Shapable catheter using exchangeable core and method of use
US5882346A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC08L2201/12
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a shapable catheter and method for positioning a shapable catheter within a body cavity, a core wire is provided which includes a pre-shaped region bent into a predetermined shape. A catheter is provided which includes a lumen proportioned to slidably receive the core wire. The catheter includes a rigid proximal section and a flexible distal section. During use, the distal end of the catheter is inserted through a patient's vasculature and is passed into a body cavity. The pre-shaped region of the core wire is passed into the lumen and is straightened by the rigid proximal section of the catheter. The pre-shaped region is passed further into the catheter until it reaches the flexible distal region, in which the pre-shaped section re-assumes its predetermined shape and causes the core wire to form the distal section of the catheter into the predetermined shape. The distal section of the catheter is positioned in contact with tissue in the body cavity, and electrodes carried by the distal end are used to map and/or ablate the tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.