Variable stiffness catheter
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A variable stiffness catheter comprising:
- an outer layer having a bore with an inner surface;
an inner layer disposed within the bore and being coaxial with the outer layer, the inner layer having an outer surface;
a first coil having a first helical axis coaxial with the inner layer and comprising a first wire wrapped around the first helical axis in a first plurality of turns disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface, the first coil being fixed in place relative to the outer layer and the inner layer; and
a second coil having a second helical axis coaxial with the inner layer, the second coil being comprising a second wire wrapped around the second helical axis in a second plurality of turns disposed between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and between turns of the first plurality of turns, the second coil being rotatable about the second helical axis relative to the outer layer, the inner layer, and the first coil.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A variable stiffness catheter having two concentric coils. A first coil is fixed with relation to the body of the catheter and a second coil is able to rotate in the space between adjacent turns of the first coil. The second coil translates axially in response to being rotated. When the second coil is advanced to its distal position, the stiffness is maximized. When the second coil is refracted proximally, the stiffness of the coil is reduced.
-
Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A variable stiffness catheter comprising:
-
an outer layer having a bore with an inner surface; an inner layer disposed within the bore and being coaxial with the outer layer, the inner layer having an outer surface; a first coil having a first helical axis coaxial with the inner layer and comprising a first wire wrapped around the first helical axis in a first plurality of turns disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface, the first coil being fixed in place relative to the outer layer and the inner layer; and a second coil having a second helical axis coaxial with the inner layer, the second coil being comprising a second wire wrapped around the second helical axis in a second plurality of turns disposed between the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and between turns of the first plurality of turns, the second coil being rotatable about the second helical axis relative to the outer layer, the inner layer, and the first coil. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A variable stiffness catheter comprising:
-
a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first coil disposed in the wall between the inner surface and the outer surface, the first coil being fixed in place relative to the wall; a helical channel disposed in the wall between the inner surface and the outer surface between adjacent turns of the first coil; and a second coil disposed in the helical channel, the second coil being movable within the helical channel. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
-
Specification