Doppler-guided retrograde catheterization using transducer equipped guide wire

Claim 1

A method for the intravascular catheterization of a higher mammal without fluoroscopy, comprising: inserting into a peripheral blood vessel a catheter having an ultrasound transceiver mounted to a guide wire, said catheter being inserted into the vessel and directed in the retrograde direction; generating from signals produced by the ultrasound transceiver a continuous indication of the direction of blood flow relative to the catheter; displaying said indication of blood flow direction; and advancing the catheter towards the heart in the retrograde direction in accordance with the indication of blood flow direction; whereby the catheter is selectively positioned at a desired location within the circulatory system of the mammal.

Claim 2

A method for the intravascular catheterization of a higher mammal without fluoroscopy, comprising: inserting into a peripheral blood vessel a catheter having an ultrasound transceiver mounted to a guide wire, said catheter being inserted into the vessel and directed in the retrograde direction; generating from signals produced by the ultrasound transceiver a continuous indication of the direction of blood flow relative to the catheter; displaying said indication of blood flow direction; and advancing the catheter towards the heart in the retrograde direction in accordance with the indication of blood flow direction; whereby the catheter is selectively positioned at a desired location within the circulatory system of the mammal.

Claim 10

A method for the catheterization of a human patient without fluoroscopy, comprising: inserting a catheter into a peripheral artery selected from the group consisting of the brachial and femoral arteries, the catheter having a Doppler ultrasound transceiver operationally disposed relative to its tip, at least one lumen extending the length of the catheter, said catheter being inserted into the vessel in the retrograde direction; generating from signals produced by the ultrasound transceiver a continuous indication of the direction of blood flow relative to the catheter tip; selectively connecting a pressure transducer to the catheter lumen and generating from signals produced by the pressure transducer an indication of blood pressure at the catheter tip; visually displaying the indications of pressure and blood flow direction; and advancing the catheter towards the heart in the retrograde direction in accordance with the indications of pressure and blood flow direction while steering the catheter; whereby the catheter tip is selectively positioned at a desired location within the circulatory system of the patient.

Claim 11

A method for the catheterization of a human patient without fluoroscopy, comprising: inserting a catheter into a peripheral artery selected from the group consisting of the brachial and femoral arteries, the catheter having a Doppler ultrasound transceiver operationally disposed relative to its tip, at least one lumen extending the length of the catheter, said catheter being inserted into the vessel in the retrograde direction; generating from signals produced by the ultrasound transceiver a continuous indication of the direction of blood flow relative to the catheter tip; selectively connecting a pressure transducer to the catheter lumen and generating from signals produced by the pressure transducer an indication of blood pressure at the catheter tip; visually displaying the indications of pressure and blood flow direction; and advancing the catheter towards the heart in the retrograde direction in accordance with the indications of pressure and blood flow direction while steering the catheter; whereby the catheter tip is selectively positioned at a desired location within the circulatory system of the patient.

Claim 15

A device for the intravascular catheterization of a higher mammal without fluoroscopy, comprising: a catheter capable of insertion into a peripheral blood vessel, the catheter having at least one lumen, and a guide wire slidably disposed in the lumen for manipulation independent of the catheter; an ultrasound transceiver secured to the tip of the guide wire, the transceiver being capable of producing an electrical signal indicative of the direction of blood flow relative to the catheter; a control unit capable of supplying power to the transceiver and of generating from the signal produced by the transceiver a continuous indication of blood flow direction; wires connected to the transceiver, extending through the guide wire from its tip towards its proximal end and connected to the control unit; and a display monitor visible to an operator of the device, the monitor being electrically connected to the control unit and capable of visually displaying the indication of blood flow direction; whereby the operator is able, in accordance with the indication of blood flow direction, to advance and direct the catheter in the retrograde direction towards and selectively position the catheter in a desired location within the circulatory system of the mammal.

Claim 16

A device for the intravascular catheterization of a higher mammal without fluoroscopy, comprising: a catheter capable of insertion into a peripheral blood vessel, the catheter having at least one lumen, and a guide wire slidably disposed in the lumen for manipulation independent of the catheter; an ultrasound transceiver secured to the tip of the guide wire, the transceiver being capable of producing an electrical signal indicative of the direction of blood flow relative to the catheter; a control unit capable of supplying power to the transceiver and of generating from the signal produced by the transceiver a continuous indication of blood flow direction; wires connected to the transceiver, extending through the guide wire from its tip towards its proximal end and connected to the control unit; and a display monitor visible to an operator of the device, the monitor being electrically connected to the control unit and capable of visually displaying the indication of blood flow direction; whereby the operator is able, in accordance with the indication of blood flow direction, to advance and direct the catheter in the retrograde direction towards and selectively position the catheter in a desired location within the circulatory system of the mammal.