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:
Aug. 09, 2011
Filed:
May. 09, 2007
Christine P. Ventura, San Jose, CA (US);
Alfonso N. Pulido, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Stephen A. Leeflang, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Christian S. Eversull, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Christine P. Ventura, San Jose, CA (US);
Alfonso N. Pulido, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Stephen A. Leeflang, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Christian S. Eversull, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for providing access to a body lumen, e.g., to deliver a pacing lead within a patient's heart. 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. An elongate member extends from the distal end of the tubular member. An expandable sheath extends along at least a portion of the elongate 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 stylet or other shaped element is insertable into the elongate member for changing a shape of at least a distal tip of the elongate member, e.g., for accessing side branches extending from a body lumen, e.g., within a patient's coronary venous system.