Radiation delivery catheter with a spring wire centering mechanism
US6159139A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2005/1003
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is directed to a radiation delivery catheter assembly having blood perfusion capability suitable for maintaining patency of a body lumen for a period of time sufficient to allow delivery of a radiation source to the body lumen. The catheter assembly includes a spring wire centering mechanism which can be deployed between a retracted and expanded position. In the expanded position, the spring wire centering mechanism contacts a portion of the body lumen and centers a radiation source within the body lumen. In one particular embodiment, movable structural elements (spring wire legs) contact and center the adjacent portion of the catheter body within the body lumen when placed in the expanded position. In the retracted position, the spring wire mechanism is collapsed to a small profile to enable the catheter assembly to reach small diameter body lumens, such as distal coronary arteries. The spring wire centering mechanism is deployed between the retracted and expanded positions utilizing a retractable sheath which extends over the catheter body in a coaxial arrangement. This retractable sheath is movable along the length of the elongated catheter body and is designed to …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.