Patent ID: 6273881
Filing Date: 2001-08-14
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A method of positioning a straight distal portion of a catheter for guiding a balloon catheter in coaxial alignment with a horizontally directed left coronary of a patient, comprising the steps of:providing a catheter comprising a generally tubular shaft having a distal straight portion, a proximal straight portion, and a curved portion;the proximal straight portion of the tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;the distal straight portion of the tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;the curved portion of the tubular shaft having a distal end fixed to the proximal end of the distal straight portion of the tubular shaft and a proximal end fixed to the distal end of the proximal straight portion of the tubular shaft;the curved portion of the tubular shaft including a tertiary curve disposed proximate the proximal end of the curved portion and a primary curve disposed proximate the distal end of the curved portion;the curved portion of the tubular shaft further including a secondary curve disposed between the tertiary curve and the primary curve;advancing the catheter through a cardiovascular system of the patient following a percutaneous transradial approach until the curved portion of the catheter is disposed within an aorta of the patient;positioning the curved portion of the tubular shaft so that the tertiary curve of the curved portion rests against a wall of the aorta opposite an ostium of the left coronary artery;applying a pulling force to the proximal end of the proximal straight portion of the tubular shaft; anddeflecting the curved portion of the tubular shaft so that the distal straight portion of the catheter is co-axially aligned with the horizontally directed left coronary artery.