Steerable catheter using flat pull wires and having torque transfer layer made of braided flat wires

Abstract

A catheter assembly includes an inner liner made of flexible material and an outer layer having a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes at least one flat wire and a corresponding lumen through which the flat wire may travel. The steering mechanism may also include at least one pull ring to which the flat wires are attached. A layer of heat shrink material may encompass the outer layer. A braided wire assembly may also be provided in the outer layer, and may be formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires into a wire mesh. The overall cross-section of the catheter assembly is preferably substantially circular. A catheter shaft may include a plurality of segments of differing hardness characteristics. The outer layer typically comprises a melt processing polymer such that the catheter assembly may be laminated using heat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 647,313, filed 29 Dec. 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 800,373, filed 16 May 2006. The entire disclosures of these applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] a. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention pertains generally to catheters that are used in the human body. More particularly, the present invention is directed to steerable catheters using flat pull wires to reduce the overall outer dimension of the catheter and a torque transfer layer made of braided flat wires and configured to provide increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. [0004] b. Background Art [0005] Catheters are used for an ever-growing number of procedures. For example, catheters are used for diagnostic, therapeutic, and ablative proced...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023] A technical advantage of the present invention is that overall cross-section of the catheter may be reduced.

[0024] Another technical advantage of the present invention is that a steerable catheter using flat pull wires may be provided that enjoys greater flexibility.

[0025] Yet another technical advantage of the invention is it may utilize an improved braided wire assembly that provides for greater flexibility and control of a catheter.

[0026] A further technical advantage of the invention is that a method of manufacturing an improved steerable catheter is provided.

[0027] Yet another technical advantage of the invention is that a catheter shaft having greater flexibility and control may be utilized.

[0028] A further technical advantage of the invention is that a method of manufacturing an introducer with a lower profile outer diameter with improved steerability is provided.

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, since the path within the patient is often long and tortuous, steering forces must be transmitted over relatively great distances.

A thin-walled introducer, however, is more likely to collapse upon itself when a torque is applied at its proximal end.

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