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 includes an elongate member having a distal section defining a distal section curved portion and a distal section straight portion. The distal section straight portion is distal to the distal section curved portion. An active tip is located at a distal end of the distal section. The active tip is operable to deliver energy to create a puncture through the tissue. The medical device includes a constant diameter layer. The distal section straight portion includes a minimum diameter portion located proximal to a constant diameter portion, and the constant diameter layer surrounds the minimum diameter portion.
1 . A medical device for puncturing tissue at a tissue site, the medical device comprising:
an elongate member having a distal section defining a distal section curved portion and a distal section straight portion, the distal section straight portion being distal to the distal section curved portion;
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;
wherein the distal section straight portion includes a minimum diameter portion located proximal to a constant diameter portion; and
an insulation layer surrounds the minimum diameter portion and the constant diameter portion, such that an outer diameter of the distal section straight portion is substantially constant.
2 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the elongate member includes a reverse taper where an outer diameter of the distal section straight portion increases in a distal direction from the minimum diameter portion to the constant diameter portion.
3 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the medical device further comprises a radiopaque marker positioned on the distal section.
4 . The medical device of claim 3 , wherein the radiopaque marker comprises a helical coil surrounding the minimum diameter portion.
5 . The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the constant diameter layer is smooth and anti-thrombogenic.
6 . A puncturing device, the device comprising:
an elongate member having a distal section defining a distal section curved portion and a distal section straight portion, the distal section straight portion being distal to the distal section curved portion;
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
an insulation layer having a constant diameter portion;
wherein the distal section straight portion includes a reverse taper that increases in diameter from a minimum diameter portion to a constant diameter portion, and the constant diameter portion of the insulation layer surrounds the reverse taper.
7 . The puncturing device of claim 6 , wherein the medical device further comprises a radiopaque marker positioned on the distal section.
8 . The puncturing device of claim 7 , wherein the radiopaque marker comprises a helical coil surrounding the minimum diameter portion and the reverse taper.
9 . The puncturing device of claim 8 , wherein the helical coil comprises platinum, tungsten, or a combination thereof.
10 . The puncturing device of claim 8 , wherein the helical coil has a length of about 15 mm to about 100 mm.
11 . The puncturing device of claim 6 , wherein the insulation layer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.
12 . The puncturing device of claim 6 , 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.
13 . The medical device of claim 12 , wherein the distal coil is configured such that, upon deployment from a confined state, the active tip is spaced from the distal section curved portion.
14 . The puncturing device of claim 12 , wherein the distal coil includes a spiral-shaped curve in the range of about 270° to 630°.
15 . The puncturing device of claim 6 , wherein the insulation layer is smooth and anti-thrombogenic.
16 . 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, 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;
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
an insulation layer having a constant diameter portion;
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
wherein the distal section straight portion has a reverse taper with an outer diameter that 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; and
wherein the constant diameter portion of the insulation layer surrounds the reverse taper.
17 . The medical device of claim 16 , wherein the insulation layer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene.
18 . The medical device of claim 16 , wherein the insulation layer is smooth and anti-thrombogenic.
19 . The medical device of claim 16 , wherein the medical device further comprises a radiopaque marker positioned on the distal section.
20 . The medical device of claim 19 , wherein the radiopaque marker comprises & helical coil surrounding the reverse taper.