Methods and apparatus for an adjustable stiffness catheter

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for an endovascular catheter that can be inserted within tortuous body anatomies and then selectively stiffened and fixed in place. In a particular embodiment, this stiffness is reversible. The stiffness or a comparable mechanical characteristic of the catheter assembly may be adjusted to a relatively low value during insertion (so that it easily navigates a guide wire or the like), and then subsequently adjusted to a relatively high value in situ to keep the catheter assembly substantially fixed in place (i.e., during delivery of an interventional device).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 430,303 filed on Jan. 6, 2011, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Embodiments of the subject matter described herein generally relate to catheter systems, and more particularly relate to catheters of the type used in the context of tortuous anatomic features.BACKGROUND[0003]Catheters are useful in performing a wide range of medical procedures, such as diagnostic heart catheterization, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and various endocardial mapping and ablation procedures. It is often difficult, however, to selectively catheterize certain vessels of the human body due to the tortuous paths that the vessels follow. FIG. 1, for example, is a conceptual diagram useful in depicting the human aortic arch 100. As shown, the ascending aorta 110 rises from its origin at the aorti...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]FIGS. 2(a)-(d) depict various common aortic pathologies;

Problems solved by technology

It is often difficult, however, to selectively catheterize certain vessels of the human body due to the tortuous paths that the vessels follow. FIG. 1, for example, is a conceptual diagram useful in depicting the human aortic arch 100.

It is clear that navigation from the descending aorta 120, up over the arch, and then back to gain access to the right brachiocepalic artery 102 can be extremely difficult in such cases, particularly when the arteries are partially occluded with easily displaced and dislodged build-ups of plaque.

However, in order to move the stiff part of a catheter in place, the flexible section typically needs to be buried deep within the anatomy to get “purchase” and to hold position.

In many instances, the anatomy does not allow for deep purchase.

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