System and method for catheterization using an intraluminal electromagnetic working capsule

Abstract

There is provided a system for cardiac electromagnetic/magnetic catheterization for diagnosing and treating blood vessels of a patient. The system having at least one electromagnetic intraluminal capsule able to force its way through a narrowing blood vessel, the capsule carrying a camera allowing visualization of blood vessels of a patient. There is a portable electromagnetic tip, where the tip pulls the electromagnetic capsule by electromagnetic force, and when the magnetic tip moves along a body of a patient and pulls the intraluminal electromagnetic capsule along with it towards a narrowing blood vessel visualized by the camera, so that the capsule then treats the narrowing site and clears the blood vessel from coronary plaque. In addition working capsule can replace diseased valve in any cardiac position for either temporary or permanent needs.

Claims

1. A system for cardiac electromagnetic catheterization for diagnosing and treating blood vessels of a patient, said system comprising: a) at least one extendable capsule configured to be injected into at least one blood vessel of the patient, said at least one capsule comprising: an extendable cylindrical surface, a plurality of extendable arms engaging said extendable cylindrical surface, and a moving mechanism configured to reversibly extend said extendable arms and consequently said extendable cylindrical surface towards an intima wall of said blood vessel at least when said capsule is positioned inside said blood vessel, said extendable cylindrical surface surrounding said extendable arms and being configured to prevent said extendable arms from engaging said intima wall of said blood vessel at least when said extendable arms are extended by said moving mechanism; and b) either a user interface for guiding said capsule within said blood vessel via electromagnetic/magnetic force or a catheter for guiding said capsule within said blood vessel via a catheterization procedure.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one capsule further comprises a stent, for being implanted by said extendable cylindrical surface.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said extendable arms and a supporting pole thereof form an umbrella type mechanism reversibly extendable by said moving mechanism, wherein a center of said at least one capsule is disposable at a center of said blood vessel; and wherein said moving mechanism is configured to reversibly extend said extendable arms and said extendable cylindrical surface from said center of said at least one capsule towards said intima wall of said blood vessel.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one capsule is configured to allow flow of blood therethrough irrespective of a state of said extendable arms and said extendable cylindrical surface.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one capsule further comprises a camera for capturing a view of said blood vessel and transmitting said captured view to a screen.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one capsule further comprises a filter for trapping coronary plaque particles, while allowing blood to flow therethrough.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one capsule further comprises a vibration engine for generating a vibrating motion, thereby causing said at least one capsule to vibrate.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein said vibrating engine is configured for assisting said at least one capsule in at least one of (a) shaving said intima wall, (b) creating a first channel in the presence of chronic total occlusion (CTO), and (c) filtering.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said operating of said moving mechanism from outside said blood vessel is via RF (Radio Frequency) transmission.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one capsule is fixed to an end of a catheter.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one capsule further comprises a rough envelope surrounding said extendable cylindrical surface, thereby allowing shaving said intima wall of said blood vessel.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein said extendable cylindrical surface of said at least one capsule has an external surface comprised of protrusions for shaving said intima wall in order to clear said blood vessel from plaque particles.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein said user interface comprises an electro-magnetic tip and a pointing device for producing electromagnetic force using principles of Magnetic Levitation for guiding said electro-magnetic tip, and wherein said at least one capsule comprises a ferromagnetic substance, for being guided by said electro-magnetic tip.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred embodiments, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings:

(2) FIGS. 1a-c show front, rear and side views of an electromagnetic capsule according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a catheterization system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3A shows a first capsule led by a magnetic tip through a constricted blood vessel;

(5) FIG. 3B shows the first capsule deployed and anchored to the blood vessel;

(6) FIG. 4a shows a second capsule led by the magnetic tip to the constricted site

(7) FIG. 4b shows second capsule of FIG. 4a shaving the plaque of the constricted site off the blood vessel walls;

(8) FIG. 5a shows the plaque cleared from the constricted site flow towards the first capsule;

(9) FIG. 5b shows a cross section of the first capsule with plaque captured in its protective filter;

(10) FIG. 6 shows the second capsule being led out of the vessel by the magnetic tip;

(11) FIGS. 7a-b show a third capsule bearing a stent;

(12) FIG. 8a shows the third capsule being led to the constricted site;

(13) FIG. 8b shows the stent of the third capsule deployed and the third capsule being lead out of the vessel;

(14) FIG. 8c is a perspective sectional view of the extendable arms and the cylindrical surface surrounding them;

(15) FIG. 8d is a view of the extendable arms and two secondary cylindrical surfaces of the cylindrical surface surrounding them;

(16) FIG. 9a shows the first capsule being lead out of the vessel after trapping the atheromatous debris; and

(17) FIG. 9b shows the treated blood vessel having a deployed stent.

(18) Each of FIGS. 10a and 10b schematically illustrates a capsule used as a cardiac valve, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

(19) FIG. 11a is a longitudinal-sectioned view of the capsule when being moved.

(20) FIG. 11b is a longitudinal-sectioned view of the capsule when its supporting poles open in order to be fixed in the current position of the capsule.

(21) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(22) The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments (“best mode”), which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on, are not described in detail.

(23) Referring now to FIG. 1a, there is shown a front view of a first electromagnetic intraluminal capsule 30, in a folded configuration, having a camera 32 at the front, and a protective filter 52. First capsule 30 is introduced into the blood vessel 34 of a patient 36 by injection, after beginning a catheterization procedure as any standard catheterization.

(24) FIG. 1b shows a front view of first capsule 30 in an open configuration.

(25) FIG. 1c shows a side view of first capsule 30.

(26) Capsule 30 may carry more than one camera 32, and additional camera 32 (not shown) may be located on the rear of capsule 30. The size of camera 32 is between 1 to 5 mm.

(27) Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a patient 36 undergoing a catheterization procedure according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, by a system for cardiac electromagnetic catheterization 40. First magnetic capsule 30 is lodged in patient's 36 blood vessel 34 and a magnetic tip 42 pulls first magnetic capsule 30 along vessel 34 in search for a possible narrowing site 48 (shown in FIG. 3B). Magnetic tip 42 pulls first capsule 30 by electromagnetic force using the principles of Magnetic Levitation (MagLev). The pulling force of magnetic tip 42 is far greater than the force applied by pushing a catheter into a blood vessel, as done in standard catheterization procedures. If an occlusion is rigid and complex (such as a type C lesion), a wire may not be able to penetrate it and then the occluded blood vessel cannot be treated. By using pulling force, first capsule 30 can penetrate also very rigid occlusions so that the blood vessel 34 can be treated. First capsule 30 has a vibrating engine that generates a vibrating motion which assists capsule 30 in penetrating vessel narrowing 48. This is especially essential and useful for tight narrowing's that are difficult to penetrate. The vibrating motion is defined by the electrical current of the engine: less current leads to slower speed which then leads to a larger amplitude, and vise versa.

(28) The entire journey of capsule 30 is visualized through camera 32 positioned on its front, and seen on screen 44, thus providing road mapping of the blood vessels of the patient 36. The use of camera 32 makes it unnecessary to use contrasting dyes which are normally used to visualize the arteries, and are used with X-rays which are potentially hazardous to the health of both patient and medical staff. Furthermore, some patients may be allergic to the contrasting dye, or may have a kidney disease and for them using contrasting dye is not an option. Computer 46 commands the movement of tip 42, which may be done via a joystick, for example.

(29) The size of first capsule 30 may vary so that different sized capsules 30 may be used for different circumstances.

(30) Referring now to FIG. 3A there is narrowing site 48 which is identified by viewing it on screen 44, the movement of tip 42 is commanded to stop so that first capsule 30 is situated downstream to narrowing site 48. First capsule 30 forces its way through narrowing site 48.

(31) Referring now to FIG. 3B there is shown first capsule 30 in the deployed configuration. First capsule 30 latches onto the diameter of blood vessel 34 via latching means illustrated here by extendable arms 50 which are connected to and controlled by a micro engine (not shown). Extendable arms 50 are folded beneath the exterior of first capsule 30 and are released and spread by the micro engine. Extendable arms 50, when spread, push sections of the exterior of capsule 30 which come in contact with the blood vessel 34 and do not injure it. Extendable arms 50 are connected to sections of protective filter 52 stretched between every two adjacent extendable arms 50, so that when extendable arms 50 are spread to latch onto the wall of blood vessel 34, filter 52 is spread as well (much like an umbrella), and the space between first capsule 30 and wall 34 is occupied by filter 52. Spread filter 52 decreases somewhat the blood flow, but not in a life threatening manner Protective filter 52 exists for the purpose of trapping coronary plaque particles which are released from narrowing site 48 downstream to filter 52. Protective filter 52 allows for blood to flow with minimum interruption.

(32) In the known balloon angioplasty procedure for opening a vessel narrowing, the balloon becomes inflated and completely blocks the blood flow, unlike the abovementioned method.

(33) Referring now to FIG. 4a there is shown a second capsule 54 being introduced to blood vessel 34 and brought to occluded site 48 by being pulled by tip 42. Protrusions 56 formed on the surface of second capsule 54 for performing shaving of narrowing site 48 in order to clear blood vessel 34 from plaque 49. Second capsule 54 has a vibrating engine (not shown) that generates a vibrating motion which assists capsule 54 in shaving the occlusion.

(34) Second capsule 54 has extendable arms 50 as well as capsule 30, for the option of latching onto blood vessel 34.

(35) The size of second capsule 54 may vary so that different sized capsules 54 may be used for different circumstances.

(36) The shaving process may be viewed by an additional capsule (not shown) carrying a camera so that the medical team performing the catheterization procedure can safely monitor the process and control the movement of tip 42 according to the viewed narrowing site 48. The additional capsule also carries a light adjacent to the camera so that the shaving process can be illuminated and viewed clearly.

(37) Referring now to FIG. 5a there is shown plaque particles 49 being released from occlusion site 48 by the shaving procedure of second capsule 54. Plaque 49 flows with the blood flow towards first capsule 30 and becomes trapped in protective filter 52. Plaque 49 that is released to the blood stream is likely to block a smaller artery downstream from the treated narrowing site 48, which is liable to lead to cardiac arrest. Protective filter 52 prevents such a scenario.

(38) FIG. 5b shows a cross section of first capsule 30 showing plaque 49 trapped in filter 52.

(39) Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown second capsule 54 being removed from treated narrowing site 48 by moving tip 42 which pulls second capsule 54.

(40) Referring now to FIG. 8 there is shown a third capsule 58 carrying a crimped stent 60 which is to be deployed at treated narrowing site 48 (shown in FIG. 8). In FIG. 7b there is shown a cut out side view of third capsule 58 showing extendable arms 50 which deploy stent 60.

(41) Referring now to FIG. 8a there is shown tip 42 pulling third capsule 58 to the treated narrowing site 48. All the while first capsule 30 is still stationed downstream to the narrowing site 48.

(42) The size of third capsule 58 may vary so that different sized capsules 58 may be used for different circumstances, and for different sized stents 60 to be carried on capsule 58.

(43) FIG. 8b shows stent 60 deployed at occluded site 48 in order to stabilize blood vessel 34 and maintain it. Third capsule 58 is then pulled out of blood vessel 34 and out of the patient's body by tip 42, leaving stent 60. The deployment of stent 60 is done by activating a moving mechanism 78, such as including a motor 70 connected to extendable arms 50 of capsule 30, such as by rotating a thread 72 of capsule 30, thereby spreading extendable arms 50, being surrounded by a cylindrical surface 82 of FIG. 8c and FIG. 8d, which may include rounded elongated pieces 84A, 84B, etc., thereby deploying stent 60 surrounding cylindrical surface 82. The activation of the motor 70 is done by the medical staff using a user interface 74, for transmitting RF 76 controlling motor 70, or any other suitable method.

(44) Preferably three or more rounded elongated pieces 84A,84B, etc., form together cylindrical surface 82.

(45) Referring now to FIG. 9a there is shown first capsule 30 in a collapsed configuration, carrying filter 52 with trapped plaque 49 particles, being pulled out of blood vessel 34 by tip 42, and out of the patient's body.

(46) Referring now to FIG. 9b there is shown blood vessel 34 with deployed stent 60 supporting it, cleared of plaque 49 and capsules 30, 54, 58.

(47) Each of FIGS. 10a and 10b schematically illustrates a capsule adapted to be used as a cardiac valve, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

(48) FIG. 10a schematically illustrates a perspective view of the capsule, and FIG. 10b is a sectioned view thereof, which exposes its internal structure.

(49) The capsule is designed to replace a cardiac valve or serve as a cardiac valve in line with the original (and damaged) cardiac valve of a patient.

(50) The capsule comprises a one-way valve 64 at one end thereof. The capsule's diameter is about 4-7 mm, and the capsule's walls are flexible enough to extend its diameter up to about 35 mm FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate the capsule in its expanded form. The diameter extension comprises a mechanism suited to this purposes, as described hereinabove. For example, the mechanism can contain an expanding skeleton, such as of an umbrella. Reference numeral 68 denotes a supporting pole of the skeleton. Reference numeral 66 denotes a center that comprises a transceiver for communication with a remote station, a power source, a magnetic element for pulling the capsule, etc. Camera 34 is also installed in center 66. The purpose of the camera is to ease the placement of the capsule in the desired place. The center in this example is in a cylinder form disposed along the capsule. The capsule as a whole is designed to allow free blood flow through the capsule.

(51) The capsule may comprise other means described above, such as a camera 34, wireless communication with a remote control station (not seen in this figure), and so on.

(52) Firstly, the capsule is moved (via magnetic methods described hereinabove) to the heart through the blood vessels leading to the damaged valve. This is possible because of the low diameter, which is about 4-7 mm.

(53) The capsule can be inserted into the opening of the damaged valve of the patient's heart, or placed near the defected cardiac valve, in line to the damaged cardiac valve.

(54) After placing the capsule in or near the damaged cardiac valve, the capsule's diameter expands to about 35 mm by means described hereinabove. If the capsule is inserted into the damaged cardiac valve then the damaged valve seals the passage of the blood and allows its flow only through the capsule. If the capsule is placed near the damaged valve, in line with the valve, it provides proper valve operation, i.e., does not let the blood to flow back.

(55) Preferably, the valve of the capsule is made of an animal tissue, such as of a cow or pig. As mentioned above, the capsule can be placed inside the blood vessels near the infected valve, and in line with the damaged patient's valve. The advantage of this arrangement is that when the capsule needs to be replaced, the damaged cardiac valve can be used as a backup at the time of replacement.

(56) It should be noted that the capsule of the present invention can replace any cardiac valve—the mitral valve, the tricuspid valve, the aortic valve, and the pulmonary valve.

(57) The capsule comprises also means for fixing thereof in a desired location, as described above.

(58) Upon expanding the capsule's diameter, the other end of the capsule opens to allow blood passage therethrough, in one way.

(59) It also should be noted that the diameter of the valve expands along with the expansion of the capsule's diameter.

(60) In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals (Reference Signs List) have been mentioned: Numeral 30 denotes First capsule Numeral 32 denotes a camera Numeral 34 denotes a blood vessel Numeral 36 denotes a patient Numeral 40 denotes a system for cardiac electromagnetic catheterization Numeral 42 denotes a magnetic tip Numeral 44 denotes a screen Numeral 46 denotes a Computer Numeral 48 denotes a narrowing site Numeral 50 denotes an extendable surrounding, such as extendable arms. Numeral 52 denotes a protective filter Numeral 54 denotes a second capsule Numeral 56 denotes protrusions forming a rough envelope for shaving; Numeral 58 denotes a third capsule Numeral 60 denotes a stent Numeral 64 denotes a one-way valve; numeral 66 denotes the center of the capsule, and may include mechanisms such as a transceiver, mechanical expansion mechanism of the capsule's diameter, and the like; numeral 70 denotes the motor/micro engine; numeral 72 denotes a thread, being a mechanical example for extending and diminishing extendable arms 50; numeral 74 denotes a user interface; numeral 76 denotes transmittance for controlling extendable arms 50; numeral 78 denotes a moving mechanism; numeral 80 denotes the intima wall of blood vessel 34; numeral 82 denotes a cylindrical surface surrounding extendable arms 50; numerals 84A and 84B denote rounded elongated pieces, being secondary cylindrical surfaces of cylindrical surface 82; according to one embodiment, three or more rounded elongated pieces form cylindrical surface 82.

(61) The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form.

(62) Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should be interpreted according to this definition.

(63) The reference numbers in the claims are not a part of the claims, but rather used for facilitating the reading thereof. These reference numbers should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any form.