Patent ID: 6157852
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for creating a path through an arterial occlusion, comprising:an intra-arterial apparatus comprising,a catheter shaft;a working element proximate to a distal end of the catheter shaft;a tissue penetrating wire projecting through a lumen in the catheter shaft, comprising a sharp, pointed distal end, wherein the sharp, pointed distal end is manipulable to pierce an arterial occlusion such that the working element may be introduced into the occlusion to create a path therethrough; andat least two steering wires attached to a proximate end of the working element, the steering wires being operable to direct the sharp, pointed distal end; andan extra-arterial locator, comprising,a flexible imaging tube with a distal end, a proximate end, and at least one lumen therethrough;an imaging device in the at least one lumen;at least one attachment device on an outer surface of the flexible imaging tube between the distal end and the proximate end. wherein the extra-arterial locator is operable to be stabilized proximate to an artery containing the occlusion using the at least one attachment device, so that the imaging device may be used to aid in directing the sharp, pointed distal end and the working element to and through the occlusion.