CA2107309C

CA2107309C - Percutaneous catheter introducer

Info

Publication number: CA2107309C
Application number: CA002107309A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Robert C. Uschold; Crystal C. Sorenson; Kevin J. Bailey; Kevin D. Duffy; Anthony C. Antonacci
Original assignee: Ethicon Inc
Current assignee: Ethicon Inc
Priority date: 1992-10-01
Filing date: 1993-09-29
Publication date: 2006-12-12
Anticipated expiration: 2013-09-29
Also published as: EP0595479A2; AU4868693A; CA2107309A1; AU672624B2; IL107152A0; US5368574A; EP0595479A3; JPH06190054A

Abstract

A percutaneaug catheter introducer having a tube with tube handle, a seal pausing containing a seal, and a needle with a needle handle. The needle is eactended through the seal pausing and tube. The needle and tube are percutaneously inserted into an anatomical body cavity. The needle is removed and a catheter is inserted. The seal housing can be removed in order to use the tube for aspiration. Alternatively, the seal is positioned within the tube handle.

Description

A
~;l~ld of the xnv_entinn The method and apparatus of this invention relates generally to surgical methods and devices, and wore particularly, to a method and apparatus for perCUtaneOUS Catheter introduction into an anatomical body cavity or into a cystic duct for performing a cholangiogram.
,~~ckq~round of the nvel~,tion l0 In the field of percutaneous catheter introduction, there are a variety of known methods and apparatuses for percutaneous catheter introduction into an anatomical body cavity.
One known method uses a rigid ~,eta1 catheter such as the RANFAC~ laparoscopic cholangiocath manufactured by T2anfac Corp., Avon Industrial dark, pØ
fox 635, Avon, Massachusetts 02322. The metal catheter is inserted through an existing needle hole in the abdomen. This method is discussed in an article entitled ''A New Technique of Laparoendoscopic cholangiography," written by Kenneth D. I3agan, M.D., et al. and published in The Journal of Laparosco~ic Surgery, Volume 2, Number 2, 1992 by Mary Anw Liebert, Inc. The method does not use an introducer sheath or a cannula.
Another procedure for percutaneous catheter introduction is the insertion of a short catheter and introducer needle. The introducer needle is extended through the catheter and protrudes from the distal end of the catheter. The catheter and needle are inserted into the body cavity and the needle is removed from the proximal end of the catheter. The catheter has a coupling means at its proximal end for connecting to a hose, syringe, or other fluid supply means. An example of such a catheter having a seal which may be manually ~_~~~~J~
-z-adjusted to close around an introduces needle inserted therein or to close the catheter completely is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,243,034. The disclosed device does not include a separate introduces sheath for intraducing the catheter.
Another procedure for percutaneous catheter introduction is the insertion into a blood vessel of a hollow IV catheter and introaucer needle. The Iv catheter is connected to a supply of fluids through a luer fitting or other detachable connection. The CRITIC~N I.v. catheterS manufactured by Critikon, Inc., 4110 George Road, Tampa, Florida 33631 exemplify such IV
catheters and.introducer needles. This, method also does not use a separate introduces sheath or a separate cannula.
There are certain known methods of percutaneous catheter introduction that include usage of an introduces sheath or cannula and a catheter inserted therein. In these methods generally, a needle is extended through a sheath. The needle and sheath are then inserted percutaneously by being driven through the shin to the desired location within the body cavity.
The needle is withdrawn from the sheath and the catheter is inserted into the sheath., An example of this method and an accompanying apparatus is described in U.S.
Patent Plo. 4, 63.3, 329.
In these known methods that use an introduces sheath or cannula, there are certain variations. one known variation includes use of an Iv catheter and a rigid metal catheter such as the RAtdFAC~ laparoscopic cholangiocath discussed above. The Iv catheter is inserted into the abdomen in a position to gain access to the cystic duct. The catheter needle is removed and the luer fitting is cut off, leaving a tube providing access to the abdominal cavity. The rigid metal =~~)'~'~~)J
- 3 -°
catheter 3s then inserted into and eactended through the 1V catheter. The distal tip of the metal catheter is inserted into the cystic duct.
Another Variation uses a metal catheter and introduces shea~:h and needle manufactured by Applied Vascular Devices, Inc., 2051 Merit Circle, Building 1~~, T~aguna Mills, California 9253. The metal catheter includes a rubber seal which snaps over flee proximal end of the introduces sheath to prevent loss of to pneumoperitoneum.
~.nother variation is described in an article entitled ~"Laparoscopic operative aholangiography~ a simple, successful, cost effective method,'9 written by Louis J. Fligelstone, et al., and published in the a a a 1 C 1 a a o a s of England (1992) Vol. 74, 252-253. The described method includes insertion of a needle and introduces cannula called a Vygon Dramcath~ (Vygan (UK) Ltd., Bridge Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire). The needle and introduces cannula are inserted into the abdominal cavity. The needle is removed and a rubber seal is placed over the leer lock. A catheter is then passed through the rubber seal and through the introduces cannula.
The disadvantage of the above methods and apparatuses that use introduces sheaths or cannulas is that fluids and gases may leak from the abdominal cavity through the lumen in the sheath when the sheath and needle are inserted into the abdomen and when the needle is Withdrawn from the sheath awhile the sheath remains inserted in the abdomen. This undesirable leakage occurs when abdominal fluids and/or gases enter the tip of the lumen in the sheath, travel proximally in the lumen, and escape through the proximal end of the lumen outside of the abdominal cavity. When the needle is ~,~.~1'~ ~~~~
withdrawn from the sheath, this leakage can be exacerbated. It would be desirable to provide a means for sealing the sheath and needle to prevent such leakage. Further, it would be desirable to provide a means for using the introducer sheath for aspiration of fluids from the abdominal body cavity.
Another disadvantage of the above known methods that use an introducer sheath or cannula is that the depth of insertion of the sheath into the body 1.0 cavity may be unintentionally increased. Also, after insertion, the angle of insertion may be unintentionally changed by inadvertent movement or jarring of the sheath. Tt would be desirable to.adjustably anchor the sheath to set a maximum depth of insertion to prevent inadvertent increases in the depth of insertion and to prevent unintentional changes in the angle of insertion.
Summarv of t~vention The percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with the invention includes a tube defining a lumen for guiding a catheter therethrough. The tube is percutaneously insertable into an anatomical body cavity. A needle is extendable through the tube. A
seal housing is detachably connected to the tube. A
seal is positioned within the seal housing for sealing the tube against leakage out of its proximal end as the needle is extended through the seal and after the needle is removed from the seal. The seal permits penetration of the needle so as to make a relatively small aperture thP.rel~ne The aperture is substantially closed as the needle is removed therefrom. The aperture permits insertion of the catheter therethrough.
An adjustable anchor is connected to the tube for setting a maximum depth of insertion of the tube.
The anchor is adjustable between an anchored configuration wherein it is affixed to the tube and a ~~~~ 3~~~
g non-anchored configuration wherein it is longitudinally slidable along the length of the tube. ~refr~rably, the anchor includes a plurality of f~ae~t extending radially outward.
In an alternative e~odi.~nent according the invention, the seal has a 'pre-cut central aperture and radially-attending slits.
In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, a tube handle as connected to the proximal 1~ end of the tube and a seal is positioned in the tube handle.
A method for percutaneous insertion of a catheter into a cystic duct in accordance.with the invention includes the following steps:
a) providing a tube for guiding a balloon catheter, said tube having a proximal end and a lament b) providing a retractable needle -c', I. ? a,~ ~:
extending into said tube:
' ~L
p c) percutaneously inserting said tub 7e and. needle into a cystic duct and then removing said needle:
d) extending said balloon catheter through said lumen and into said cystic duct;

2~ e) providing a seal associated with said tube for substantially sealing said tube against leakage out of said proximal end of said tube as said needle and catheter are extended through said seal and after said needle and catheter are removed from said 3~ sealp f) inflating said balloon while in said CyStlC duCte' g) injecting radiopac~ue dye into said cystic duct; and h) adjustably anchoring said tube so as to set said tube to a maximum depth in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the skin.
Preferably, the method includes adjustably s anchoring the tube so as to set it to a maximum depth in the body cavity.
According to a further broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a percutaneous catheter introduces which comprises tube defining a lumen for guiding ~o a catheter therethrough and having a proximal end. The tube is percutaneously insertable into an anatomical body cavity for guiding a catheter thereinto. A needle is extendable through the lumen and has a proximal end. A seal housing is connected to the proximal end of the tube. A seal is 15 positioned within the seal housing substantially sealing the tube against leakage out of the proximal end of the tube as the needle is extended through the seal and after the needle is removed from the seal. The seal housing is detachable from the tube so as to selectively permit fluid 2o communication through the tube.
Brief Description of the Drawings A more complete appreciation of this invention, and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily 2s apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate the same or similar components, wherein:
so Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the percutaneous catheter introduces in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the percutaneous catheter introduces in accordance with the invention;

- 6a -Fig. 3 is a partial exploded cross-sectional view of the percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with the invention;
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the needle s and needle handle;
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the seal housing;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tube and tube handle, said Figures 4-6 being a partial exploded view to of the assembly of the needle, needle handle, seal housing, tube and tube handle;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the seal housing connected to the tube handle and the needle being inserted into the seal housing;

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Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the seal hausing and needle handle with the needle being extended into the seal housing, tube handle and tube:
Fig. ~ is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of the seal housing and tube handle shown in Fig. ~ with the needle being withdrawn from the seal housing after it has pierced the seal:
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the percutaneous catheter introduces in accordance with the invention being inserted into an abdominal body cavityt Fig. 11. is a perspective view of the percutaneous catheter introduces in accordance with the invention being inserted into an abdominal body cavity 1~ and the needle being withdrawn from the tubev Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the assembly of the seal housing, tube handle, tube and anchor wherein the tube is inserted into an abdominal body cavity and a catheter is extended through the tube and 0 inserted unto a cystic duct;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the assembly of the tube, handle and anchor being inserted into an abdominal body cavity and a syringe being inserted into the luer fitting in the tubs handle;
25 Figs. 1~-15 are plan views of alternative embodiments of a seal with radially extending slits;
Fig. 17 is a plan view of a seal with radially extending slits and ribss Fig. 18 is an elevational view of the seal 30 shown in Fig. 17;
Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the tube and tube handle in accordance with the invention:
Fig. ~0 is a cross-sectional view of an 3~ alternative embodiment of the tube and tube handle in ~~~~~~iJ
- 8 °~
accordance with the invention with a needle and needle handle connected thereta; and Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative: embodiment of the tube and tube handle in accordance with the invention w~laerein the distal tip of a syringe is inserted into the tube handle.
v The following is a detailed description of the invention and its preferred embodiments. This description is not intended to be an exhaustive description of all embodiments withih the scope of the claims and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention to the disclosed embodiments.
Modifications and variations will be apparent to those 16 skilled in the art.
Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 6, the percutaneous catheter introducer 8 of this invention includes a tube 10 with a lumen 12 of sufficient inside diameter to permit insertion of a catheter that is insertable into an anatomical cavity and a cystic duct for performing a cholangiogram. The wall of the tube is thin so as to minimize the outside diameter of the tube.
Preferably, for use with a 5 French catheter, the tube is 304 stainless steel having an inside diameter of approximately .0675 inches, an outside diameter of approximately .083 inches, and a length of approximately 8.95 inches. The distal tip of the tube is scalloped to make a spatula tip 14.
A tube handle 16 is located at the proximal end 17 of the tube. The tube handle has an opening 18 which communicates with the lumen 12 in the tube.
Preferably, the tube handle is a plastic material.
Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, a seal housing 20 is detachably connected to the proximal end 21 of the tube handle 16. The seal housing defines a passage 22 therein for communicating with the opening 18 in the tube handle 16. Preferably, the seal hausing is of two-piece, plastic constx-~action to facilitate ease of assembly. As seen in Figure 3, the two-piece construction includes a seal halder 24 and a cover 26 fitted thereon.
Referring to Figs, 7-9, a seal 28 extends across the passage 22 in the seal housing 20 so as to obstruct flow of liquid and gas in the passage 22. As shown in Fig. '7, the seal 28 is intact before the needle 30 is inserted into the seal housing 20. As the needle 30 pierces the seal 28 as shown in F'ig. 8, the seal 28 contacts the needle 30 and continues to obstruct liquid and gas flow. AS the needle pierces the seal, an aperture 32 is created. As shown in Fig. 9, the aperture 32 substantially recloses when the needle is removed and continues to impede liquid and gas flow.
Thus, the seal impedes liquid and gas leakage before, during and after it is punctured lay a needle.
Preferably, the seal is a silicon rubber material in the shape of a round disc.
Referring to Figs. 14-16, in an alternative embodiment according to the invention, a pre-cut seal 29 has a plurality of slits 33 extending radially outward from a central aperture 32. The slits 29 define a series of cusps 35. As installed in the seal housing 20, the cusps 35 have sufficient resilience and rigidity so as to r~tain a substantially closed configuration as shown in Figs. 14-18 and thereby substantially impede leakage of liquid and/or gas therethrough. The central aperture 32 permits insertion of a needle 30. The cusps contact the needle and continue to obstruct licguid and gas flow therethrough. When the needle is removed, the cusps return to a substantially closed configuration 35 as shown in Figs. 14-16.

- ,,o _ (deferring to Figs. ~7 and 18, a~n alternative e~~nbodiment of the pre-cut seal 29 includes radially-extending reinforcing ribs 37 located on each cusp 35.
Referring to Fig. 3, there is a lust connection provided between the tube handle 16 and the seal housing 20. ~ female leer fitting 34 extends proximally from the tube handle 16 and a male lust fitting 36 extends distally from the seal housing 20.
The leer fittings are threaded so as to be threaded and locked together.
The needle 30 extends through the seal housing and tube 10 as seen in Fig. 2. ~dhen fully inserted, the needle tip extends slightly beyond the spatula tip 14 of the tube to as shown in Fig. 1. Preferably, the 15 needle is a stainless steel tube having an outside diameter of approximately .065 inches and a length of approximately 10.725 inches.
Referring to Figs. 2-4, a needle handle 38 is connected to the proximal end 39 of the needle 30.
20 Preferably, the needle handle 38 has a squeeze latch 40 which engages the cover 26 of the seal housing 20 so as to detachably connect the needle handle to the proximal end of the seal housing when the needle is fully extended into the tube 10.
Referring to Figs. 1-3, an adjustable anchor 42 is connected to the tube 10. The anchar has a hole 44 far insertion of the tube so as to permit the anchor to slide along the length of the tube. The anchor is configured to be adjusted to either an anchored configuration wherein the anchor is affixed at a particular location along the length of the tube or a non-anchored configuration wherein the anchor freely slides along the length of the tube.
Preferably, the anchor 42 is a two-piece, plastic construction having male 46 and female 48 ~~P~~r~>>~
portions threaded together. The male portion 46 has a series of fingers 50 which are engaged by the female portion 48. As the male and female portions are rotated relative to each other in one direction, the feaaale portion clamps down on and deflects the fingers of the male portion which in turn grip the tube. Tn this anchored configuration, the anchor is immobilized and anchored on the tube. 6ahen the anchor is in the anchored configuration, depth of insertion of the tube l0 10 is limited to that length of tube extending distally from the anchor.
As the male 46 and female 4$ portions are rotated in the opposite direction, the fingers 50 release their grip on the tube 10. In this non-anchored canfiguration, the anchor 42 freely slides along the length of the tube. Thus, the anchor is adjustable for setting a maximum depth of insertion of the tube into the body CdVlty.
Preferably, the anchor 42 has a plurality of feet 51 extending radially outward as shown in Figs. 1, l0-13. The feet contact the skin 52 and orient the tube 1o toward a perpendicular orientation relative to the skin (Fig. 10-13).
Referring to Figs. 7-9, assembly of the percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with the invention includes connecting the seal housing 20 and tube handle 16 together and inserting the needle 30 through the seal housing 20 and tube handle 16. As the needle is advanced, it pierces the seal 28 so as to make 3~ a relatively small aperture 32 therein. Then, referring to Fig> 1, the needle 30 is fully extended into the tube 10 so that its tip extends slightly beyond the spatula tip 14 of the tube. The needle handle 3~ is latched to the seal housing 20. The anchor 42 is fitted on the tube 10 proxi~ually from the spatula tip 14 in its non-rb ~.~ IJ
- ~.2 anchored position. At this point, the device $ is fully assembled and ready for use.
In using the percutaneous catheter introducer 8 described above, a novel method far percutaneous catheter introduction for performing a laparoscopic cholangiagram is practiced, as discta~ssed below.
Referxing to Fig. 10, the assembled device 8 is inserted percutaneausly into a body cavity by piercing the s)cin 52 with the needle 30 tip and driving the needle tip to the desired location adjacent the cystic dust, ~1 laparoscope (not illustrated) is inserted in a separate opening an the body cavity in order to view the tube 10 and needle tip and to locate them adjacent the cystic duct.
l5 As the device is inserted, internal fluids and gases enter lumen Z2 in the tube 10. The passage of such fluids and gases out of proximal end of the lumen is obstructed by a class fit between the lumen and the needle. To the extent that fluids and gases can flow between the lumen and the needle, such flow is further obstructed by the seal 28 which surrounds the needle 30.
Referring to Fig: 11, the needla 30 is then unlatched from the seal housing 20 and withdrawn proximally from the tube 10 and seal housing 20 while the tube 10 remains inserted in the body cavity.
Next, referring to Fig. 12, a balloon catheter 54 is inserted into the passage in the seal housing 20.
The seal maintains substantial contact with the catheter and continues to obstruct the lea3cage of liquid and gases from the lumen of the tube 10. The catheter is extended through the lumen, into the body cavity, and into the cystic duct 55. The balloon 56 is inflated inside the cystic duct wherein the injection of radiopaque dye, etc. is accomplished.

~:~~~~lJ~~'~
~- 13 -Next, the anchor 42 is slid dist~;lly along the tube 10 until it is flush with the satin 52 (F'ig. 12) and then adjusted or tightened into its anchored configuration. Then, the x-ray is taken.
After the x-ray procedure is completed, the balloon 56 is deflat~:d and the catheter is withdrawn.
The tubas can then be withdrawn from the body cavity.
Yn certain procedures, it may be desirable to aspirate materials from an anatomical body cavity using the percutaneous catheter introducer of this invention, such. as to aspirate a gall bladder dura.ng.a cholecystectomy done in conjunctson with a cholangiogram. Aspiration may be accomplished with the apparatus of this invention, as discussed below.
The fully assembled device 8 is inserted percutaneously into an anatomical body cavity adjacent the material to be aspirated. Then, while the tube 30 remains inserted in the body cavity, the needle 30 is withdrawn from the tube 10 and the seal housing 20 is disconnected from the tube handle 16. As shown in Fig.
13; a syringe 58 or other aspirating equipment is connected to the female fitting 3~ on the tube handle 16. The material is aspirated through the tube.
In an alternative embodiment in accordance with the invention, as shown in Figs. 19-20, a pre-cut seal 29 having a central aperture 32 is positioned withz.n the tube handle 60 adjacent the proximal end of the tube handle 60 as shown in Fig. 19. A needle 30 is extended through the tube handle 60, seal 29 and tube 10 as spawn in Fig. 20. The seal 29 remains in contact with the needle 30 to impede leakage of liquid and/or gas. A needle handle 62 is detachably connected to the tube handle 60 through a luer connection so as to further impede leakage out of the proximal end of the tube 10. When the needle 30 is removed, the seal 29 ~.~~rl~~)~9 -- 14 _ aubstantially reclosPS to its original pasition as shown in Fig. 1.9 so as to continue to impede leakage of fluid and/or gas. ~ balloon catheter is insertable through the central aperture 32 of the seal 29. The seal 29 remains in cantact with the inserted catheter sa as to impede leakage out of the tube 10. 'When the catheter is removed, the seal substantially recloses and continues to impede leabcage. An anchor (not illustrated) is connected to the tube 10. This alternative embodiment may be used to perform the same cholangiogram procedure discussed above.
The alternative embodiment shown in Figs. 19-21 may be used for aspiration of fluids from an abdominal cavity. Referring to Fig. 21, preferably a syringe 58 is inserted into the female luer fitting 34 extending proximally from the tube handle 60. The distal tip 6~ of the syringe 58 deflects the cusps 35 of the seal 29 and extends through the seal 29 so as to bypass the seal. Fluids are then aspirated from the tube into the syringe 58.
Alternatively, fluids may be aspirated from the embodiment shown in Fig. 19 by any aspirating device attached to the proximal end of the tube handle 60.
Preferably, the pre-cut seal 29 is of the design shown in Figs. 14-18 wherein the cusps 35 of the seal 29 will deflect proximally to permit aspiration when suction is applied.

Claims

1. A percutaneous catheter introducer, comprising:
a tube defining a lumen for guiding a catheter therethrough and having a proximal end, said tube being percutaneously insertable into an anatomical body cavity for guiding a catheter thereinto;
a needle extendable through said lumen, said needle having a proximal end;
a seal housing connected to said proximal end of said tube; and a seal positioned within said seal housing, said seal defining a central aperture and a plurality of radially extending slits, said central aperture permitting insertion of the catheter therethrough, and said central aperture and slits permitting aspiration from said proximal end of said tube, said seal substantially sealing said tube against leakage out of said proximal end of said tube as said needle is extended through said seal and after said needle is removed from said seal, said seal housing being detachable from said tube so as to selectively permit fluid communication through said tube.

2. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said seal permits penetration of said needle so as to make a relatively small aperture therein, said aperture being substantially closed as said needle is removed therefrom.

3. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 2 wherein said aperture permits insertion of a catheter therethrough.

4. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 3 wherein said seal substantially seals said tube against leakage out of said proximal end of said tube as a catheter is extended through said seal and after said catheter is removed from said seal.

5. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said seal includes at least one reinforcing rib.

6. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 5 wherein said rib is radially extending.

7. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 1 including a tube handle at said proximal end of said tube; said tube handle having a proximal end.

8. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 7 including a luer connection between said tube handle and said seal housing.

9. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 8 including a female luer fitting extending proximally from said tube handle and a male luer fitting extending distally from said seal housing.

10. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 1 including an adjustable anchor assembly connected to said tube for preventing inadvertent increases in the depth of insertion of said tube, said anchor being adjustable to different depths.

11. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 10 wherein said anchor is adjustable between an anchored configuration and a non-anchored configuration, said anchor being affixed to said tube when in said anchored configuration and being longitudinally slidable along the length of said tube when in said non-anchored configuration.

12. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 11 wherein said anchor includes a plurality of feet extending radially outward.

13. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 1 including a needle handle connected to the proximal end of said needle, said needle handle being detachably connected to said seal housing when said needle is extended into said lumen.

14. A percutaneous catheter introducer in accordance with claim 1 wherein said tube includes a cut-away tip.