Deformable and removable sheath for optical catheter

Abstract

Abstract A deformable sheath (S) for an optical catheter includes an elongated, deformable hollow body (12) having a normal predetermined shape which is compatible with its intended use in situ in a passageway in the patient. The body (12) has a distal end (14) and a proximate end (16) with a plurality of channels extending therebetween. An optical catheter (C) extends through one (28) of the channels in the body, having a distal end aligned with the distal end of the body and a proximate end extending outwardly beyond the proximate end of the body, the catheter assuming the normal shape of the body. A substantially rigid guide wire (W) is extendable through a second (20) of the channels to straighten the body during insertion of the sheath into a passageway within the patient. This guide wire (W) is removable from the body after insertion so that the body resumes its normal predetermined shape. The sheath can include a third channel for insertion of a laser fiber (30) for laser lithotripsy or an electrohydraulic probe to fracture stones. A lock coupler (22) is attached to the proximate end (16) of the body (12) for attachment to a fitting to properly align and connect the sheath and its catheter and other instruments with external instrumentation.

Inventors

• 👤 Edwin L. Adair

Bibliographic Details