Drive shaft for an intravascular catheter system
US5348017A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2210/0019
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides an improved drive shaft for use in a catheter system having a rotating imaging or interventional work element. A drive shaft according to the present invention is formed at least in part of a material having super elastic properties. This material provides an advantageous combination of column strength and torsional rigidity with the ability to sustain substantial bending without permanent deformation. Preferred embodiments are formed as hollow tubes to allow electrical conducting wires to be disposed within the body of the drive shaft. Some embodiments combine relatively rigid proximal segments with relatively flexible distal segments to allow for entry of the work element into narrow and twisting regions of a patient's vascular system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.