Patent ID: 6475226
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
An intravascular catheter for creating an extravascular opening in a vessel wall, comprising:an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft adapted for intravascular navigation; an anchoring mechanism disposed on the distal end of the shaft, the anchoring mechanism having a delivery position and an anchor position; a tissue penetrating member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the penetrating member slidably disposed in the shaft and the distal end of the tissue penetrating member having a tissue penetrating mechanism, wherein the tissue penetrating member is extendable between a retracted position and a penetrating position, the tissue penetrating mechanism extending completely through the vessel wall when in the penetrating position to establish the extravascular opening therethrough and the tissue penetrating member including a flexible normally curved tip; and a relatively stiff tubular member slidably disposed relative to the tissue penetrating member to adjust flexure of the flexible normally curved tip of the penetrating member.