Catheter instrument shaft assembly

Abstract

To provide a catheter assembly. [Solution] The catheter assembly includes a body and an elongated shaft extending distally from the body. The elongated shaft defines a lumen. The catheter assembly also includes an end effector extending distally from the elongated shaft and at least one actuator element extending through the lumen. The at least one actuator element is configured to apply a proximal force to at least one of the end effector or the elongated shaft. The catheter assembly further includes at least one flexible sleeve positioned around the at least one actuator element. The at least one flexible sleeve has a proximal end fixed against proximal movement relative to the body. The proximal end is located proximal to the elongated shaft.

Claims

1. A catheter assembly, (a) The main body and (b) A long, slender shaft extending distally from the main body, defining the lumen, (c) An end effector extending distally from the elongated shaft, (d) at least one actuator element extending through the lumen, wherein the at least one actuator element is configured to apply a proximal force to at least one of the end effector or the elongated shaft, (e) A catheter assembly comprising at least one flexible sleeve disposed around the at least one actuator element, the at least one flexible sleeve having a proximal end fixed against proximal movement relative to the body, the proximal end being proximal to the elongated shaft.

2. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an anchor block positioned within the main body, wherein the proximal end of the at least one flexible sleeve is fixed via the anchor block against proximal movement relative to the main body.

3. The catheter assembly according to claim 2, wherein the anchor block includes at least one distally facing surface, and the at least one flexible sleeve is seated in contact with the at least one distally facing surface.

4. The catheter assembly according to claim 3, wherein the anchor block comprises at least one bore having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion being narrower than the distal portion, and the at least one distal-facing surface comprising a substantially annular shoulder defined by the proximal portion and the distal portion of the bore.

5. The catheter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the at least one actuator element extends through the proximal and distal portions of the at least one bore.

6. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft includes an elongated catheter body and a deflectable intermediate section extending distally from the elongated catheter body.

7. The catheter assembly according to claim 6, wherein the at least one flexible sleeve is separated from the elongated catheter body along the length of the at least one flexible sleeve.

8. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft is capable of translating longitudinally with respect to the main body between a distally extended position and a proximal retracted position.

9. The catheter assembly according to claim 8, wherein the elongated shaft is elastically biased toward the distally extending position.

10. The catheter assembly according to claim 9, wherein the elongated shaft is elastically biased toward the distally extended position by a spring.

11. The catheter assembly according to claim 8, wherein the elongated shaft is fixed to the main body against rotation.

12. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator element includes at least one traction wire.

13. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible sleeve includes at least one coil.

14. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator element is configured to apply the proximal force to the end effector to contract the end effector.

15. The catheter assembly according to claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator element is configured to apply the proximal force to the elongated shaft, thereby deflecting at least the distal portion of the elongated shaft.

16. A catheter assembly, (a) The main body and (b) A long, slender shaft extending distally from the main body, defining the lumen, (c) An end effector extending distally from the elongated shaft, (d) at least one actuator element extending through the lumen, wherein the at least one actuator element is configured to apply a proximal force to at least one of the end effector or the elongated shaft, (e) comprising at least one flexible sleeve disposed around the at least one actuator element, A catheter assembly in which the elongated shaft is capable of translating longitudinally with respect to the main body between a distally extended position and a proximally retracted position.

17. The catheter assembly according to claim 16, further comprising a thread configured to translate longitudinally within a passage of the main body, wherein the elongated shaft is securely fixed to the thread.

18. The catheter assembly according to claim 17, wherein the thread is elastically biased in the longitudinal direction.

19. The catheter assembly according to claim 18, wherein the thread is elastically biased in the longitudinal direction by a spring.

20. A catheter assembly, (a) The main body and (b) A long, slender shaft extending distally from the main body, defining the lumen, (c) An end effector extending distally from the elongated shaft, (d) at least one actuator element extending through the lumen, wherein the at least one actuator element is configured to apply a proximal force to at least one of the end effector or the elongated shaft, (e) at least one flexible sleeve disposed around the at least one actuator element, having a proximal end, (f) An anchor block positioned within the main body, wherein the proximal end of at least one flexible sleeve is fixed via the anchor block against proximal movement relative to the main body, (g) A catheter assembly comprising a thread configured to translate longitudinally within a passage of the main body, wherein the elongated shaft is securely fixed to the thread.

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