Expandable dilator-catheter
First Claim
1. A dilator-catheter comprising an elongated expandable tube for insertion into a body cavity, said tube having distal and proximal ends wherein the length of said tube is such that said distal end is disposed within a body cavity and the proximal end is disposed outside said body, said tube having an exterior wall and an interior wall in spaced relationship to one another thereby forming an annular space therebetween, expandable retaining means disposed near said distal end of said tube, said retaining means being defined by a portion of said exterior wall having substantially opposing side walls connected by an annular ring, said retaining means being formed by the expansion of said portion of said exterior wall of said tube, and means for providing fluid to said annular space for expanding said tube and said retaining means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device capable of being used as both a dilator and catheter is presented. The dilator-catheter is comprised of an expandable housing having an interior wall and exterior wall with a space therebetween. A longitudinal cavity is provided through the housing, the cavity being defined by the interior wall. A preferably disc-shape retaining means is provided as an integral portion of the housing. The disc retainer is capable of greater relative expansion than the rest of the housing. Access means are also provided whereby any fluid, including air or liquid, may be delivered to the housing whereupon the entire housing will expand accordingly.
342 Citations
12 Claims
- 1. A dilator-catheter comprising an elongated expandable tube for insertion into a body cavity, said tube having distal and proximal ends wherein the length of said tube is such that said distal end is disposed within a body cavity and the proximal end is disposed outside said body, said tube having an exterior wall and an interior wall in spaced relationship to one another thereby forming an annular space therebetween, expandable retaining means disposed near said distal end of said tube, said retaining means being defined by a portion of said exterior wall having substantially opposing side walls connected by an annular ring, said retaining means being formed by the expansion of said portion of said exterior wall of said tube, and means for providing fluid to said annular space for expanding said tube and said retaining means.
Specification