Surgery – Means for introducing or removing material from body for... – Treating material introduced into or removed from body...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-10
2001-07-24
Nguyen, Anhtuan T. (Department: 3763)
Surgery
Means for introducing or removing material from body for...
Treating material introduced into or removed from body...
C604S532000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06264645
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to single- and multi-lumen cannulas and, more particularly, to a reinforced cannula having staggered lumen fluid outlets spaced along the length of the cannula and adapted to redirect the flow of fluid, making the cannula ideally suited for use in a variety of cardiac surgical procedures.
2. Description of the Related Art
Cannulas have long been used in a variety of applications to inject or withdraw fluid from the body. It is known to create a single-lumen cannula having wire reinforcement integrated in the body of the cannula to provide enhanced rigidity and avoid kinking of the cannula. It is also known to create a cannula having multiple lumens provided therein for delivering a variety of fluids and medications into and out of the body. However, one significant problem which exists in the art is the creation of a single cannula having multiple lumens formed therein wherein each lumen is independently reinforced so that the cannula can accommodate dramatically different fluid pressures in the adjacent cannulas without risk of collapsing the septum separating the different lumens.
Cannulas are often used in cardiac surgical procedures to conduct fluid to and from the various chambers of the heart and vessels conducting fluid to and from the heart. One desirable goal of a cardiac surgical procedure is to minimize the number of incisions which are formed in the heart and the vessels leading to and from the heart. It is especially important to minimize the number of incisions in the aorta in view of the significant fluid pressures which are experienced by this vessel during normal beating of the heart.
Another desirable goal is to minimize trauma to the heart and vessels leading to and from the heart. Pressurized fluid flowing through the cannula typically exits the cannula at a high velocity and may damage the heart, vessels or valves. In addition, the fluid flow may dislodge plaque from the walls surrounding the cannula, increasing the risk of embolic complications. Accordingly, it is important to reduce trauma to the body during a cardiac surgical procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The cannula according to the invention overcomes the problems of the prior art by providing a multi-lumen cannula with independently reinforced lumens so that dramatically different fluid pressures can be accommodated in the same multi-lumen cannula. In addition, the cannula according to the invention achieves some of the desirable goals of cardiac surgery by minimizing the number of incisions which must be created in the heart and vessels leading to and from the heart as well as by reducing trauma to the body through redirection of the fluid flow as it exits the cannula.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a cannula for conducting fluid to a body is provided. The cannula includes a cannula body and a cannula tip. The cannula body has proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therebetween. The lumen is adapted to receive the fluid flowing therethrough. The cannula tip is coupled to the distal end of the cannula body and includes a side wall having a plurality of fluid outlets formed therein. Each fluid outlet is directed toward the proximal end of the cannula body to reverse the flow of fluid exiting the cannula by an obtuse angle from the original direction of flow.
In another embodiment of the invention, a multi-lumen cannula assembly includes first and second sub-cannulas. Each sub-cannula has proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therebetween. The second sub-cannula is adhered to a portion of the first sub-cannula to create a septum separating the lumens of the first and second sub-cannulas. The first sub-cannula also includes a reinforcement to resist radial deflection of the lumen, and a cannula tip, located at the distal end. The cannula tip has a plurality of fluid apertures formed therein. The reinforcement of the first sub-cannula resists deflection of the septum as a result of differing fluid pressure levels inside the lumens. The second sub-cannula, which is adhered to a portion of the first sub-cannula, includes a cannula tip located at a distal end. The cannula tip of the second sub-cannula has a plurality of fluid outlets formed therein, each fluid outlet being directed toward the proximal end of the second sub-cannula. The fluid outlets reverse the flow of fluid exiting the second sub-cannula by an obtuse angle from the original direction of flow.
The invention is also directed to a method of steering a cannula. The method includes the step of providing a cannula including a cannula tip. The cannula tip includes a side wall having at least one fluid outlet formed therein and disposed about a sector of the cannula tip, the sector being less than the entire cannula tip. The method also includes the step of conducting a fluid through the lumen of the cannula. The fluid exits the cannula through the at least one fluid outlet and guides the cannula tip in a direction away from the at least one fluid outlet.
The invention is further directed to a cannula for conducting fluid to a body. The cannula includes a cannula body and a cannula tip coupled to a distal end of the cannula body. The cannula body includes a mid-section having a plurality of fluid outlets formed therein. Each of the plurality of fluid outlets is directed toward a proximal end of the cannula body to reverse the flow of fluid exiting the cannula by an obtuse angle from the original direction of flow.
Other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific embodiments are given by way of illustration only, since, from this detailed description, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3734083 (1973-05-01), Kolin
patent: 4129129 (1978-12-01), Amrine
patent: 4451252 (1984-05-01), Martin
patent: 4543087 (1985-09-01), Sommercorn et al.
patent: 4675004 (1987-06-01), Hadford et al.
patent: 4795439 (1989-01-01), Guest
patent: 4846806 (1989-07-01), Wigness et al.
patent: 5160325 (1992-11-01), Nichols et al.
patent: 5348536 (1994-09-01), Young et al.
patent: 5374245 (1994-12-01), Mahurkar
patent: 5451206 (1995-09-01), Young
patent: 5554136 (1996-09-01), Luther
patent: 5556390 (1996-09-01), Hicks
patent: 5569182 (1996-10-01), Twardowski et al.
Foley & Lardner
Medtronic Inc.
Nguyen Anhtuan T.
LandOfFree
Method of pressurizing the right ventricle of the heart does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method of pressurizing the right ventricle of the heart, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method of pressurizing the right ventricle of the heart will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2448472