Patent · US Expired

Catheter having highly radiopaque, flexible tip

US5045072A · kind A · utility

339Cited by
15References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 13, 1989
Grant dateSep 3, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 13, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M2205/32
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A flexible plastic catheter defines a flexible, distal tip. In accordance with this invention, the distal tip comprises a plastic formulation containing sufficient radiopaque agent to be substantially more radiopaque and preferably softer than portions of the catheter proximal to the tip. Thus, the distal tip area of the catheter can be flexible to avoid possible tissue damage as the catheter is advanced, but is still readily visible by x-ray. At the same time, the majority of the catheter may be of normal flexibility and strength.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.