Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080208128 | Peelable Atraumatic Tip and Body For a Catheter or Sheath - A splittable/peelable tubular body ( | 08-28-2008 |
20080234661 | Catheter employing shape memory alloy shaping wire or pull wire and method of its manufacture - An electrophysiology catheter includes an elongate catheter body having a distal end and a proximal end, a catheter tip including at least one metallic catheter component, such as an electrode, thereon, and at least one internal catheter component joined to the at least one metallic catheter component. The at least one internal catheter component includes a shape memory alloy and a metal compound that is capable of both bonding with the shape memory alloy and being metallurgically joined to the at least one metallic catheter component as by brazing. The metal compound may be a coating on or a core within the shape memory alloy. Suitable metal compounds include, without limitation, nickel, copper, brass, and combinations thereof. | 09-25-2008 |
20080275428 | OPTIC-BASED CONTACT SENSING ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM - The invention relates to an optic-based sensing assembly and a system incorporating the assembly and related use of the assembly. In particular, the invention relates to an optic-based catheter assembly and related system used to determine contact between a catheter and surrounding proximate environment, such as tissue. An embodiment of such a system may, for example, be used for visualization, mapping, ablation, or other methods of diagnosis and treatment of tissue and/or surrounding areas. | 11-06-2008 |
20090024110 | CATHETER AND INTRODUCER CATHETER HAVING TORQUE TRANSFER LAYER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - The instant invention relates generally to catheters and to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter catheters and introducer catheters having a torque transfer layer that includes at least two flat wires braided into a wire mesh. The flat wires have a width of at least about 0.007 inches and a depth of at least about 0.003 inches. The lumen diameter of the catheter is at least about 6 French. The torque transfer layer provides increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. | 01-22-2009 |
20090043285 | Braided Peelable Sheath - The present invention is a splitable/peelable reinforced flexible tubular body ( | 02-12-2009 |
20090105640 | Fixed Dimensional and Bi-Directional Steerable Catheter Control Handle - An apparatus for imparting a tensile force to deflect a distal portion of a catheter while maintaining its exterior dimensions may include a handle grip including a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and a longitudinal axis. A flexible elongate member may include proximal and distal end portions, with the proximal end portion being coupled to the handle grip. An adjustment knob may include a cross-section of generally predetermined exterior dimensions, and is rotatably coupled to the handle grip around the longitudinal axis. An elongate deflection member may be operably coupled to the adjustment knob and to the distal end portion of the elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knob may impart a tensile force to the deflection member thereby causing the distal end portion of the elongate member to deflect from a prior configuration while maintaining the generally predetermined exterior dimensions of the handle grip and the adjustment knob. | 04-23-2009 |
20090165881 | CATHETER SHAFT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly generally includes providing a catheter shaft having an outer layer and an inner reinforcing layer; removing at least a portion of the outer layer from a length of the distal end of the catheter shaft in order to expose a distal segment thereof; providing an inner jacket segment; axially engaging the inner jacket segment with an interior surface of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; providing an outer jacket segment around at least the exposed exterior region of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; and bonding the distal segment of the catheter shaft to the inner jacket segment and the outer jacket segment. | 07-02-2009 |
20090166913 | Catheter Shaft and Method of its Manufacture - A method of manufacturing a catheter shaft includes the steps of forming an inner layer of a first polymeric material, forming a plait matrix layer including a second polymeric material about the inner layer, and forming an outer layer of a third polymeric material about the plait matrix layer. The plait matrix layer includes a braided wire mesh partially or fully embedded within the second polymeric material, which is different from at least one of the first polymeric material forming the inner layer and the third polymeric material forming the outer layer. The second polymeric material has a higher yield strain and/or a lower hardness than at least the first polymeric material, and preferably both the first and the third polymeric materials. The first polymeric material and the third polymeric material may be different or the same. The catheter shaft may be formed by stepwise extrusion, co-extrusion, and/or reflow processes. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171272 | DEFLECTABLE SHEATH AND CATHETER ASSEMBLY - The present invention relates to deflectable access sheath assembly. The present invention relates to deflectable sheaths and catheters, including a deflectable sheath access device or introducer, wherein the deflection and movement of the sheath access device is controlled through the relative movement of a plurality of sheaths with respect to one another. Moreover, the present invention relates to catheter assemblies designed for increased flexibility. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171319 | Catheter Shaft with Multiple Reinforcing Layers and Method of its Manufacture - A catheter shaft includes an inner layer of a first polymeric material, an intermediate layer of a second polymeric material, an outer layer of a third polymeric material, a first wire reinforcing layer encapsulated between the inner and intermediate layers, and a second wire reinforcing layer encapsulated between the outer and intermediate layers. Typically, the first wire reinforcing layer includes one or more metallic wires helically wound in one direction and the second wire reinforcing layer includes one or more metallic wires helically wound in the opposite direction. The intermediate layer is bonded to the inner and outer layers, as by extruding layers over one another or by thermal lamination or reflow bonding. Typically, the intermediate layer has a larger yield strain and/or a lower flexural modulus and/or a lower durometer than at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171348 | DEFLECTABLE CATHETER WITH DISTAL DEFLECTABLE SEGMENT - A guidable, or steerable, or deflectable catheter is provided that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion for insertion into a body cavity. A selectively deflectable segment having an anisotropic bending stiffness for deflection in individual planes is incorporated into the distal portion of the catheter shaft. Upon actuation of pull wires, the distal deflectable segment may be deflected to move/sweep the distal catheter tip through a sweeping plane. The anisotropic bending stiffness of the distal deflectable segment permits in-plane movement of the distal catheter tip in the sweeping plane while resisting any out-of-plane movements. In one arrangement, stiffening elements are selectively disposed within the distal deflectable segment such that the out-of-plane bending stiffness is largely increased and greater than the in-plane bending stiffness for deflection in the sweeping plane. In another arrangement, the cross section of a distal deflectable segment is altered to produce anisotropic area inertias of moment about its centroidal axes, and thus anisotropic bending stiffnesses. | 07-02-2009 |
20100168270 | BIOCOMPATIBLE POLYCARBONATE AND RADIOPAQUE POLYMER COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING MEDICAL DEVICES WITH SAME - The invention relates to biocompatible polycarbonate/polyamide polymer compositions for use in medical and surgical devices. Additional additives, crosslinking agents, phosphites, and optionally a radiopaque filler or fillers can be used to produce the high performance compositions desired. The polymer compositions have improved melt processability along with balanced or enhanced physical and mechanical properties, especially when combined or over-extruded onto or covering other polymer layers, such as soft and/or flexible layers commonly used in medical device applications and catheter tips, for example. The ability to incorporate radiopaque compounds into these polymer compositions during melt processing offers improved methods for monitoring and visualizing medical devices when used inside the body and as well as improving the operating characteristics of the medical device components | 07-01-2010 |
20100168647 | NON-CONTACT ELECTRODE BASKET CATHETERS WITH IRRIGATION - Catheter systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary catheter includes an outer tubing housing and an inner fluid delivery tubing, the inner fluid delivery tubing having at least one fluid delivery port. The catheter also includes a deployment member movable axially within the inner fluid delivery tubing. A plurality of splines are each connected at a proximal end to the outer tubing and at a distal end to deployment member. A seal is provided between the outer tubing and the inner fluid delivery tubing. A gasket is provided between the deployment member and the inner fluid delivery tubing. Both the seal and the gasket are configured to prevent blood or other fluid from ingressing into the outer tubing. | 07-01-2010 |
20100249568 | MEDICAL DEVICES HAVING AN ATRAUMATIC DISTAL TIP SEGMENT - A kit for the diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body cavity includes an introducer and a catheter insertable through the lumen of the introducer having a proximal segment, a working segment and a flexible distal tip segment. The flexible distal tip segment is located adjacent the distal end of the working segment and includes a proximal end, a distal end and a pre-formed bend or curve that permits the catheter to exit the introducer in a lateral direction relative to the introducer body to prevent inadvertent damage to the tissue during a medical procedure. All or part of the working segment and the flexible distal tip segment may be adhesive-filled. The catheter may also include a plurality of sensing and/or energy delivery elements on the working segment and a shape-memory wire terminating at the distal end of the working segment. Methods of use and methods of manufacturing are also described. | 09-30-2010 |
20100314031 | Steerable Catheter Using Flat Pull Wires and Having Torque Transfer Layer Made of Braided Flat Wires - 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. | 12-16-2010 |
20110092911 | Splittable cannula having radiopaque marker - A splittable cannula includes a radiopaque marker placed at or near the distal end of the cannula. The radiopaque marker may be a unitary piece, or may consist of several portions. The cannula may include a sheath or catheter body with a grooved score line running along a portion of the sheath body and a radiopaque marker located at a distal end of the body and abutting the body. The radiopaque marker may be located within the lumen of the sheath, may be embedded in the sheath wall, or may be affixed to the external sheath wall. The radiopaque marker may be scored, notched, grooved, or contain apertures longitudinally. The notches, grooves, apertures, and/or score lines in both the sheath or catheter body and the radiopaque marker serve to provide a weakened tear path. An electrode lead may be coupled with the radiopaque marker. | 04-21-2011 |
20110154640 | CATHETER AND INTRODUCER CATHETER HAVING TORQUE TRANSFER LAYER AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - The instant invention relates generally to catheters and to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter catheters and introducer catheters having a torque transfer layer that includes at least two flat wires braided into a wire mesh. The flat wires have a width of at least about 0.007 inches and a depth of at least about 0.003 inches. The lumen diameter of the catheter is at least about 6 French. The torque transfer layer provides increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. | 06-30-2011 |
20110270046 | Optic-based contact sensing assembly and system - A contact sensing assembly including a catheter and an electrode including a tip portion and a base portion, and a generally central axis, with the electrode being connected to a distal end of the catheter. Optical sensor(s) may be provided for emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being transverse to the central axis. Optical interference member(s) may be provided for interfering with the optical signal. A method for sensing contact force exerted by an electrode on a tissue includes directing an optical signal along a portion of a catheter, emitting and/or receiving an optical signal, with a part of the optical signal being at a predetermined angle relative to the central axis, and sensing changes in intensity of the optical signal based on displacement associated with the electrode tip portion based on the contact force exerted by the electrode on the tissue. | 11-03-2011 |
20130197481 | Catheter Shaft and Method of Its Manufacture - A method of manufacturing a catheter shaft includes the steps of forming an inner layer of a first polymeric material, forming a plait matrix layer including a second polymeric material about the inner layer, and forming an outer layer of a third polymeric material about the plait matrix layer. The plait matrix layer includes a braided wire mesh partially or fully embedded within the second polymeric material, which is different from at least one of the first polymeric material forming the inner layer and the third polymeric material forming the outer layer. The second polymeric material has a higher yield strain and/or a lower hardness than at least the first polymeric material, and preferably both the first and the third polymeric materials. The first polymeric material and the third polymeric material may be different or the same. The catheter shaft may be formed by stepwise extrusion, co-extrusion, and/or reflow processes. | 08-01-2013 |
20130300036 | Steerable catheter and methods of making the same - The present invention is a method of manufacturing a flexible tubular body for catheter, sheath or similar medical device. The method comprises pre-extruding an inner layer of the body from a thermoplastic polymer and then pulling the inner layer over a mandrel and tightening the layer down. If wire lumens were not integrally formed in the inner layer when pre-extruded, then two polymer spaghetti tubes, each with wire lumens, are laid 180 degrees apart axially along the outer surface of the inner layer. Deflection wires are then fed into the wire lumens. A cylindrical wire braid is woven or pulled over the inner layer (and the spaghetti tubes, as the case may be) and tightened down. The aforementioned components are then encased in an outer polymer layer. A heat-shrinkable tube is then placed over the outer layer. A pressurized fluid is injected into each wire lumen to maintain the internal diameter of each wire lumen at a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the deflection wire received in each wire lumen. Heat is then applied to the body and heat-shrinkable tube to cause the layers to laminate together. Once the newly laminated body has sufficiently cooled, the heat-shrinkable tube is removed from the body. | 11-14-2013 |
20130338467 | Electrode catheter device with indifferent electrode for direct current tissue therapies - An electrode catheter device with indifferent electrode for direct current tissue therapies is disclosed. An example of the catheter device has a flexible tubing with at least one ablation electrode. The catheter device also may also be used with a sheath for introducing the flexible tubing inside a patient's body. An indifferent electrode on the sheath can provide a ground for a direct current (DC) pulse to deliver electrical energy and create an electrical field adjacent a tissue. Various other embodiments are also disclosed. | 12-19-2013 |
20140094688 | Optic-based contact sensing assembly and system - The invention relates to an optic-based sensing assembly and a system incorporating the assembly and related use of the assembly. In particular, the invention relates to an optic-based catheter assembly and related system used to determine contact between a catheter and surrounding proximate environment, such as tissue. An embodiment of such a system may, for example, be used for visualization, mapping, ablation, or other methods of diagnosis and treatment of tissue and/or surrounding areas. | 04-03-2014 |
20140157570 | Catheter and introducer catheter having torque transfer layer and method of manufacture - The instant invention relates generally to catheters and to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter catheters and introducer catheters having a torque transfer layer that includes at least two flat wires braided into a wire mesh. The flat wires have a width of at least about 0.007 inches and a depth of at least about 0.003 inches. The lumen diameter of the catheter is at least about 6 French. The torque transfer layer provides increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. | 06-12-2014 |
20140157573 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A PEELABLE ATRAUMATIC TIP AND BODY FOR A CATHETER OR SHEATH - A method of manufacturing a splittable/peelable tubular body of a catheter or sheath wherein the tubular body has a splittable/peelable atraumatic tip is disclosed. The atraumatic tip is generally softer than the tubular body. The tubular body and atraumatic tip each comprise a peel mechanism longitudinally extending along their respective lengths. The peel mechanisms are formed by longitudinally extending regions of interfacial bonding between first and second longitudinally extending strips of polymer material. Each strip forms at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the tubular body and atraumatic tip. A region of stress concentration extends along the region of interfacial bonding. The stress concentration facilitates the splitting of the tubular body and atraumatic tip along their respective peel mechanisms. | 06-12-2014 |
20140243796 | Catheter shaft and method of manufacture - A method of manufacturing a catheter assembly generally includes providing a catheter shaft having an outer layer and an inner reinforcing layer; removing at least a portion of the outer layer from a length of the distal end of the catheter shaft in order to expose a distal segment thereof; providing an inner jacket segment; axially engaging the inner jacket segment with an interior surface of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; providing an outer jacket segment around at least the exposed exterior region of the distal segment of the catheter shaft; and bonding the distal segment of the catheter shaft to the inner jacket segment and the outer jacket segment. | 08-28-2014 |
20140303599 | Steerable Catheter Using Flat Pull Wires and Having Torque Transfer Layer Made of Braided Flat Wires - 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. | 10-09-2014 |
20140364802 | Auto lock for catheter handle - The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator. | 12-11-2014 |