Patent ID: 7854740
Filing Date: 2010-12-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for guiding a device through an occlusion in a patient's vessel, the method comprising the steps of: delivering a flexible elongate steerable medical guidewire transluminally to the occlusion, wherein a first electrode is disposed on a distal tip of the guidewire; advancing the guidewire distal tip into the occlusion; placing on the patient a second electrode separate from the first electrode and in electrical contact with the patient, wherein the second electrode is a skin electrode; coupling an electric power source to the first and second electrodes; activating the power source to provide an electric current between the first and second electrodes; measuring a voltage drop between the first and second electrodes; calculating a bioelectric impedance based on the measured voltage drop between the first and second electrodes; and continuing to advance the guidewire distal tip through the occlusion while directing the guidewire tip away from the vessel wall when the calculated impedance reaches a predetermined bioelectric impedance value.