Microcatheter
First Claim
1. A catheter, comprising:
- an elongate flexible tubular body having proximal and distal ends, and at least one central lumen extending axially therethrough; and
a spiral cut tubular member within the tubular body, the spiral cut tubular member having at least one flexibility gradient zone, said flexibility gradient zone having a first flexibility at a proximal end thereof, a second flexibility at a distal end thereof, and a continuous change in flexibility along the length of the zone from the first flexibility to the second flexibility.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is an elongate flexible microcatheter, for diagnostic and or therapeutic applications. The microcatheter is provided with a small outside diameter and high degree of flexibility, to facilitate negotiation of small, tortuous vessels such as those encountered in intercranial catheterizations. The catheter is formed from a composite of a series of tubular elements, each extending axially for a different distance along the tubular body. A distal section on one or more of the tubular components is provided with a spiral cut, to modify the flexibility properties of the finished catheter. The catheter may also be provided with an inflatable balloon, and a valve to permit the use of a single lumen for both receiving a guidewire and for conveying inflation media.
120 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A catheter, comprising:
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an elongate flexible tubular body having proximal and distal ends, and at least one central lumen extending axially therethrough; and
a spiral cut tubular member within the tubular body, the spiral cut tubular member having at least one flexibility gradient zone, said flexibility gradient zone having a first flexibility at a proximal end thereof, a second flexibility at a distal end thereof, and a continuous change in flexibility along the length of the zone from the first flexibility to the second flexibility. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A catheter, comprising:
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an elongate flexible tubular body having proximal and distal ends, and at least one central lumen extending axially therethrough; and
a spiral cut tubular member within the tubular body, wherein the spiral cut tubular member has a first flexibility at a proximal end thereof, a second flexibility at a distal end thereof, and a continuous change in flexibility along the length of the spiral cut tubular member from the first flexibility to the second flexibility. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification