Microcatheter
US6254588A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0042
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed is an elongate flexible microcatheter, for diagnostic and or therapeutic applications. The microcatheter is provided with a small outside diameter and high degree of flexibility, to facilitate negotiation of small, tortuous vessels such as those encountered in intercranial catheterizations. The catheter is formed from a composite of a series of tubular elements, each extending axially for a different distance along the tubular body. A distal section on one or more of the tubular components is provided with a spiral cut, to modify the flexibility properties of the finished catheter. The catheter may also be provided with an inflatable balloon, and a valve to permit the use of a single lumen for both receiving a guidewire and for conveying inflation media.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.