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Sphincterotomy method and device having controlled bending and orientation

  • US 5,024,617 A
  • Filed: 03/03/1989
  • Issued: 06/18/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/03/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A medical sphincterotome, comprising:

  • an elongated multi-lumen tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and being sized to be received in an endoscopic lumen;

    a cutter having a cutting edge located along said distal end of said tubular member and oriented generally longitudinally with respect to said tubular member, wherein said cutting edge is movable in a cutting plane to cut a patient'"'"'s sphincter, said cutter being connected to a conductor disposed in a first longitudinal lumen in said tubular member;

    a second longitudinal lumen along the length of said tubular member for receiving reinforcing means; and

    reinforcing means disposed in said second longitudinal lumen for resisting movement of said cutting edge out of said cutting plane, said reinforcing means having a first cross-sectional moment of inertia with respect to a bending axis normal to said cutting plane, said reinforcing means further having a second cross-sectional moment of inertia with respect to a resisting axis lying along said cutting plane and generally perpendicular to said tubular member, wherein said second moment of inertia is greater than said first moment of inertia along said distal end to resist bending out of said cutting plane to provided controlled cutting of the patient'"'"'s sphincter along said cutting plane.

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