WO2007062879A1 - Catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels - Google Patents

Catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007062879A1
WO2007062879A1 PCT/EP2006/061615 EP2006061615W WO2007062879A1 WO 2007062879 A1 WO2007062879 A1 WO 2007062879A1 EP 2006061615 W EP2006061615 W EP 2006061615W WO 2007062879 A1 WO2007062879 A1 WO 2007062879A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
balloon
inflatable balloon
catheter
catheter system
stent
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2006/061615
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Machiel Van Der Leest
Lydie Pasquier
Olivier Berc
Original Assignee
Minvasys
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Minvasys filed Critical Minvasys
Priority to AT06847013T priority Critical patent/ATE521307T1/en
Priority to PL06847013T priority patent/PL1871297T3/en
Priority to BRPI0608247-5A priority patent/BRPI0608247A2/en
Priority to EP06847013A priority patent/EP1871297B1/en
Priority to JP2008505908A priority patent/JP4989625B2/en
Priority to CA002603950A priority patent/CA2603950A1/en
Priority to CN2006800098925A priority patent/CN101151001B/en
Publication of WO2007062879A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007062879A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/856—Single tubular stent with a side portal passage
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
    • A61F2/915—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/95—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
    • A61F2/954—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts for placing stents or stent-grafts in a bifurcation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/95—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
    • A61F2/958—Inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/95—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
    • A61F2/962—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve
    • A61F2/97—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve the outer sleeve being splittable
    • 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
    • A61M25/10—Balloon catheters
    • A61M25/1011—Multiple balloon catheters
    • 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
    • A61M25/10—Balloon catheters
    • A61M25/1027—Making of balloon catheters
    • A61M25/1038—Wrapping or folding devices for use with balloon catheters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/04—Hollow or tubular parts of organs, e.g. bladders, tracheae, bronchi or bile ducts
    • A61F2/06—Blood vessels
    • A61F2002/065—Y-shaped blood vessels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/04—Hollow or tubular parts of organs, e.g. bladders, tracheae, bronchi or bile ducts
    • A61F2/06—Blood vessels
    • A61F2002/065—Y-shaped blood vessels
    • A61F2002/067—Y-shaped blood vessels modular
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/91—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
    • A61F2/915—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes with bands having a meander structure, adjacent bands being connected to each other
    • A61F2002/9155—Adjacent bands being connected to each other
    • A61F2002/91558—Adjacent bands being connected to each other connected peak to peak
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/95—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
    • A61F2002/9505—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having retaining means other than an outer sleeve, e.g. male-female connector between stent and instrument
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2250/00—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2250/0014—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis
    • A61F2250/0018—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis differing in elasticity, stiffness or compressibility
    • 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
    • A61M25/10—Balloon catheters
    • A61M25/1002—Balloon catheters characterised by balloon shape
    • A61M2025/1004—Balloons with folds, e.g. folded or multifolded
    • 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
    • A61M25/10—Balloon catheters
    • A61M2025/1043—Balloon catheters with special features or adapted for special applications
    • A61M2025/1045—Balloon catheters with special features or adapted for special applications for treating bifurcations, e.g. balloons in y-configuration, separate balloons or special features of the catheter for treating bifurcations
    • 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
    • A61M25/10—Balloon catheters
    • A61M2025/1043—Balloon catheters with special features or adapted for special applications
    • A61M2025/107—Balloon catheters with special features or adapted for special applications having a longitudinal slit in the balloon

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to catheters and catheter systems for performing angioplasty and vascular stenting. More particularly it relates to a catheter system and method for stenting a vessel at a bifurcation or sidebranch of the vessel.
  • the present invention relates generally to catheters and catheter systems for use in surgical and/or diagnostic procedures in which two catheters must be introduced into a patient's body.
  • Surgical procedures in which two catheters must be introduced into a patient's body include angioplasty and vascular stenting, notably stenting of bifurcated blood vessels, as well as the stenting of bifurcated lumens in other organ systems of the body.
  • the catheter system described herein can be used in any surgical application wherein it is desired to use two or more catheters or similar devices notably when said catheters are arranged in a side- by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
  • the catheter system of the present invention is especially useful when applied in the stenting of a vessel at a bifurcation or sidebranch of the vessel, and most especially in the context of the stenting of bifurcated blood vessels.
  • the invention is directed to a catheter system comprising:
  • first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end;
  • a second balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, and a second inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end, and an elongated flexible extension tube extending distally from the second inflatable balloon; wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube.
  • a stent is crimped over the first dilatation balloon of the first balloon catheter and the flexible tubular extension of the second balloon catheter.
  • This configuration provides a smoother, more consistent surface for crimping the stent onto, which results in a smoother crossing profile for the catheter system.
  • the originality of the catheter system of the invention therefore resides in the fact that it has a specific configuration which results in a smoother crossing profile.
  • the catheter system according to the invention further comprises, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a stent mounted on the first inflatable balloon including at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon that is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube.
  • the catheter system may further comprise, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the second inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a second stent mounted on the second inflatable balloon.
  • a distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed from under the first inflatable balloon at an intermediate point between a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon and a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon.
  • the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least two wing portions, the two wing portions being wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, and the distal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least three wing portions, the three wing portions being wrapped around a distal portion of the shaft of the first balloon catheter.
  • the catheter system further comprises, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a stent mounted on the first inflatable balloon including at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon that is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, wherein the distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed through a side opening in the stent.
  • the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter are configured as rapid exchange balloon dilatation catheters.
  • the catheter system further comprises a linking device attachable near the proximal ends of the catheters for releasably linking the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter together in a side-by-side configuration and with the first catheter and the second catheter aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
  • a linking device attachable near the proximal ends of the catheters for releasably linking the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter together in a side-by-side configuration and with the first catheter and the second catheter aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
  • the linking device allows the catheter system to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent from the catheters.
  • the linking device may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires stationary with respect to the catheter system.
  • the linking device is preferably releasable so that one or both of the balloon catheters and/or the guidewires can be released from the linking device and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system.
  • the linking device is self-releasing in the sense that the linking device demounts itself from the first and second balloon catheters as the catheter system is advanced into the patient's body.
  • the linking device may comprise a split-tube releasably attaching the shaft of the first balloon catheter and the shaft of the second balloon catheter together.
  • the linking device may releasably link the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter together with the first and second inflatable balloons arranged in a staggered or tandem configuration.
  • the principles of the invention can also be applied to catheters other than balloon catheters. Therefore, according to a second aspect, the invention it is directed to a catheter system comprising:
  • first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end;
  • a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, and a dista! tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed from under the first inflatable balloon at an intermediate point between the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon and a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon.
  • the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least two wing portions, the two wing portions being wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, and the distal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least three wing portions, the three wing portions being wrapped around a distal portion of the shaft of the first balloon catheter.
  • the flexible extension tube is a distal portion of a second catheter and more particularly of a second balloon catheter.
  • the flexible extension tube comprises a sidebranch of the first balloon catheter or a sidebranch the first balloon catheter having a second inflatable balloon mounted thereon.
  • the invention is directed to a catheter system comprising: - a first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end; and
  • a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having two wing portions and wherein a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having three wing portions.
  • the two wing portions of the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon are wrapped around a portion of a flexible extension tube, and a distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed from under the two wing portions of the first inflatable balloon at an intermediate point between the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon and a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon.
  • the catheter system may be provided with a chromium-cobalt alloy stent with a strut configuration optimized for stenting bifurcations.
  • the present invention is directed to a method of preparing a catheter system, comprising:
  • first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end
  • second balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, and a second inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end, and an elongated flexible extension tube extending distally from the second inflatable balloon
  • the invention comprises a method for stenting bifurcated vessels utilizing the described catheter system.
  • the inflatable balloons are arranged in a side-by-side configuration for stenting the bifurcated vessels in a method similar to the "kissing balloons" technique, but utilizing a linking device for holding the first and second balloon catheters in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
  • the inflatable balloons are arranged in a staggered or tandem configuration for stenting the bifurcated vessels using a modified "kissing balloons" technique that also utilizes a linking device for holding the first and second balloon catheters in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
  • the linking device may be released so that one or both of the balloon catheters and/or the guidewires can be maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system.
  • FIG 1 shows a first embodiment of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels according to the present invention.
  • FIG 2 shows the catheter system of FIG 1 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel with a bifurcated stent.
  • FIG 3 shows a variation of the catheter system of FIG 1 for stenting a bifurcated vessel.
  • FIG 4 shows the catheter system of FIG 3 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel.
  • FIG 5 shows a second embodiment of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels.
  • FIGS 6A-9 show various embodiments of a linking device for use with the catheter system of the present invention.
  • FIGS 10-13 show the catheter system of FIG 5 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel using a main stent and a sidebranch stent.
  • FIG 14 shows a third embodiment of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels.
  • FIG 15 shows a cross section of a split-tube linking device for the catheter system of FIG 14.
  • FIG 16 shows an alternate cross section of a split-tube linking device for the catheter system of
  • FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of FIG.
  • FIG 17 shows the catheter system of FIG 14 in use.
  • FIG 18 shows a distal portion of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels.
  • FIG 19 shows a bifurcated vessel after stenting with the catheter system of FIG 18.
  • FIG 20 shows a distal portion of a fourth embodiment of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels prior to mounting a stent on the first balloon catheter.
  • FIGS 21A, 21B and 21C show cross sections of the catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels taken along section lines A, B and C in FIG 20.
  • FIG 22 shows the catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels of FIG 20 with a main vessel stent mounted on the dilatation balloon of the first balloon catheter.
  • FIG 23 illustrates a stent configured for stenting bifurcated vessels shown with the stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent.
  • FIGS 24A, 24B and 24C are detail drawings of three portions of the stent of FIG 23.
  • FIG 25 illustrates another stent configured for stenting bifurcated vessels shown with the stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent.
  • FIGS 26A, 26B and 26C are detail drawings of three portions of the stent of FIG 25.
  • FIG 1 shows a first embodiment of the catheter system 100 of the present invention for stenting bifurcated vessels.
  • the catheter system 100 includes a first balloon catheter 102 and a second balloon catheter 104.
  • An inflatable balloon 130, 132 is mounted on each of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 near the distal end of the catheters.
  • a balloon-expandable vascular stent 150 is mounted on the catheter system 100, typically by crimping or swaging the stent 150 over both of the inflatable balloons 130, 132.
  • the stent structure is shown generically and is not intended to be limited to any particular strut geometry.
  • the catheter system typically, the catheter system
  • the 100 will also include a first and second steerable guidewire 140, 142 for guiding the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 within the patient's blood vessels.
  • the first and second steerable guidewires 140, 142 will typically have a diameter of 0.010-0.018 inches (approximately 0.25-0.46 mm), preferably 0.014 inches (approximately 0.36 mm).
  • a linking device 160 releasably joins the first balloon catheter 102 and the second balloon catheter 104 together near the proximal ends of the catheters.
  • the linking device 160 holds the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
  • the linking device 160 allows the catheter system 100 to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent 150 from the catheters.
  • the linking device 160 may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100.
  • the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 may be of any known construction for balloon angioplasty or stent delivery catheters, including rapid exchange and over-the-wire catheter constructions.
  • the first and second balloon catheters are constructed as rapid exchange catheters, wherein a proximal section 106, 108 of each catheter is constructed of hypodermic tubing, which may be formed from stainless steel, a superelastic nickel-titanium or titanium-molybdenum alloy or the like.
  • the exterior of the proximal section 106, 108 is preferably coated with PTFE or another highly lubricious coating.
  • a proximal connector 122, 124 such as a luer lock connector or the like, is attached at the proximal end of the proximal section 106, 108 and communicates with a balloon inflation lumen that extends through the hypodermic tubing.
  • Each catheter includes a flexible distal section 110, 112 joined to the proximal section 106, 108.
  • the flexible distal section 110, 112 has two lumens that extend through most of its length, including a guidewire lumen that extends from a proximal guidewire port 114, 116 to a distal port 118, 120 at the distal end of the catheter, and a balloon inflation lumen that connects from the balloon inflation lumen of the proximal section 106, 108 to the interior of the inflatable balloon 130, 132, which is mounted near the distal end of the flexible distal section 110, 112.
  • the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 may have the same length and diameter and pressure compliance or they may have different lengths, diameters and/or pressure compliances, depending on the geometry of the target vessel that the catheter system 100 is intended for.
  • the inflatable balloons 130, 132 may be made from a variety of known angioplasty balloon materials, including, but not limited to, PVC, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, PET, PBT, and blends, alloys, copolymers and composites thereof.
  • the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 may be made from the same material or different materials.
  • the flexible distal section 110, 112 is typically constructed of flexible polymer tubing and may have a coaxia! or multilumen construction.
  • one, two or more radiopaque markers are mounted on the flexible distal section 110, 112 to indicate the location of the inflatable balloons 130, 132 under fluoroscopic imaging.
  • a transition element may be included to create a gradual transition in stiffness between the proximal section 106, 108 and the flexible distal section 110, 112, and to avoid a stress concentration at the juncture between the two sections.
  • the transition element may be constructed as a tapered or spiral wound element that is formed as an extension of the hypodermic tubing or from a separate piece of wire or tubing.
  • the catheter system 100 is configured for delivering a Y- shaped bifurcated stent 150.
  • the bifurcated stent 150 has a main trunk 152 connected to first and second sidebranches 154, 156 of the stent.
  • the catheter system 100 is prepared for use by inserting the inflatable balloons 130, 132 in a deflated and folded state through the main trunk 152 of the bifurcated stent 150, with one balloon extending into each of the first and second sidebranches 154, 156.
  • the bifurcated stent 150 is then crimped or swaged over the inflatable balloons 130, 132.
  • a support wire may be inserted into each of the guidewire lumens to support them during the crimping or swaging step.
  • the proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters are inserted into the linking device 160 to hold the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. This preparation may be carried out at the manufacturing facility or it may be performed at the point of use by a medical practitioner.
  • FIG 2 shows the catheter system 100 of FIG 1 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel.
  • the catheter system 100 is inserted into a body lumen that is desired to be stented and advanced to the point of the bifurcation.
  • the catheter system 100 is typically inserted through a guiding catheter that has been previously positioned at the ostium of the target vessel.
  • the catheter system 100 may be inserted directly into the vessel, for example using the Seldinger technique or an arterial cutdown, or it may be inserted through an introducer sheath or guiding catheter placed into the vessel.
  • the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 are maneuvered with the help of the steerable guidewires 140, 142 so that the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132, with the first and second sidebranches 154, 156 of the stent 150 mounted thereon, extend into the respective first and second sidebranches of the bifurcated vessel.
  • the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 are inflated separately and/or together to expand the stent 150 and to seat it securely within the vessel, as shown in FIG 2. This is similar to the "kissing balloons" technique that has been previously described in the literature.
  • An advantage of the present invention over prior methods is that the linking device 160 allows the catheter system 100 to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent 150 from the catheters.
  • both balloons 130, 132 are deflated and the catheter system 100 is withdrawn from the patient.
  • one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released from the linking device 160 and used separately for dilating and/or stenting other vessels upstream or downstream of the stent 150.
  • FIG 3 shows a variation of the catheter system 100 of the present invention for stenting a bifurcated vessel.
  • the construction of the catheter system 100 is very similar to the catheter system described above in connection with FIG 1 with the exception that the system utilizes a straight, i.e. non-bifurcated, stent 170.
  • the stent structure is shown generically and is not intended to be limited to any particular strut geometry.
  • the stent 170 is in the form of an open-cell stent, having a cylindrical body 174 with one or more side openings 172 that are suitable for placement at a bifurcation or sidebranch of the vessel without hindering blood flow into the sidebranch.
  • open-cell stents are well suited for stenting bifurcated vessels.
  • the side openings 172 can be expanded or remodeled with a dilatation balloon inserted through the side opening or with two dilatation balloons, using the "kissing balloons" technique.
  • a closed-cell stent with large side openings and/or expandable side openings may also be utilized.
  • the catheter system may utilize a side-hole stent intended for stenting bifurcations or for stenting a main vessel at the location of a sidebranch vessel.
  • the stent has an approximately cylindrical body with a side hole intended to be positioned at the site of a sidebranch vessel.
  • the side hole may be preformed in the stent or it may be a slit or a potential hole that can be expanded to form a side hole.
  • the catheter system 100 is prepared for use by inserting the inflatable balloons 130, 132 in a deflated and folded state into the stent 170, with the first balloon 130 extending all the way through the cylindrical body 174 and the second balloon 132 exiting the cylindrical body 174 at the side opening 172 that is intended to be positioned at the bifurcation or sidebranch vessel.
  • the second balloon 132 may be positioned proximal to the side opening 172 so that only the distal tip of the catheter 104 or only the guidewire 142 exits the cylindrical body 174 at the side opening 172 to decrease the distal crossing profile of the catheter system 100.
  • the stent 170 is then crimped or swaged over the inflatable balloons 130, 132.
  • a support wire may be inserted into each of the guidewire lumens to support them during the crimping or swaging step.
  • the proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters are inserted into the linking device 160 to hold the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. This preparation may be carried out at the manufacturing facility or it may be performed at the point of use by a medical practitioner.
  • FIG 4 shows the catheter system 100 of FIG 3 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel.
  • the catheter system 100 is inserted into a body lumen that is desired to be stented and advanced to the point of the bifurcation.
  • the catheter system 100 is typically inserted through a guiding catheter that has been previously positioned at the ostium of the target vessel.
  • the catheter system 100 may be inserted directly into the vessel, for example using the Seldinger technique or an arterial cutdown, or it may be inserted through an introducer sheath or guiding catheter placed into the vessel.
  • the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 are maneuvered with the help of the steerable guidewires 140, 142 so that the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132, with the stent mounted thereon, extend into the respective first and second sidebranches of the bifurcated vessel.
  • the first inflatable balloon 130 will typically be positioned in the larger of the two sidebranches or in the main lumen of the vessel at the location of a smaller sidebranch vessel.
  • the first inflatable balloon 130 is inflated to expand the stent and to seat it securely within the vessel, as shown in FIG 4.
  • the first inflatable balloon 130 is deflated and the second inflatable balloon 132 is inflated to expand the side opening 172 at the location of the second sidebranch vessel.
  • the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 may be inflated simultaneously using the "kissing balloons" technique.
  • both balloons 130, 132 are deflated and the catheter system 100 is withdrawn from the patient.
  • one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released from the linking device 160 and used separately for dilating and/or stenting other vessels upstream or downstream of the stent 170.
  • a sidebranch stent may be placed in the second sidebranch vessel before or after deployment of the stent 170.
  • FIG 5 shows a second embodiment of the catheter system 100 for stenting bifurcated vessels.
  • the construction of the catheter system 100 is very similar to the catheter system described above in connection with FIGS 1 and 3, with the exception that the second balloon catheter 104 is constructed with a flexible tubular extension 134 connected to the distal end of the catheter.
  • the guidewire lumen extends through the flexible tubular extension 134.
  • the flexible tubular extension 134 allows the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 to be assembled together in a staggered or tandem initial position.
  • This variation of the catheter system 100 utilizes a main stent 170, which is typically a straight, i.e. non-bifurcated, stent, as described above.
  • the catheter system 100 may optionally utilize a sidebranch stent 178.
  • the stent structures are shown generally and are not intended to be limited to any particular strut geometry. These distal features of the catheter system 100 can be seen in greater detail in the enlarged view of FIG 10.
  • the catheter system 100 is prepared for use by first inserting the second inflatable balloon 132 in a deflated and folded state through the optional sidebranch stent 178 and crimping or swaging the sidebranch stent 178 over the second inflatable balloon 132.
  • the sidebranch stent 178 may be mounted on a separate balloon catheter for use with the catheter system 100.
  • the first inflatable balloon 130 is then inserted in a deflated and folded state into the main stent 170, with the first balloon 130 extending all the way through the cylindrical body 174.
  • the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104 is inserted into the main stent 170 alongside the first balloon 130 with the flexible tubular extension 134 exiting the cylindrical body 174 at the side opening 172 that is intended to be positioned at the bifurcation or sidebranch vessel.
  • the flexible tubular extension 134 terminates at the side opening 172 of the main stent 170 to reduce the crossing profile of the distal portion of the stent 170.
  • the flexible tubular extension 134 may extend distally from the side opening 172 if desired.
  • the main stent 170 is then crimped or swaged over the first inflatable balloon 130 and the flexible tubular extension 134.
  • a support wire may be inserted into each of the guidewire lumens to support them during the crimping or swaging step.
  • the proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters are inserted into the linking device 160 to hold the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a side-by-side configuration and in a desired alignment with one another along the longitudinal axis. This preparation may be carried out at the manufacturing facility or it may be performed at the point of use by a medical practitioner.
  • the second balloon catheter 104 may be constructed without a flexible tubular extension 134.
  • the distal tip of the second balloon catheter 104 would be positioned proximal to the main stent 170 and the second steerable guidewire 142 would be inserted into the main stent 170 alongside the first balloon 130 with the guidewire 142 exiting the cylindrical body 174 at the side opening 172. This would provide an even lower crossing profile for the catheter system 100.
  • FIGS 6A-9 shows various embodiments of a linking device 160 for use with the catheter system 100 of the present invention.
  • FIG 6A shows an end view and 6B shows a front view of a first embodiment of a linking device 160.
  • the linking device 160 has a body 162 with a first channel 164 and a second channel 166 extending along a surface of the body in a side-by-side configuration, preferably with the first and second channels 164, 166 approximately parallel to one another.
  • the first and second channels 164, 166 are preferably undercut and sized to have a captive interference fit with the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104.
  • the linking device 160 is preferably molded of a flexible polymer or elastomer with a high coefficient of friction so that it effectively grips the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 when they are inserted into the first and second channels 164, 166.
  • the linking device 160 holds the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 arranged in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
  • the linking device 160 allows the catheter system 100 to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent from the catheters.
  • one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released from the linking device 160 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
  • the linking device 160 of FIG 6B may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100.
  • the body 162 of the linking device 160 would include one or two slots 168, shown in dashed lines in FIG 6B, that are sized and configured to create a captive interference fit with the proximal section of the guidewires 140, 142.
  • FIG 6C shows an end view of the linking device 160 with optional slots 168 for holding the guidewires 140, 142.
  • the guidewires 140, 142 can be released from the linking device 160 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
  • the linking device 160 of FIGS 6A-6B may be permanently attached to one of the balloon catheters and reteasably attached to the other.
  • the linking device 160 may be configured to attach instead to the proximal connectors 122, 124 of the balloon catheters 102, 104 or it may be molded into the proximal connectors 122, 124.
  • FIG 7A shows an end view and 7B shows a front view of a second embodiment of the linking device 160.
  • the linking device 160 has a body 162 with a first channel 164 and a second channel 166 extending along one surface of the body in a side-by-side configuration, preferably with the first and second channels 164, 166 approximately parallel to one another.
  • the first and second channels 164, 166 are preferably undercut and sized to have a captive sliding fit with the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104.
  • a first locking device 180 is associated with the first channel 164, and a second locking device 182 is associated with the second channel 166.
  • the first and second locking devices 180, 182 are configured to releasably lock the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a desired alignment with one another along the longitudinal axis.
  • Each of the locking devices 180, 182 will typically include a spring or other biasing member to hold the locking device in a locked position and a push button or other actuating member to release the locking device.
  • the linking device 160 allows the catheter system 100 to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent from the catheters.
  • one or both of the locking devices 180, 182 can be released to allow one of the balloon catheters 102, 104 to be advanced or retracted with respect to the other to adjust their longitudinal alignment.
  • one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released completely from the linking device 160 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
  • the linking device 160 of FIGS 7A-7B may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100.
  • the body 162 of the linking device 160 would include one or two additional locking devices, or slots or other structures configured to grip the proximal section of the guidewires 140, 142.
  • the guidewires 140, 142 can be released from the linking device 160 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
  • the linking device 160 of FIGS 7A-7B may be permanently attached to one of the balloon catheters and releasably attached to the other.
  • FIG 8A shows an end view and 8B shows a front view of a third embodiment of the linking device 160.
  • the linking device 160 has a first linking member 184 attached to the proximal section 106 of the first balloon catheter 102 and a second linking member 186 attached to the proximal section 108 of the second balloon catheter 104.
  • the first linking member 184 and the second linking member 186 have interlocking features so that the two catheters can be releasably attached to one another.
  • the interlocking features are corresponding male 187 and female 185 elements that can be attached and detached to one another in the manner of a snap or zip-lock device.
  • FIG 8C shows an end view of the linking device 160 with the first linking member 184 and the second linking member 186 detached from one another.
  • the linking device 160 can be configured so that the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be attached to one another in different longitudinal alignments.
  • the linking device 160 of FIGS 8A-8C may utilize alternative interlocking features such as clamps, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, a releasable adhesive, a repositionable adhesive, etc.
  • the linking device 160 of FIGS 8A-8C may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100.
  • one or both of the linking members 184, 186 would include a locking device, slot or other structure configured to hold the proximal section of one of the guidewires 140, 142. This configuration would allow each guidewire and balloon catheter pair to be moved as a unit separately from the rest of the catheter system 100 when the linking members 184, 186 are separated.
  • one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 can be released from the linking members 184, 186 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
  • FIG 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the linking device 160 that utilizes a peel-away sheath 190 for attaching the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 together.
  • the peel-away sheath 190 may be made from heat shrink polymer tubing that is heat shrunk onto the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 to lock them together in a desired alignment with one another along the longitudinal axis.
  • the peel-away sheath 190 has tabs or handles 196 to facilitate peeling the peel-away sheath 190 apart to release the balloon catheters 102, 104 so that they can be maneuvered separately from one another.
  • the peel-away sheath 190 may utilize features, such as polymer orientation, perforations and/or an incised groove, to assure that the peel-away sheath 190 will peel apart along a longitudinal dividing line.
  • FIGS 10-13 show the catheter system 100 of FIG 5 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel using a main stent 170 and a sidebranch stent 178.
  • the catheter system 100 is inserted into a body lumen that is desired to be stented and advanced to the point of the bifurcation.
  • the catheter system 100 is typically inserted through a guiding catheter that has been previously positioned at the ostium of the target vessel.
  • the catheter system 100 may be inserted directly into the vessel, for example using the Seldinger technique or an arterial cutdown, or it may be inserted through an introducer sheath or guiding catheter placed into the vessel.
  • the staggered or tandem initial position of the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 provides a very low crossing profile.
  • the low crossing profile allows the catheter system 100 with a 3.0 or 3.5 mm (expanded diameter) coronary stent 170 mounted on it to be delivered through a 6 French (approximately 2 mm external diameter) guiding catheter, which will typically have an internal diameter of 0.066-0.071 inches (approximately 1.68-1.80 mm internal diameter).
  • the catheter system 100 is maneuvered with the help of the steerable guidewires 140,
  • the first inflatable balloon 130 will typically be positioned in the larger of the two sidebranches or in the main lumen of the vessel at the location of a smaller sidebranch vessel.
  • the second steerable guidewire 142 When advancing the catheter system 100, the second steerable guidewire 142 may be positioned with its distal tip withdrawn into the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104 until the catheter system 100 reaches the bifurcation so that it will not be inadvertently damaged or interfere with advancement of the catheter system 100. This can be facilitated by inserting the proximal section of the second guidewire 142 into the optional slot or locking device 168 on the linking device 160. When the distal tip of the second balloon catheter 104 is in the vicinity of the sidebranch vessel, the second steerable guidewire 142 can be released from the linking device 160 and advanced with its distal tip extending from the flexible tubular extension 134 to engage the sidebranch vessel.
  • the first inflatable balloon 130 is inflated to expand the main stent 170 and to seat it securely within the vessel, as shown in FIG 11. Then, the first inflatable balloon 130 is deflated and the linking device 160 is released so that the second balloon catheter 104 can be advanced into the second sidebranch.
  • the second inflatable balloon 132 is inflated to expand the sidebranch stent 178 and to seat it securely within the second sidebranch vessel, while simultaneously opening the side opening 172 in the main stent 170, as shown in FIG 12.
  • the second inflatable balloon 132 is inflated to open the side opening 172 in the main stent 170 at the location of the second sidebranch vessel.
  • the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 may be inflated simultaneously using the "kissing balloons" technique.
  • both balloons 130, 132 are deflated and the catheter system 100 is withdrawn from the patient.
  • one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released from the linking device 160 and used separately for dilating and/or stenting other vessels upstream or downstream of the main stent 170.
  • a sidebranch stent 178 may be placed in the second sidebranch vessel using a separate balloon catheter before or after deployment of the main stent 170.
  • FIG 14 shows a third embodiment of a catheter system 100 for stenting bifurcated vessels utilizing a linking device 160 constructed of an elongated split-tube 200.
  • the split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 is configured to hold the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 arranged in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
  • a longitudinal split 202 extends the length of the split-tube 200. The longitudinal split 202 allows the split-tube 200 to be placed over the proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters 102, 104 during catheter preparation and to be removed from the catheters 102, 104 at the appropriate time during the stenting procedure.
  • the length of the split-tube 200 can vary. Good results were obtained with a catheter system 100 having a split-tube 200 that extends along most of the proximal sections 106, 108 of the balloon catheters 102, 104 between the proximal hubs 122, 124 and the proximal guidewire ports 114, 116 of the rapid exchange catheters.
  • the split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 is configured with a distal pull-tab 210 or other feature to facilitate lifting the distal part of the split-tube 200 to remove the linking device 160 and release the balloon catheters 102, 104 so that they can be maneuvered separately from one another.
  • the pull-tab 210 is preferably located on a side of the split-tube 200 opposite to the longitudinal split 202. The pull-tab 210 can be formed by skiving or cutting away part of the tube 200 as shown.
  • FIG 15 shows a cross section of one embodiment of the split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 for the catheter system 100 of FIG 14.
  • the split-tube 200 has an inner lumen 204 that is sized and configured to hold the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 together with sufficient friction that the catheter system 100 can be advanced as a unit without any relative movement of the two catheters.
  • the split-tube 200 is manufactured as an extruded profile with an approximately circular outer profile and an approximately oval inner lumen 204.
  • the longitudinal split 202 connects the inner lumen 204 with the exterior of the split-tube 200 at a thin part of the wall that coincides with the major axis of the oval inner lumen 204.
  • the longitudinal split 202 is preferably formed during the extrusion of the split-tube 200.
  • the tube 200 can be extruded without the longitudinal split 202 and then slitted along the length to form the longitudinal split 202 in a secondary operation.
  • Suitable materials for the split-tube 200 include polyamide copolymers (e.g. PEBAX 6333 or PA 8020 from ATOFINA), polypropylene, and any extrudable medical grade polymer with a suitable combination of strength, flexibility and friction characteristics.
  • the split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 can be made with many other possible configurations, including single-lumen and multiple-lumen configurations, and may include one or more longitudinal splits 202.
  • FIG 16 shows an alternate cross section of a split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 for the catheter system 100 of FIG 14,
  • the split-tube 200 has a first inner lumen 206 that is sized and configured to hold the proximal section 106 of the first balloon catheter 102 and a second inner lumen 208 that is sized and configured to hold the proximal section 108 of the second balloon catheter 104,
  • the inner lumens 206, 208 are sized and configured to hold the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 with sufficient friction that the catheter system 100 can be advanced as a unit without any relative movement of the two catheters.
  • Two longitudinal splits 202 connect the inner lumens 206, 208 with the exterior of the split-tube 200.
  • the two longitudinal splits 202 are preferably located on the same side of the split-tube 200 opposite to the distal pull-tab 210 to facilitate removal of the linking device 160 from both catheters 102, 104 simultaneously.
  • the longitudinal splits 202 are preferably formed during the extrusion of the split- tube 200.
  • the tube 200 can be extruded without the longitudinal splits 202 and then slitted along the length to form the longitudinal splits 202 in a secondary operation.
  • the linking device 160 in FIG 15 or FIG 16 can include additional lumens, slots or other structures to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100.
  • FIG 17 shows the catheter system 100 of FIG 14 in use.
  • the linking device 160 with the split-tube 200 has the advantage that, once it is started, the split-tube 200 will demount itself as the catheter system 100 is advanced so that the physician does not need to unpeel, remove or displace a linking member that would otherwise require a "third hand”.
  • the catheter system 100 is prepared for use by aligning the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in the desired longitudinal alignment and then pressing the longitudinal split 202 of the split-tube 200 against the proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters until they are enclosed within the inner lumen 204 (or lumens 206, 208) of the split-tube 200, as shown in FIG 14.
  • a stent or stents may then be crimped or mounted on the balloons 130, 132 in the desired configuration.
  • This preparation may be carried out at the manufacturing facility or it may be performed at the point of use by a medical practitioner.
  • the distal ends of the catheters 102, 104 with the stent or stents mounted thereon are inserted into the patient in the usual manner through a guiding catheter with a Y-fitting 220 or other hemostasis adapter on the proximal end of the guiding catheter.
  • the distal pull-tab 210 is pulled toward the side to start demounting the split-tube 200 from the balloon catheters 102, 104, and then the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 are advanced as a unit.
  • FIG 18 shows a distal portion of a catheter system 100 for stenting bifurcated vessels.
  • the catheter system 100 is similar to that shown in FIG 5 with a first balloon catheter 102 having a first inflatable balloon 130 and a second balloon catheter 104 having a second inflatable balloon 132 and a flexible tubular extension 134 extending distally from the balloon 132.
  • the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 are assembled together in a staggered or tandem initial position as shown to provide a low crossing profile.
  • the catheter system 100 can use any of the linking devices 160 described herein to maintain the longitudinal alignment of the catheters 102, 104 during insertion.
  • a distal stent 122 is mounted on a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 and a proximal stent 124 is mounted on a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 and the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104.
  • the distal stent 122 is configured to fit the distal main branch diameter and proximal stent 124 is configured to fit the proximal main branch diameter and the bifurcation itself.
  • the proximal stent 124 is configured so that it can be overdilated if necessary to fit the vessel at the bifurcation.
  • the catheter system 100 may optionally utilize a sidebranch stent 178 mounted on the second balloon 132, as illustrated in FIG 5.
  • FIG 19 shows a bifurcated vessel after stenting with the catheter system 100 of FIG 18.
  • Using separate distal and proximal stents 122, 124 allows the stents to be independently sized to fit the target vessel and it allows independent expansion of the two stents without any links between them that could cause distortion of one or both stents during deployment.
  • FIGS 20-22 illustrate a distal portion of a catheter system 100 according to the invention which is intended for example for stenting bifurcated vessels.
  • the catheter system 100 is similar in structure and configuration to the catheter system of FIG 5 with a first balloon catheter 102 having a first inflatable balloon 130 and a second balloon catheter 104 having a second inflatable balloon 132 and a flexible tubular extension 134 extending distally from the balloon 132.
  • the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 are assembled together in a staggered or tandem initial position as shown in FIG 5 to provide a low crossing profile.
  • the catheter system 100 can use any of the linking devices 160 described herein to maintain the longitudinal alignment of the catheters 102, 104 during insertion.
  • the catheter system 100 will utilize a linking device 160 in the form of an auto-release sheath constructed of an elongated split-tube 200, as illustrated in FIGS 14-17.
  • FIG 20 shows a distal portion of the catheter system 100 prior to mounting a stent on the first balloon catheter 102.
  • the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104 extends distally from the second dilatation balloon 132 (see FIG 5) to an intermediate position between the proximal and distal ends of the first inflatable balloon 130.
  • the balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130 is folded around the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter with only the distal tip 135 of the flexible tubular extension 134 exposed.
  • FIGS 21A, 21B and 21C show cross sections of the catheter system 100 taken along section lines A, B and C in FIG 20.
  • FIG 2 IA shows a cross section of the catheter system 100 taken through a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 along section line A in FIG 20.
  • This distal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 may be folded in any convenient low-profile balloon folding configuration, such as the three-wing folding configuration shown. Alternatively, the distal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 may be folded in a two-wing or four-wing folding configuration or other balloon folding configurations known in the industry.
  • FIG 21C shows a cross section of the catheter system 100 taken through a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 and the flexible tubular extension 134 along section line C in FIG 20.
  • the balloon material is wrapped around the flexible tubular extension 134 completely enclosing it.
  • the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 is folded in a two-wing folding configuration as shown, although other folding configurations may also be used.
  • FIG 21B shows a cross section of the catheter system 100 taken through a transition point intermediate between the proximal and distal portions of the first inflatable balloon 130 along section line B in FIG 20.
  • the first inflatable balloon 130 makes a transition from the two-wing folding configuration of the proximal portion to the three-wing folding configuration of the distal portion.
  • the distal tip 135 of the flexible extension tube 134 emerges from the folds of the balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130, as shown in FIG 20.
  • the first inflatable balloon 130 may be heat set in this folded configuration to facilitate mounting a stent on the folded balloon in the next assembly step.
  • a main vessel stent 170 is mounted over the first inflatable balloon 130 of the first balloon catheter 102 and the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104, as shown in FIG 22, for example by crimping or swaging.
  • the distal tip 135 of the flexible extension tube 134 emerges from the folds of the balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130 and extends through an open cell or side opening 172 between two struts on the crimped stent 170.
  • This configuration provides a smoother, more consistent surface for crimping the stent onto, which results in a smoother crossing profile for the catheter system 100.
  • the first inflatable balloon 130 may be heat set after mounting the main vessel stent 170 onto the first inflatable balloon 130.
  • a side branch stent 178 may be mounted on the second inflatable balloon 132 of the second balloon catheter 104, as illustrated in FIG 5.
  • the flexible tubular extension 134 may be a distal portion of a single or multiple lumen non-balloon catheter, which is wrapped in the balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130.
  • the flexible tubular extension 134 may be a sidebranch of the first balloon catheter 102, which is wrapped in the balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130. The sidebranch of the first balloon catheter 102 may or may not have a second inflatable balloon on it.
  • any of the described embodiments of the catheter system 100 may be provided with a stent with a strut configuration optimized for stenting bifurcations.
  • FIGS 23-26 illustrate stents 240 configured for stenting bifurcated vessels shown with the unexpanded stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent 240.
  • the stent 240 is fabricated from a seamless metal tube, for example by laser cutting and electropolishing.
  • the stent 240 is made from a high strength biocompatible chromium-cobalt alloy.
  • the stent 240 may be made from other biocompatible alloys, such as 316 stainless steel, Elgiloy or Carpenter MP35.
  • the stent 240 is preferably configured with a multiplicity of struts 250 that are joined together along the length of the stent 240 by links 252 in an open cell configuration.
  • the struts 250 are preferably configured as sinuous or undulating rings extending circumferentially around the stent 240.
  • Each strut 250 has a predetermined number of undulations or cells 254 around the circumference of the stent 240.
  • the cells 254 are shown as simple sinusoidal undulations, however other configurations of cells including open cells and closed cells are also possible.
  • the stent 240 is divided into a distal area 242, a carina area 244 and a proximal area 246.
  • the strut configuration in each area is preferably optimized for the portion of the vessel in which it will be placed.
  • the number of cells 254 in each strut 250 determines how much the strut 250 will be able to expand circumferentially.
  • the struts 250 in the carina area 244 will have a greater number of cells 254 than the struts 250 in the distal area 242 and the proximal area 246.
  • the struts 250 in the proximal area 246 will also have a greater number of cells 254 than the struts 250 in the distal area 242.
  • This configuration allows the carina area 244 to be expanded more than the distal area 242 and the proximal area 246, and allows the proximal area 246 to be expanded more than the distal area 242.
  • the differential expansion properties of the different areas allow the stent 230 to conform closely to the typical geometry of a bifurcated vessel, where the vessel proximal to the bifurcation typically has a greater diameter than the vessel distal to the bifurcation, and where the vessel in the carina area immediately proximal to the carina of the bifurcation has a diameter greater than the vessels proximal or distal to the bifurcation.
  • This configuration of the stent 240 also allows the crush resistance or hoop strength of the expanded stent to be optimized for each of the areas despite the different stent expansion ratios in each area.
  • FIG 23 An example of a 3.0 mm stent (expanded diameter) is shown in FIG 23.
  • the stent 240 is shown with the unexpanded tubular stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent as it is manufactured and prior to crimping.
  • the stent 240 has six struts 250 in the distal area 242 each having six cells 254 and joined together by two links 252, except for the most distal strut 250, which is joined by three links 252, three struts 250 in the carina area 244 each having eight cells 254 and joined together by four links 252, and five struts 250 in the proximal area 246 each having seven cells 254 and joined together by two links 252, except for the most proximal strut 250, which is joined by three links 252.
  • a single link 252 joins the distal area 242 to the carina area 244, and three links 252 join the proximal area 246 to the carina area 244.
  • FIGS 24A, 24B and 24C are detail drawings of three portions of the stent of FIG 23.
  • FIG 24A shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the distal area 242 joined by a link 252.
  • FIG 24B shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the carina area 244 joined by a link 252.
  • FIG 24C shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the proximal area 246 joined by a link 252.
  • the length of the arms 256 in each cell 254 is slightly longer and more divergent in the distal area 242, of intermediate length and divergence in the proximal area 246 and shortest length and least divergence in the carina area 244 in order to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 in struts 250 of these three different areas.
  • other means may be used to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 in the struts 250 of the three different areas.
  • the radius of the U-shaped bends 258 that join the arms 256 of the cells 254 together may be varied to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 around the circumference of the stent 240.
  • FIG 25 Another example of a 3.5 mm stent (expanded diameter) is shown in FIG 25.
  • the stent 240 is shown with the unexpanded tubular stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent as it is manufactured and prior to crimping.
  • the stent 240 has six struts 250 in the distal area 242 each having eight cells 254 and joined together by two links 252, except for the most distal strut 250, which is joined by four links 252, three struts 250 in the carina area 244 each having ten cells 254 and joined together by five links 252, and five struts 250 in the proximal area 246 each having nine cells 254 and joined together by three links 252, except for the most proximal strut 250, which is joined by five links 252.
  • a single link 252 joins the distal area 242 to the carina area 244, and three links 252 join the proximal area 246 to the carina area 244.
  • FIGS 26A, 26B and 26C are detail drawings of three portions of the stent of FIG 25.
  • FIG 26A shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the distal area 242 joined by a link 252.
  • FIG 26B shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the carina area 244 joined by a link 252.
  • FIG 26C shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the proximal area 246 joined by a link 252.
  • each cell 254 is slightly longer and more divergent in the distal area 242, of intermediate length and divergence in the proximal area 246 and shortest length and least divergence in the carina area 244 in order to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 in struts 250 of these three different areas.
  • other means may also be used to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 in the struts 250 of the three different areas.
  • FIGS 23 and 25 represent only two examples of the many possible configurations for stents made according to the principles of the present invention.
  • the dimensions of the stent, the number and configuration of the struts and cells, and other parameters of the stent can be varied greatly, while adhering to the general principles of the stent design that allow it to accommodate the particular geometry of a bifurcated vessel.
  • linking devices described herein can be used in other applications where it is desired to hold two or more catheters or similar devices arranged in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
  • the principles of the invention can also be applied to catheters other than balloon catheters.

Abstract

A catheter system and method are described for stenting a vessel at a bifurcation or sidebranch of the vessel. The catheter system comprises: a first balloon catheter (102) having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon (130) mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end; and a second balloon catheter (104) having a shaft (134) with a proximal end and a distal end, and a second inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end, and an elongated flexible extension tube (135) extending distally from the second inflatable balloon; and is characterized in that when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube.

Description

CATHETER SYSTEM FOR STENTING BIFURCATED VESSELS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to catheters and catheter systems for performing angioplasty and vascular stenting. More particularly it relates to a catheter system and method for stenting a vessel at a bifurcation or sidebranch of the vessel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The following patents and patent applications relate to catheters and catheter systems for performing angioplasty and stenting of bifurcated vessels. These and all patents and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
US 6,579,312 Stent and catheter assembly and method for treating bifurcations
US 6,540,779 Bifurcated stent with improved side branch aperture and method of making same
US 6,520,988 Endolumenal prosthesis and method of use in bifurcation regions of body lumens US 6,508,836 Stent and catheter assembly and method for treating bifurcations
US 6,494,875 Bifurcated catheter assembly
US 6,475,208 Bifurcated catheter assembly
US 6,428,567 Stent and catheter assembly and method for treating bifurcations
US 6,387,120 Stent and catheter assembly and method for treating bifurcations US 6,383,213 Stent and catheter assembly and method for treating bifurcations
US 6,371,978 Bifurcated stent delivery system having retractable sheath
US 6,361,544 Stent and catheter assembly and method for treating bifurcations
US 6,325,826 Extendible stent apparatus
US 6,264,682 Bifurcated stent delivery system having retractable sheath US 6,258,073 Bifurcated catheter assembly
US 6,254,593 Bifurcated stent delivery system having retractable sheath
US 6,221,098 Stent and catheter assembly and method for treating bifurcations
US 6,210,380 Bifurcated catheter assembly
US 6,165,195 Stent and catheter assembly and method for treating bifurcations US 6, 142,973 Y-shaped catheter
US 6417,117 Bifurcated catheter assembly
US 6,086,611 Bifurcated stent
US 5,720,735 Bifurcated endovascular catheter US 5,669,924 Y-shuttle stent assembly for bifurcating vessels and method of using the same
US 5,613,980 Bifurcated catheter system and method
US 6,013,054 Multifurcated balloon catheter
US 4,896,670 Kissing balloon catheter US 5,395,352 Y-adaptor manifold with pinch valve for an intravascular catheter
US 6,129,738 Method and apparatus for treating stenoses at bifurcated regions
US 6,544,219 Catheter for placement of therapeutic devices at the ostium of a bifurcation of a body lumen
US 6,494,905 Balloon catheter US 5,749,825 Means method for treatment of stenosed arterial bifurcations
US 5,320,605 Multi-wire multi-balloon catheter
US 6,099,497 Dilatation and stent delivery system for bifurcation lesions
US 5,720,735 Bifurcated endovascular catheter
US 5,906,640 Bifurcated stent and method for the manufacture and delivery of same US 5,893,887 Stent for positioning at junction of bifurcated blood vessel and method of making
US 5,755,771 Expandable stent and method of delivery of same
US 20030097169A1 Bifurcated stent and delivery system
US 20030028233A1 Catheter with attached flexible side sheath
US 20020183763A1 Stent and catheter assembly and method for treating bifurcations US 20020156516A1 Method for employing an extendible stent apparatus
US 20020116047A1 Extendible stent apparatus and method for deploying the same
US 20020055732A1 Catheter assembly and method for positioning the same at a bifurcated vessel
WO 9944539A2 Dilatation and stent delivery system for bifurcation lesions WO 03053507 Branched balloon catheter assembly
WO 9924104 Balloon catheter for repairing bifurcated vessels
WO 0027307 The sheet expandable trousers stent and device for its implantation
FR 2733689 Endoprosthesis with installation device for treatment of blood-vessel bifurcation stenosis SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to catheters and catheter systems for use in surgical and/or diagnostic procedures in which two catheters must be introduced into a patient's body. Surgical procedures in which two catheters must be introduced into a patient's body include angioplasty and vascular stenting, notably stenting of bifurcated blood vessels, as well as the stenting of bifurcated lumens in other organ systems of the body. More specifically, the catheter system described herein can be used in any surgical application wherein it is desired to use two or more catheters or similar devices notably when said catheters are arranged in a side- by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. The catheter system of the present invention is especially useful when applied in the stenting of a vessel at a bifurcation or sidebranch of the vessel, and most especially in the context of the stenting of bifurcated blood vessels.
Although the present invention will be primarily explained and described in relation to angioplasty and stenting of bifurcated blood vessels, as will be immediately apparent to the skilled practitioner in this field, the apparatus and methods of the invention can also be used for other applications as well in other fields of surgery and/or diagnosis.
While there has been considerable progress in methods of treating bifurcation lesions with stents in recent times, a need remains in the art to provide an improved catheter system which is easy to use for the physician, the configuration of which results in a smoother crossing profile and which enables efficient and accurate stent deployment and dilatation of the lesions that are to be treated.
In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a catheter system comprising:
- a first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end; and
- a second balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, and a second inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end, and an elongated flexible extension tube extending distally from the second inflatable balloon; wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube.
In one preferred embodiment a stent is crimped over the first dilatation balloon of the first balloon catheter and the flexible tubular extension of the second balloon catheter. This configuration provides a smoother, more consistent surface for crimping the stent onto, which results in a smoother crossing profile for the catheter system. The originality of the catheter system of the invention therefore resides in the fact that it has a specific configuration which results in a smoother crossing profile. According to a preferred embodiment, the catheter system according to the invention further comprises, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a stent mounted on the first inflatable balloon including at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon that is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube. The catheter system may further comprise, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the second inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a second stent mounted on the second inflatable balloon.
In another embodiment of the invention, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed from under the first inflatable balloon at an intermediate point between a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon and a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon.
In a preferred embodiment, the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least two wing portions, the two wing portions being wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, and the distal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least three wing portions, the three wing portions being wrapped around a distal portion of the shaft of the first balloon catheter.
Advantageously, in these embodiments, the catheter system further comprises, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a stent mounted on the first inflatable balloon including at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon that is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, wherein the distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed through a side opening in the stent.
In another embodiment of the invention, the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter are configured as rapid exchange balloon dilatation catheters.
In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the catheter system further comprises a linking device attachable near the proximal ends of the catheters for releasably linking the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter together in a side-by-side configuration and with the first catheter and the second catheter aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. The originality of the catheter system according to this particularly preferred embodiment of the invention resides in the fact that such a linking device allows the two catheters to be advanced together in a side-by-side configuration as a unit by the physician until they are in the vicinity of the site to be treated, the linking device also enabling both catheters to be released when desired and maneuvered separately from the other components of the catheter system. This embodiment is of importance in any surgical procedure such as angioplasty or vascular stenting wherein it is essential for the physician, without this requiring undue burden on his/her part, to be able to precisely maneuver each of the two catheters independently of one another.
The linking device allows the catheter system to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent from the catheters. Optionally, the linking device may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires stationary with respect to the catheter system. The linking device is preferably releasable so that one or both of the balloon catheters and/or the guidewires can be released from the linking device and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system. In one embodiment the linking device is self-releasing in the sense that the linking device demounts itself from the first and second balloon catheters as the catheter system is advanced into the patient's body.
The linking device may comprise a split-tube releasably attaching the shaft of the first balloon catheter and the shaft of the second balloon catheter together. Alternatively the linking device may releasably link the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter together with the first and second inflatable balloons arranged in a staggered or tandem configuration.
It is however to be noted, and will be immediately evident to one skilled in the art, that the principles of the invention can also be applied to catheters other than balloon catheters. Therefore, according to a second aspect, the invention it is directed to a catheter system comprising:
- a first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end; and
- an elongated flexible extension tube positioned alongside the first inflatable balloon; wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, and a dista! tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed from under the first inflatable balloon at an intermediate point between the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon and a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon.
In one preferred embodiment when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least two wing portions, the two wing portions being wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, and the distal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least three wing portions, the three wing portions being wrapped around a distal portion of the shaft of the first balloon catheter.
According to a particular feature of this embodiment, the flexible extension tube is a distal portion of a second catheter and more particularly of a second balloon catheter.
According to another particular feature of this embodiment the flexible extension tube comprises a sidebranch of the first balloon catheter or a sidebranch the first balloon catheter having a second inflatable balloon mounted thereon.
According to the third aspect, the invention is directed to a catheter system comprising: - a first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end; and
- a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having two wing portions and wherein a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having three wing portions.
According to a preferred embodiment, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, the two wing portions of the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon are wrapped around a portion of a flexible extension tube, and a distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed from under the two wing portions of the first inflatable balloon at an intermediate point between the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon and a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon.
In all these embodiments, the catheter system may be provided with a chromium-cobalt alloy stent with a strut configuration optimized for stenting bifurcations.
According to a fourth aspect the present invention is directed to a method of preparing a catheter system, comprising:
- providing a first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end; - providing a second balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, and a second inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end, and an elongated flexible extension tube extending distally from the second inflatable balloon;
- when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, wrapping at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon around a portion of the flexible extension tube; and
- when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, mounting a stent on the first inflatable balloon including at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon that is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube with a distal tip of the flexible extension tube exposed through a side opening in the stent.
In a fifth aspect, the invention comprises a method for stenting bifurcated vessels utilizing the described catheter system. In a first variation of the method, the inflatable balloons are arranged in a side-by-side configuration for stenting the bifurcated vessels in a method similar to the "kissing balloons" technique, but utilizing a linking device for holding the first and second balloon catheters in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. In a second variation of the method, the inflatable balloons are arranged in a staggered or tandem configuration for stenting the bifurcated vessels using a modified "kissing balloons" technique that also utilizes a linking device for holding the first and second balloon catheters in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. When desired, the linking device may be released so that one or both of the balloon catheters and/or the guidewires can be maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG 1 shows a first embodiment of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels according to the present invention.
FIG 2 shows the catheter system of FIG 1 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel with a bifurcated stent.
FIG 3 shows a variation of the catheter system of FIG 1 for stenting a bifurcated vessel.
FIG 4 shows the catheter system of FIG 3 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel. FIG 5 shows a second embodiment of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels.
FIGS 6A-9 show various embodiments of a linking device for use with the catheter system of the present invention. FIGS 10-13 show the catheter system of FIG 5 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel using a main stent and a sidebranch stent.
FIG 14 shows a third embodiment of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels.
FIG 15 shows a cross section of a split-tube linking device for the catheter system of FIG 14. FIG 16 shows an alternate cross section of a split-tube linking device for the catheter system of
FIG 14.
FIG 17 shows the catheter system of FIG 14 in use.
FIG 18 shows a distal portion of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels.
FIG 19 shows a bifurcated vessel after stenting with the catheter system of FIG 18. FIG 20 shows a distal portion of a fourth embodiment of a catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels prior to mounting a stent on the first balloon catheter.
FIGS 21A, 21B and 21C show cross sections of the catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels taken along section lines A, B and C in FIG 20.
FIG 22 shows the catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels of FIG 20 with a main vessel stent mounted on the dilatation balloon of the first balloon catheter.
FIG 23 illustrates a stent configured for stenting bifurcated vessels shown with the stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent.
FIGS 24A, 24B and 24C are detail drawings of three portions of the stent of FIG 23.
FIG 25 illustrates another stent configured for stenting bifurcated vessels shown with the stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent.
FIGS 26A, 26B and 26C are detail drawings of three portions of the stent of FIG 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG 1 shows a first embodiment of the catheter system 100 of the present invention for stenting bifurcated vessels. The catheter system 100 includes a first balloon catheter 102 and a second balloon catheter 104. An inflatable balloon 130, 132 is mounted on each of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 near the distal end of the catheters. A balloon-expandable vascular stent 150 is mounted on the catheter system 100, typically by crimping or swaging the stent 150 over both of the inflatable balloons 130, 132. The stent structure is shown generically and is not intended to be limited to any particular strut geometry. Typically, the catheter system
100 will also include a first and second steerable guidewire 140, 142 for guiding the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 within the patient's blood vessels. The first and second steerable guidewires 140, 142 will typically have a diameter of 0.010-0.018 inches (approximately 0.25-0.46 mm), preferably 0.014 inches (approximately 0.36 mm). A linking device 160 releasably joins the first balloon catheter 102 and the second balloon catheter 104 together near the proximal ends of the catheters. The linking device 160 holds the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. The linking device 160 allows the catheter system 100 to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent 150 from the catheters. Optionally, the linking device 160 may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100.
The first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 may be of any known construction for balloon angioplasty or stent delivery catheters, including rapid exchange and over-the-wire catheter constructions. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second balloon catheters are constructed as rapid exchange catheters, wherein a proximal section 106, 108 of each catheter is constructed of hypodermic tubing, which may be formed from stainless steel, a superelastic nickel-titanium or titanium-molybdenum alloy or the like. The exterior of the proximal section 106, 108 is preferably coated with PTFE or another highly lubricious coating. A proximal connector 122, 124, such as a luer lock connector or the like, is attached at the proximal end of the proximal section 106, 108 and communicates with a balloon inflation lumen that extends through the hypodermic tubing. Each catheter includes a flexible distal section 110, 112 joined to the proximal section 106, 108. Typically, the flexible distal section 110, 112 has two lumens that extend through most of its length, including a guidewire lumen that extends from a proximal guidewire port 114, 116 to a distal port 118, 120 at the distal end of the catheter, and a balloon inflation lumen that connects from the balloon inflation lumen of the proximal section 106, 108 to the interior of the inflatable balloon 130, 132, which is mounted near the distal end of the flexible distal section 110, 112. The first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 may have the same length and diameter and pressure compliance or they may have different lengths, diameters and/or pressure compliances, depending on the geometry of the target vessel that the catheter system 100 is intended for. The inflatable balloons 130, 132 may be made from a variety of known angioplasty balloon materials, including, but not limited to, PVC, polyethylene, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, PET, PBT, and blends, alloys, copolymers and composites thereof. The first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 may be made from the same material or different materials. The flexible distal section 110, 112 is typically constructed of flexible polymer tubing and may have a coaxia! or multilumen construction. Preferably, one, two or more radiopaque markers are mounted on the flexible distal section 110, 112 to indicate the location of the inflatable balloons 130, 132 under fluoroscopic imaging. A transition element may be included to create a gradual transition in stiffness between the proximal section 106, 108 and the flexible distal section 110, 112, and to avoid a stress concentration at the juncture between the two sections. The transition element may be constructed as a tapered or spiral wound element that is formed as an extension of the hypodermic tubing or from a separate piece of wire or tubing.
In this illustrative example, the catheter system 100 is configured for delivering a Y- shaped bifurcated stent 150. The bifurcated stent 150 has a main trunk 152 connected to first and second sidebranches 154, 156 of the stent. The catheter system 100 is prepared for use by inserting the inflatable balloons 130, 132 in a deflated and folded state through the main trunk 152 of the bifurcated stent 150, with one balloon extending into each of the first and second sidebranches 154, 156. The bifurcated stent 150 is then crimped or swaged over the inflatable balloons 130, 132. A support wire may be inserted into each of the guidewire lumens to support them during the crimping or swaging step. The proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters are inserted into the linking device 160 to hold the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. This preparation may be carried out at the manufacturing facility or it may be performed at the point of use by a medical practitioner.
FIG 2 shows the catheter system 100 of FIG 1 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel. The catheter system 100 is inserted into a body lumen that is desired to be stented and advanced to the point of the bifurcation. For stenting coronary arteries or carotid arteries, the catheter system 100 is typically inserted through a guiding catheter that has been previously positioned at the ostium of the target vessel. For stenting in peripheral arteries or other body lumens, the catheter system 100 may be inserted directly into the vessel, for example using the Seldinger technique or an arterial cutdown, or it may be inserted through an introducer sheath or guiding catheter placed into the vessel. The first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 are maneuvered with the help of the steerable guidewires 140, 142 so that the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132, with the first and second sidebranches 154, 156 of the stent 150 mounted thereon, extend into the respective first and second sidebranches of the bifurcated vessel. The first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 are inflated separately and/or together to expand the stent 150 and to seat it securely within the vessel, as shown in FIG 2. This is similar to the "kissing balloons" technique that has been previously described in the literature. An advantage of the present invention over prior methods is that the linking device 160 allows the catheter system 100 to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent 150 from the catheters.
Once the stent 150 has been deployed, both balloons 130, 132 are deflated and the catheter system 100 is withdrawn from the patient. Alternatively, one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released from the linking device 160 and used separately for dilating and/or stenting other vessels upstream or downstream of the stent 150.
FIG 3 shows a variation of the catheter system 100 of the present invention for stenting a bifurcated vessel. The construction of the catheter system 100 is very similar to the catheter system described above in connection with FIG 1 with the exception that the system utilizes a straight, i.e. non-bifurcated, stent 170. The stent structure is shown generically and is not intended to be limited to any particular strut geometry. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the stent 170 is in the form of an open-cell stent, having a cylindrical body 174 with one or more side openings 172 that are suitable for placement at a bifurcation or sidebranch of the vessel without hindering blood flow into the sidebranch. Because of their flexibility and open structure, open-cell stents are well suited for stenting bifurcated vessels. The side openings 172 can be expanded or remodeled with a dilatation balloon inserted through the side opening or with two dilatation balloons, using the "kissing balloons" technique. A closed-cell stent with large side openings and/or expandable side openings may also be utilized. Alternatively, the catheter system may utilize a side-hole stent intended for stenting bifurcations or for stenting a main vessel at the location of a sidebranch vessel. In this case, the stent has an approximately cylindrical body with a side hole intended to be positioned at the site of a sidebranch vessel. The side hole may be preformed in the stent or it may be a slit or a potential hole that can be expanded to form a side hole.
The catheter system 100 is prepared for use by inserting the inflatable balloons 130, 132 in a deflated and folded state into the stent 170, with the first balloon 130 extending all the way through the cylindrical body 174 and the second balloon 132 exiting the cylindrical body 174 at the side opening 172 that is intended to be positioned at the bifurcation or sidebranch vessel. Alternatively, the second balloon 132 may be positioned proximal to the side opening 172 so that only the distal tip of the catheter 104 or only the guidewire 142 exits the cylindrical body 174 at the side opening 172 to decrease the distal crossing profile of the catheter system 100. The stent 170 is then crimped or swaged over the inflatable balloons 130, 132. A support wire may be inserted into each of the guidewire lumens to support them during the crimping or swaging step. The proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters are inserted into the linking device 160 to hold the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. This preparation may be carried out at the manufacturing facility or it may be performed at the point of use by a medical practitioner.
FIG 4 shows the catheter system 100 of FIG 3 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel. The catheter system 100 is inserted into a body lumen that is desired to be stented and advanced to the point of the bifurcation. For stenting coronary arteries or carotid arteries, the catheter system 100 is typically inserted through a guiding catheter that has been previously positioned at the ostium of the target vessel. For stenting in peripheral arteries or other body lumens, the catheter system 100 may be inserted directly into the vessel, for example using the Seldinger technique or an arterial cutdown, or it may be inserted through an introducer sheath or guiding catheter placed into the vessel. The first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 are maneuvered with the help of the steerable guidewires 140, 142 so that the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132, with the stent mounted thereon, extend into the respective first and second sidebranches of the bifurcated vessel. The first inflatable balloon 130 will typically be positioned in the larger of the two sidebranches or in the main lumen of the vessel at the location of a smaller sidebranch vessel. The first inflatable balloon 130 is inflated to expand the stent and to seat it securely within the vessel, as shown in FIG 4. Then, the first inflatable balloon 130 is deflated and the second inflatable balloon 132 is inflated to expand the side opening 172 at the location of the second sidebranch vessel. Optionally, the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 may be inflated simultaneously using the "kissing balloons" technique.
Once the stent 170 has been deployed, both balloons 130, 132 are deflated and the catheter system 100 is withdrawn from the patient. Alternatively, one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released from the linking device 160 and used separately for dilating and/or stenting other vessels upstream or downstream of the stent 170. Optionally, a sidebranch stent may be placed in the second sidebranch vessel before or after deployment of the stent 170.
FIG 5 shows a second embodiment of the catheter system 100 for stenting bifurcated vessels. The construction of the catheter system 100 is very similar to the catheter system described above in connection with FIGS 1 and 3, with the exception that the second balloon catheter 104 is constructed with a flexible tubular extension 134 connected to the distal end of the catheter. The guidewire lumen extends through the flexible tubular extension 134. The flexible tubular extension 134 allows the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 to be assembled together in a staggered or tandem initial position. This variation of the catheter system 100 utilizes a main stent 170, which is typically a straight, i.e. non-bifurcated, stent, as described above. In addition, the catheter system 100 may optionally utilize a sidebranch stent 178. The stent structures are shown generally and are not intended to be limited to any particular strut geometry. These distal features of the catheter system 100 can be seen in greater detail in the enlarged view of FIG 10. The catheter system 100 is prepared for use by first inserting the second inflatable balloon 132 in a deflated and folded state through the optional sidebranch stent 178 and crimping or swaging the sidebranch stent 178 over the second inflatable balloon 132. Alternatively, the sidebranch stent 178 may be mounted on a separate balloon catheter for use with the catheter system 100. The first inflatable balloon 130 is then inserted in a deflated and folded state into the main stent 170, with the first balloon 130 extending all the way through the cylindrical body 174. The flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104 is inserted into the main stent 170 alongside the first balloon 130 with the flexible tubular extension 134 exiting the cylindrical body 174 at the side opening 172 that is intended to be positioned at the bifurcation or sidebranch vessel. Preferably, the flexible tubular extension 134 terminates at the side opening 172 of the main stent 170 to reduce the crossing profile of the distal portion of the stent 170. Alternatively, the flexible tubular extension 134 may extend distally from the side opening 172 if desired. The main stent 170 is then crimped or swaged over the first inflatable balloon 130 and the flexible tubular extension 134. A support wire may be inserted into each of the guidewire lumens to support them during the crimping or swaging step. The proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters are inserted into the linking device 160 to hold the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a side-by-side configuration and in a desired alignment with one another along the longitudinal axis. This preparation may be carried out at the manufacturing facility or it may be performed at the point of use by a medical practitioner.
In an alternate embodiment of the catheter system 100 of FIG 5, the second balloon catheter 104 may be constructed without a flexible tubular extension 134. In this case, the distal tip of the second balloon catheter 104 would be positioned proximal to the main stent 170 and the second steerable guidewire 142 would be inserted into the main stent 170 alongside the first balloon 130 with the guidewire 142 exiting the cylindrical body 174 at the side opening 172. This would provide an even lower crossing profile for the catheter system 100. FIGS 6A-9 shows various embodiments of a linking device 160 for use with the catheter system 100 of the present invention. FIG 6A shows an end view and 6B shows a front view of a first embodiment of a linking device 160. The linking device 160 has a body 162 with a first channel 164 and a second channel 166 extending along a surface of the body in a side-by-side configuration, preferably with the first and second channels 164, 166 approximately parallel to one another. The first and second channels 164, 166 are preferably undercut and sized to have a captive interference fit with the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104. The linking device 160 is preferably molded of a flexible polymer or elastomer with a high coefficient of friction so that it effectively grips the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 when they are inserted into the first and second channels 164, 166. In use, the linking device 160 holds the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 arranged in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. The linking device 160 allows the catheter system 100 to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent from the catheters. When it is desired, one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released from the linking device 160 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
Optionally, the linking device 160 of FIG 6B may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100. In this case, the body 162 of the linking device 160 would include one or two slots 168, shown in dashed lines in FIG 6B, that are sized and configured to create a captive interference fit with the proximal section of the guidewires 140, 142. FIG 6C shows an end view of the linking device 160 with optional slots 168 for holding the guidewires 140, 142. When it is desired, the guidewires 140, 142 can be released from the linking device 160 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
In an alternative embodiment, the linking device 160 of FIGS 6A-6B may be permanently attached to one of the balloon catheters and reteasably attached to the other. In another alternative embodiment, the linking device 160 may be configured to attach instead to the proximal connectors 122, 124 of the balloon catheters 102, 104 or it may be molded into the proximal connectors 122, 124.
FIG 7A shows an end view and 7B shows a front view of a second embodiment of the linking device 160. The linking device 160 has a body 162 with a first channel 164 and a second channel 166 extending along one surface of the body in a side-by-side configuration, preferably with the first and second channels 164, 166 approximately parallel to one another. The first and second channels 164, 166 are preferably undercut and sized to have a captive sliding fit with the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104. A first locking device 180 is associated with the first channel 164, and a second locking device 182 is associated with the second channel 166. The first and second locking devices 180, 182 are configured to releasably lock the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in a desired alignment with one another along the longitudinal axis. Each of the locking devices 180, 182 will typically include a spring or other biasing member to hold the locking device in a locked position and a push button or other actuating member to release the locking device. The linking device 160 allows the catheter system 100 to be advanced as a unit and helps prevent premature or inadvertent dislodgement of the stent from the catheters. When it is desired, one or both of the locking devices 180, 182 can be released to allow one of the balloon catheters 102, 104 to be advanced or retracted with respect to the other to adjust their longitudinal alignment. In addition, one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released completely from the linking device 160 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
Optionally, the linking device 160 of FIGS 7A-7B may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100. In this case, the body 162 of the linking device 160 would include one or two additional locking devices, or slots or other structures configured to grip the proximal section of the guidewires 140, 142. When it is desired, the guidewires 140, 142 can be released from the linking device 160 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
In an alternative embodiment, the linking device 160 of FIGS 7A-7B may be permanently attached to one of the balloon catheters and releasably attached to the other.
FIG 8A shows an end view and 8B shows a front view of a third embodiment of the linking device 160. The linking device 160 has a first linking member 184 attached to the proximal section 106 of the first balloon catheter 102 and a second linking member 186 attached to the proximal section 108 of the second balloon catheter 104. The first linking member 184 and the second linking member 186 have interlocking features so that the two catheters can be releasably attached to one another. In the example shown, the interlocking features are corresponding male 187 and female 185 elements that can be attached and detached to one another in the manner of a snap or zip-lock device. FIG 8C shows an end view of the linking device 160 with the first linking member 184 and the second linking member 186 detached from one another. Optionally, the linking device 160 can be configured so that the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be attached to one another in different longitudinal alignments. In other embodiments, the linking device 160 of FIGS 8A-8C may utilize alternative interlocking features such as clamps, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, a releasable adhesive, a repositionable adhesive, etc.
Optionally, the linking device 160 of FIGS 8A-8C may also be configured to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100. In this case, one or both of the linking members 184, 186 would include a locking device, slot or other structure configured to hold the proximal section of one of the guidewires 140, 142. This configuration would allow each guidewire and balloon catheter pair to be moved as a unit separately from the rest of the catheter system 100 when the linking members 184, 186 are separated. When it is desired, one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 can be released from the linking members 184, 186 and maneuvered separately from the rest of the catheter system 100.
FIG 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the linking device 160 that utilizes a peel-away sheath 190 for attaching the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 together. The peel-away sheath 190 may be made from heat shrink polymer tubing that is heat shrunk onto the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 to lock them together in a desired alignment with one another along the longitudinal axis. The peel-away sheath 190 has tabs or handles 196 to facilitate peeling the peel-away sheath 190 apart to release the balloon catheters 102, 104 so that they can be maneuvered separately from one another. The peel-away sheath 190 may utilize features, such as polymer orientation, perforations and/or an incised groove, to assure that the peel-away sheath 190 will peel apart along a longitudinal dividing line.
FIGS 10-13 show the catheter system 100 of FIG 5 in use for stenting a bifurcated vessel using a main stent 170 and a sidebranch stent 178. The catheter system 100 is inserted into a body lumen that is desired to be stented and advanced to the point of the bifurcation. For stenting coronary arteries or carotid arteries, the catheter system 100 is typically inserted through a guiding catheter that has been previously positioned at the ostium of the target vessel. For stenting in peripheral arteries or other body lumens, the catheter system 100 may be inserted directly into the vessel, for example using the Seldinger technique or an arterial cutdown, or it may be inserted through an introducer sheath or guiding catheter placed into the vessel. The staggered or tandem initial position of the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 provides a very low crossing profile. The low crossing profile allows the catheter system 100 with a 3.0 or 3.5 mm (expanded diameter) coronary stent 170 mounted on it to be delivered through a 6 French (approximately 2 mm external diameter) guiding catheter, which will typically have an internal diameter of 0.066-0.071 inches (approximately 1.68-1.80 mm internal diameter). The catheter system 100 is maneuvered with the help of the steerable guidewires 140,
142 so that the first inflatable balloon 130, with the main stent 170 mounted on it, extends into the first sidebranch of the bifurcated vessel and the second steerable guidewire 142 extends into the second sidebranch, as shown in FIG 10. The first inflatable balloon 130 will typically be positioned in the larger of the two sidebranches or in the main lumen of the vessel at the location of a smaller sidebranch vessel.
When advancing the catheter system 100, the second steerable guidewire 142 may be positioned with its distal tip withdrawn into the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104 until the catheter system 100 reaches the bifurcation so that it will not be inadvertently damaged or interfere with advancement of the catheter system 100. This can be facilitated by inserting the proximal section of the second guidewire 142 into the optional slot or locking device 168 on the linking device 160. When the distal tip of the second balloon catheter 104 is in the vicinity of the sidebranch vessel, the second steerable guidewire 142 can be released from the linking device 160 and advanced with its distal tip extending from the flexible tubular extension 134 to engage the sidebranch vessel.
Once the main stent 170 is in the desired position, the first inflatable balloon 130 is inflated to expand the main stent 170 and to seat it securely within the vessel, as shown in FIG 11. Then, the first inflatable balloon 130 is deflated and the linking device 160 is released so that the second balloon catheter 104 can be advanced into the second sidebranch. The second inflatable balloon 132 is inflated to expand the sidebranch stent 178 and to seat it securely within the second sidebranch vessel, while simultaneously opening the side opening 172 in the main stent 170, as shown in FIG 12. Alternatively, if a sidebranch stent is not used or if it is to be delivered on a separate balloon catheter, the second inflatable balloon 132 is inflated to open the side opening 172 in the main stent 170 at the location of the second sidebranch vessel. Optionally, the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 may be inflated simultaneously using the "kissing balloons" technique.
Once the stents 170, 180 have been deployed, both balloons 130, 132 are deflated and the catheter system 100 is withdrawn from the patient. Alternatively, one or both of the balloon catheters 102, 104 can be released from the linking device 160 and used separately for dilating and/or stenting other vessels upstream or downstream of the main stent 170. Optionally, a sidebranch stent 178 may be placed in the second sidebranch vessel using a separate balloon catheter before or after deployment of the main stent 170.
FIG 14 shows a third embodiment of a catheter system 100 for stenting bifurcated vessels utilizing a linking device 160 constructed of an elongated split-tube 200. The split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 is configured to hold the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 arranged in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. A longitudinal split 202 extends the length of the split-tube 200. The longitudinal split 202 allows the split-tube 200 to be placed over the proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters 102, 104 during catheter preparation and to be removed from the catheters 102, 104 at the appropriate time during the stenting procedure. The length of the split-tube 200 can vary. Good results were obtained with a catheter system 100 having a split-tube 200 that extends along most of the proximal sections 106, 108 of the balloon catheters 102, 104 between the proximal hubs 122, 124 and the proximal guidewire ports 114, 116 of the rapid exchange catheters. Preferably, the split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 is configured with a distal pull-tab 210 or other feature to facilitate lifting the distal part of the split-tube 200 to remove the linking device 160 and release the balloon catheters 102, 104 so that they can be maneuvered separately from one another. The pull-tab 210 is preferably located on a side of the split-tube 200 opposite to the longitudinal split 202. The pull-tab 210 can be formed by skiving or cutting away part of the tube 200 as shown.
FIG 15 shows a cross section of one embodiment of the split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 for the catheter system 100 of FIG 14. The split-tube 200 has an inner lumen 204 that is sized and configured to hold the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 together with sufficient friction that the catheter system 100 can be advanced as a unit without any relative movement of the two catheters. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the split-tube 200 is manufactured as an extruded profile with an approximately circular outer profile and an approximately oval inner lumen 204. The longitudinal split 202 connects the inner lumen 204 with the exterior of the split-tube 200 at a thin part of the wall that coincides with the major axis of the oval inner lumen 204. The longitudinal split 202 is preferably formed during the extrusion of the split-tube 200. Alternatively, the tube 200 can be extruded without the longitudinal split 202 and then slitted along the length to form the longitudinal split 202 in a secondary operation. Suitable materials for the split-tube 200 include polyamide copolymers (e.g. PEBAX 6333 or PA 8020 from ATOFINA), polypropylene, and any extrudable medical grade polymer with a suitable combination of strength, flexibility and friction characteristics.
The split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 can be made with many other possible configurations, including single-lumen and multiple-lumen configurations, and may include one or more longitudinal splits 202. By way of example, FIG 16 shows an alternate cross section of a split-tube 200 of the linking device 160 for the catheter system 100 of FIG 14, In this embodiment, the split-tube 200 has a first inner lumen 206 that is sized and configured to hold the proximal section 106 of the first balloon catheter 102 and a second inner lumen 208 that is sized and configured to hold the proximal section 108 of the second balloon catheter 104, The inner lumens 206, 208 are sized and configured to hold the proximal sections 106, 108 of the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 with sufficient friction that the catheter system 100 can be advanced as a unit without any relative movement of the two catheters. Two longitudinal splits 202 connect the inner lumens 206, 208 with the exterior of the split-tube 200. The two longitudinal splits 202 are preferably located on the same side of the split-tube 200 opposite to the distal pull-tab 210 to facilitate removal of the linking device 160 from both catheters 102, 104 simultaneously. The longitudinal splits 202 are preferably formed during the extrusion of the split- tube 200. Alternatively, the tube 200 can be extruded without the longitudinal splits 202 and then slitted along the length to form the longitudinal splits 202 in a secondary operation. Optionally, the linking device 160 in FIG 15 or FIG 16 can include additional lumens, slots or other structures to hold one or both of the guidewires 140, 142 stationary with respect to the catheter system 100.
FIG 17 shows the catheter system 100 of FIG 14 in use. The linking device 160 with the split-tube 200 has the advantage that, once it is started, the split-tube 200 will demount itself as the catheter system 100 is advanced so that the physician does not need to unpeel, remove or displace a linking member that would otherwise require a "third hand". The catheter system 100 is prepared for use by aligning the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 in the desired longitudinal alignment and then pressing the longitudinal split 202 of the split-tube 200 against the proximal sections 106, 108 of the catheters until they are enclosed within the inner lumen 204 (or lumens 206, 208) of the split-tube 200, as shown in FIG 14. A stent or stents may then be crimped or mounted on the balloons 130, 132 in the desired configuration. This preparation may be carried out at the manufacturing facility or it may be performed at the point of use by a medical practitioner. The distal ends of the catheters 102, 104 with the stent or stents mounted thereon are inserted into the patient in the usual manner through a guiding catheter with a Y-fitting 220 or other hemostasis adapter on the proximal end of the guiding catheter. The distal pull-tab 210 is pulled toward the side to start demounting the split-tube 200 from the balloon catheters 102, 104, and then the first and second balloon catheters 102, 104 are advanced as a unit. As shown in FIG 17, when the split-tube 200 encounters the Y-fitting 220, the split-tube 200 will peel away or demount itself from the proximal sections 106, 108 of the balloon catheters 102, 104. The stent or stents can be deployed in the vessel bifurcation using the methods described herein. FIG 18 shows a distal portion of a catheter system 100 for stenting bifurcated vessels. The catheter system 100 is similar to that shown in FIG 5 with a first balloon catheter 102 having a first inflatable balloon 130 and a second balloon catheter 104 having a second inflatable balloon 132 and a flexible tubular extension 134 extending distally from the balloon 132. The first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 are assembled together in a staggered or tandem initial position as shown to provide a low crossing profile. The catheter system 100 can use any of the linking devices 160 described herein to maintain the longitudinal alignment of the catheters 102, 104 during insertion. A distal stent 122 is mounted on a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 and a proximal stent 124 is mounted on a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 and the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104. Preferably, only a small space is left between the distal and proximal stents 122, 124. The distal stent 122 is configured to fit the distal main branch diameter and proximal stent 124 is configured to fit the proximal main branch diameter and the bifurcation itself. Preferably, the proximal stent 124 is configured so that it can be overdilated if necessary to fit the vessel at the bifurcation. In addition, the catheter system 100 may optionally utilize a sidebranch stent 178 mounted on the second balloon 132, as illustrated in FIG 5.
The distal stent 122 and the proximal stent 124 are deployed using sequential and/or simultaneous inflation of the first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 using the methods described herein. FIG 19 shows a bifurcated vessel after stenting with the catheter system 100 of FIG 18. Using separate distal and proximal stents 122, 124 allows the stents to be independently sized to fit the target vessel and it allows independent expansion of the two stents without any links between them that could cause distortion of one or both stents during deployment.
FIGS 20-22 illustrate a distal portion of a catheter system 100 according to the invention which is intended for example for stenting bifurcated vessels. The catheter system 100 is similar in structure and configuration to the catheter system of FIG 5 with a first balloon catheter 102 having a first inflatable balloon 130 and a second balloon catheter 104 having a second inflatable balloon 132 and a flexible tubular extension 134 extending distally from the balloon 132. The first and second inflatable balloons 130, 132 are assembled together in a staggered or tandem initial position as shown in FIG 5 to provide a low crossing profile. The catheter system 100 can use any of the linking devices 160 described herein to maintain the longitudinal alignment of the catheters 102, 104 during insertion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the catheter system 100 will utilize a linking device 160 in the form of an auto-release sheath constructed of an elongated split-tube 200, as illustrated in FIGS 14-17. FIG 20 shows a distal portion of the catheter system 100 prior to mounting a stent on the first balloon catheter 102. The flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104 extends distally from the second dilatation balloon 132 (see FIG 5) to an intermediate position between the proximal and distal ends of the first inflatable balloon 130. The balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130 is folded around the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter with only the distal tip 135 of the flexible tubular extension 134 exposed. This configuration provides a smoother, more consistent surface for crimping a stent onto the first inflatable balloon 130 and the flexible tubular extension 134, which results in a smoother crossing profile for the catheter system 100. FIGS 21A, 21B and 21C show cross sections of the catheter system 100 taken along section lines A, B and C in FIG 20. FIG 2 IA shows a cross section of the catheter system 100 taken through a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 along section line A in FIG 20. This distal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 may be folded in any convenient low-profile balloon folding configuration, such as the three-wing folding configuration shown. Alternatively, the distal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 may be folded in a two-wing or four-wing folding configuration or other balloon folding configurations known in the industry. FIG 21C shows a cross section of the catheter system 100 taken through a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 and the flexible tubular extension 134 along section line C in FIG 20. In this proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130, the balloon material is wrapped around the flexible tubular extension 134 completely enclosing it. Preferably, the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon 130 is folded in a two-wing folding configuration as shown, although other folding configurations may also be used. FIG 21B shows a cross section of the catheter system 100 taken through a transition point intermediate between the proximal and distal portions of the first inflatable balloon 130 along section line B in FIG 20. At this transition point, the first inflatable balloon 130 makes a transition from the two-wing folding configuration of the proximal portion to the three-wing folding configuration of the distal portion. At this transition point, the distal tip 135 of the flexible extension tube 134 emerges from the folds of the balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130, as shown in FIG 20. Optionally, the first inflatable balloon 130 may be heat set in this folded configuration to facilitate mounting a stent on the folded balloon in the next assembly step.
Next, a main vessel stent 170 is mounted over the first inflatable balloon 130 of the first balloon catheter 102 and the flexible tubular extension 134 of the second balloon catheter 104, as shown in FIG 22, for example by crimping or swaging. The distal tip 135 of the flexible extension tube 134 emerges from the folds of the balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130 and extends through an open cell or side opening 172 between two struts on the crimped stent 170. This configuration provides a smoother, more consistent surface for crimping the stent onto, which results in a smoother crossing profile for the catheter system 100. Optionally, the first inflatable balloon 130 may be heat set after mounting the main vessel stent 170 onto the first inflatable balloon 130. This provides a smoother surface on the balloon and stent assembly and increases stent retention force, which helps to prevent accidental dislodgement of the stent from the balloon. Optionally, a side branch stent 178 may be mounted on the second inflatable balloon 132 of the second balloon catheter 104, as illustrated in FIG 5. In an alternate embodiment of the catheter system 100, the flexible tubular extension 134 may be a distal portion of a single or multiple lumen non-balloon catheter, which is wrapped in the balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130. In another alternate embodiment of the catheter system 100, the flexible tubular extension 134 may be a sidebranch of the first balloon catheter 102, which is wrapped in the balloon material of the first inflatable balloon 130. The sidebranch of the first balloon catheter 102 may or may not have a second inflatable balloon on it.
Optionally, any of the described embodiments of the catheter system 100 may be provided with a stent with a strut configuration optimized for stenting bifurcations. FIGS 23-26 illustrate stents 240 configured for stenting bifurcated vessels shown with the unexpanded stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent 240. Preferably, the stent 240 is fabricated from a seamless metal tube, for example by laser cutting and electropolishing. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stent 240 is made from a high strength biocompatible chromium-cobalt alloy. Alternatively, the stent 240 may be made from other biocompatible alloys, such as 316 stainless steel, Elgiloy or Carpenter MP35. The stent 240 is preferably configured with a multiplicity of struts 250 that are joined together along the length of the stent 240 by links 252 in an open cell configuration. The struts 250 are preferably configured as sinuous or undulating rings extending circumferentially around the stent 240. Each strut 250 has a predetermined number of undulations or cells 254 around the circumference of the stent 240. In the embodiment shown, the cells 254 are shown as simple sinusoidal undulations, however other configurations of cells including open cells and closed cells are also possible.
The stent 240 is divided into a distal area 242, a carina area 244 and a proximal area 246. The strut configuration in each area is preferably optimized for the portion of the vessel in which it will be placed. The number of cells 254 in each strut 250 determines how much the strut 250 will be able to expand circumferentially. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the struts 250 in the carina area 244 will have a greater number of cells 254 than the struts 250 in the distal area 242 and the proximal area 246. Preferably, the struts 250 in the proximal area 246 will also have a greater number of cells 254 than the struts 250 in the distal area 242. This configuration allows the carina area 244 to be expanded more than the distal area 242 and the proximal area 246, and allows the proximal area 246 to be expanded more than the distal area 242. The differential expansion properties of the different areas allow the stent 230 to conform closely to the typical geometry of a bifurcated vessel, where the vessel proximal to the bifurcation typically has a greater diameter than the vessel distal to the bifurcation, and where the vessel in the carina area immediately proximal to the carina of the bifurcation has a diameter greater than the vessels proximal or distal to the bifurcation. This configuration of the stent 240 also allows the crush resistance or hoop strength of the expanded stent to be optimized for each of the areas despite the different stent expansion ratios in each area.
An example of a 3.0 mm stent (expanded diameter) is shown in FIG 23. The stent 240 is shown with the unexpanded tubular stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent as it is manufactured and prior to crimping. The stent 240 has six struts 250 in the distal area 242 each having six cells 254 and joined together by two links 252, except for the most distal strut 250, which is joined by three links 252, three struts 250 in the carina area 244 each having eight cells 254 and joined together by four links 252, and five struts 250 in the proximal area 246 each having seven cells 254 and joined together by two links 252, except for the most proximal strut 250, which is joined by three links 252. A single link 252 joins the distal area 242 to the carina area 244, and three links 252 join the proximal area 246 to the carina area 244.
FIGS 24A, 24B and 24C are detail drawings of three portions of the stent of FIG 23. FIG 24A shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the distal area 242 joined by a link 252. FIG 24B shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the carina area 244 joined by a link 252. FIG 24C shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the proximal area 246 joined by a link 252. It will be noted that the length of the arms 256 in each cell 254 is slightly longer and more divergent in the distal area 242, of intermediate length and divergence in the proximal area 246 and shortest length and least divergence in the carina area 244 in order to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 in struts 250 of these three different areas. Alternatively or in addition, other means may be used to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 in the struts 250 of the three different areas. For example, the radius of the U-shaped bends 258 that join the arms 256 of the cells 254 together may be varied to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 around the circumference of the stent 240.
Another example of a 3.5 mm stent (expanded diameter) is shown in FIG 25. The stent 240 is shown with the unexpanded tubular stent laid out flat to show the strut configuration of the stent as it is manufactured and prior to crimping. The stent 240 has six struts 250 in the distal area 242 each having eight cells 254 and joined together by two links 252, except for the most distal strut 250, which is joined by four links 252, three struts 250 in the carina area 244 each having ten cells 254 and joined together by five links 252, and five struts 250 in the proximal area 246 each having nine cells 254 and joined together by three links 252, except for the most proximal strut 250, which is joined by five links 252. A single link 252 joins the distal area 242 to the carina area 244, and three links 252 join the proximal area 246 to the carina area 244.
FIGS 26A, 26B and 26C are detail drawings of three portions of the stent of FIG 25. FIG 26A shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the distal area 242 joined by a link 252. FIG 26B shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the carina area 244 joined by a link 252. FIG 26C shows one cell 254 of two adjacent struts 250 in the proximal area 246 joined by a link 252. Again, it will be noted that the length of the arms 256 in each cell 254 is slightly longer and more divergent in the distal area 242, of intermediate length and divergence in the proximal area 246 and shortest length and least divergence in the carina area 244 in order to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 in struts 250 of these three different areas. As mentioned above, other means may also be used to accommodate the different numbers of cells 254 in the struts 250 of the three different areas.
FIGS 23 and 25 represent only two examples of the many possible configurations for stents made according to the principles of the present invention. For example, the dimensions of the stent, the number and configuration of the struts and cells, and other parameters of the stent can be varied greatly, while adhering to the general principles of the stent design that allow it to accommodate the particular geometry of a bifurcated vessel.
While the present invention has been described herein with respect to the exemplary embodiments and the best mode for practicing the invention, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications, improvements and subcombinations of the various embodiments, adaptations and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Although the present invention has been primarily described in relation to angioplasty and stenting of bifurcated blood vessels, the apparatus and methods of the invention can also be used for other applications as well. For example, the catheter system can be used for stenting bifurcated lumens in other organ systems of the body. In addition, the linking devices described herein can be used in other applications where it is desired to hold two or more catheters or similar devices arranged in a side-by-side configuration and aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis. The principles of the invention can also be applied to catheters other than balloon catheters.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A catheter system comprising: a first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end; and a second balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, and a second inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end, and an elongated flexible extension tube extending distally from the second inflatable balloon; wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube.
2. The catheter system of claim 1, further comprising, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a stent mounted on the first inflatable balloon including at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon that is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube.
3. The catheter system of claim 2, further comprising, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the second inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a second stent mounted on the second inflatable balloon.
4. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed from under the first inflatable balloon at an intermediate point between a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon and a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon.
5. The catheter system of claim 4, further comprising, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a stent mounted on the first inflatable balloon including at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon that is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, wherein the distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed through a side opening in the stent.
6. The catheter system of claim 4, wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least two wing portions, the two wing portions being wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, and wherein the distal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least three wing portions, the three wing portions being wrapped around a distal portion of the shaft of the first balloon catheter.
7. The catheter system of claim 6, further comprising, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a stent mounted on the first inflatable balloon including at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon that is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, wherein the distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed through a side opening in the stent.
8. The catheter system of claim 1, wherein the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter are configured as rapid exchange balloon dilatation catheters.
9. The catheter system of claim 1, further comprising a linking device attachable near the proximal ends of the catheters for releasably linking the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter together in a side-by-side configuration and with the first catheter and the second catheter aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis.
10. The catheter system of claim 9, wherein the linking device comprises a split-tube releasably attaching the shaft of the first balloon catheter and the shaft of the second balloon catheter together.
11. The catheter system of claim 9, wherein the linking device releasably links the first balloon catheter and the second balloon catheter together with the first and second inflatable balloons arranged in a staggered or tandem configuration.
12. A catheter system comprising: a first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end; and an elongated flexible extension tube positioned alongside the first inflatable balloon; wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, and a distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed from under the first inflatable balloon at an intermediate point between the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon and a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon.
13. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least two wing portions, the two wing portions being wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube, and wherein the distal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having at least three wing portions, the three wing portions being wrapped around a distal portion of the shaft of the first balloon catheter.
14. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the flexible extension tube is a distal portion of a second catheter.
15. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the flexible extension tube is a distal portion of a second balloon catheter.
16. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the flexible extension tube comprises a sidebranch the first balloon catheter.
17. The catheter system of claim 12, wherein the flexible extension tube comprises a sidebranch the first balloon catheter having a second inflatable balloon mounted thereon.
18. A catheter system comprising: a first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end' wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, a proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having two wing portions and wherein a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon is folded in a configuration having three wing portions.
19. The catheter system of claim 18, wherein, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, the two wing portions of the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon are wrapped around a portion of a flexible extension tube, and a distal tip of the flexible extension tube is exposed from under the two wing portions of the first inflatable balloon at an intermediate point between the proximal portion of the first inflatable balloon and a distal portion of the first inflatable balloon.
20. A method of preparing a catheter system, comprising: providing a first balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end and a first inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end; providing a second balloon catheter having a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end, and a second inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft proximate to the distal end, and an elongated flexible extension tube extending distally from the second inflatable balloon; when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, wrapping at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon around a portion of the flexible extension tube; and, when the catheter system is in an undeployed state with the first inflatable balloon in a deflated condition, mounting a stent on the first inflatable balloon including at least a portion of the first inflatable balloon that is wrapped around a portion of the flexible extension tube with a distal tip of the flexible extension tube exposed through a side opening in the stent.
PCT/EP2006/061615 2005-04-15 2006-04-14 Catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels WO2007062879A1 (en)

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AT06847013T ATE521307T1 (en) 2005-04-15 2006-04-14 CATHETER SYSTEM FOR STENT IMPLANTATION IN BRANCH VESSELS
PL06847013T PL1871297T3 (en) 2005-04-15 2006-04-14 Catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels
BRPI0608247-5A BRPI0608247A2 (en) 2005-04-15 2006-04-14 catheter system for clearing forked vessels
EP06847013A EP1871297B1 (en) 2005-04-15 2006-04-14 Catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels
JP2008505908A JP4989625B2 (en) 2005-04-15 2006-04-14 Catheter system for placing a stent in a branch vessel
CA002603950A CA2603950A1 (en) 2005-04-15 2006-04-14 Catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels
CN2006800098925A CN101151001B (en) 2005-04-15 2006-04-14 Catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels

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US11/107,393 US7695508B2 (en) 2003-10-16 2005-04-15 Catheter system for stenting bifurcated vessels
US11/107,393 2005-04-15

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ATE521307T1 (en) 2011-09-15
JP2008535602A (en) 2008-09-04
CN101151001B (en) 2011-11-30
CN101151001A (en) 2008-03-26
EP1871297A1 (en) 2008-01-02
US7695508B2 (en) 2010-04-13
CA2603950A1 (en) 2007-06-07
US20060030924A1 (en) 2006-02-09
BRPI0608247A2 (en) 2011-02-15
PL1871297T3 (en) 2012-01-31
JP4989625B2 (en) 2012-08-01
EP1871297B1 (en) 2011-08-24

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