Thermally controlled variable-flexibility catheters and methods of manufacturing same
US10751507B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29K2995/0082
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter comprises a heater control supplying power, a handle, a base catheter with lumen and comprising a proximal section and a distal segment, and a variable stiffness element. The element comprises a heater connected to the heater control, coiled at least at the distal segment, and comprising a shaft portion of a first metallic conductive material and a heater portion of a second metallic conductive material. A jacket is disposed about the heater portion. A variable flex sub-assembly between the catheter and jacket comprises a non-conducting braid and a binding material. Without power, the binding material is stiffened. Responsive to heating of the binding material, the binding material softens to increase flexibility of the variable flex sub-assembly at least at the distal segment. Responsive to removing power, the binding material cools and stiffens to decrease flexibility of the variable flex sub-assembly at least at the distal segment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.