Optical catheter with stranded fibers
US5415653A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 16, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0183
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter having an axis extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged to spiral in a first direction to form a circumferential layer around the axis. Rotation of the catheter in the first direction tends to expand the layer while rotation of the catheter in a second opposite direction tends to contract the circumferential layer. An outer jacket limits the expansion of the circumferential layer while an inner core limits the contraction of the circumferential layer to increase torquability of the catheter. The stranded fibers equalize bending stresses to maintain a circular cross-sectional configuration, increase flexibility and a reduced diameter for the catheter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.