Steerable catheter having disposable module and sterilizable handle and method of connecting same
US5846221A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/015
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter and methods are provided for inserting at least portions thereof into a vessel, cavity, or tissue of a human body to thereby provide manipulation of a distal portion of the catheter when positioned within a vessel, cavity, or tissue. The catheter preferably has a module which includes an elongate tube having at least one lumen extending from a distal end to a proximal end of the tube, a module interface connected to the proximal end of the tube, and a deflector connected to the tube for deflecting the distal portion of the elongate tube. A handle detachably connects to the module and is configured to be readily held in the hand of a user. The handle has a body which includes a wall positioned in and extending transversely across distal portions of the body. The wall has an outer surface thereof defining an exterior portion of the body and a first cavity formed within the body. Preferably, the body detachably and coextensively connects to the module interface through the outer surface of the wall. A controller is connected to the body and detachably connects to the deflector of the module for responsively controlling the deflector to thereby manipulate distal portions of …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.