System for bi-directionally controlling the cryo-tip of a cryoablation catheter
US7374553B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0161
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A bi-directional system for actively deflecting the distal tip of a catheter includes a reconfigurable tube that is positioned proximal to the catheter's distal tip. The tube is formed with slits that are arranged to allow the tube to be transformed from a relaxed, cylindrical configuration to a plurality of deflected configurations. First and second pull wires are provided, with each wire having a respective distal end that is attached to the distal end of the tube. Each wire extends to a catheter handle where it is attached to a respective reel. The reels can be rotated, back and forth, to selectively deflect or relax the tube. To ensure a smooth recovery after a relatively large deflection, a mechanism is disclosed for delaying an application of tension on one of the pull wires until at least a portion of any tension on the other pull wire is released.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.