Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 58
Claim 1
Independent Claim
231 words
A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture by compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, wherein the puncture is accessed subcutaneously through an incision, the device comprising: an introducer configured to provide access to the puncture through the incision, the introducer having a proximal portion, a distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween; a catheter dimensioned to be received within the axial channel and having an axial lumen communicating with an open distal end, the introducer being axially movable relative to the catheter between a distal position and a proximal position, the distal end of the catheter being enclosed within the introducer when the introducer is in its distal position, and being exposed to the subcutaneous tissue distally from the distal end of the introducer when the introducer is moved to its proximal position; an elongate, flexible locator member extending through the catheter lumen and the distal end of the catheter and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture; and expansible compression means attached to the distal end of the catheter, for compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture sufficiently to promote hemostasis at the puncture, the compression means having a collapsed position when the distal end of the catheter is enclosed, and an expanded tissue-compressing position when the distal end of the catheter is exposed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
231 words
A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture by compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, wherein the puncture is accessed subcutaneously through an incision, the device comprising: an introducer configured to provide access to the puncture through the incision, the introducer having a proximal portion, a distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween; a catheter dimensioned to be received within the axial channel and having an axial lumen communicating with an open distal end, the introducer being axially movable relative to the catheter between a distal position and a proximal position, the distal end of the catheter being enclosed within the introducer when the introducer is in its distal position, and being exposed to the subcutaneous tissue distally from the distal end of the introducer when the introducer is moved to its proximal position; an elongate, flexible locator member extending through the catheter lumen and the distal end of the catheter and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture; and expansible compression means attached to the distal end of the catheter, for compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture sufficiently to promote hemostasis at the puncture, the compression means having a collapsed position when the distal end of the catheter is enclosed, and an expanded tissue-compressing position when the distal end of the catheter is exposed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the axial lumen of the catheter is a first catheter lumen, wherein the catheter includes a second axial lumen, and wherein the compression means comprises: an inflatable element in fluid communication with the second catheter lumen and inflatable by a fluid introduced through the second lumen, the compression means being in its collapsed position when the inflatable element is uninflated and in its expanded position when the inflatable element is inflated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
74 words
The device of claim 2, wherein the locator member comprises: a hollow locator tube disposed axially through the first catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture; and a locating balloon disposed at the distal portion of the locator tube and inflatable through the locator tube when positioned in the interior of the vessel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 2, wherein the locator member comprises: an elongate guide wire disposed axially through the first catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 2, further comprising: a radiopaque marker at the distal end of the catheter; and means for introducing a contrast medium into the first catheter lumen.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the compression means comprises an assembly of collapsible prongs, each having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the catheter, and a distal end attached to a resilient spanning sheet, the compression means being in its collapsed position when the prong assembly is collapsed radially inwardly, and in its expanded position when the prong assembly is expanded radially outwardly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
86 words
The device of claim 6, wherein the spanning sheet includes an aperture, and wherein the locator member comprises: a hollow locator tube disposed axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and the spanning sheet aperture, and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture; and a locating balloon disposed at the distal portion of the locator tube and inflatable through the locator tube when positioned in the interior of the vessel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device of claim 6, wherein the spanning sheet includes an aperture, and wherein the locator member comprises: an elongate guide wire disposed axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and the spanning sheet aperture into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the compression means comprises a resilient foam pad attached to the distal end of the catheter and having a collapsed position when the distal end of the catheter is enclosed, and an expanded position when the distal end of the catheter is exposed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
92 words
The device of claim 9, wherein the foam pad includes an axial passage, and wherein the locator member comprises: a hollow locator tube disposed axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and the axial passage in the foam pad, the locator tube having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture; and a locating balloon disposed at the distal portion of the locator tube and inflatable through the locator tube when positioned in the interior of the vessel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
65 words
The device of claim 9, wherein the foam pad includes an axial passage, and wherein the locator member comprises: an elongate guide wire disposed axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and the axial passage in the foam pad, the guide wire having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
73 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the locator member comprises: a hollow locator tube disposed axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture; and a locating balloon disposed at the distal portion of the locator tube and inflatable through the locator tube when positioned in the interior of the vessel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the locator member comprises: an elongate guide wire disposed axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising: a radiopaque marker at the distal end of the catheter; and means for introducing a contrast medium into the catheter lumen.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising: pressure applying means, engageable with the external portion of the introducer, for applying a downward force to the introducer when the catheter is disposed within the axial channel of the introducer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 15, wherein the catheter is connected to the introducer so that the downward force is applied to both the introducer and the catheter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 16, wherein the pressure applying means comprises: a clamping device secured to the external portion of the introducer; and a skin patch secured to the clamping device and adhesively attachable to the surface of the skin.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 15, wherein the pressure applying means comprises: a clamping device secured to the external portion of the introducer; and a skin patch secured to the clamping device and adhesively attachable to the surface of the skin.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
211 words
A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture by compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, wherein the puncture is accessed subcutaneously through an incision, the device comprising: an introducer configured to provide access to the puncture through the incision, the introducer having a proximal portion, a distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween; a catheter dimensioned to be received within the axial channel and having a first axial lumen communicating with an open distal end and a second axial tureen, the introducer being axially movable relative to the catheter between a distal position and a proximal position, the distal end of the catheter being enclosed within the introducer when the introducer is in its distal position, and being exposed to the subcutaneous tissue distally from the distal end of the introducer when the introducer is moved to its proximal position; and inflatable compression means, attached to the distal end of the catheter and in fluid communication with the second lumen so as to be inflatable with a fluid introduced through the second lumen when the distal end of the catheter is exposed, for compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, sufficiently to promote hemostasis at the puncture, when the compression means is inflated.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
211 words
A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture by compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, wherein the puncture is accessed subcutaneously through an incision, the device comprising: an introducer configured to provide access to the puncture through the incision, the introducer having a proximal portion, a distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween; a catheter dimensioned to be received within the axial channel and having a first axial lumen communicating with an open distal end and a second axial tureen, the introducer being axially movable relative to the catheter between a distal position and a proximal position, the distal end of the catheter being enclosed within the introducer when the introducer is in its distal position, and being exposed to the subcutaneous tissue distally from the distal end of the introducer when the introducer is moved to its proximal position; and inflatable compression means, attached to the distal end of the catheter and in fluid communication with the second lumen so as to be inflatable with a fluid introduced through the second lumen when the distal end of the catheter is exposed, for compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, sufficiently to promote hemostasis at the puncture, when the compression means is inflated.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 19, further comprising: an elongate, flexible locator member extending through the first catheter lumen and the distal end of the catheter, and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
74 words
The device of claim 20, wherein the locator member comprises: a hollow locator tube disposed axially through the first catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture; and a locating balloon disposed at the distal portion of the locator tube and inflatable through the locator tube when positioned in the interior of the vessel.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 20, wherein the locator member comprises: an elongate guide wire disposed axially through the first catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 19, further comprising: a radiopaque marker at the distal end of the catheter; and means for introducing a contrast medium into the first catheter lumen.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 19, further comprising: pressure applying means, engageable with the external portion of the introducer, for applying a downward force to the introducer when the catheter is disposed within the axial channel of the introducer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 24, wherein the catheter is connected to the introducer so that the downward force is applied to both the introducer and the catheter.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 25, wherein the pressure applying means comprises: a clamping device secured to the external portion of the introducer; and a skin patch secured to the clamping device and adhesively attachable to the surface of the skin.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 24, wherein the pressure applying means comprises: a clamping device secured to the external portion of the introducer; and a skin patch secured to the clamping device and adhesively attachable to the surface of the skin.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture that is accessed subcutaneously through an incision by an introducer disposed within the incision, the introducer having a portion disposed externally to the skin surface with an open proximal end, an open distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween, the method comprising the steps of: providing a catheter having a distal end to which is attached an expansible compression element, and passing the catheter through the introducer channel so that the compression element is enclosed, in a collapsed position, near the distal end of the introducer; withdrawing the introducer and the catheter together in the proximal direction a predetermined distance from the puncture, while maintaining the compression element enclosed within the introducer; moving the introducer axially relative to the catheter in the proximal direction to expose the compression element from the distal end of the introducer at a location separated from the puncture by subcutaneous tissue; expanding the compression element in the subcutaneous tissue between the puncture and the skin; and applying pressure to the compression element to compress the subcutaneous tissue between the compression element and the puncture sufficiently to promote hemostasis at the puncture.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture that is accessed subcutaneously through an incision by an introducer disposed within the incision, the introducer having a portion disposed externally to the skin surface with an open proximal end, an open distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween, the method comprising the steps of: providing a catheter having a distal end to which is attached an expansible compression element, and passing the catheter through the introducer channel so that the compression element is enclosed, in a collapsed position, near the distal end of the introducer; withdrawing the introducer and the catheter together in the proximal direction a predetermined distance from the puncture, while maintaining the compression element enclosed within the introducer; moving the introducer axially relative to the catheter in the proximal direction to expose the compression element from the distal end of the introducer at a location separated from the puncture by subcutaneous tissue; expanding the compression element in the subcutaneous tissue between the puncture and the skin; and applying pressure to the compression element to compress the subcutaneous tissue between the compression element and the puncture sufficiently to promote hemostasis at the puncture.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of: before the step of passing the catheter, passing an elongate, flexible locator member through the introducer channel and into the blood vessel through the distal end of the introducer and through the puncture, the catheter having an axial lumen so that, when the catheter is passed through the introducer channel, the catheter is disposed coaxially between the locator member and the introducer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
110 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the locator member comprises a hollow locator tube having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the blood vessel through the puncture, and an inflatable locating balloon disposed at the distal portion of the tube, and wherein the step of withdrawing the catheter and the introducer includes the steps of: inflating the locating balloon through the locator tube while the distal portion of the tube, including the locating balloon, is disposed within the blood vessel; and withdrawing the catheter, the introducer, and the locator tube together in the proximal direction until the locating balloon lodges against the interior wall of the blood vessel.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 29, further comprising the steps of: after the application of pressure to the compression element for a first period of time, withdrawing the locator member from the puncture; and continuing the application of pressure to the compression element for a second period of time.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 31, further comprising the steps of: after the second period of time has elapsed, collapsing the compression element; and withdrawing the catheter and the introducer from the incision.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the locator member includes a guide wire having a distal portion extensible into the blood vessel through the puncture, and wherein the step of withdrawing includes the steps of: introducing a contrast medium into the puncture through the catheter lumen; and fluoroscopically viewing the contrast medium as the catheter and the introducer are withdrawn to determine when the predetermined distance from the puncture has been attained.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 28, wherein the step of applying pressure to the compression element comprises the steps of: applying pressure to the external portion of the introducer; and transmitting the pressure to the compression element.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the transmitting step comprises the steps of: attaching the introducer to the skin surface; connecting the introducer to the catheter; and transmitting the pressure from the introducer to the catheter and then to the compression element.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
233 words
A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture by compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, wherein the puncture is accessed subcutaneously through an incision, the device comprising: an introducer configured to provide access to the puncture through the incision, the introducer having a proximal portion, a distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween; a catheter dimensioned to be received within the axial channel and having an axial lumen communicating with an open distal end, the introducer being axially movable relative to the catheter between a distal position and a proximal position, the distal end of the catheter being enclosed within the introducer when the introducer is in its distal position, and being exposed to the subcutaneous tissue distally from the distal end of the introducer when the introducer is moved to its proximal position; and compression means comprising an assembly of collapsible prongs, each having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the catheter and a distal end attached to a spanning sheet, the prong assembly having a radially inwardly collapsed position when the distal end of the catheter is enclosed, and a radially outwardly expanded position when the distal end of the catheter is exposed; whereby the prong assembly, in its expanded position, is deployable so as to compress the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, thereby to promote hemostasis at the puncture.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
233 words
A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture by compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, wherein the puncture is accessed subcutaneously through an incision, the device comprising: an introducer configured to provide access to the puncture through the incision, the introducer having a proximal portion, a distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween; a catheter dimensioned to be received within the axial channel and having an axial lumen communicating with an open distal end, the introducer being axially movable relative to the catheter between a distal position and a proximal position, the distal end of the catheter being enclosed within the introducer when the introducer is in its distal position, and being exposed to the subcutaneous tissue distally from the distal end of the introducer when the introducer is moved to its proximal position; and compression means comprising an assembly of collapsible prongs, each having a proximal end attached to the distal end of the catheter and a distal end attached to a spanning sheet, the prong assembly having a radially inwardly collapsed position when the distal end of the catheter is enclosed, and a radially outwardly expanded position when the distal end of the catheter is exposed; whereby the prong assembly, in its expanded position, is deployable so as to compress the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, thereby to promote hemostasis at the puncture.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
52 words
The device of claim 36, wherein the spanning sheet includes an aperture, the device further comprising: an elongate, flexible locator member extensible through the catheter lumen, the distal end of the catheter, and the spanning sheet aperture, and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
78 words
The device of claim 37, wherein the locator member comprises: a hollow locator tube extensible axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and the spanning sheet aperture, and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture; and a locating balloon disposed at the distal portion of the locator tube and inflatable through the locator tube when positioned in the interior of the vessel.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 37, wherein the locator member comprises: an elongate guide wire extensible axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and the spanning sheet aperture, and into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 36, further comprising: a radiopaque marker at the distal end of the catheter; and means for introducing a contrast medium into the catheter lumen.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 36, further comprising: pressure applying means, engageable with the external portion of the introducer, for applying a downward force to the introducer when the catheter is disposed within the axial channel of the introducer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 41, wherein the catheter is connected to the introducer so that the downward force is applied to both the introducer and the catheter.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 42, wherein the pressure applying means comprises: a clamping device secured to the external portion of the introducer; and a skin patch secured to the clamping device and adhesively attachable to the surface of the skin.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 41, wherein the pressure applying means comprises: a clamping device secured to the external portion of the introducer; and a skin patch secured to the clamping device and adhesively attachable to the surface of the skin.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
203 words
A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture by compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, the device comprising: an introducer configured to provide access to the puncture through the incision, the introducer having a proximal portion, a distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween; a catheter dimensioned to be received within the axial channel and having an axial lumen communicating with an open distal end, the introducer being axially movable relative to the catheter between a distal position and a proximal position, the distal end of the catheter being enclosed within the introducer when the introducer is in its distal position, and being exposed to the subcutaneous tissue distally from the distal end of the introducer when the introducer is moved to its proximal position; and compression means comprising a resilient foam pad attached to the distal end of the catheter, the pad having a collapsed position when the distal end of the catheter is enclosed, and an expanded position when the distal end of the catheter is exposed; whereby the pad, in its expanded position, is deployable so as to compress the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, thereby to promote hemostasis at the puncture.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
203 words
A device for promoting hemostasis in a blood vessel puncture by compressing the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, the device comprising: an introducer configured to provide access to the puncture through the incision, the introducer having a proximal portion, a distal end initially positionable within the puncture, and an axial channel therebetween; a catheter dimensioned to be received within the axial channel and having an axial lumen communicating with an open distal end, the introducer being axially movable relative to the catheter between a distal position and a proximal position, the distal end of the catheter being enclosed within the introducer when the introducer is in its distal position, and being exposed to the subcutaneous tissue distally from the distal end of the introducer when the introducer is moved to its proximal position; and compression means comprising a resilient foam pad attached to the distal end of the catheter, the pad having a collapsed position when the distal end of the catheter is enclosed, and an expanded position when the distal end of the catheter is exposed; whereby the pad, in its expanded position, is deployable so as to compress the subcutaneous tissue adjacent the puncture, thereby to promote hemostasis at the puncture.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
55 words
The device of claim 45, wherein the pad includes an axial passage therethrough, the device further comprising: an elongate, flexible locator member extensible through the catheter lumen, the distal end of the catheter and the axial passage through the pad, and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
80 words
The device of claim 46, wherein the locator member comprises: a hollow locator tube extensible axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and the axial passage through the pad, and having a distal portion extensible into the interior of the vessel through the puncture; and a locating balloon disposed at the distal portion of the locator tube and inflatable through the locator tube when positioned in the interior of the vessel.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
48 words
The device of claim 46, wherein the locator member comprises: an elongate guide wire extensible axially through the catheter lumen so as to extend through the distal end of the catheter and the axial passage through the pad, and into the interior of the vessel through the puncture.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 45, further comprising: a radiopaque marker at the distal end of the catheter; and means for introducing a contrast medium into the catheter lumen.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 45, further comprising: pressure applying means, engageable with the external portion of the introducer, for applying a downward force to the introducer when the catheter is disposed within the axial channel of the introducer.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 50, wherein the catheter is connected to the introducer so that the downward force is applied to both the introducer and the catheter.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 51, wherein the pressure applying means comprises: a clamping device secured to the external portion of the introducer; and a skin patch secured to the clamping device and adhesively attachable to the surface of the skin.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
40 words
The device of claim 50, wherein the pressure applying means comprises: a clamping device secured to the external portion of the introducer; and a skin patch secured to the clamping device and adhesively attachable to the surface of the skin.