Abstract: A steerable catheter includes a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The tube includes a first tube section (sheath body section) the flexibility of which does not substantially change even upon receiving compression force in the axial direction; and a second tube section (deflection section) joined so as to be continuous with the distal end of the first tube section and constituted by a porous tube becoming hard upon being compressed according to the degree of the compression force acting in the axial direction and returning to being soft when the compression force is released. The tube includes operation means (wires) for releasably exerting a compression force compressing the second tube section in the axial direction and a deflection force deflecting the second tube section. According to some embodiments, both operability and insertability of the steerable catheter can be improved.

Abstract: A movable catheter is provided with a tube having a main lumen. The tube has a plurality of wire lumens and is provided with a wire. A substantial half on one end portion side thereof is inserted through the wire lumen, an intermediate part thereof is folded back in the distal end portion of the tube, and a substantial half on the other end portion side thereof is inserted through the wire lumen. The one end portion and the other end portion thereof are disposed on the proximal end side of the tube. Various embodiments enable the number of components to be reduced, and to reduce the number of manufacturing steps.

Abstract: A double-sided engaging element for a slide fastener, comprising a central elevated portion elevated from a coupling base surface; and a pair of right and left projecting portions formed to project from a body portion toward the central elevated portion and to be elevated from the coupling base surface, wherein a central elevated portion of a mating element is detachably coupled in a dent surrounded by the central elevated portion, the right and left projecting portions and a stepped surface. A dimension (T0) between inside elevation startup edges of the right and left projecting portions is set smaller than a dimension (R0) between right and left elevation startup edges of the central elevated portion, and a first missing portion is formed on an outside corner of an end portion of each of the right and left projecting portions opposing the central elevated portion.

Abstract: A double-sided engaging element for a slide fastener, comprising a central elevated portion elevated from a coupling base surface; and a pair of right and left projecting portions formed to project from a body portion toward the central elevated portion and to be elevated from the coupling base surface, wherein a central elevated portion of a mating element is detachably coupled in a dent surrounded by the central elevated portion, the right and left projecting portions and a stepped surface. A dimension (T0) between inside elevation startup edges of the right and left projecting portions is set smaller than a dimension (R0) between right and left elevation startup edges of the central elevated portion, and a first missing portion is formed on an outside corner of an end portion of each of the right and left projecting portions opposing the central elevated portion.