Variable steerable catheters and methods for using them
First Claim
1. An apparatus for introduction into a body lumen, comprising:
- a tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a passage extending along a steerable distal portion of the tubular member, the passage comprising a first region substantially aligned with a center of modulus of the distal portion and a second region offset from the center of modulus;
a steering element slidably disposed through the passage extending along the distal portion, the steering element comprising a proximal end disposed adjacent to the tubular member proximal end, and a distal end coupled to the tubular member distal end beyond the distal portion; and
a steering adjustment member slidably disposed within the passage for selectively directing a portion of the steering element between the first and second regions, thereby changing a bending moment applied to the distal portion when an axial force is applied to the proximal end of the steering element.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for accessing a body lumen includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a passage extending along a steerable distal portion of the tubular member. The passage includes a first region extending substantially parallel to a center of modulus of the distal portion and a second region offset from the center of modulus. A steering element is disposed through the passage extending along the distal portion that includes a proximal end disposed adjacent the tubular member proximal end, and a distal end fixed to the tubular member distal end beyond the distal portion. A steering adjustment member is slidable within the passage for selectively directing a portion of the steering element between the first and second regions to vary the steerability of the distal portion.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for introduction into a body lumen, comprising:
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a tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a body lumen, and a passage extending along a steerable distal portion of the tubular member, the passage comprising a first region substantially aligned with a center of modulus of the distal portion and a second region offset from the center of modulus;
a steering element slidably disposed through the passage extending along the distal portion, the steering element comprising a proximal end disposed adjacent to the tubular member proximal end, and a distal end coupled to the tubular member distal end beyond the distal portion; and
a steering adjustment member slidably disposed within the passage for selectively directing a portion of the steering element between the first and second regions, thereby changing a bending moment applied to the distal portion when an axial force is applied to the proximal end of the steering element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for accessing a body lumen within a patient'"'"'s body, comprising:
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advancing a distal end of a tubular member into a body lumen;
applying an axial force to a steering element extending from a proximal end of the tubular member to a distal portion of the tubular member to cause the distal portion to curve transversely; and
directing a portion of the steering element within the distal portion from a first region aligned within a center of modulus of the distal portion to a second region within the distal portion, thereby adjusting a radius of curvature of the distal portion. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. An apparatus for introduction into a body lumen, comprising:
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a tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into the body lumen, and a lumen extending along a distal portion of the tubular member, the lumen comprising a first region extending substantially parallel to a center of modulus of the distal portion and a second region radially offset from the center of modulus;
a steering element slidably disposed through the lumen, a proximal portion of the steering element being disposed within the first region of the lumen and a distal portion of the steering element being disposed within the second region of the lumen, and a distal end fixed to the tubular member within the second region; and
a steering adjustment member slidably disposed within the second region of the lumen for selectively directing a portion of the steering element between the first and second regions, thereby changing a bending moment applied to the distal portion when an axial force is applied to a proximal end of the steering element. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification