Adjustably stiffenable convertible catheter assembly

US6733473B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Boston Scientific Limited · BB

Inventors

• Nikolaus Reifart · Eppstein, DE
• Erik Andersen · Gurnee, US
• John E. Abele · Concord, US
• Sandra G. Tartaglino · Canton, US
• Timothy W. Wheeler · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 9, 1993
• Grant date: May 11, 2004
• Expiry date: Jul 9, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2025/1079
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A stiffenable balloon catheter assembly capable of being converted from an “over-the-wire” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough to a “rapid-exchange” mode with respect to a guidewire extending therethrough, and vice versa. The catheter has a plurality of lumens, one lumen however, having a side opening with an obstructable galp, the orientation of which, determines the utilization “mode” of the catheter assembly. Stiffening stylets may be adjustably locked into the lumens, depending upon the “mode”, to control the stiffness of the catheter assembly during its utilization within a patient.