Steerable catheter using flat pull wires and having torque transfer layer made of braided flat wires
US8734699B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/015
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter assembly includes an inner liner made of flexible material and an outer layer having a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes at least one flat wire and a corresponding lumen through which the flat wire may travel. The steering mechanism may also include at least one pull ring to which the flat wires are attached. A layer of heat shrink material may encompass the outer layer. A braided wire assembly may also be provided in the outer layer, and may be formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires into a wire mesh. The overall cross-section of the catheter assembly is preferably substantially circular. A catheter shaft may include a plurality of segments of differing hardness characteristics. The outer layer typically comprises a melt processing polymer such that the catheter assembly may be laminated using heat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.