Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12343479-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
A neurovascular catheter is provided, such as for distal neurovascular access or aspiration. The catheter includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and a side wall defining a central lumen. The side wall includes a tubular inner liner, a tie layer separated from the central lumen by the inner liner, a helical coil at least partially overlapping the tie layer, and a tubular braid. A first section of adjacent windings of the helical coil can be spaced farther apart from each other than a second section of adjacent windings of the helical coil.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an enhanced-flexibility neurovascular catheter comprising an elongate flexible body defining a central lumen. Its side wall includes a tubular inner liner, a tie layer, a helical coil with distal adjacent windings spaced farther apart, and a tubular braid positioned at least partly proximal to the coil. An outer jacket overlapping the coil and braid comprises a soft distal section, intermediate graduated-durometer tubular segments, and a harder section.
The catheter body further features a regionally varying flexibility profile characterized by flexural load measured with a three-point flexural test. This profile exhibits a lower flexural load value at the distalmost end, an intermediate value across a transition region, and a higher value at the proximal end. The catheter is configured for routing through tortuous neurovascular anatomy, including an aortic arch and branch vessels.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims define two inventive features relating to structural layering and flexural performance.
Layered neurovascular catheter with graded outer jacket and distal coil spacing
The claim recites an elongate flexible body defining a central lumen, containing a tubular inner liner, a tie layer, a helical coil with distal adjacent windings spaced farther apart than more proximal adjacent windings, and a tubular braid located at least partly proximal to the coil. An outer jacket overlaps the coil and braid, comprising a soft distalmost section, a harder section, and intermediate tubular segments with durometers increasing in the proximal direction.
Catheter body with a regionally varying flexibility profile
The claim recites an elongate flexible body having a central lumen, a tubular inner liner, a tie layer, a helical coil, a tubular braid located at least partly proximal to the coil, and an outer jacket overlapping the coil and braid. The catheter body exhibits a regionally varying flexural-load profile, measured with a three-point flexural test, with a lower value at the distalmost end, an intermediate value across an intervening transition region, and a higher value at the proximal end.
The independent claims cover catheter configurations combining layered side-wall reinforcement with either differential coil winding and a graded-durometer outer jacket or a specified distal-to-proximal flexural-load gradient.
Stated Advantages
Enhanced flexibility.
Balances proximal backup support with distal trackability and kink resistance.
Optional axial filaments reinforce the distal region against tensile elongation.
Documented Applications
Neurovascular catheter navigation through tortuous neurovascular anatomy, including an aortic arch, branch vessels, and navigation to a vascular occlusion.
Aspiration catheter and catheter-access embodiments, including telescoping sections and expandable tips.
Vacuum aspiration system arrangements.
Interested in licensing this patent?