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:
Jan. 25, 2011
Filed:
Feb. 03, 2006
Christian S. Eversull, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Stephen A. Leeflang, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Nicholas J. Mourlas, Mountain View, CA (US);
Christine P. Ventura, San Jose, CA (US);
Christian S. Eversull, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Stephen A. Leeflang, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Nicholas J. Mourlas, Mountain View, CA (US);
Christine P. Ventura, San Jose, CA (US);
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for providing access to a body lumen. The apparatus includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion into a body lumen, and a lumen extending therebetween. A pushable stiffening member extends from the distal end of the tubular member. An expandable sheath extends along at least a portion of the stiffening member, the sheath being expandable from a contracted condition to facilitate insertion into a body lumen, and an enlarged condition wherein the sheath at least partially defines a lumen communicating with the tubular member lumen. A distal portion of the sheath is steerable, e.g., using a pull wire disposed within a lumen of the sheath or within the stiffening member. In addition or alternatively, the stiffening member may be biased to a predetermined shape to facilitate introduction.