The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 12, 1996
Filed:
Apr. 17, 1995
Guided Medical Systems, Inc., Mountain View, CA (US);
Abstract
A catheter is provided with steering capability at its distal end by a tubular guiding member which protrudes from an opening at the distal end of the catheter and either changes shape or rotates about its longitudinal axis upon pressurization from the proximal end. In one means of actuation, the tubular member has one or more ports close to its distal end, which form laterally directed jets when the tubular member is pressurized within by fluid, the reaction force of the jets bending the tubular member in the desired direction or causing it to rotate. In another means of actuation, the tubular member either curves upon pressurization from an otherwise straight configuration upon pressurization, or straightens from an otherwise curved configuration. The tubular member can expand upon pressurization to seize the interior of the catheter body, rending both elements movable as a unit. Once the catheter is fully positioned, the tubular member can be withdrawn and replaced by functional devices or guidewires.