Methods and devices for puncturing tissue
Novel and unique medical devices and associated methods are disclosed, for a medical device for puncturing tissue at a tissue site. The medical device is an elongate member having a proximal section, a distal section, and a rail section therebetween. The medical device includes an active tip at a distal end of the distal section and is operable to deliver energy to create a puncture through the tissue. The rail section is configured to both act as a rail for supporting installation of one or more tubular members thereupon, as well as be maneuverable for enabling access to the tissue site.
1. A medical device for puncturing tissue at a tissue site, the medical device comprising:
an elongate member having a proximal section, a distal section, and a rail section between the proximal and distal sections; and,
an active tip at a distal end of the distal section, the active tip operable to deliver energy to create a puncture through the tissue; and
the rail section being configured to both act as a rail for supporting installation of one or more tubular members thereupon, as well as to be maneuverable for enabling access to the tissue site;
wherein the distal section defines a distal section curved portion and a distal section straight portion, the distal section straight portion being distal to the distal section curved portion; and
further wherein the distal section straight portion has a reverse taper with an outer diameter of the distal section straight portion increases in a distal direction, such that a distal end of the distal section straight portion has a diameter greater than a proximal end of the distal section straight portion.
2. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the distal section curved portion is configured to automatically form a distal coil in a deployed state for anchoring the distal section upon the distal section being advanced through the puncture.
3. The medical device of claim 2 , wherein the coil is configured such that, upon deployment from a confined state, along an axis of advancement, the active tip curves away from the axis of advancement.
4. The medical device of claim 2 , wherein the distal coil is configured as a double pigtail curve.
5. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the distal section straight portion has a length of about 3 mm to 10 mm.
6. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate member comprises an electrically conductive guidewire.
7. The medical device of claim 6 , wherein the electrically conductive guidewire is substantially covered by a layer of electrical insulation with a distal tip of the electrically conductive guidewire exposed.
8. The medical device of claim 7 , wherein the electrically conductive guidewire further comprises an exposed portion on the proximal section, wherein the exposed portion allows for coupling to a source of electrical energy.
9. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the active tip is substantially atraumatic.
10. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the medical device further comprises a radiopaque marker positioned on the distal section.
11. The medical device of claim 10 , wherein the radiopaque marker comprises a helical coil surrounding the elongate member at the distal section.
12. The medical device of claim 11 , wherein the helical coil has a length of about 15 mm to about 100 mm.
13. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the active tip comprises an electrode.
14. The medical device of claim 13 , wherein the electrode is dome shaped.
15. The medical device of claim 14 , wherein the active tip further comprises a radiopaque marker band.
16. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the active tip is configured to deliver radiofrequency energy.
17. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the distal section defines a J-shaped distal section.