Catheter having highly radiopaque, flexible tip
US5171232A · kind A · utility
211Cited by
16References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2011 |
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.