Integrated needle-catheter systems and methods of use
In some embodiments, disclosed herein are systems and methods of treating a patient that can include the steps of accessing the sphenopalatine fossa, and cannulating the inferior orbital fissure from the sphenopalatine fossa to access the retro-orbital space. The sphenopalatine fossa can be accessed via various routes, including percutaneously. Accessing the sphenopalatine fossa can include the step of inserting a needle-catheter system into the sphenopalatine fossa. Integrated needle-catheter systems as described herein can also be configured to access the trigeminal ganglion, epidural space, intrathecal space, and other desired anatomical locations.
1. A method of treating a patient, comprising:
accessing the sphenopalatine fossa; and
cannulating the inferior orbital fissure from the sphenopalatine fossa to access the retro-orbital space,
wherein cannulating the inferior orbital fissure comprises inserting a catheter that extends distally from an exit port of a needle positioned in the sphenopalatine fossa through the inferior orbital fissure.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sphenopalatine fossa is accessed percutaneously.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein accessing the sphenopalatine fossa comprises inserting the needle into the sphenopalatine fossa.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein accessing the sphenopalatine fossa comprises inserting the needle percutaneously proximate the coronoid process of the mandible; and redirecting the needle to the superior aspect of the sphenopalatine fossa.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein accessing the sphenopalatine fossa comprises inserting the needle percutaneously inferior to the zygomatic arch to contact the lateral pterygoid plate; and redirecting the needle to the superior aspect of the sphenopalatine fossa.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least part of the method is performed under fluoroscopy.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein cannulating the inferior orbital fissure comprises inserting the catheter into the medial aspect of the inferior orbital fissure.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein inserting a catheter through the inferior orbital fissure comprises inserting the catheter at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the needle.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein inserting a catheter through the inferior orbital fissure comprises inserting the catheter a distance from about 2 cm to about 4 cm beyond the exit port of the needle.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the angle is between about 10 degrees and about 20 degrees.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising locking the catheter to the needle to prevent relative axial movement of the catheter with respect to the needle.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising unlocking the catheter to the needle to allow relative axial movement of the catheter with respect to the needle.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising delivering at least one therapeutic agent to the retro-orbital space.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a drug.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a stem cell.
16. The method of claim 1 , further comprising electrically stimulating a tissue proximate the retro-orbital space.
17. The method of claim 1 , further comprising removing material from the retro-orbital space.