Catheter system for left heart access

Abstract

A pair of cooperating catheters are used together to provide rapid access to the Left heart for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. The initial entry point for the catheter pair is the groin. The pair of catheters can be used to carry out an electrographic determination of the location of the Fossa Ovalis on the septum. Features on the Catheter system permit quick and reliable confirmation of the catheter location via echo or x-rays. Once across the septum the inner catheter is removed from the outer catheter and a standard intervention may be carried out through the lumen of the outer catheter.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A catheter system for crossing into the Left heart from the Right heart comprising:
 a. A first inner catheter, having a first working lumen, and having a first proximal end and having a first distal end;   b. A second outer catheter having a second working lumen sized to accept said inner catheter, and having a second distal end and having a second proximal end;   c. A first catheter coupler on said first inner catheter;   d. A second catheter coupler on said second outer catheter, adapted for mating engagement with said first inner catheter coupler to allow the pair of catheters to be moved together as a single unit;   e. A first handle coupled to said first proximal end, having a thumb actuated lever to advance a piercing needle out of the first distal end of said first catheter into a deployed state;   f. A spring located within said first handle adapted to bias said piecing needle in a retracted state;   g. An electrical connector located in said first handle electrically connect to said piercing needle;   
     
     
         2 . The catheter system of  claim 1  wherein:
 a. Said second distal end is curved and the curve lies in a plane, 
 b. Said piercing needle has a series of cuts to allow it to conform to the shape of said curve. 
 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein:
 a. Said couplers form a bayonet fitting the are mated or released by rotation though an angle. 
 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said curve is fixed but flexible. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said curve is variable and swings through 18 degrees by a manipulator knob.