Steerable cannula
US5231989A · kind A · utility
372Cited by
44References
16Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/015
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device suitable for insertion into a mammalian body comprises an elongated tube or cannula, an elastic member for bending the cannula, and a straightener preventing the elastic member from bending the cannula. The straightener and elastic member are capable of relative axial movement, so that the straightener can be positioned to prevent or allow the elastic from bending the cannula. Preferably the elastic member is formed from a superelastic shape-memory alloy. Other versions of the device without a straightener are described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.