Deflectable variable radius catheters

Abstract

The invention provides a deflectable catheter capable of forming many variable radius spiral forms from a single, flexible, distal end section. In one aspect, the catheter employs a variable radius control wire to extend or deform a pre-formed loop structure into a three dimensional spiral-like form or geometry. The ability of a single catheter to create the multitude of shapes and sizes possible allows users to access a greater number of anatomical areas without changing the catheter during a procedure or treatment. In another aspect, the invention encompasses methods of producing deflectable variable radius catheters, where two or more regions of the catheter having common control wires are fused or formed onto one another.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims full priority benefit of prior U.S. Provisional application 60 / 800,851, filed May 17, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to catheters with improved deflectable and / or control characteristics, methods of using the catheters, and methods of producing them. In one aspect, for example, the invention encompasses a catheter design that allows a desired loop or partial loop to be formed at a distal end and the loop to be further controlled, for example, by contracting or extending into a spiral form or into a variable size and length, and also to be controlled in bilateral movement left to right without the bilateral movement affecting the contracting or extending, or vice versa. Thus, the invention provides improved control over the motion of the catheter. The catheter can also replace the use of multiple catheters having different distal end loop si...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] It is desirable to be able to direct catheter tips or distal sections of catheters in a variety of directions to accommodate numerous surgical procedures and anatomical features. In one aspect, the invention provides a deflectable catheter capable of forming one of many variable radius, spiral forms from a flexible distal end section. In one embodiment, the catheter employs a variable radius control wire to extend, contract, or deform a pre-formed loop structure, as

Problems solved by technology

There are several known deficiencies with the use of existing steerable catheters.

For example, the control in the direction of deflection is limited, and both the sur

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