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Publication Number
US-11617859-B2
Publication Date
2023-04-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
A bi-directional steerable catheter adapted for delivery into a patient's vasculature. The pull wires which are used to tension the deflectable segment of the steerable catheter are wound in parallel around the axis of the steerable catheter on opposite sides of the steerable catheter.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a steerable catheter having a tube with a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The tube includes a first segment proximate the distal end and a second segment extending proximally from the first segment toward the proximal end. A first pull wire and a second pull wire extend from the distal end to the proximal end, each disposed within a side lumen of the tube.
The first and second pull wires comprise first and second wound segments that are wound about a longitudinal axis of the tube in the second segment of the tube, with the first wound segment and the second wound segment dispersed circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. The wound segments are configured to reduce whipping when the tube is rotated around the longitudinal axis, and the first and second pull wires extend proximally from the wound segments in straight proximal segments that extend proximally on opposite sides of the tube.
A handle is fixed to the tube and includes means for selectively tensioning the first pull wire without tensioning the second pull wire, or tensioning the second pull wire without tensioning the first pull wire, to provide bidirectional steering of the deflectable segment. The disclosed system is further characterized by arranging wound pull wires on circumferentially opposite sides to balance off-axis forces and minimize pull-wire whipping during rotation, while maintaining stable deflection-curve geometry during rotation.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies one independent claim (clm-00001). Its inventive coverage includes three inventive features: wound pull-wire segments configured to reduce whipping during tube rotation; opposite-side straight proximal segments; and a handle that selectively tensions only one pull wire at a time to provide bidirectional steering.
Whipped-reduction wound pull-wire segments for rotating tube
A first pull wire and a second pull wire comprising first and second wound segments that are wound about a longitudinal axis of the tube in the second segment, the wound segments dispersed circumferentially about the longitudinal axis and configured to reduce whipping when the tube is rotated around the longitudinal axis.
Opposite-side straight proximal segments
The first pull wire extends proximally from the first wound segment in a straight proximal segment, and the second pull wire extends proximally from the second wound segment in a straight proximal segment, wherein the straight proximal segments extend proximally on opposite sides of the tube.
Selective single-pull-wire tensioning handle for bidirectional steering
A handle fixed to the tube comprising means for selectively tensioning the first pull wire without tensioning the second pull wire, or tensioning the second pull wire without tensioning the first pull wire, to provide bidirectional steering of the deflectable segment.
Overall, the independent claim covers a steerable catheter in which two pull wires include circumferentially dispersed wound segments configured to reduce whipping during tube rotation, the pull wires include straight proximal segments on opposite sides of the tube, and a handle provides bidirectional steering by selectively tensioning only one pull wire at a time.
Stated Advantages
Reduces pull-wire whipping when the tube is rotated around the longitudinal axis.
Maintains stable deflection-curve geometry during rotation.
Enables bidirectional steering of the deflectable segment by selectively tensioning one pull wire without tensioning the other.
Documented Applications
Use of the catheter in a curved vessel inside a patient's body, as indicated by configurations relating to the curve of a vessel and patient's body.
Clinical access routes are referenced in the description (e.g., femoral vein/artery, radial artery).
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