US5318525A — Steerable electrode catheter

Claim 1

Independent Claim 105 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is deflectable; means extending from the proximal end to the distal end for deflecting a distal portion of the shaft about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumen and attached to the distal end of the shaft; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the distal portion of the shaft about its longitudinal axis without deflecting the proximal portion of the shaft about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 105 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is deflectable; means extending from the proximal end to the distal end for deflecting a distal portion of the shaft about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumen and attached to the distal end of the shaft; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the distal portion of the shaft about its longitudinal axis without deflecting the proximal portion of the shaft about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 31 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 1, further comprising at least one electrode at the distal end of the shaft, and means for connecting the electrode to an external radiofrequency generator.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 40 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 2, further comprising at least one additional electrode disposed on the shaft and located proximally of the electrode disposed at the distal end, and means for connecting the additional electrode to external monitoring equipment.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 63 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 1, wherein the means for deflecting the distal portion comprises at least three pull wires which are attached to radially offset locations at the distal end of the deflectable portion of the shaft, and means at the proximal end of the shaft for selectively applying tension to the pull wires to cause deflection of the deflectable portion.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 53 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 4, wherein the distal portion of the shaft includes at least three radially offset lumens, and wherein the pull wires are disposed in the central lumen of the catheter shaft over a proximal portion thereof and disposed in the radially offset lumens over the distal portion thereof.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 46 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 4, wherein the means for selectively applying tension comprises a shapeable handle, the shapeable handle including a proximal handle end and a distal handle end, the pull wires passing through the shapeable handle and terminating at the proximal handle end.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 40 words

The steerable catheter as in claim 6 wherein the shapeable handle is constructed to assume a smoothly curved shape between its distal and proximal handle ends when said proximal handle end is deflected laterally relative to the distal handle end.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 33 words

The steerable catheter as in claim 7 wherein the shapeable handle includes means for maintaining said smoothly curved shape until said proximal handle end is redeflected by a force external of said handle.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 107 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is deflectable; means extending from the proximal end to the distal end for deflecting a distal portion of the shaft about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumen and attached to the distal end of the shaft, the core wire being tapered to have a reduced diameter in the distal direction; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the distal portion of the shaft about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 107 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is deflectable; means extending from the proximal end to the distal end for deflecting a distal portion of the shaft about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumen and attached to the distal end of the shaft, the core wire being tapered to have a reduced diameter in the distal direction; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the distal portion of the shaft about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 117 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is deflectable; means extending from the proximal end to the distal end for deflecting a distal portion of the shaft about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumen and attached to the distal end of the shaft; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the distal portion of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, the means for applying torque including a torquer ring rotatably mounted at the proximal end of the shaft and coupled to the core wire.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 117 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is deflectable; means extending from the proximal end to the distal end for deflecting a distal portion of the shaft about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumen and attached to the distal end of the shaft; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the distal portion of the shaft about its longitudinal axis, the means for applying torque including a torquer ring rotatably mounted at the proximal end of the shaft and coupled to the core wire.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 143 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a resilient and deflectable spring tube having a longitudinal lumen therethrough disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip, said spring tube extending from a point near the distal end of the deflectable tip and terminating near the proximal end of the deflectable tip; at least three pull wires attached to radially offset locations at the distal end of the deflectable tip; and means at the proximal end of the shaft for selectively applying tension to the pull wires for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 143 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a resilient and deflectable spring tube having a longitudinal lumen therethrough disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip, said spring tube extending from a point near the distal end of the deflectable tip and terminating near the proximal end of the deflectable tip; at least three pull wires attached to radially offset locations at the distal end of the deflectable tip; and means at the proximal end of the shaft for selectively applying tension to the pull wires for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 32 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 11, further comprising at least one electrode at the distal end of the deflectable tip, and means for connecting the electrode to an external radiofrequency generator.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 41 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 12, further comprising at least one additional electrode disposed on the deflectable tip and located proximally of the electrode disposed at the distal end, and means for connecting the additional electrode to external monitoring equipment.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 43 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 11, wherein the deflectable tip includes at least three radially offset lumens, and wherein the pull wires are disposed in the central lumen of the catheter and disposed in the radially offset lumen in the deflectable tip.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 18 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 11, wherein the means for selectively applying tension comprises a shapable handle.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 25 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 11, wherein the catheter shaft comprises a polymeric tube having a durometer in the range from 45D to 95D.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 19 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 16, wherein the catheter shaft is reinforced with a braid or coil layer.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 21 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 11, wherein the deflectable tip has a durometer in the range from 20A to 65D.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 149 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a resilient and deflectable spring tube having a longitudinal lumen therethrough disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip, said spring tube extending from a point near the distal end of the deflectable tip and terminating near the proximal end of the deflectable tip, the spring tube including a polyimide cylinder which extends 1 cm to 3 cm into the central lumen of the catheter shaft; and means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 149 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a resilient and deflectable spring tube having a longitudinal lumen therethrough disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip, said spring tube extending from a point near the distal end of the deflectable tip and terminating near the proximal end of the deflectable tip, the spring tube including a polyimide cylinder which extends 1 cm to 3 cm into the central lumen of the catheter shaft; and means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 152 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a spring tube disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip; means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumens of the catheter shaft and deflectable tip and attached to the distal end of the tip; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the deflectable tip about its longitudinal axis without deflecting the proximal portion of the catheter shaft about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 152 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a spring tube disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip; means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumens of the catheter shaft and deflectable tip and attached to the distal end of the tip; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the deflectable tip about its longitudinal axis without deflecting the proximal portion of the catheter shaft about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 32 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 20, further comprising at least one electrode at the distal end of the deflectable tip, and means for connecting the electrode to an external radiofrequency generator.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 41 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 21, further comprising at least one additional electrode disposed on the deflectable tip and located proximally at the electrode disposed at the distal end, and means for connecting the additional electrode to external monitoring equipment.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 31 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 21 further comprising a temperature sensor at the distal end of the deflectable tip, and means for connecting the temperature sensor to temperature measurement equipment.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 60 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 20, wherein the means for deflecting the deflectable tip comprises at least three pull wires which are attached to radially offset locations at the distal end of the deflectable tip, and means at the proximal end of the shaft for selectively applying tension to the pull wires to cause deflection of the deflectable tip.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 44 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 24, wherein the deflectable tip includes at least three radially offset lumens, and wherein the pull wires are disposed in the central lumen of the catheter shaft and disposed in the radially offset lumens in the deflectable tip.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 18 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 24, wherein the means for selectively applying tension comprises a shapable handle.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 22 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 20, wherein the core wire is tapered to have a reduced diameter in the distal direction.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 32 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 20, wherein the means for applying torque comprises a torquer ring rotatably mounted at the proximal end of the shaft and coupled to the core wire.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 25 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 20, wherein the catheter shaft comprises a polymeric tube having a durometer in the range from 60D to 95D.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 19 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 20, wherein the catheter shaft is reinforced with a braid or coil layer.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 21 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 20, wherein the deflectable tip has a durometer in the range from 20A to 65D.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 161 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a spring tube disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip, the spring tube including a polyimide cylinder which extends 1 cm to 3 cm into the central lumen of the catheter shaft; means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumens of the catheter shaft and deflectable tip and attached to the distal end of the tip; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the deflectable tip about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 161 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a spring tube disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip, the spring tube including a polyimide cylinder which extends 1 cm to 3 cm into the central lumen of the catheter shaft; means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis; a core wire extending through the central lumens of the catheter shaft and deflectable tip and attached to the distal end of the tip; and means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the deflectable tip about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 141 words

A method for positioning an electrode within a heart chamber, said method comprising: percutaneously introducing the distal end of a catheter through the aorta to the heart chamber, wherein the electrode is disposed at the distal end of the catheter; deflecting the distal end of the catheter about a transverse axis by pulling on at least one pull wire attached to the distal end of the catheter to position the electrode near a target site on an interior wall of the heart chamber; and applying rotational torque to a proximal end of a core wire independent of said pull wire which extends through a central lumen of the catheter and is attached to the distal end of the catheter, whereby the distal end of the catheter is deflected about a longitudinal axis to further position the electrode near the target site.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 141 words

A method for positioning an electrode within a heart chamber, said method comprising: percutaneously introducing the distal end of a catheter through the aorta to the heart chamber, wherein the electrode is disposed at the distal end of the catheter; deflecting the distal end of the catheter about a transverse axis by pulling on at least one pull wire attached to the distal end of the catheter to position the electrode near a target site on an interior wall of the heart chamber; and applying rotational torque to a proximal end of a core wire independent of said pull wire which extends through a central lumen of the catheter and is attached to the distal end of the catheter, whereby the distal end of the catheter is deflected about a longitudinal axis to further position the electrode near the target site.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 18 words

A method as in claim 33, further comprising applying radiofrequency energy to the target location through the electrode.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 115 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a flexible distal tip section secured to the distal end of the shaft and having a central lumen coaxially aligned with the lumen of the shaft; means extending from the proximal end of the shaft to the distal tip section for deflecting the distal tip section about a transverse axis; an electrode disposed at the distal end of the distal tip; and a tapered core wire extending from the lumen of the catheter shaft, through the lumen of the distal tip section, and to the electrode, whereby uniform bending of the distal tip is enhanced.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 115 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a flexible distal tip section secured to the distal end of the shaft and having a central lumen coaxially aligned with the lumen of the shaft; means extending from the proximal end of the shaft to the distal tip section for deflecting the distal tip section about a transverse axis; an electrode disposed at the distal end of the distal tip; and a tapered core wire extending from the lumen of the catheter shaft, through the lumen of the distal tip section, and to the electrode, whereby uniform bending of the distal tip is enhanced.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 31 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 35, further comprising means for applying torque to a proximal end of the core wire to deflect the distal tip section about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 32 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 36, wherein the means for applying torque comprises a torquer ring rotatably mounted at the proximal end of the shaft and coupled to the core wire.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 63 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 35, wherein the means for deflecting the distal portion comprises at least three pull wires which are attached to radially offset locations at the distal end of the deflectable portion of the shaft, and means at the proximal end of the shaft for selectively applying tension to the pull wires to cause deflection of the deflectable portion.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 53 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 38, wherein the distal portion of the shaft includes at least three radially offset lumens, and wherein the pull wires are disposed in the central lumen of the catheter shaft over a proximal portion thereof and disposed in the radially offset lumens over the distal portion thereof.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 18 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 38, wherein the means for selectively applying tension comprises a shapable handle.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 140 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; an electrode at the distal end of the shaft; means extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft for deflecting a distal portion about a transverse axis, wherein said means includes at least three pull wires which are attached to radially offset locations at the distal end of the deflectable portion of the shaft, and means at the proximal end of the shaft for selectively applying tension to the pull wires to cause deflection of the deflectable portion; and an anchor plate secured between the distal end of the catheter shaft and the electrode, wherein said anchor plate receives the distal ends of the pull wires and is composed of an electrically and thermally insulating material.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 140 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; an electrode at the distal end of the shaft; means extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the shaft for deflecting a distal portion about a transverse axis, wherein said means includes at least three pull wires which are attached to radially offset locations at the distal end of the deflectable portion of the shaft, and means at the proximal end of the shaft for selectively applying tension to the pull wires to cause deflection of the deflectable portion; and an anchor plate secured between the distal end of the catheter shaft and the electrode, wherein said anchor plate receives the distal ends of the pull wires and is composed of an electrically and thermally insulating material.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 53 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 41, wherein the distal portion of the shaft includes at least three radially offset lumens, and wherein the pull wires are disposed in the central lumen of the catheter shaft over a proximal portion thereof and disposed in the radially offset lumens over the distal portion thereof.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 18 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 41, wherein the means for selectively applying tension comprises a shapable handle.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 25 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 41, further comprising a core wire extending through the central lumen of the shaft and attached at the electrode.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 40 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 44, further comprising means at the proximal end of the shaft for applying torque to the proximal end of the core wire to deflect the distal end of the shaft about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 178 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, the deflectable tip including at least three radially offset lumens, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a resilient spring tube disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip; and means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis, said means for deflecting comprising at least three pull wires which are attached to radially offset locations at the distal end of the deflectable tip, and means at the proximal end of the shaft for selectively applying tension to the pull wires to cause deflection of the deflectable tip, wherein the pull wires are disposed in the central lumen of the catheter and disposed in the radially offset lumen in the deflectable tip.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 178 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, the deflectable tip including at least three radially offset lumens, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a resilient spring tube disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip; and means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis, said means for deflecting comprising at least three pull wires which are attached to radially offset locations at the distal end of the deflectable tip, and means at the proximal end of the shaft for selectively applying tension to the pull wires to cause deflection of the deflectable tip, wherein the pull wires are disposed in the central lumen of the catheter and disposed in the radially offset lumen in the deflectable tip.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 18 words

A steerable catheter as in claim 46, wherein the means for selectively applying tension comprises a shapable handle.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 117 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a resilient spring tube disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip, the spring tube comprising a polyimide cylinder which extends 1 cm to 3 cm into the central lumen of the catheter shaft; and means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 117 words

A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween; a deflectable tip having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein the proximal end of the deflectable tip is secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft; a resilient spring tube disposed coaxially in the central lumen of the deflectable tip, the spring tube comprising a polyimide cylinder which extends 1 cm to 3 cm into the central lumen of the catheter shaft; and means extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the distal end of the deflectable tip for deflecting the tip about a transverse axis.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1997-06-06	1997-12-06	1998-06-07	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2001-06-06	2001-12-06	2002-06-07	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2005-06-06	2005-12-06	2006-06-07	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Steerable electrode catheter

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