EP0339799B1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable shaped catheter system and method for catheterization
Assignee: Medtronic Vascular Inc
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Filing: 1989-03-30
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Granted: 1994-10-19
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Expires: 2009-03-30
Abstract
No abstract record available.
Inventors
- 👤 John T. Sylvanowicz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 07:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0021; A61M25/0041; A61M25/01; A61M25/09; A61M25/09016; A61M25/09025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A variable shaped catheter assembly suitable for use in angiographic procedures comprising: a flexible elongated catheter (10) having a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14), and a distal portion formed to a predetermined curved shaped (18,20) and a sheath (28); characterised by a flexible sheath (28) having an internal diameter which receives the catheter (10) and enables longitudinal movement of the catheter therein, the sheath (28) being shorter than the catheter (10) by an amount at least as great as the length of the curved distal portion of the catheter, the sheath having a degree of flexibility with respect to the catheter such that when the sheath is advanced over the curved portion (18,20) of the catheter (10), the distal portion of the catheter and the sheath together assumes a less curved configuration whereby the shape of the curve at the distal end of the catheter can be controlled by adjusting the longitudinal position of the sheath with respect to the catheter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
A catheter assembly according to claim 1 characterised in that the lumen in the catheter extends from its proximal to its distal end and is open at its distal end, and has a fitting (34) on the proximal end of the catheter in communication with the proximal end of the lumen for connection to a fluid instrumentality.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A catheter assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that said catheter has a Judkins left curve (18,20) formed in the distal portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A catheter assembly as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that the sheath (28) is approximately 5 to 30 centimeters shorter than the catheter (10).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
106 words
A catheter assembly according to any preceding claim characterised in that: the internal diameter of the sheath (28) is greater than the outer diameter of the catheter (10) thereby to define an annular space (36) extending along the length of the assembly; the distal tip (38) of the sheath being tapered to merge smoothly with and to contact the outer diameter of the catheter (10); at least one side hole (40) being formed at the distal portion of the sheath; and a fitting (30) at the proximal end of the sheath (28) in communication with the annular flow space (36) for connection to a fluid instrumentality.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A catheter assembly according to claim 5 characterised in that the catheter (10) extends through the fitting (30) and the fitting (30) has a gasket (32) adapted to contact and seal the periphery of the catheter (10).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A catheter assembly according to claim 6 characterised in that the seal is adjustable thereby to vary the degree with which the gasket seals against the catheter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
A catheter assembly according to claim 1 characterised in that the sheath (28) is dimensioned so that it contacts the outer surface of the catheter (10) in close sliding contact therewith.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A catheter assembly as defined in claim 8 characterised in that the sheath is formed from a low friction polymeric material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
A catheter assembly according to any preceding claim characterised in that the catheter is approximately 125 centimeters long and sheath is approximately 115 centimeters long.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A catheter assembly according to any preceding claim characterised in that the catheter is a cardiovascular catheter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
91 words
A catheter assembly according to claim 1 characterised in that the distal tip of the catheter (10) is tapered to merge smoothly with and contact the outer diameter of a guidewire when a guidewire is received in the lumen, the distal tip of the sheath (28) being tapered to merge smoothly with and contact the outer diameter of the catheter (10) whereby the assembly of the catheter and sheath may be inserted percutaneously into a blood vessel over the guidewire inserted into the blood vessel, said tapered portions forming self-dilating means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
A catheter assembly according to any preceding claim characterised in that the sheath (28) is formed from a material having a high degree of radiopacity.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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