Depth sensing dilator system
A depth sensing dilator system for dilating a penetration in a tissue plane includes an elongate flexible body, having a proximal end and a distal end. The body has a tapered dilator segment, and at least a first electrode on a distal end of the body. The system includes a processor and a user interface output device. The processor is configured to send a first signal to the output device when a change in impedance at the first electrode indicates that the first electrode has reached a predetermined relationship with the tissue plane.
1. A depth sensing dilator system for dilating a penetration in a tissue plane, comprising:
an elongate flexible body, having a proximal end and a distal end;
a tapered dilator segment on the body;
at least a first and second electrode spaced axially apart on the body;
a processor; and
a feedback output,
wherein the processor is configured to send a first signal to the feedback output when the first electrode reaches a predetermined relationship with the tissue plane, and to send a second signal to the feedback output when the second electrode reaches the predetermined relationship with the tissue plane.
2. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined relationship is when the first or second electrode contacts the tissue plane.
3. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined relationship is when the first or second electrode has passed through and exited the tissue plane.
4. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 1 , wherein the feedback output comprises an audio output.
5. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 1 , wherein the feedback output comprises a visual output.
6. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 5 , wherein the feedback output is displayed on a graphical user interface display.
7. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 1 , wherein the feedback output comprises a tactile output.
8. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 1 , wherein at least one electrode is on the tapered dilator segment.
9. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 8 , wherein the first and second electrodes are spaced axially apart on the tapered dilator segment.
10. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 9 , further comprising a third electrode on the distal end.
11. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 10 , wherein the first, second and third electrodes are equally axially spaced apart.
12. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 1 , further comprising an RF generator configured to deliver RF energy to at least one of the first and second electrodes.
13. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 12 , configured to determine impedance at at least one of the electrodes.
14. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 12 , wherein the RF generator is battery powered.
15. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 1 , wherein the flexible body has an axially extending lumen, and further comprising a transseptal crossing needle axially advanceable through the lumen.
16. The depth sensing dilator system of claim 15 , wherein the needle has a distal electrode tip, and constant outside diameter for at least 2 cm proximally of the tip.
17. A depth sensing dilator system for dilating a penetration in a tissue plane, comprising:
an elongate flexible body, having a proximal end and a distal end;
a tapered dilator segment on the body;
at least a first electrode on a distal end of the body;
a processor;
a feedback output, wherein the processor is configured to send a first signal to the feedback output when a change in impedance at the first electrode indicates that the first electrode has reached a predetermined relationship with the tissue plane; and
a second electrode spaced proximally apart from the first electrode by a distance of x mm, wherein the processor is configured to determine that the depth of penetration is at least a thickness of the first electrode and less than the distance x.
18. A depth sensing dilator system as in claim 17 , wherein x is within the range of from 2 mm and 10 mm.