Steerable angioplasty device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A steerable guidewire for percutaneous transluminal insertion into the coronary vascular system and controlled negotiation of branches and turns therein, comprising:
- an axially elongate flexible housing having distal and proximate ends, said distal end being provided with a resilient tip;
a flexible steering region displaced intermediate said distal and proximate ends of said housing; and
at least one deflection wire for causing lateral deflection of said steering region upon axial displacement of said deflection wire along said housing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An elongate steerable implement is disclosed, which may be either a steerable guidewire or catheter for coronary angioplasty applications. A floppy steerable tip on a steering region at the distal end of the implement and a control device at the proximal end are connected by means of a plurality of axially movable deflection wires extending throughout the implement. Manipulation of the control permits deflection of the steering region throughout a full 360° range of motion about the axis of the implement, without axial rotation or "torquing" thereof.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A steerable guidewire for percutaneous transluminal insertion into the coronary vascular system and controlled negotiation of branches and turns therein, comprising:
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an axially elongate flexible housing having distal and proximate ends, said distal end being provided with a resilient tip; a flexible steering region displaced intermediate said distal and proximate ends of said housing; and at least one deflection wire for causing lateral deflection of said steering region upon axial displacement of said deflection wire along said housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A steering mechanism for a steerable guidewire having a flexible steering region, comprising:
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a steering post secured to said steering region in a manner that substantially prevents axial displacement thereof yet permits lateral deflection of the axis of said steering post away from the axis of said steerable guidewire; at least one deflection wire secured to said steering post; and a control device for axially displacing said deflection wires so as to laterally displace said steering post and said steering region. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of steering a guidewire of the type having at least one deflection wire for steering said guidewire and an elongate flexible shaft with a proximal and a distal end, said distal end being provided with a tip, through branches and turns in the coronary vascular system, comprising:
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introducing said guidewire into the coronary vascular system; advancing said guidewire through the coronary vascular system until a branch or a turn is encountered; steering said tip of said guidewire into said turn by axial displacement of said deflection wires and advancing said guidewire through said turn; straightening said guidewire by axial displacement of said deflection wire; and further advancing said guidewire through the coronary vascular system. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A steerable guidewire, comprising:
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an elongate flexible housing having a diameter less than 0.125 inches and having proximal and distal ends and a central lumen extending therebetween, the distal end of said housing being flexible in a lateral direction; and at least two deflection wires extending along the housing for causing lateral deflection of said distal end of said housing. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. A steerable device for controlled negotiation through branches and turns, comprising:
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an axially elongate body having distal and proximal ends and a central lumen therebetween; a flexible steering region disposed intermediate said distal and proximal ends of said body; a deflecting means within said central lumen; and at least one deflection wire secured to said deflecting means for causing deflection of said steering region upon axial displacement of said deflection wire. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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Specification