Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active handle assembly for use in a bidirectional steerable surgical instrument having a deflectable distal end. Typically, the surgical instrument includes a handle component which the user manipulates to cause a distal end of the instrument to deflect. The distal end comprises an end tip portion of a shaft which extends outwardly from the handle. A control mechanism is disposed within the handle and extends through the shaft for selectively controlling the direction and degree of deflection at the distal end. For example, one exemplary control mechanism uses control or steering wires to deflect the distal end. The active counterforce mechanism according to the present invention is designed to be used in combination with the control mechanism and provides a force which counters the return to center force generated by the deflection of the shaft at the distal end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active handle assembly for use in a bidirectional steerable surgical instrument having a deflectable distal end. Typically, the surgical instrument includes a handle component which the user manipulates to cause a distal end of the instrument to deflect. The distal end comprises an end tip portion of a shaft which extends outwardly from the handle. A control mechanism is disposed within the handle and extends through the shaft for selectively controlling the direction and degree of deflection at the distal end. For example, one exemplary control mechanism uses control or steering wires to deflect the distal end. The active counterforce mechanism according to the present invention is designed to be used in combination with the control mechanism and provides a force which counters the return to center force generated by the deflection of the shaft at the distal end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active handle assembly for use in a bidirectional steerable surgical instrument having a deflectable distal end. Typically, the surgical instrument includes a handle component which the user manipulates to cause a distal end of the instrument to deflect. The distal end comprises an end tip portion of a shaft which extends outwardly from the handle. A control mechanism is disposed within the handle and extends through the shaft for selectively controlling the direction and degree of deflection at the distal end. For example, one exemplary control mechanism uses control or steering wires to deflect the distal end. The active counterforce mechanism according to the present invention is designed to be used in combination with the control mechanism and provides a force which counters the return to center force generated by the deflection of the shaft at the distal end thereof.

Abstract: A flexible, kink-resistant, low-friction guidewire for positioning a medical instrument through tortuous passageways within a patient is disclosed. The guidewire includes a core wire which remains substantially free of any residual strain when it is positioned within the patient, a metal coil about the core wire and extending substantially the entire length of the core, a primer coating on the coil and a hydrophilic, lubricous coating on the primer coating. The core wire is preferably a superelastic metal alloy such as Nitinol. The metal coil is preferably formed from a wire with a rectangular cross section. The primer is preferably one which reacts with species of isocyanate or hydroxyl, and the hydrophilic, lubricous coating is preferably a cross-linked polymer selected from the group of polyurethane, polyurea, and polyurethaneurea, complexed with a hydrophilic complexing species such as poly(ethylene oxide) or polyvinylpyrrolidone. A method for manufacturing and coating such a guidewire is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active handle assembly for use in a bidirectional steerable surgical instrument having a deflectable distal end. Typically, the surgical instrument includes a handle component which the user manipulates to cause a distal end of the instrument to deflect. The distal end comprises an end tip portion of a shaft which extends outwardly from the handle. A control mechanism is disposed within the handle and extends through the shaft for selectively controlling the direction and degree of deflection at the distal end. For example, one exemplary control mechanism uses control or steering wires to deflect the distal end. The active counterforce mechanism according to the present invention is designed to be used in combination with the control mechanism and provides a force which counters the return to center force generated by the deflection of the shaft at the distal end thereof.

Abstract: A flexible, kink-resistant, low-friction guidewire for positioning a medical instrument through tortuous passageways within a patient is disclosed. The guidewire includes a core wire which remains substantially free of any residual strain when it is positioned within the patient, a metal coil about the core wire and extending substantially the entire length of the core, a primer coating on the coil and a hydrophilic, lubricous coating on the primer coating. The core wire is preferably a superelastic metal alloy such as Nitinol. The metal coil is preferably formed from a wire with a rectangular cross section. The primer is preferably one which reacts with species of isocyanate or hydroxyl, and the hydrophilic, lubricous coating is preferably a cross- linked polymer selected from the group of polyurethane, polyurea, and polyurethaneurea, complexed with a hydrophilic complexing species such as poly(ethylene oxide) or polyvinylpyrrolidone. A method for manufacturing and coating such a guidewire is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible, kink-resistant, low-friction guidewire for positioning a medical instrument through tortuous passageways within a patient is disclosed. The guidewire includes a core wire which remains substantially free of any residual strain when it is positioned within the patient, a metal coil about the core wire and extending substantially the entire length of the core, a primer coating on the coil and a hydrophilic, lubricous coating on the primer coating. The core wire is preferably a superelastic metal alloy such as Nitinol. The metal coil is preferably formed from a wire with a rectangular cross section. The primer is preferably one which reacts with species of isocyanate or hydroxyl, and the hydrophilic, lubricous coating is preferably a cross-linked polymer selected from the group of polyurethane, polyurea, and polyurethaneurea, complexed with a hydrophilic complexing species such as poly(ethylene oxide) or polyvinylpyrrolidone. A method for manufacturing and coating such a guidewire is also disclosed.