Catheter

US8864675B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Dennis R. Dietz · Littleton, US
• Curtis J. FRANKLIN · Denver, US
• John L. Loewen · Flagstaff, US
• David J. Messick · Flagstaff, US
• Craig Nordhausen · Salt Lake City, US
• Clyde G. Oakley · Centennial, US
• Ryan C. Patterson · Farmington, US
• Jim H. Polenske · Bellemont, US
• Shawn D. Quick · Flagstaff, US
• Daniel H. Todd · Belfast, GB
• Thomas L. Tolt · Centennial, US
• David W. Wilson · Erie, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 7, 2010
• Grant date: Oct 21, 2014
• Expiry date: Jun 13, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M25/0158
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of a catheter body. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The deflectable member may be interconnected to the catheter body by a live hinge. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter body to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter body. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter body and when pivoted relative to the catheter body.