Catheter

• US 5,019,040 A
• Filed: 08/31/1989
• Issued: 05/28/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Koshin International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Koshin Sangyo KK
• Inventors: Hirata, Shinichi, Itaoka, Toshinari
• Primary Examiner(s): Apley, Richard J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BROWNE, LYNNE HAMBLETON
• Application Number:
  US07/402,905
• Time in Patent Office: 635 Days
• Field of Search: 604/281, 604/95, 604/20, 606/7, 606/15
• US Class Current: 604/95.05
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0058 using shape-memory elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/04 Endoscopic instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/245 for removing obstructions in blood vessels or calculi
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/26 for producing a shock wave, e.g. laser lithotripsy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/22072 with an instrument channel, e.g. for replacing one instrument by the other in cannulas A61B17/3417
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0097 Cleaning probe surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/2216 Braided or helically wound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/306 using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3614 using optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0042 using a fluid, e.g. circulating
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0266 Shape memory materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/005 with embedded materials for reinforcement, e.g. wires, coils, braids
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0158 with magnetic or electrical means, e.g. by using piezo materials, electroactive polymers, magnetic materials or by heating of shape memory materials

Abstract

A catheter comprising a tubular structure having a channel extending through it. A connector is attached to one end of the structure, and adapted to be connected to an energy source. Energy guide fibers extend through the connector and are embedded in the tubular structure, and are adapted to be connected to the energy source. The connector has at least one inlet port connected to the channel. A shaped memory alloy is woven with certain portions of the energy guide fibers on one side of the tubular structure.

Claims

1. A catheter comprising a tubular structure having a channel extending through it, a connector attached to one end of the structure and adapted to be connected to an energy source, the connector having at least one inlet port connected to the channel, energy guide fibers extending through the connector and along the tubular structure and adapted to be connected to the energy source, and a plurality of strings woven with said energy guide fibers and embedded in said tubular structure, said strings having portions on one side of said tubular structure which are formed of a shape memory alloy.

2. The catheter of claim 1, wherein said tubular structure comprises a material which covers said fibers and which is made of a high molecular compound for deterring platelet coagulation.

3. The catheter of claim 1, wherein said portions of said strings of shape memory alloy are of different types of shape memory alloy.

4. The catheter of claim 1, wherein said tubular structure has said shape memory alloy portions adjacent its front end.

5. The catheter of claim 1, wherein said energy guide fibers are quartz fiber, and said energy source is a light laser acoustic energy source or any combinations of thereof.

6. The catheter of claim 5, wherein the front end of said tubular structure is provided with an optical sensor having an object lens.

7. The catheter of claim 1, wherein said woven energy guide fibers and said strings form a tube.