US4929246A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for closing and sealing an artery after removing a catheter
Assignee: Cardiofocus Inc
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Filing: 1988-10-27
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Granted: 1990-05-29
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Expires: 2008-10-27
Abstract
Abstract A method for closing and sealing a puncture at a puncture site in an artery located beneath the skin after a catheter is removed from the puncture. The method includes the steps of applying pressure directly to the artery at the puncture site, and applying laser energy directly to the artery at the puncture site while pressure is applied. The laser energy is sufficient to thermally weld the artery at the puncture site. Preferably, the step of applying pressure directly to the artery includes the steps of advancing a tube having an inflatable balloon at its distal end through the overlying tissue to the punction site, and inflating the balloon. Laser energy is carried thorugh an optical fiber to the balloon and is directed through the wall of the balloon to the puncture site.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward L. Sinofsky
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 15:57
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B18/22; A61B18/24; A61B17/00; A61B17/0057; A61B17/22; A61B2017/22051; A61B2017/22057; A61B2017/22059; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/04; A61F2/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for closing and sealing a puncture at a puncture site in an artery located beneath the skin, after a medical device is removed from the puncture, comprising the steps of: applying pressure directly to the artery at the puncture site, said pressure being sufficient to substantially close the puncture, the step of applying pressure including the steps of advancing a tube having an inflatable balloon at its distal end through overlying tissue to the puncture site, and inflating the balloon so that the balloon and the tube apply pressure to the puncture site; and applying laser energy directly to the artery at the puncture site while pressure is applied, said laser energy being sufficient to thermally weld the artery at the puncture site.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for closing and sealing a puncture at a puncture site in an artery located beneath the skin, after a medical device is removed from the puncture, comprising the steps of: applying pressure directly to the artery at the puncture site, said pressure being sufficient to substantially close the puncture, the step of applying pressure including the steps of advancing a tube having an inflatable balloon at its distal end through overlying tissue to the puncture site, and inflating the balloon so that the balloon and the tube apply pressure to the puncture site; and applying laser energy directly to the artery at the puncture site while pressure is applied, said laser energy being sufficient to thermally weld the artery at the puncture site.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of advancing a tube to the puncture site includes the step of advancing the tube through an introducer that was used for introduction of a catheter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of applying laser energy includes the step of directing laser energy through said tube and through said balloon to effect heating of said artery.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as defined in claim 3 wherein the step of directing laser energy through said tube includes the step of directing laser energy through an optical fiber that terminates in said balloon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of applying laser energy includes applying laser energy in a wavelength range of 1.4 to 2.5 micrometers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of applying laser energy includes applying laser energy having a penetration depth sufficient to thermally weld said puncture while avoiding coagulation of blood in said artery.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of applying pressure includes the step of providing a transparent PET balloon affixed to the distal end of said tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of applying laser energy includes applying laser energy having a penetration depth not substantially greater than the thickness of the artery wall.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said tube has sufficient rigidity to support the pressure applied to said puncture site by said balloon.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for closing and sealing a puncture at a puncture site in an artery located beneath the skin, after a catheter is removed from the puncture, comprising the steps of: advancing a tube having an inflatable balloon at its distal end through a catheter introducer to the puncture site; inflating the balloon so that the balloon and the tube apply pressure directly to the puncture site, said pressure being sufficient to substantially close the puncture; and directing laser energy through said tube and through said balloon to effect direct heating of the puncture site, said laser energy being sufficient to thermally weld the artery at the puncture site.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for closing and sealing a puncture at a puncture site in an artery located beneath the skin, after a catheter is removed from the puncture, comprising the steps of: advancing a tube having an inflatable balloon at its distal end through a catheter introducer to the puncture site; inflating the balloon so that the balloon and the tube apply pressure directly to the puncture site, said pressure being sufficient to substantially close the puncture; and directing laser energy through said tube and through said balloon to effect direct heating of the puncture site, said laser energy being sufficient to thermally weld the artery at the puncture site.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as defined in claim 10 wherein the step of directing laser energy includes directing laser energy in a wavelength range of 1.4 to 2.5 micrometers.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method as defined in claim 10 wherein the step of directing laser energy includes applying laser energy having a penetration depth sufficient to thermally weld said puncture while avoiding coagulation of blood in said artery.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as defined in claim 10 wherein the step of directing laser energy through said tube includes the step of directing laser energy through an optical fiber that terminates in said balloon.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 10 wherein the step of directing laser energy includes applying laser energy having a penetration depth not substantially greater than the thickness of the artery wall.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-05-28 | 1993-11-27 | 1994-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-05-28 | 1997-11-27 | 1998-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-05-28 | 2001-11-27 | 2002-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |