SPRING GUIDE WITH FLEXIBLE DISTAL TIP

• US 3,749,086 A
• Filed: 07/24/1972
• Issued: 07/31/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/1972
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Charles C. Roach, William M. Kline
• Original Assignee: Charles C. Roach, William M. Kline
• Inventors: Kline, William M., Roach, Charles C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Truluck, Dalton L.
• Application Number:
  US05/274,273
• Time in Patent Office: 372 Days
• Field of Search: 128/2M,2.5R,348,349R,35R,351,DIG.9,4-7,341
• US Class Current: 600/585
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/09083 having a coil around a core
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/09091 where a sheath surrounds the coil at the distal part
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/09033 with fixed mandrils, e.g. mandrils fixed to tip; Tensionable wires

Abstract

This invention is directed to a spring guide having an elongated helically wound spring body and a composite internal core constructed to enable the distal tip portion of the spring guide to flex readily without kinking while retaining its ability to return to its normally unflexed condition after having been flexed. The composite core comprises proximal and distal portions in which the distal portion may be relatively more flexible than the proximal portion and corresponds in length to the distal portion of the body spring. Preferably, the distal end portion of the composite core is formed as a helical spring coiled counter to that of the body spring.

Claims

1. A spring guide including an elongated body formed as a continuously wound helical spring, the helices of which are in contact with each other, and having a relatively long proximal portion and a relatively short distal tip portion;

a composite core extending the full length of said body and comprising a proximal portion formed from a straight wire and a distal extension formed as a continuously wound helical spring substantially coextensive in length with the distal tip portion of said body, and means for closing the proximal and distal ends of said body and for securing the proximal and distal ends of said composite core.

2. The spring guide of claim 1 in which the distal end of said proximal core wire is rounded.

3. The spring guide of claim 2 additionally including a safety wire extending through the full length of said body and having its proximAl and distal ends secured to the said proximal and distal end closures of said body.

4. The spring guide of claim 3 in which said safety wire passes exteriorly of said proximal core wire and interiorly of the distal extension thereof.

5. The spring guide of claim 2 in which the proximal end of said distal extension fits over the distal end of said proximal core wire and is affixed thereto proximally of the said rounded distal end thereof.

6. The spring guide of claim 1 in which the straight wire comprising the proximal portion of said composite core is replaced by a capillary tube.

7. The spring guide of claim 6 additionally including a safety wire extending along the axis of said composite core and having its proximal and distal ends secured to the said proximal and distal end closures of said body.

8. The spring guide of claim 7 in which the proximal end of said distal extension spring is affixed to the distal end of said capillary tube.

9. The spring guide of claim 1 in which said body is externally covered by an inert flexible plastic material firmly bonded thereto.

10. The spring guide of claim 6 in which said body is externally coated by an inert flexible plastic material firmly bonded thereto.