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Magnetically navigable telescoping catheter and method of navigating telescoping catheter

  • US 6,385,472 B1
  • Filed: 09/10/1999
  • Issued: 05/07/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/10/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of navigating the distal end of a catheter within the body into contact with specific body structures, the method comprising:

  • providing a magnetically navigable catheter comprising a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, an extension member having a proximal end and a distal end, the extension member being slidably mounted in the sheath so that the distal end portion of the extension member telescopes from the distal end of the sheath, the distal end portion of the extension member being relatively more flexible than the distal end of the sheath; and

    at least one magnet on the distal end portion of the extension member;

    introducing the distal end of the magnetically navigable catheter into the part of the body where the distal end will be used to contact the specific body structures;

    moving the distal end into contact with a body structure by applying an external magnetic field and selectively telescoping extension member relative to the sheath to bring the electrode on the distal end of the extension member into contact with the specific body structure.

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