ERCP Catheter with a Removable Handle for Lithotriptor Compatible Basket

Abstract

An ERCP catheter having a removable handle for a lithotriptor compatible basket is disclosed. The removable handle allows the catheter and handle assembly to be removed, leaving the basket in place within the duct and facilitates the use of a lithotriptor for mechanically crushing stone captured in the basket.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a catheter;   a connector attached to the catheter;   a removable handle assembly attached to the connector; and   a drive cable having a proximal end, a distal end and a non-releasable basket assembly formed at the drive cable distal end, the basket assembly comprising a plurality of wire members, each of the wire members secured to the drive cable;   wherein the catheter further comprises a catheter drive cable lumen;   wherein the connector further comprises a connector drive cable lumen axially aligned with the catheter drive cable lumen;   wherein the removable handle assembly comprises a handle lumen axially aligned with the connector drive cable lumen, a control handle member slidably and detachably associated with a gripping handle member, a tightening mechanism and a detachable cable loop, the detachable cable loop positioned proximal to the gripping handle member and the tightening mechanism;   wherein said drive cable extends through the catheter drive cable lumen, the connector drive cable lumen, the handle lumen, the control handle member, the gripping handle member, the tightening mechanism and into the detachable cable loop.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tightening mechanism releasably affixes the axial position of the drive cable relative to the control handle member such that axial movement of the control handle member relative to the gripping handle member drives the drive cable and causes the basket assembly to expand and collapse as the basket assembly moves into and out of the catheter. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the drive cable further comprises a coating along at least a portion of the drive cable. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the catheter comprises a multi-lumen catheter. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the connector further comprises an injection port. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising a wire guide extending through a wire guide lumen of the multi-lumen catheter. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the detachable loop comprises tubing and the drive cable is stored within a lumen of the tubing. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein proximal movement of the control handle member collapses the basket assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tightening mechanism comprises a tightened position and a loosened position, the tightened position allows proximal and distal movement of the drive cable. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus comprising:
 a catheter;   a handle assembly operably connected to the catheter; and   a drive cable comprising a non-releasable basket assembly formed at a drive cable distal end, the basket assembly comprising a plurality of wire members secured, each wire member secured to the drive cable, at least a proximal portion of the drive cable extending through the catheter and the handle assembly and at least a distal portion of the drive cable extendable distal to the catheter;   wherein the handle assembly and the catheter are configured for removal over the drive cable without cutting the drive cable.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the drive cable includes a proximal end portion that extends through a catheter drive cable lumen, a handle lumen, a control handle member, a tightening mechanism and into a detachable loop. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a connector connected to the catheter and the handle assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the catheter further comprises a catheter drive cable lumen and the connector further comprises a connector drive cable lumen axially aligned with the catheter drive cable lumen and an injection port. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the catheter comprises a multi-lumen catheter. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the handle assembly comprises: a handle lumen axially aligned with a connector drive cable lumen; a control handle member slidably and detachably associated with a gripping handle member; a tightening mechanism, and a detachable cable loop. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a wire guide extending through a catheter wire guide lumen and exits a wire guide port. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus comprising:
 a catheter;   a handle assembly operably connected to the catheter, the handle assembly comprising a control handle member and a tightening mechanism; and   a drive cable comprising a non-releasable basket assembly formed at a drive cable distal end, the basket assembly comprising a plurality of wire members secured, each wire member secured to the drive cable, at least a portion of the drive cable extending through the catheter and the handle assembly, movement of the control handle member moves the drive cable proximally and distally;   wherein the handle assembly is configured for removal over the drive cable without cutting the drive cable.   
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the tightening mechanism comprises a tightened position and a loosened position, the tightened position allows proximal and distal movement of the drive cable. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the handle assembly further comprises a detachable loop, the proximal portion of the drive cable extending within the detachable loop for storage therein. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the drive cable and the basket assembly are retractable relative to the catheter so that at least a portion of the basket assembly is positioned within the catheter.