Patent ID: 6030362
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A catheter for introduction into a bodily canal in which a fluid flows, in order to deliver thereto, in a localised region, a therapeutically active substance carried by a second fluid, of the type comprising:a catheter body including an elongate tubular element having a proximal part and a distal part;an inflatable structure, arranged at the distal part of said catheter body and including:a first inflatable element and a second inflatable element which, when inflated:are axially separated from one another;each bear in leaktight fashion against the internal wall of said bodily canal; andeach has a substantially central opening;a membrane, fixed to said first and second inflatable elements and defining with them, when they are inflated:a substantially cylindrical sleeve, joining together the central openings of said first and second inflatable elements, in leaktight fashion, thus forming a channel for passage of the bodily fluid; anda substantially leaktight cavity, capable of containing said therapeutically active substance and defined by said first and second inflatable elements, by the external surface of said membrane and by the internal surface of the bodily canal;a third inflatable element, arranged between said first and second inflatable elements, designed to keep said membrane in position when it is inflated;said catheter body including a first internal channel which communicates with said first, second and third inflatable elements and has a means for inflating and deflating said elements; a second internal channel which communicates with said cavity and with a supply source of fluid containing said pharmacologically active substance, wherein said first, second and third inflatable elements are made in a single preformed part, consisting of a helically wound tube, said third element consisting of at least one turn of said helically wound tube, the diameter of said tube at the portion constituting said third element being less than the diameter of said tube at the tube portions which respectively constitute said first and second elements and are intended to bear against the internal wall of said bodily canal; and wherein said catheter body is arranged inside the winding of said helically wound tube.