Patent ID: 6592602
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A tunneling device comprising:a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, and a lumen extending therethrough; a substantially rigid tunneling shaft slidably mounted in said lumen of said tubular member, said tunneling shaft having a blunt distal end for tunneling bluntly through tissue; and a guide slidably disposed along said tunneling shaft and configured to generally center said tunneling shaft within said lumen of said tubular member, said guide comprising a tubular sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end, an end collar connected to said distal end of said tubular sleeve, an inner collar connected to said tubular sleeve, and a guide collar slidably connected between said end collar and said inner collar, wherein said guide collar assumes a first position wherein the outer diameter of said guide collar is greater than the inner diameter of said lumen extending through said tubular member, and a second position wherein the outer diameter of said guide collar is less than the inner diameter of said lumen extending through said tubular member, and a proximal end that engages an opening at said distal end of said tubular member, said guide being operable to enter the opening when a proximal force is applied to said guide.