CATHETER WITH ADJUSTABLE COLUMN STABILITY AND METHODS FOR ITS USE
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A catheter comprising:
- an inner column having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the column stiffens in response to axial tensioning; and
an elastic member disposed coaxially over the inner column, said elastic member having a distal end coupled to the inner column and a proximal end adapted to be axially tensioned, wherein applying axial tension to the proximal end of the elastic member will stiffen the inner column.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The catheter includes an inner column and an outer elastic member. The inner column is bendable wherein the column strength and flexibility of the inner column are adjusted by axially tensioning the outer elastic member. The inner column comprises a helical spring, slotted or slit tube, or individual links that, when axially compressed by advancement forces or by tensioning an elastic outer sheath, assume a straight or other pre-determined geometry. The column strength and flexibility of the catheter may be adjusted during introduction of the catheter into a body lumen as necessitated by the conditions encountered, as well as made highly flexible when left in position.
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Citations
45 Claims
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1. A catheter comprising:
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an inner column having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen therebetween, wherein at least a portion of the column stiffens in response to axial tensioning; and an elastic member disposed coaxially over the inner column, said elastic member having a distal end coupled to the inner column and a proximal end adapted to be axially tensioned, wherein applying axial tension to the proximal end of the elastic member will stiffen the inner column. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for advancing a catheter through a body lumen, said method comprising:
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pushing the catheter from a proximal portion outside the body lumen to advance a distal portion through said lumen; and adjusting the stiffness of at least a portion of the catheter by axial tensioning an elastic member located coaxially over an inner column to selectively stiffen at least a portion of the inner column. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification