Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
220 words
A catheter comprising: a catheter tube having: an open proximal end and an open distal end; first and second catheter tube portions, respectively having first and second outer diameters, said first and second catheter tube portions being positioned adjacent to each other with said first tube portion being positioned adjacent said distal end of said catheter tube, said first outer diameter of said first catheter tube portion being smaller than the second outer diameter of said second catheter tube portion; and at least one side opening in said first catheter tube portion, said at least one side opening being in communication with said open proximal end of said catheter tube; a hub portion communicating with said open proximal end of said catheter tube; a check valve coupled to said hub portion; and an expansion holder for holding open an inner diameter portion of an internal cavity of a tubular organ of a patient, said expansion holder comprising a shape memory alloy having a substantially cylindrical shape which radially expands and contracts with changes in temperature; said expansion holder covering at least a portion of said first catheter tube portion adjacent said at least one side opening; and said expansion holder when unexpended, having an outer diameter which does not exceed said second outer diameter of said second catheter tube portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
220 words
A catheter comprising: a catheter tube having: an open proximal end and an open distal end; first and second catheter tube portions, respectively having first and second outer diameters, said first and second catheter tube portions being positioned adjacent to each other with said first tube portion being positioned adjacent said distal end of said catheter tube, said first outer diameter of said first catheter tube portion being smaller than the second outer diameter of said second catheter tube portion; and at least one side opening in said first catheter tube portion, said at least one side opening being in communication with said open proximal end of said catheter tube; a hub portion communicating with said open proximal end of said catheter tube; a check valve coupled to said hub portion; and an expansion holder for holding open an inner diameter portion of an internal cavity of a tubular organ of a patient, said expansion holder comprising a shape memory alloy having a substantially cylindrical shape which radially expands and contracts with changes in temperature; said expansion holder covering at least a portion of said first catheter tube portion adjacent said at least one side opening; and said expansion holder when unexpended, having an outer diameter which does not exceed said second outer diameter of said second catheter tube portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A catheter according to claim 1, wherein at least one X-ray non-transmission marker is provided on said first catheter tube portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said hub includes at least one port.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A catheter according to claim 1, further comprising an end portion at said distal end of said catheter tube, said end portion having an outer diameter substantially equal to that of said second catheter tube portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said expansion holder has a helical shape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said expansion holder comprises a unidirectional shape memory alloy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A catheter according to claim 1, wherein said expansion holder comprises a bidirectional shape memory alloy.