Single lumen microcatheter for executing plugs near distal terminus of lumen
Micro-catheters and embolic agents offer better results in endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations. Using said micro-catheters and embolic agents generally requires the creating of a plug at the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters which regularly results in suboptimal results. The present invention teaches how to create and use a device which creates a plug downstream of the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters and thereby ameliorates the suboptimal outcomes associated with creating a plug at the distal-most portion of said micro-catheters.
1. A unitary single-lumen micro-catheter comprising:
an elongated tube defining a single lumen therethrough,
said lumen comprising at least one side hole disposed proximal to a distal end hole,
wherein said at least one side hole is flush with inner and outer surfaces of said elongated tube,
a proximal hole,
and a governing element distal to said side hole, and proximal to said distal end hole,
a detachment zone distal to said proximal hole and proximal to said side hole,
a microwire dimensioned to plug said distal end hole disposed within said lumen,
and wherein said detachment zone is a rejoinable coupling element capable of detachment from and reattachment to the micro-catheter.
2. The micro-catheter of claim 1 , wherein said governing element is attached to the distal end of said side hole.
3. A method of using the micro-catheter according to claim 1 for endovascular treatment of arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulas, comprising the steps of:
(a) insert said micro-catheter with governing element in open (flow-through) position;
(b) advancing said catheter to a target vessel proximal to a target lesion;
(c) injecting a liquid embolic solvent into said target lesion;
(d) closing governing element;
(e) injecting additional said liquid embolic to form a plug around said side hole between said detachment zone (when present) and said distal end hole
(f) stopping injection when opening of target lesion is covered;
(g) waiting until said plug is partially solidified
(h) opening said governing element
(i) injecting additional said liquid embolic solvent has penetrated said target lesion;
(j) stopping injection when optimal amount of said liquid embolic solvent is present in said lesion; and
(k) removing said micro-catheter.
4. A method according to claim 3 , comprising the step of: arresting flow when said governing element is in closed position, when at least one of decreased blood pressure, a proximal balloon, and pharmacologic cardioplegia is present.