer O-ring 211 prevents the escape of fluid fromspace 266 out ofconnector 200. - The second flow pathway continues with
co-axial lumen 273 which is in fluid communication withspace 266 and is defined by an annular space envelopinginner conduit 267 offemale coupling 202.Lumen 273 is in fluid communication withco-axial lumen 274 defined by the annular space between the outer rim ofplug 204 and itsinner conduit 268.Lumen 274 is in fluid communication withannular lumen 275 defined by the secondco-axial return tube 238 andsecond injection tube 232. - Thus the flow of fluid runs through the second pathway along direction F as shown. Of course, the fluid flow may be reversed and runs opposite to the direction F as shown. However, the flow of fluid in the second pathway is generally opposite in direction to the flow of fluid through the first pathway or injection lumen. For cryoablation, representative fluid pressures range from 400 to 800 psia in the first, injection flow pathway and 0 to 20 psia in the second, return flow pathway.
- FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view of another catheter connector in accordance with the principles of the present invention, labeled generally as 300.
Connector 300 is another embodiment of a co-axial, dual flow pathway connector.Connector 300 is suitable for use with high pressure catheter systems and shares many of the same internal flow lumen, conduit, and fluid channel configurations asconnector 200. - Turning now to FIG. 10A,
connector 300 includes afemale coupling member 301, amale coupling member 302, a femaleco-axial plug member 303, and a maleco-axial plug member 304. All of the components ofconnector 300 are co-axially centered on a centrallongitudinal axis 305 as shown.Male coupling 302 includes ashank 310 very similar to that ofshank 215 ofmale coupling 201 ofconnector 200. For its mating mechanism,shank 310 includes two diametrically opposedprotuberances 312 adapted to slide into diametrically opposedarcuate grooves 315 disposed into themating end 316 offemale coupling 301. As used herein, a “protuberance” shall mean any structural element extending from a body or surface, such as a flange, beam, finger, or other extrusion. In this case,protuberances 312 are cylindrically shaped beams jutting out from opposing lateral sides ofshank 310.Shank 310 also includes two O-rings (not shown) adapted to fit intocircumferential grooves connector 200. - As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the orientation of the
protuberances 312 are such that whenmale coupling 302 is rotated 180 degrees aboutcentral axis 305 its geometric orientation does not change. For example, for every rotation of 180 degrees aboutaxis 305, theprotuberances 312 are positioned the same with respect to a fixed point in space. The same rotational symmetry applies tofemale coupling 301. Whenfemale coupling 302 is rotated 180 degrees aboutcentral axis 305 its geometric orientation does not change: thearcuate grooves 315 are positioned the same with respect to a fixed point in space. As shown in FIG. 10A,arcuate grooves 315 are J-shaped and span an arc of about ninety degrees. - The male and female couplings of
connector 300 are connected when themale coupling 302 is inserted into thefemale coupling 301 such thatprotuberances 312 slide into themating end 316 ofgrooves 315 and by rotating themale coupling 302 relative to thefemale coupling 301 by about 45 degrees in the direction C as shown. The assembled connector is shown in FIG. 10B. Each ofgrooves 315 includes asemi-circular locking enclosure 320 at its distal end, shaped to conform tightly with the outline ofprotuberance 312 so as to frictionally grip theprotuberance 312 in place and thereby holdcouplings - FIG. 10C shows the connector of FIG. 10B on a plane to which
axis 305 is a normal axis, illustrating the orientation ofprotuberances 312. As shown in FIG. 10C,protuberances 312 jut out non-perpendicular to the surface ofshank 310, so as to fit intogrooves 315 when inserted therein in a rotating path. -
Connector 300 has certain advantages over previous known catheter connectors of this type, and indeed over theconnector 200 previously discussed herein. Becausemale coupling 302 can only be inserted intofemale coupling 301 by inserting theprotuberances 312 intogrooves 301, the co-axial connection of first and second fluid pathways therein is made only by properly locking the couplings into place. This may not have been the case withconnector 200 for example. It will appreciated, by careful examination of the orientation of components ofconnector 200 in FIG. 9A, thatshank 215 could potentially be inserted intofemale coupling 202 without having to insertedprongs 225 thoughslots 228. All the internal fluid pathways would still be linked, due to the co-axial geometry of such flow pathways, but the locking mechanism ofconnector 200 would not be properly engaged.Connector 300 however, solves this problem by allowing thecouplings - FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial dual lumen catheter connector, labeled generally as 400.
Connector 400 is similar toconnectors Connector 400 is also similar toconnector 300 in that it shares a locking mechanism which must be simultaneously engaged as the couplings of the connector are mated. -
Connector 400 includes afemale coupling 401 and amale coupling 402, each with respective mating ends 403 and 404. Both ofcouplings longitudinal axis 405 as shown.Male coupling 402 includes ashank 410 jutting out from itsmating end 404, very similar to the shanks ofconnectors male coupling 402 also includes two diametrically opposed L-shaped locking prongs 415 circumferentially disposed aboutshank 410, and jutting out frommating end 404 as shown.Female coupling 401 includes a pair of diametrically opposed L-shaped enclosures orcavities 417, partially defined by a pair of diametricallyopposed extrusions 418 spacedly disposed apart from anouter rim 420 enclosing therecess 422 for receivingshank 410. As used herein, an “enclosure” shall mean any space or void of a particular shape adapted to receive a structural element of similar shape and dimension, and as defined by various structural elements adjacent thereto, such as, a groove, a slot, a cavity, or a hollow. Eachlocking prong 415 is separated fromshank 410 by an annular sector (not clearly shown) into which theouter rim 420 slides when the two couplings are engaged as shown in FIG. 11B. - FIG. 11C illustrates a view of the
mating end 404 ofmale coupling 402. As shown, theprongs 415 are radially spaced apart fromshank 410 by annular sectors orgrooves 425, which tightly receiveouter rim 420 offemale coupling 401. Turning back to FIG. 11A,male coupling 402 is inserted intofemale coupling 401 by aligning theprongs 415 to be positioned just laterally ofextrusions 418. Theshank 410 is thereafter inserted intorecess 422 while male coupling is rotated relative to the female coupling aboutaxis 405 in the direction C as shown.Connector 400 therefore functions in much the same way asconnector 300, except that the frictional contact surface area between L-shapedprongs 415 and their complementary L-shapedenclosures 417 is much higher than that of theprotuberances 312 and lockingenclosures 320 ofconnector 300, thereby allowing for greater control of the locking force and overall coupling action of the connector. - FIG. 12A is an exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a co-axial dual lumen catheter connector, labeled generally as 500.
Connector 500 is similar toconnectors Connector 500 is also similar toconnector -
Connector 500 includes amale coupling 501 and afemale coupling 502, each of which are co-axially centered on a centrallongitudinal axis 503 as shown.Male coupling 501 includes ashank 505 very similar to theshanks connectors shank 505 also includes a pair of diametrically opposedspiral ledges 515 that each run 180 degrees about thebase 516 ofshank 505 as shown. Eachledge 516 commences at thebase 516 of theshank 505 and spirals around theshank 505 for 180 degrees aboutaxis 503, and spirals a longitudinal distance alongcentral axis 503 as shown, to end just short of the outer O-ring (not shown)circumferential groove 517. Anotherledge 515 is disposed about the other 180 degrees of thebase 516 ofshank 505, sloping away from the base 516 at itsstarting point 519, in the direction C aboutaxis 503. -
Male coupling 501 also includes two diametrically opposed lockingprongs 510 spaced apart fromshank 505.Female coupling 502 also includes a pair of diametrically opposed hooks 520. Whenmale coupling 501 is inserted intofemale coupling 502, each lockingprong 510 is adapted to be partially enclosed by itscomplementary hook 520. - However,
male coupling 501 is not insertable intofemale coupling 502 simply by inserting the prongs directly intohooks 520 in the direction of arrows A as shown in FIG. 12A. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, theinner surface 522 ofrecess 523 offemale coupling 502 includes two diametricallyopposed spiral ledges 525. Eachledge 525 is complementary to aledge 515 of themale coupling 501, such that when the two couplings arc fully mated, the entirety of each ofledge 525 is in contact with the entirety of each ofledge 525.Female coupling 502 is thus mated tomale coupling 501 by first rotating thefemale coupling 502 relative tomale coupling 501 aboutaxis 503 in the direction C shown in FIG. 12A such that eachhook 520 is radially displaced away fromprong 510. The two couplings are thereafter mated together by rotatably (in the direction opposite to C about axis 503) inserting theshank 505 intorecess 523 such that theledges endpoint 527 ofledge 525 is proximate thestarting point 519 ofledge 515. FIG. 12C shows the twocouplings - FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a co-axial dual lumen connector, labeled generally as 600.
Connector 600 includes amale coupling 601, afemale coupling 602, and twoplug fittings female couplings ring 610 and an outer O-ring 611 are adapted to fit inside an innercircular groove 612 and an outercircular groove 613, respectively, on ashank 615 protruding from thebody 620 of themale coupling 601, as shown. - The
male coupling 601 further includes two opposing lockingprongs 625, withshoulders 626, protruding from thebody 620, parallel to each other at opposite equidistant lateral positions spaced apart from theshank 615. The locking prongs 625 are adapted to be inserted through any one of sixenclosures 627 defined byouter ring 628 and any twoadjacent spars 629 connectingouter ring 628 to thebody 622 offemale coupling 602, as shown. Each of theprongs 625 are flexible enough to be displaced inwards in the direction of arrows T towards theshank 615 such that theshoulder 626 abuts directly behind theouter ring 628 when theprong 625 is inserted throughenclosure 627, thereby securing the male andfemale couplings - A number of tubes and sleeves may be inserted into a number of channels or lumens (not shown) in both the male and
female couplings first injection tube 630, asecond injection tube 632,co-axial injection sleeve 634, a firstco-axial return tube 636 and a secondco-axial return tube 638. The diameters of each tube are such that theco-axial injection sleeve 634 is adapted to circumscribe thefirst injection tube 630 without leaving any space therebetween, while the firstco-axial return tube 636 is adapted to envelop thesleeve 634 so as to define a co-axial lumen therebetween, such lumen to form part of a return lumen throughout the connector, similar to the arrangement of components ofconnector 200. - FIG. 13B illustrates
connector 600 in mated form taken along a longitudinal section coincident withcentral axis 640 of FIG. 13A. Both the injection fluid flow pathway, coincident withcentral axis 640, and the co-axial return flow pathway co-incident with arrows F as shown. Thus the internal flow lumen arrangement ofconnector 600 is very similar to that ofconnector 200. In addition, aridge 645 is shown extruding fromouter ring 628.Ridge 645 runs around the entire circumference ofouter ring 628, and is disposed such that whenprong 625 is inserted intofemale coupling 602, theshoulder 626 ofprong 625 abuts against theridge 645, locking themale coupling 601 withfemale coupling 602. - FIG. 14A is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a double co-axial or “tri-axial” connector, labeled generally as 700.
Connector 700 includes amale coupling 701, afemale coupling 702, and twoplug fittings female couplings ring 709, an intermediate O-ring 710, and an outer O-ring 711 are adapted to fit inside an innercircular grooves shank 715 protruding from thebody 720 of themale coupling 701, as shown. - The
male coupling 701 further includes two opposing lockingprongs 725, withshoulders 726, protruding from thebody 720, parallel to each other at opposite equidistant lateral positions spaced apart from theshank 715. The locking prongs 725 are adapted to be insertedU-shaped slot enclosures 727 defined byouter ring 728 offemale coupling 702, as shown. Each of theprongs 725 are flexible enough to be displaced inwards in the direction of arrows T towards theshank 715 such that theshoulder 726 abuts directly behind a respectiveU-shaped slot enclosures 727 whenprong 725 is inserted therein, thereby securing the male andfemale couplings - A number of tubes and sleeves may be inserted into a number of channels or lumens (not shown) in both the male and
female couplings first injection tube 730, asecond injection tube 732, a firstco-axial injection sleeve 734, a secondco-axial injection sleeve 735, a firstco-axial return tube 736 and a secondco-axial return tube 738. Within themale coupling 701, the diameters of the tubes are such that the firstco-axial injection sleeve 734 is adapted to circumscribe thefirst injection tube 730 without leaving any space therebetween, while the firstco-axial return tube 736 is adapted to envelop thesleeve 734 so as to define a co-axial lumen therebetween, such lumen to form part of a return lumen throughout the connector, similar to the arrangement of components ofconnectors second injection tube 732, secondco-axial injection sleeve 735, and secondco-axial return tube 738 are similarly arranged through thefemale coupling 702, thereby creating first and second fluid flow pathways through theconnector 700 when the male andfemale couplings connector 700 in partially mated form, with each ofmale coupling 701 andfemale coupling 702 having its respective injection and co-axial tubing inserted. FIG. 14C shows theconnector 700 in fully mated form. - In addition to one co-axial lumen surrounding a central flow injection lumen,
connector 700 provides a second lumen in addition to the first lumen, such thatconnector 700 provides first, second, and third fluid flow pathways. The second lumen may be co-axial around the first and second fluid flow pathways, or it may simply be separate and distinct from the first lumen, and may be incorporated in thefirst return tube 736 andsecond return tube 738. The outermost co-axial lumen may therefore serve as a “double vacuum” lumen, providing yet another layer of safety and vacuum operation to the catheter system. - FIG. 14D is a side view of the connector of FIG. 14A in fully assembled form, showing the
female coupling 702. FIG. 14E is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 14A taken along section A-A in FIG. 14D, while FIG. 14F is a sectional view of the connector of FIG. 14A taken along section Z-Z in FIG. 14D. In addition to the elements shown in FIG. 14A, the first fluid pathway, orinjection lumen 740, second fluid pathway, or first return lumen 745, and third fluid pathway, orsecond return lumen 750, are shown. - FIG. 15A is a cutaway, exploded perspective view of yet another embodiment of a coaxial connector of the present invention, labeled generally as 800.
Connector 800 includes amale coupling 801 and afemale coupling 802, each of which are co-axially centered on a centrallongitudinal axis 803 as shown.Male coupling 801 includes a taperedcentral shank 805 which fits into a complementary taperedfemale recess 806 infemale coupling 802. Each male and female coupling further includes acentral injection lumen longitudinal axis 803 as shown. Each male and female coupling further includes a plurality ofco-axial lumens longitudinal axis 803, and about theinjection lumens -
Female coupling 802 includes acircumferential slot 810, being an annular recess disposed within themating end 812 of thefemale coupling 802.Male coupling 801 includes a pair of diametrically opposed lockingprongs 812 included outside of the inner lumens that are disposed to slide into thecircumferential slot 810. - FIG. 15B is an enlarged cutaway, exploded perspective view of the connector of FIG. 15A in mated form. As illustrated in FIG. 15B,
central injection lumens co-axial lumens slot 810, thereby fastening and mating the twocouplings - FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 15A in mated form. As shown in FIG. 15C, the first fluid pathway is defined by arrows F, wherein fluid is free to move in either direction along pathway F along the central lumen formed by the merging of
lumens co-axial lumens -
Connector 800 further includes an O-ring 815 to seal the inner lumens from the outside environment. Theinterface 820 between the maletapered shank 805 and thefemale recess 806 is sealed by the shear action between the respective surfaces whencouplings interface 820 isolated the central injection lumen from the outer co-axial lumens. - To release
male coupling 801 fromfemale coupling 802, an outer slidingsleeve 825 is circumferentially disposed about themale coupling 801. Thesleeve 825 slides in the direction R as shown, which inturn forces prongs 812 to deflect inwards in the direction of arrows T as shown, thereby translating free ofslot 810 to decouple the couplings. - It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/256,756 US20030028182A1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2002-09-27 | Cryoablation catheter handle |
US11/220,268 US8608730B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2005-09-06 | Cryoablation catheter handle |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13053899P | 1999-04-21 | 1999-04-21 | |
US09/556,042 US6440126B1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2000-04-21 | Cryoblation catheter handle |
US10/202,991 US6746445B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2002-07-25 | Cryoblation catheter handle |
US10/256,756 US20030028182A1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2002-09-27 | Cryoablation catheter handle |
US11/220,268 US8608730B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2005-09-06 | Cryoablation catheter handle |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/202,991 Continuation-In-Part US6746445B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2002-07-25 | Cryoblation catheter handle |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/220,268 Continuation-In-Part US8608730B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2005-09-06 | Cryoablation catheter handle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030028182A1 true US20030028182A1 (en) | 2003-02-06 |
Family
ID=38294032
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/256,756 Abandoned US20030028182A1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2002-09-27 | Cryoablation catheter handle |
US10/706,525 Expired - Fee Related US7118565B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2003-11-12 | Cryoblation catheter handle |
US11/220,268 Expired - Fee Related US8608730B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2005-09-06 | Cryoablation catheter handle |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/706,525 Expired - Fee Related US7118565B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2003-11-12 | Cryoblation catheter handle |
US11/220,268 Expired - Fee Related US8608730B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2005-09-06 | Cryoablation catheter handle |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20030028182A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007028232A1 (en) |
Cited By (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030187358A1 (en) * | 2001-11-05 | 2003-10-02 | Okerlund Darin R. | Method, system and computer product for cardiac interventional procedure planning |
US20050096522A1 (en) * | 2003-11-05 | 2005-05-05 | Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Company, Llc | Cardiac imaging system and method for quantification of desynchrony of ventricles for biventricular pacing |
US20050104059A1 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2005-05-19 | Friedman Marc D. | Flexible array |
US20060047273A1 (en) * | 1999-04-21 | 2006-03-02 | Marwan Abboud | Cryoablation catheter handle |
WO2007128805A2 (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2007-11-15 | Marposs Societa' Per Azioni | Apparatus for measuring and checking internal dimensions of mechanical pieces |
US20110178514A1 (en) * | 2008-06-18 | 2011-07-21 | Alexander Levin | Cryosurgical Instrument Insulating System |
WO2011160834A1 (en) * | 2010-06-23 | 2011-12-29 | B. Braun Medical S.A.S. | Connecting system for a pipe with two lumina |
EP2420285A3 (en) * | 2010-08-18 | 2012-04-25 | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH | Device for sealing connection of a pressure hose with a grip element or connector of a surgical instrument |
ES2398424R1 (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2013-04-22 | Apex Medical Corp | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY |
EP2630982A1 (en) * | 2012-02-22 | 2013-08-28 | ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH | Surgical cryoprobe instrument and vented connector for same |
US20140142566A1 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2014-05-22 | Safeair Ag | Coupling means connecting an electrosurgical instrument to a vacuum source, an electrosurgical instrument provided with the coupling means, a kit including the coupling means and their uses |
US20150352325A1 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2015-12-10 | Inceptus Medical, Llc | Retraction and aspiration device for treating embolism and associated systems and methods |
CN105792882A (en) * | 2013-11-06 | 2016-07-20 | 弗雷泽纽斯医疗保健德国有限公司 | Connector with seal element and adapted connector parts |
US20160331929A1 (en) * | 2015-05-15 | 2016-11-17 | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Quick-release hubs for medical devices |
CN106264707A (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2017-01-04 | 康沣生物科技(上海)有限公司 | Cryoablation snap joint |
US20170050011A1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2017-02-23 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Coupling devices for tube sets used with surgical gas delivery systems |
WO2017201246A3 (en) * | 2016-05-19 | 2017-12-28 | Csa Medical, Inc., | Catheter extension control |
EP2251061B1 (en) * | 2009-05-11 | 2018-04-18 | Kpr U.S., Llc | Discriminating fluid connection system |
EP3360496A1 (en) * | 2017-02-10 | 2018-08-15 | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH | Fluid connection device and cryosurgical probe having same |
WO2019079082A1 (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2019-04-25 | Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. | Reusable catheter handle system |
JP2021505333A (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2021-02-18 | クレア・アイピー・ビー.ブイ.Crea Ip B.V. | Multi-lumen lure connector |
CN114601554A (en) * | 2022-05-10 | 2022-06-10 | 上海导向医疗系统有限公司 | Ablation needle and ablation system |
Families Citing this family (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7455666B2 (en) | 2001-07-13 | 2008-11-25 | Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System | Methods and apparatuses for navigating the subarachnoid space |
US7320676B2 (en) * | 2003-10-02 | 2008-01-22 | Medtronic, Inc. | Pressure sensing in implantable medical devices |
US9138537B2 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2015-09-22 | Medtronic, Inc. | Determining catheter status |
US8323244B2 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2012-12-04 | Medtronic, Inc. | Catheter malfunction determinations using physiologic pressure |
US9033920B2 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2015-05-19 | Medtronic, Inc. | Determining catheter status |
US7727228B2 (en) * | 2004-03-23 | 2010-06-01 | Medtronic Cryocath Lp | Method and apparatus for inflating and deflating balloon catheters |
WO2007123764A2 (en) | 2006-04-06 | 2007-11-01 | Medtronic, Inc. | Systems and methods of identifying catheter malfunctions using pressure sensing |
US9044537B2 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2015-06-02 | Medtronic, Inc. | Devices and methods for detecting catheter complications |
WO2009022335A1 (en) * | 2007-08-13 | 2009-02-19 | Arbel Medical Ltd. | Cryosurgical instrument with quick coupling mechanism |
WO2009112262A2 (en) | 2008-03-12 | 2009-09-17 | Afreeze Gmbh | Handle for an ablation device |
WO2009128014A1 (en) | 2008-04-16 | 2009-10-22 | Arbel Medical Ltd | Cryosurgical instrument with enhanced heat exchange |
US7967814B2 (en) | 2009-02-05 | 2011-06-28 | Icecure Medical Ltd. | Cryoprobe with vibrating mechanism |
WO2010105158A1 (en) | 2009-03-12 | 2010-09-16 | Icecure Medical Ltd. | Combined cryotherapy and brachytherapy device and method |
US8915908B2 (en) | 2009-03-20 | 2014-12-23 | Atricure, Inc. | Cryogenic probe |
US20110092955A1 (en) | 2009-10-07 | 2011-04-21 | Purdy Phillip D | Pressure-Sensing Medical Devices, Systems and Methods, and Methods of Forming Medical Devices |
US7967815B1 (en) | 2010-03-25 | 2011-06-28 | Icecure Medical Ltd. | Cryosurgical instrument with enhanced heat transfer |
US7938822B1 (en) | 2010-05-12 | 2011-05-10 | Icecure Medical Ltd. | Heating and cooling of cryosurgical instrument using a single cryogen |
US8080005B1 (en) | 2010-06-10 | 2011-12-20 | Icecure Medical Ltd. | Closed loop cryosurgical pressure and flow regulated system |
US10088083B2 (en) * | 2014-08-14 | 2018-10-02 | Novartis Ag | Multi lumen co-radial pneumatic connector |
US11633224B2 (en) | 2020-02-10 | 2023-04-25 | Icecure Medical Ltd. | Cryogen pump |
Citations (44)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2838074A (en) * | 1954-12-06 | 1958-06-10 | Borg Warner | Fluid pressure hose |
US3469863A (en) * | 1967-04-05 | 1969-09-30 | Trico Products Corp | Fluid coupling assembly |
US3588149A (en) * | 1969-08-13 | 1971-06-28 | Amp Inc | Vacuum or pressure coupling devices |
US3980112A (en) * | 1975-03-21 | 1976-09-14 | Dayco Corporation | Conduit assembly for conveying volatile fluids |
US4043341A (en) * | 1975-12-09 | 1977-08-23 | Tromovitch Theodore A | Portable cryosurgical instrument |
US4090539A (en) * | 1976-11-10 | 1978-05-23 | The B. F. Goodrich Company | Anti-pollution service station assembly |
US4338933A (en) * | 1980-12-22 | 1982-07-13 | Abbott Laboratories | Combination quick disconnect coupling and liquid cutoff valve |
US4534339A (en) * | 1983-10-17 | 1985-08-13 | Warner-Lambert Technologies, Inc. | Endoscope |
US4754993A (en) * | 1986-10-28 | 1988-07-05 | Handy & Harman Automotive Group, Inc. | Conduit harness connector assembly |
US4796924A (en) * | 1985-08-20 | 1989-01-10 | Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Coupling for multi-passage tube |
US4871196A (en) * | 1988-02-01 | 1989-10-03 | Mace Corporation | Double shield fitting |
US4919112A (en) * | 1989-04-07 | 1990-04-24 | Schott Fiber Optics | Low-cost semi-disposable endoscope |
US4945440A (en) * | 1987-05-29 | 1990-07-31 | Sony Corporation | Tape cassette with transparent reel viewing windows and laminated three-color construction |
US5022461A (en) * | 1988-09-15 | 1991-06-11 | Valeo Thermique Moteur | Rapid action coupling system for a heat exchanger fluid tank |
US5078713A (en) * | 1988-12-01 | 1992-01-07 | Spembly Medical Limited | Cryosurgical probe |
US5098428A (en) * | 1991-03-14 | 1992-03-24 | Sandlin Felix M | Cryosurgical spraying apparatus |
US5114250A (en) * | 1990-03-19 | 1992-05-19 | Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Ltd. | Joint for coupling small-diameter pipes |
US5127482A (en) * | 1990-10-25 | 1992-07-07 | Rector Jr Clarence A | Expandable milling head for gas well drilling |
US5170787A (en) * | 1990-03-30 | 1992-12-15 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Device for positioning an electrode |
US5203384A (en) * | 1990-08-15 | 1993-04-20 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Combination casting for a blending dispenser |
US5228724A (en) * | 1990-07-31 | 1993-07-20 | Hutchinson | Device for the rapid assembly of a hose connection with an automotive vehicle heat exchanger |
US5324286A (en) * | 1993-01-21 | 1994-06-28 | Arthur A. Fowle, Inc. | Entrained cryogenic droplet transfer method and cryosurgical instrument |
US5334181A (en) * | 1990-09-26 | 1994-08-02 | Cryomedical Sciences, Inc. | Cryosurgical system for destroying tumors by freezing |
US5344414A (en) * | 1983-01-24 | 1994-09-06 | Icu Medical Inc. | Medical connector |
US5401064A (en) * | 1991-11-01 | 1995-03-28 | Guest; John D. | Tube couplings for co-axial tubing |
US5423807A (en) * | 1992-04-16 | 1995-06-13 | Implemed, Inc. | Cryogenic mapping and ablation catheter |
US5452582A (en) * | 1994-07-06 | 1995-09-26 | Apd Cryogenics, Inc. | Cryo-probe |
US5478119A (en) * | 1993-09-16 | 1995-12-26 | The Kendall Company | Polarized manifold connection device |
US5658278A (en) * | 1992-12-01 | 1997-08-19 | Cardiac Pathways, Inc. | Catheter for RF ablation with cooled electrode and method |
US5685878A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1997-11-11 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Snap fit distal assembly for an ablation catheter |
US5692783A (en) * | 1995-05-23 | 1997-12-02 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Hose connector |
US5713607A (en) * | 1994-09-15 | 1998-02-03 | Environ Products, Inc. | Pipe coupling assembly, system and method |
US5715817A (en) * | 1993-06-29 | 1998-02-10 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Bidirectional steering catheter |
US5831149A (en) * | 1994-09-15 | 1998-11-03 | Environ Products, Inc. | Pipe coupling assembly, system and method |
US5860953A (en) * | 1995-11-21 | 1999-01-19 | Catheter Imaging Systems, Inc. | Steerable catheter having disposable module and sterilizable handle and method of connecting same |
US5860970A (en) * | 1994-05-10 | 1999-01-19 | Spembly Medical Limited | Cryosurgical instrument |
US5916212A (en) * | 1998-01-23 | 1999-06-29 | Cryomedical Sciences, Inc. | Hand held cyrosurgical probe system |
US6007571A (en) * | 1996-04-25 | 1999-12-28 | Urologix, Inc. | Liquid coolant supply system |
US6155607A (en) * | 1998-02-17 | 2000-12-05 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Quick connect coupling |
US6196596B1 (en) * | 1998-11-20 | 2001-03-06 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Quick connect/disconnect coaxial hose assembly |
US6221070B1 (en) * | 1996-10-18 | 2001-04-24 | Irvine Biomedical, Inc. | Steerable ablation catheter system having disposable shaft |
US6224624B1 (en) * | 1998-03-24 | 2001-05-01 | Innercool Therapies, Inc. | Selective organ cooling apparatus and method |
US6440126B1 (en) * | 1999-04-21 | 2002-08-27 | Cryocath Technologies | Cryoblation catheter handle |
US6533328B2 (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2003-03-18 | Calsonic Kansei Corporation | Joint for duplex pipes |
Family Cites Families (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4617012A (en) * | 1985-10-29 | 1986-10-14 | Manresa, Inc. | Sterile connector with movable connection member |
US4946440A (en) * | 1988-10-05 | 1990-08-07 | Hall John E | Evertible membrane catheter and method of use |
US5217482A (en) | 1990-08-28 | 1993-06-08 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Balloon catheter with distal guide wire lumen |
US5239982A (en) * | 1991-06-07 | 1993-08-31 | Baxter International Inc. | Catheter depth gauge and method of use |
US5344398A (en) | 1992-02-25 | 1994-09-06 | Japan Crescent, Inc. | Heated balloon catheter |
US5281213A (en) | 1992-04-16 | 1994-01-25 | Implemed, Inc. | Catheter for ice mapping and ablation |
AU4854393A (en) * | 1992-09-11 | 1994-04-12 | Advanced Surgical, Inc. | Self-introducing infusion catheter |
US5395348A (en) * | 1993-05-04 | 1995-03-07 | Symbiosis Corporation | Medical intravenous administration line connectors |
GB2289510A (en) * | 1994-05-10 | 1995-11-22 | Spembly Medical Ltd | Connector |
US5529067A (en) | 1994-08-19 | 1996-06-25 | Novoste Corporation | Methods for procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart |
US5466020A (en) * | 1994-12-30 | 1995-11-14 | Valleylab Inc. | Bayonet connector for surgical handpiece |
US5910104A (en) | 1996-12-26 | 1999-06-08 | Cryogen, Inc. | Cryosurgical probe with disposable sheath |
US5846235A (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 1998-12-08 | Johns Hopkins University | Endoscopic cryospray device |
US6569158B1 (en) * | 1999-01-25 | 2003-05-27 | Cryocath Technologies, Inc. | Leak detection system |
US6648879B2 (en) * | 1999-02-24 | 2003-11-18 | Cryovascular Systems, Inc. | Safety cryotherapy catheter |
WO2000051509A1 (en) | 1999-03-02 | 2000-09-08 | Nikolai Korpan | Cryogenic system, especially for performing cryosurgical surgery |
US20030028182A1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2003-02-06 | Cryocath Technologies Inc. | Cryoablation catheter handle |
US6368315B1 (en) * | 1999-06-23 | 2002-04-09 | Durect Corporation | Composite drug delivery catheter |
US6471694B1 (en) * | 2000-08-09 | 2002-10-29 | Cryogen, Inc. | Control system for cryosurgery |
US6283959B1 (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2001-09-04 | Cyrocath Technologies, Inc. | Endovascular cryotreatment catheter |
DE10060497C1 (en) * | 2000-12-06 | 2002-02-21 | Poly Clip System Gmbh & Co Kg | Machine for tying off sausage casings has swiveling plates, punch driven by pneumatic cylinder and female die which cooperates with this to tie off each link, cylinder being fixed to one plate and punch moving through guide in this plate |
US6989009B2 (en) | 2002-04-19 | 2006-01-24 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Cryo balloon |
DE10245109A1 (en) * | 2002-09-27 | 2004-04-08 | Siemens Ag | Fuel injector valve for diesel and petrol engines with piezoelectric actuator enclosed in cooling fluid |
-
2002
- 2002-09-27 US US10/256,756 patent/US20030028182A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2003
- 2003-11-12 US US10/706,525 patent/US7118565B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-09-06 US US11/220,268 patent/US8608730B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-08-18 WO PCT/CA2006/001361 patent/WO2007028232A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (47)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2838074A (en) * | 1954-12-06 | 1958-06-10 | Borg Warner | Fluid pressure hose |
US3469863A (en) * | 1967-04-05 | 1969-09-30 | Trico Products Corp | Fluid coupling assembly |
US3588149A (en) * | 1969-08-13 | 1971-06-28 | Amp Inc | Vacuum or pressure coupling devices |
US3980112A (en) * | 1975-03-21 | 1976-09-14 | Dayco Corporation | Conduit assembly for conveying volatile fluids |
US4043341A (en) * | 1975-12-09 | 1977-08-23 | Tromovitch Theodore A | Portable cryosurgical instrument |
US4090539A (en) * | 1976-11-10 | 1978-05-23 | The B. F. Goodrich Company | Anti-pollution service station assembly |
US4338933A (en) * | 1980-12-22 | 1982-07-13 | Abbott Laboratories | Combination quick disconnect coupling and liquid cutoff valve |
US5344414A (en) * | 1983-01-24 | 1994-09-06 | Icu Medical Inc. | Medical connector |
US4534339A (en) * | 1983-10-17 | 1985-08-13 | Warner-Lambert Technologies, Inc. | Endoscope |
US4796924A (en) * | 1985-08-20 | 1989-01-10 | Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Coupling for multi-passage tube |
US4754993A (en) * | 1986-10-28 | 1988-07-05 | Handy & Harman Automotive Group, Inc. | Conduit harness connector assembly |
US4945440A (en) * | 1987-05-29 | 1990-07-31 | Sony Corporation | Tape cassette with transparent reel viewing windows and laminated three-color construction |
US4871196A (en) * | 1988-02-01 | 1989-10-03 | Mace Corporation | Double shield fitting |
US5022461A (en) * | 1988-09-15 | 1991-06-11 | Valeo Thermique Moteur | Rapid action coupling system for a heat exchanger fluid tank |
US5078713A (en) * | 1988-12-01 | 1992-01-07 | Spembly Medical Limited | Cryosurgical probe |
US4919112B1 (en) * | 1989-04-07 | 1993-12-28 | Low-cost semi-disposable endoscope | |
US4919112A (en) * | 1989-04-07 | 1990-04-24 | Schott Fiber Optics | Low-cost semi-disposable endoscope |
US5114250A (en) * | 1990-03-19 | 1992-05-19 | Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Ltd. | Joint for coupling small-diameter pipes |
US5170787A (en) * | 1990-03-30 | 1992-12-15 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Device for positioning an electrode |
US5228724A (en) * | 1990-07-31 | 1993-07-20 | Hutchinson | Device for the rapid assembly of a hose connection with an automotive vehicle heat exchanger |
US5203384A (en) * | 1990-08-15 | 1993-04-20 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Combination casting for a blending dispenser |
US5674218A (en) * | 1990-09-26 | 1997-10-07 | Cryomedical Sciences, Inc. | Cryosurgical instrument and system and method of cryosurgery |
US5334181A (en) * | 1990-09-26 | 1994-08-02 | Cryomedical Sciences, Inc. | Cryosurgical system for destroying tumors by freezing |
US5127482A (en) * | 1990-10-25 | 1992-07-07 | Rector Jr Clarence A | Expandable milling head for gas well drilling |
US5098428A (en) * | 1991-03-14 | 1992-03-24 | Sandlin Felix M | Cryosurgical spraying apparatus |
US5401064A (en) * | 1991-11-01 | 1995-03-28 | Guest; John D. | Tube couplings for co-axial tubing |
US5423807A (en) * | 1992-04-16 | 1995-06-13 | Implemed, Inc. | Cryogenic mapping and ablation catheter |
US5697927A (en) * | 1992-12-01 | 1997-12-16 | Cardiac Pathways Corporation | Catheter for RF ablation with cooled electrode and apparatus for use therewith |
US5658278A (en) * | 1992-12-01 | 1997-08-19 | Cardiac Pathways, Inc. | Catheter for RF ablation with cooled electrode and method |
US5324286A (en) * | 1993-01-21 | 1994-06-28 | Arthur A. Fowle, Inc. | Entrained cryogenic droplet transfer method and cryosurgical instrument |
US5715817A (en) * | 1993-06-29 | 1998-02-10 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Bidirectional steering catheter |
US5478119A (en) * | 1993-09-16 | 1995-12-26 | The Kendall Company | Polarized manifold connection device |
US5860970A (en) * | 1994-05-10 | 1999-01-19 | Spembly Medical Limited | Cryosurgical instrument |
US5452582A (en) * | 1994-07-06 | 1995-09-26 | Apd Cryogenics, Inc. | Cryo-probe |
US5831149A (en) * | 1994-09-15 | 1998-11-03 | Environ Products, Inc. | Pipe coupling assembly, system and method |
US5713607A (en) * | 1994-09-15 | 1998-02-03 | Environ Products, Inc. | Pipe coupling assembly, system and method |
US5692783A (en) * | 1995-05-23 | 1997-12-02 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Hose connector |
US5685878A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1997-11-11 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Snap fit distal assembly for an ablation catheter |
US5860953A (en) * | 1995-11-21 | 1999-01-19 | Catheter Imaging Systems, Inc. | Steerable catheter having disposable module and sterilizable handle and method of connecting same |
US6007571A (en) * | 1996-04-25 | 1999-12-28 | Urologix, Inc. | Liquid coolant supply system |
US6221070B1 (en) * | 1996-10-18 | 2001-04-24 | Irvine Biomedical, Inc. | Steerable ablation catheter system having disposable shaft |
US5916212A (en) * | 1998-01-23 | 1999-06-29 | Cryomedical Sciences, Inc. | Hand held cyrosurgical probe system |
US6155607A (en) * | 1998-02-17 | 2000-12-05 | Parker-Hannifin Corporation | Quick connect coupling |
US6224624B1 (en) * | 1998-03-24 | 2001-05-01 | Innercool Therapies, Inc. | Selective organ cooling apparatus and method |
US6196596B1 (en) * | 1998-11-20 | 2001-03-06 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Quick connect/disconnect coaxial hose assembly |
US6440126B1 (en) * | 1999-04-21 | 2002-08-27 | Cryocath Technologies | Cryoblation catheter handle |
US6533328B2 (en) * | 2000-02-24 | 2003-03-18 | Calsonic Kansei Corporation | Joint for duplex pipes |
Cited By (66)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007028232A1 (en) * | 1999-04-21 | 2007-03-15 | Cryocath Technologies Inc. | Cryoablation catheter handle |
US8608730B2 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2013-12-17 | Medtronic Cryocath Lp | Cryoablation catheter handle |
US20060047273A1 (en) * | 1999-04-21 | 2006-03-02 | Marwan Abboud | Cryoablation catheter handle |
US20030187358A1 (en) * | 2001-11-05 | 2003-10-02 | Okerlund Darin R. | Method, system and computer product for cardiac interventional procedure planning |
US7286866B2 (en) | 2001-11-05 | 2007-10-23 | Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Company, Llc | Method, system and computer product for cardiac interventional procedure planning |
US20050096522A1 (en) * | 2003-11-05 | 2005-05-05 | Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Company, Llc | Cardiac imaging system and method for quantification of desynchrony of ventricles for biventricular pacing |
US7308297B2 (en) | 2003-11-05 | 2007-12-11 | Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Company, Llc | Cardiac imaging system and method for quantification of desynchrony of ventricles for biventricular pacing |
US20050131500A1 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2005-06-16 | Zalesky Paul J. | Intra-cavity catheters and methods of use |
US20070123957A1 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2007-05-31 | Lumerx, Inc. | Flexible array |
US7261730B2 (en) | 2003-11-14 | 2007-08-28 | Lumerx, Inc. | Phototherapy device and system |
US7135034B2 (en) | 2003-11-14 | 2006-11-14 | Lumerx, Inc. | Flexible array |
US20050106710A1 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2005-05-19 | Friedman Marc D. | Phototherapy device and system |
US7449026B2 (en) | 2003-11-14 | 2008-11-11 | Lumerx, Inc. | Intra-cavity catheters and methods of use |
US20050104059A1 (en) * | 2003-11-14 | 2005-05-19 | Friedman Marc D. | Flexible array |
WO2007128805A2 (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2007-11-15 | Marposs Societa' Per Azioni | Apparatus for measuring and checking internal dimensions of mechanical pieces |
WO2007128805A3 (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2008-06-26 | Marposs Spa | Apparatus for measuring and checking internal dimensions of mechanical pieces |
US20100229414A1 (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2010-09-16 | Federico Nonni | Apparatus for measuring and checking internal dimensions of mechanical pieces |
US7992315B2 (en) | 2006-05-08 | 2011-08-09 | Marposs Societa' Per Azioni | Apparatus for measuring and checking internal dimensions of mechanical pieces |
US20110178514A1 (en) * | 2008-06-18 | 2011-07-21 | Alexander Levin | Cryosurgical Instrument Insulating System |
EP2251061B1 (en) * | 2009-05-11 | 2018-04-18 | Kpr U.S., Llc | Discriminating fluid connection system |
WO2011160834A1 (en) * | 2010-06-23 | 2011-12-29 | B. Braun Medical S.A.S. | Connecting system for a pipe with two lumina |
JP2013533016A (en) * | 2010-06-23 | 2013-08-22 | ビー.ブラウン メディカル エスエーエス | Connection system for pipes with two lumens |
CN103328036A (en) * | 2010-06-23 | 2013-09-25 | B·布劳恩医学股份有限公司 | Connecting system for a pipe with two lumina |
FR2961886A1 (en) * | 2010-06-23 | 2011-12-30 | Braun Medical Sas | TWO-PIECE FITTING SYSTEM FOR A TWO-LIGHT PIPE |
US9597491B2 (en) | 2010-08-18 | 2017-03-21 | Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh | Device for the sealing connection of a pressure hose with a grip element or with a connector of a surgical instrument |
EP2420285A3 (en) * | 2010-08-18 | 2012-04-25 | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH | Device for sealing connection of a pressure hose with a grip element or connector of a surgical instrument |
ES2398424R1 (en) * | 2011-05-12 | 2013-04-22 | Apex Medical Corp | CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY |
US20140142566A1 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2014-05-22 | Safeair Ag | Coupling means connecting an electrosurgical instrument to a vacuum source, an electrosurgical instrument provided with the coupling means, a kit including the coupling means and their uses |
US10070912B2 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2018-09-11 | Stryker European Holdings I, Llc | Coupling means connecting an electrosurgical instrument to a vacuum source, an electrosurgical instrument provided with the coupling means, a kit including the coupling means and their uses |
EP2630982A1 (en) * | 2012-02-22 | 2013-08-28 | ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH | Surgical cryoprobe instrument and vented connector for same |
CN103462652A (en) * | 2012-02-22 | 2013-12-25 | 厄比电子医学有限责任公司 | Medical instrument and male connector for said instrument |
US9144448B2 (en) | 2012-02-22 | 2015-09-29 | Erbe Electromedizin Gmbh | Medical instrument and male connector for said instrument |
RU2626130C2 (en) * | 2012-02-22 | 2017-07-21 | Эрбе Электромедицин Гмбх | Medical instrument and pin connector for this instrument |
CN110639076A (en) * | 2013-11-06 | 2020-01-03 | 弗雷泽纽斯医疗保健德国有限公司 | First and second connection parts |
CN105792882A (en) * | 2013-11-06 | 2016-07-20 | 弗雷泽纽斯医疗保健德国有限公司 | Connector with seal element and adapted connector parts |
US9526865B2 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2016-12-27 | Inceptus Medical, Llc | Retraction and aspiration device for treating embolism and associated systems and methods |
US9526864B2 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2016-12-27 | Inceptus Medical, Llc | Retraction and aspiration device for treating embolism and associated systems and methods |
US20150352325A1 (en) * | 2014-06-09 | 2015-12-10 | Inceptus Medical, Llc | Retraction and aspiration device for treating embolism and associated systems and methods |
US20160331929A1 (en) * | 2015-05-15 | 2016-11-17 | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Quick-release hubs for medical devices |
US10792465B2 (en) * | 2015-05-15 | 2020-10-06 | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Quick-release hubs for medical devices |
US11065430B2 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2021-07-20 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Coupling devices for tube sets used with surgical gas delivery systems |
US20170050011A1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2017-02-23 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Coupling devices for tube sets used with surgical gas delivery systems |
CN108136143A (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2018-06-08 | 瑟吉奎斯特公司 | For the coupling arrangement of pipe group being used together with operation gas delivery system |
US11806498B2 (en) | 2015-08-21 | 2023-11-07 | Conmed Corporation | Coupling devices for tube sets used with surgical gas delivery systems |
KR102255629B1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2021-05-26 | 서지퀘스트, 인코포레이티드 | Combining device for tube sets used with surgical gas delivery device |
US10960197B2 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2021-03-30 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Coupling devices for tube sets used with surgical gas delivery systems |
US20170361084A1 (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2017-12-21 | Surgiquest, Inc. | Coupling devices for tube sets used with surgical gas delivery systems |
KR20180043300A (en) * | 2015-08-21 | 2018-04-27 | 서지퀘스트, 인코포레이티드 | Combination of tube sets for use with surgical gas delivery devices |
US11871977B2 (en) | 2016-05-19 | 2024-01-16 | Csa Medical, Inc. | Catheter extension control |
WO2017201246A3 (en) * | 2016-05-19 | 2017-12-28 | Csa Medical, Inc., | Catheter extension control |
CN106264707A (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2017-01-04 | 康沣生物科技(上海)有限公司 | Cryoablation snap joint |
US10864032B2 (en) | 2017-02-10 | 2020-12-15 | Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh | Fluid connecting system and cryoprobe with same |
JP2018126502A (en) * | 2017-02-10 | 2018-08-16 | エルベ エレクトロメディジン ゲーエムベーハーErbe Elektromedizin GmbH | Fluid connection system and freezing probe using the same |
KR20180092835A (en) * | 2017-02-10 | 2018-08-20 | 에에르베에 엘렉트로메디찐 게엠베하 | Fluid connecting system and cryoprobe with same |
CN108403205A (en) * | 2017-02-10 | 2018-08-17 | 厄比电子医学有限责任公司 | Fluid connection system and cryoprobe with fluid connection system |
RU2751967C2 (en) * | 2017-02-10 | 2021-07-21 | Эрбе Электромедицин Гмбх | Flow communication device and cryoprobe with such flow communication device |
JP7045203B2 (en) | 2017-02-10 | 2022-03-31 | エルベ エレクトロメディジン ゲーエムベーハー | Fluid connection system and freezing probe using it |
EP3360496A1 (en) * | 2017-02-10 | 2018-08-15 | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH | Fluid connection device and cryosurgical probe having same |
KR102471300B1 (en) * | 2017-02-10 | 2022-11-29 | 에에르베에 엘렉트로메디찐 게엠베하 | Fluid connecting system and cryoprobe with same |
US10532187B2 (en) | 2017-10-17 | 2020-01-14 | Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. | Reusable catheter handle system |
JP2020537573A (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2020-12-24 | バイオセンス・ウエブスター・(イスラエル)・リミテッドBiosense Webster (Israel), Ltd. | Reusable catheter handle system |
CN111246907A (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2020-06-05 | 韦伯斯特生物官能(以色列)有限公司 | Reusable catheter handle system |
WO2019079082A1 (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2019-04-25 | Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd. | Reusable catheter handle system |
JP7282759B2 (en) | 2017-10-17 | 2023-05-29 | バイオセンス・ウエブスター・(イスラエル)・リミテッド | Reusable catheter handle system |
JP2021505333A (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2021-02-18 | クレア・アイピー・ビー.ブイ.Crea Ip B.V. | Multi-lumen lure connector |
CN114601554A (en) * | 2022-05-10 | 2022-06-10 | 上海导向医疗系统有限公司 | Ablation needle and ablation system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7118565B2 (en) | 2006-10-10 |
WO2007028232A1 (en) | 2007-03-15 |
US20060047273A1 (en) | 2006-03-02 |
US20040243115A1 (en) | 2004-12-02 |
US8608730B2 (en) | 2013-12-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8608730B2 (en) | Cryoablation catheter handle | |
US6746445B2 (en) | Cryoblation catheter handle | |
US7905879B2 (en) | Cryoablation catheter handle | |
US20210330954A1 (en) | Coupling devices for tube sets used with surgical gas delivery systems | |
US8858533B2 (en) | Methods and systems for providing fluid communication with a gastrostomy tube | |
US4852563A (en) | Multifunction connector for a breathing circuit | |
EP0733380B1 (en) | Luer-type connector | |
US20070167939A1 (en) | Quick disconnect assembly having a finger lock assembly | |
US5578016A (en) | Stopcock | |
US7503596B2 (en) | Locking luer fitting | |
AU624856B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for connecting a passageway and opening with a connector | |
US9113945B2 (en) | Powered surgical tissue cutting instrument having an irrigation system | |
EP2731666B1 (en) | Retractable luer lock fittings | |
EP0163661B1 (en) | Universal connector | |
JP2514174Y2 (en) | Pressure-sensitive arthroscope cannula | |
US5947531A (en) | Quick connector assembly | |
US20120089136A1 (en) | Cryosurgical instrument with quick coupling mechanism | |
US20050225082A1 (en) | Fluid connector for medical use and uses thereof | |
US6579110B2 (en) | Connection assembly for conduits | |
US20020163186A1 (en) | Pipe coupling and assembly | |
WO2008142672A1 (en) | Disposable connector for use with endoscopic apparatus | |
JP2002506959A (en) | Pipe connecting device for cryogenic fluid | |
CN116999111A (en) | Delivery device and medical instrument system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CRYOCATH TECHNOLOGIES INC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ABBOUD, MARWAN;SANTOIANNI, DOMENIC;MARCHAND, PHILIPPE;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:013347/0395;SIGNING DATES FROM 20020819 TO 20020820 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: INVESTISSEMENT QUEBEC, CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CRYOCATH TECHNOLOGIES INC;REEL/FRAME:022109/0179 Effective date: 20060717 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CRYOCATH TECHNOLOGIES INC., CANADA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:INVESTISSEMENT QUEBEC;REEL/FRAME:022320/0787 Effective date: 20090220 Owner name: CRYOCATH TECHNOLOGIES INC.,CANADA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:INVESTISSEMENT QUEBEC;REEL/FRAME:022320/0787 Effective date: 20090220 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MEDTRONIC CRYOCATH LP, CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CRYOCATH TECHNOLOGIES INC.;REEL/FRAME:023119/0651 Effective date: 20090814 Owner name: MEDTRONIC CRYOCATH LP,CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CRYOCATH TECHNOLOGIES INC.;REEL/FRAME:023119/0651 Effective date: 20090814 |