Steerable ultrasound catheter
US7507205B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4488
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Steerable catheters are provided including an elongated flexible member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween (i.e., between the proximal end and the distal end). A plurality of electrical cables is bundled together and positioned within the lumen of the flexible member. The cross-section of the bundle of electrical cables is substantially ovular or rectangular so as to be bendable in two approximately opposite directions. Methods of steering such a catheter within a body include advancing the catheter within a body while a first force is applied to the bundle of electrical cables to cause the distal end of the elongate flexible member to form a bend. The catheter is farther advanced within the body while a second, opposite force is applied to the bundle of electrical cables to remove the bend in the distal end.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.