Catheter having plurality of stiffening members

US7815627B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Abbott Laboratories · US

Inventors

• Randolf von Oepen · Los Altos, US
• Axel Grandt · Abenberg, DE
• Lorcan Coffey · Tübingen, DE
• Louise Balfe · Stuttgart, DE
• Andrew Thomas Jeffrey · Lörrach, DE
• Ib Joergensen · Haigerloch, DE
• Bodo Quint · Oberglatt, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: May 23, 2006
• Grant date: Oct 19, 2010
• Expiry date: Oct 12, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2025/0183
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further includes a plurality of stiffening members disposed along the length of the elongate main body. At least one stiffening member includes a plurality of clusters including helical turns or rotations disposed circumferentially about a tubular member and along the length of the cluster. The clusters can be configured to vary flexibility along the length of the tubular member. The catheter can include a sheath having a stationary section and a retractable section.