Granted Patent B2

US 7,097,635 · App. 10/288,788 · Granted Aug 29, 2006

Abstract

Claims (17)

1. An apparatus for passing a guidewire through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel to enable over-the-wire insertion of a catheter through the tissue tunnel, the apparatus comprising an elongated member having a distal end portion and an opening, the distal end portion having a tip configured to advance through the tissue tunnel, the opening extending longitudinally with respect to the apparatus and dimensioned to receive the guidewire, the opening extending from the tip of the apparatus to a proximal end portion, wherein the guidewire is inserted through the opening to thereby pass the guidewire through the tunnel to enable subsequent over-the-wire insertion of the catheter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus includes a handle and the opening extends through the handle.

3. An apparatus for passing a guidewire through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel to enable over-the-wire insertion of a catheter through the tissue tunnel, the apparatus comprising an elongated member having a distal end portion and an opening, the distal end portion having a tip configured to advance through the tissue tunnel, the opening extending longitudinally with respect to the apparatus and dimensioned to receive the guidewire, wherein the guidewire is inserted through the opening to thereby pass the guidewire through the tunnel to enable, wherein the opening is formed in a side wall of the apparatus.

4. An apparatus for passing a guidewire through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel to enable over-the-wire insertion of a catheter through the tunnel and into the patient's vessel, the apparatus comprising an elongated member having a distal end portion and guidewire retaining structure, the distal end portion having a tip configured to advance through the tissue tunnel, the guidewire retaining structure engaging the guidewire and retaining the guidewire during movement of the apparatus through the tissue tunnel to thereby enable passage of the guidewire through the tunnel to enable subsequent insertion of the catheter over the guidewire, wherein the guidewire retaining structure includes one of a hook at the distal end portion of the apparatus and a flexible band.

5. A system for placement of a dialysis catheter comprising a trocar and a stiffener, the trocar having a distal tip configured to dissect tissue and an structure to receive a guidewire, the trocar providing passage of the guidewire through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel, the stiffener removably insertable into a lumen of the dialysis catheter to provide increased rigidity to the dialysis catheter to enhance pushability of the dialysis catheter over the guidewire through the tissue tunnel.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the stiffener comprises a rod having engaging structure abutting an internal wall of the catheter.

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the structure for receiving a guidewire comprises an opening extending along a substantial length of the trocar.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the stiffener includes a threaded proximal portion for releasable engagement with the dialysis catheter.

9. The system of claim 5 , wherein the stiffener includes a longitudinal lumen for receipt of the guidewire.

10. A kit for inserting a dialysis catheter through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel into a patient's vessel, the kit comprising:

a guidewire passer for passing a guidewire through a subcutaneous tissue tunnel so the guidewire extends from the vessel through a proximal opening of the tissue tunnel to enable a dialysis catheter to be inserted through the tissue tunnel over the guidewire; and

a stiffener insertable into a lumen of the catheter to stiffen at least a portion of the catheter to facilitate advancement of the catheter over the guidewire through the subcutaneous tissue tunnel and through the vessel.

11. The kit of claim 10 , wherein the trocar includes a longitudinal passageway dimensioned to receive the guidewire.

12. The kit of claim 10 , wherein the stiffener includes a threaded proximal portion for releasable engagement with the dialysis catheter.

13. The kit of claim 12 , wherein the stiffener includes a protruding surface on an outer wall for engagement with an internal wall of the dialysis catheter.

14. The kit of claim 12 , wherein the stiffener includes a longitudinal lumen for receipt of the guidewire.

15. The kit of claim 10 , wherein the stiffener includes a longitudinal lumen for receipt of the guidewire.

Assignments (14)