US5003989A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Steerable dilation catheter
Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc
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Filing: 1990-07-10
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Granted: 1991-04-02
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Expires: 2010-07-10
Abstract
Abstract A guidewire or guiding element for vascular catheters, particularly balloon dilation catheters having an elongated core member with a tapered distal portion with a flexible length of interfitting links on the tapered distal portion. The individual links generally comprise a base with an aperture therein and a plurality of upwardly extending arms with the ends of the arms bent inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the flexible length to engage the base of an adjacent link. Improved flexibility and torquability are provided by the flexible length of interfitting links.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles S. Taylor
- 👤 Hilary J. Hampton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:06
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/09; A61M2025/09008; A61M2025/0915; A61M2025/09175
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A steerable dilatation catheter comprising: (a) a tubular body having an inner lumen extending therein for delivery of inflation fluid therethrough; (b) an inflatable balloon on a distal portion of the tubular body adjacent a distal end thereof and in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the tubular body; (c) a core member extending through the interior of the balloon and out the distal end thereof; and (d) a flexible length of interfitting links disposed about and secured to the portion of the core member extending out of the distal end of the balloon.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A steerable dilatation catheter comprising: (a) a tubular body having an inner lumen extending therein for delivery of inflation fluid therethrough; (b) an inflatable balloon on a distal portion of the tubular body adjacent a distal end thereof and in fluid communication with the inner lumen of the tubular body; (c) a core member extending through the interior of the balloon and out the distal end thereof; and (d) a flexible length of interfitting links disposed about and secured to the portion of the core member extending out of the distal end of the balloon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The steerable catheter of claim 1 wherein a core member tapers in the distal portion thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The steerable catheter of claim 1 wherein a rounded plug is formed at the distal tip of the flexible length of interfitting links.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The steerable catheter of claim 1 wherein the links are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, rhenium, stainless steel, nitinol, platinum, palladium, tungsten, and alloys thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The steerable catheter of claim 1 wherein the flexible length of interfitting links is covered by a flexible sheath.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The steerable catheter of claim 1 wherein the individual links have at least three arms extending perpendicularly from a base of the link.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
66 words
The steerable catheter of claim 1 wherein the links generally comprise a base having an aperture therein, a plurality of arms secured to the edge of the base with enlarged ends which form a socket, and a plurality of circular discs secured to the edge of the base, each of said discs being rotatedly disposed within a socket formed by the arms of an adjacent link.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The steerable catheter of claim 1 wherein the links have a base with an aperture and a plurality of arms which extend from the base and which have means to engage an adjacent link.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The steerable catheter of claim 8 wherein the arms which extend from the link bases have free ends which are folded inwardly to engage the base of an adjacent link.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The steerable catheter of claim 9 wherein the inwardly folded free end of the free ends have enlarged tips.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The steerable catheter of claim 1 wherein the core member extends through apertures provided in bases of the links.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
54 words
The steerable catheter of claim 11 wherein a shaping member having proximal and distal ends is secured by its proximal end to the core member, extends through the apertures of a plurality of links and is secured by its distal end to a plug at the distal end of the length of the links.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
The steerable catheter of claim 1 wherein means are provided to secure both ends of the flexible length of interfitting links to the core member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-04-01 | 1994-10-01 | 1995-04-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-04-01 | 1998-10-01 | 1999-04-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-04-01 | 2002-10-01 | 2003-04-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |