Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises an outer catheter comprising a distal end curved portion having a first curved shape, and an inner catheter which comprises a distal end curved portion having a second curved shape different from the first curved shape and which can be inserted into the outer catheter so that the distal end curved portion thereof is located in the distal end curved portion of the outer catheter and be withdrawn therefrom. The distal end curved portion of the outer catheter is more flexible than the distal end curved portion of the inner catheter. A distal end portion of the catheter assembly, when the inner catheter is inserted in the outer catheter so that the distal end curved portion of the inner catheter is located in the distal end curved portion of the outer catheter, assumes a curved shape different from the first curved shape.

Abstract: A reinforced medical catheter (10) includes an elongated tubular outer wall reinforced by an internal helical coil spring (36). Successive loops of the coil spring adjoining the distal end are longitudinally separated, and a working lumen extends longitudinally through the catheter. A longitudinally extending reinforcing cable is captured in the tubular outer wall against the exterior of the coil spring. A steering cable operably interconnected with the distal end of the coil spring extends proximally from the distal end of the coil spring freely through the working lumen to the proximal end of the catheter. The reinforcing cable and the steering cable may constitute a continuous elongated filament. Withdrawing the steering cable proximally through the working lumen causes the distal tip of the catheter to be deflected laterally.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular body, a ring member, and at least one elongate member. The tubular body has a distal region. The ring member encircles at least a portion of the circumference of the tubular member. The one elongate member has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the elongate member being coupled to the distal region of the tubular body and the proximal end being attached to the ring member. Forming a loop in a distal end of a catheter includes pulling a ring that encircles at least a portion of the circumference of the catheter. The ring is attached to a proximal end of an elongate member, a distal end of the elongate member is attached to a distal end of the catheter, and the elongate member is positioned along the outside surface of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for inserting a catheter device into a subject, wherein the catheter insertion system generally comprises a flexible sleeve containing a catheter tube and advancing means for advancing the catheter contained within said system in a distal direction, wherein the flexible sleeve has a sealed proximal end and a distal end which may comprise a slender passage adapted to allow passage of said catheter tube therethrough while preventing backflow of fluid into the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: An injection catheter is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body comprising a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen therethrough. A tip section comprising a flexible tubing is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. The tip section has a needle passage extending therethough. The needle passage has a proximal region having a proximal diameter and a distal region having a distal diameter less than the proximal diameter. A needle control handle is provided at the proximal end of the catheter body. An injection needle extends through the tip section, catheter body, and needle control handle and has a proximal end attached to the needle control handle and a distal end within the needle passage. The injection needle is longitudinally slidable so that its distal end can extend beyond the distal end of the tip section upon suitable manipulation of the needle control handle.

Abstract: A catheter actuation handle is disclosed for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body including a first actuation wire extending from a proximal end of the body. The handle includes a grip portion for coupling to the proximal end of the body. A first actuator is moveably coupled to the grip portion. A first stationary gear rack is fixed relative to the grip portion. A first moveable gear rack is moveable relative to the grip portion and for coupling to the first actuation wire. A first pinion gear is coupled to the first actuator and located between, and engaged with, the first stationary gear rack and the first moveable gear rack.

Abstract: A catheter extrusion includes one or more extra steering wire lumens to route one or more steering wires that facilitate steering of a distal end in more than one plane. To make room in an extrusion, for extra steering wires, the extrusion may define a smaller operational lumen. Alternatively, a designer/manufacturer may increase the size of the extrusion from to facilitate one or more extra operational lumen(s). An existing Naviscope pistol grip assembly is modified to include a second plane steering wheel than transfers a pressing force on one or more buttons thereof into rotational motion that causes corresponding tension in respective one or more a steering wire(s) connected thereto. The additional steering wires are guided by existing steering guide wheels used for two-wire steering.

Abstract: Drive systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for performing medical procedures on a patient. The drive systems include various handle types and triggers for controlling catheters and end effectors. The various handle types include a flexible handle and ambidextrous handles that can alter the handedness of the handle for particularized use. The handles drive articulation sections of the catheter and end effectors with various degrees of freedom, and include locks for holding the catheter and/or end effector in place. The catheter systems include structures for allowing degrees of freedom, such as notches, mechanical interlocks, and articulation joints. In addition, the catheters articulate via cables or fluids.

Abstract: A catheter handle (10) includes a handle body (12) having a proximal end (14) and a distal end (16) with a receiving formation (18) being defined at the distal end (16) for receiving a catheter arrangement. A steering control mechanism (22) is carried by the handle body (12), a steering device of the catheter arrangement being connectable to the steering control mechanism (22). At least one introducer zone (24) is defined by a part of the handle body (12) and is in communication with the distal end (16) of the handle body (12). A shape forming element is able to be introduced, in use, via the introducer zone (24) into a lumen of a catheter of the catheter arrangement received by the receiving formation (18).

Abstract: A percutaneous delivery system with a high degree of flexibility is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a catheter having a portion comprising multiple segments, linked in series by at least one connecting wire. Joints between the multiple segments provide a high degree of flexibility. In some embodiments, only a distal portion is made up of segments. In other embodiments, the whole length of the catheter is made up of segments. Manipulation of the at least one connecting wire enables manipulation of the segments to flex a portion of the catheter. In one aspect, the invention provides a delivery system that reduces the impact of the delivery system on the final release position of the implant delivered. The delivery system can be used to deploy and/or retrieve implantable medical devices, for example, patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder.

Abstract: A robotic instrument system having an elongate sheath instrument and an elongate catheter instrument positioned within a working lumen of the sheath instrument is controlled by selectively operating an instrument driver coupled to the catheter instrument to place a control element extending through the catheter instrument in tension, and thereby articulate at least a distal end portion the catheter instrument, while automatically compensating for a torsional force exerted on the sheath instrument in a first direction due to articulation of the distal end portion of the catheter, by urging the sheath instrument to twist in a second direction opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: The advantages of this invention are provided by a surgical tool for repairing a damaged spinal disc of a patient comprising: a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; a guide wire contained within the catheter so that when the guide wire is pulled, the catheter will flex into a non linear shape allowing it to be steered once inserted in the patient; a heating element carried by the catheter, probe or heating member, and connected to a power source so that the heating element can be activated and provide heat to treat a disk; a grasping probe that extends from the catheter so that the grasping probe can be extended out of the catheter; and, a grasping member that can from the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: Methods of using a catheter involve providing a sheath comprising a proximal region, a deflection region, a distal-end region including a shapeable region, an anchor region defined between the deflection region and the shapeable region, and a longitudinal axis. The method also involves imparting a pre-established shape to the shapeable region. The method further involves applying axial force in a proximal direction at the anchor region so as to cause the deflection region to deflect relative to the longitudinal axis while the pre-established shape imparted to the shapeable region of the sheath is substantially maintained.

Abstract: An apparatus including an elongate body having a lumen extending therethrough and a steering wire, having a distal portion defining a non-circular cross-section, associated with the distal portion of the elongate body.

Abstract: An apparatus including an elongate body having a lumen extending therethrough and a steering wire associated with the distal portion of the elongate body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are elongate flexible medical devices which are capable of axial elongation through the mechanism of eversion or toposcopic expansion. In general, this may be accomplished by providing a flexible tubular device having a proximal end and a distal end. Retraction of the distal end in a proximal direction through the tubular body inverts the tube upon itself, causing an axial shortening of the overall length of the device. The original length of the device can be restored by coupling a pressurized media to the proximal end of the sleeve. If the distal end of the sleeve is temporarily restricted or closed, the pressurized media causes the distal end of the sleeve to travel distally until the full length of the sleeve has been restored.

Abstract: A system for arterial access for delivery of treatment devices is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a guidewire and a catheter. The catheter comprises a handle and a shaft. The shaft may be a steerable/deflectable tip shaft with a lumen adapted to allow passage of the guidewire at least partially there through. A passive sheath may also be provided to be delivered over the shaft. The handle controls the steerable/deflectable tip shaft and may be used to deflect the distal tip of the shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for manipulating an elongated flexible shaft of a catheter provide case and reliability of positioning electrodes against or near tissue. Dual-bend flexible distal tips (30) may be used in combination with flat wires. In some embodiments, flat wires which are free to rotate upon initial bending of shaft segments are employed. In some embodiments, one or more transition segments (48) are used to relocate the satellite lumen-to-main lumen transition of pull wires (42, 40) away from a change in shaft stiffness.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope includes an elongate flexible extrusion. A central lumen extends longitudinally through the center of the extrusion, and a plurality of other longitudinally extending lumens are spaced around the central lumen. An optical fiber disposed in the central lumen serves as a compression member and conveys light through the flexible endoscope. One or more pairs of optical fibers disposed around the central lumen convey light and serve as tension members. Applying a tension force to one of these optical fibers causes a distal tip of the flexible endoscope to bend in a first direction, while applying a tension force to the opposite optical fiber causes the distal tip to bend in an opposite direction. The second pair of optical fibers comprising tension members are orthogonally disposed relative to the first pair, and the first and second pair control tip bending in orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A steerable distal support system for accessing stenosis, partial occlusions, or complete occlusions within a body lumen. The steerable distal support system generally includes an elongate member that comprises a proximal portion, a more flexible intermediate portion and a deflectable distal tip. The deflectable distal tip is at a distal end of the elongate body to facilitate directionality and positioning of the steerable distal support system to the target site. Optionally, an expandable centering assembly may be disposed on the steerable support assembly to center and anchor the steerable support assembly within the body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection. In particular, the travel path of each the puller wire includes a U-turn or doubling-back around a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In one embodiment, the catheter has an elongated catheter body, a catheter tip section with first and second diametrically-opposed off-axis lumens, and a control handle which includes a steering assembly having a lever structure carrying a pair of pulleys for simultaneously drawing and releasing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter.

Abstract: A bi-directional system for actively deflecting the distal tip of a catheter includes a reconfigurable tube that is positioned proximal to the catheter's distal tip. The tube is formed with slits that are arranged to allow the tube to be transformed from a relaxed, cylindrical configuration to a plurality of deflected configurations. First and second pull wires are provided, with each wire having a respective distal end that is attached to the distal end of the tube. Each wire extends to a catheter handle where it is attached to a respective reel. The reels can be rotated, back and forth, to selectively deflect or relax the tube. To ensure a smooth recovery after a relatively large deflection, a mechanism is disclosed for delaying an application of tension on one of the pull wires until at least a portion of any tension on the other pull wire is released.

Abstract: An occlusive guidewire system having an ergonomic handheld control mechanism prepackaged in a pressurized gaseous environment and a compatible prepackaged torqueable kink-resistant guidewire with distal occlusive balloon. Convenient structure and overall mechanism for operation of a torqueable kink-resistant guidewire with a distal occlusive balloon, including evacuation and inflation control of the distal occlusive balloon, and sealing and severing of a crimpable inflation tube which is in communication with the occlusive balloon. Torqueable kink-resistant guidewires include centrally located structure which imparts robustness to the torqueable kink-resistant guidewires. An inflation lumen aligns within the torqueable kink-resistant guidewires for inflation of the occlusive balloon.

Abstract: A medical device for advancement over a guidewire includes a number of lumens therein including a working channel lumen, one or more control wire lumens, and a guidewire lumen. A flexible support within the device includes a number of interlocking elements that resist longitudinal compression, transfer rotational torque, and can bend side to side. The flexible support also includes a slot that is aligned with the guidewire lumen. An outer jacket includes a perforation, slot, slit, or thinned area that is aligned with the slot in the support member and the guidewire lumen in order to allow a device such as a guidewire to be removed from the guidewire lumen and through the support member.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a tube having a distal end for deployment in a patient, and a proximal end for remaining outside of the patient; an anchoring mechanism at the distal end of the tube having a fully open configuration, a fully closed configuration, and a range of configurations therebetween; a filamentary member attached to the anchoring mechanism for controlling the configuration of the anchoring mechanism; and a controller located at or near the proximal end of the tube for controlling the filamentary member, wherein the controller comprises an indicator for visually indicating the anchoring mechanism configuration, a locking mechanism for locking the anchoring mechanism in the fully closed configuration; or a combination of the visual indicator and the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A distraction wedge inserting and removing device, the device having an outer member with a handle and a shaft extending therefrom, the shaft having at least one collet formed between a pair of slots extending from a distal end of the shaft toward the handle, the at least one collet having a cammed surface on the interior surface thereof. The device also having an inner member with a roller and a rod extending therefrom from a proximal end of the inner member to a head at a distal end of the inner member, the rod being configured to interact with the handle to advance the rod within the outer member toward the distal end of the outer member, whereby the head interferes with the cammed surface of the at least one collet to move the at least one collet outwardly in a radial direction to secure a distraction wedge.

Abstract: A guiding catheter includes an elongate shaft with a central lumen and a mechanically expandable sealing membrane mounted about the distal end of the shaft. An expansion wire is slidably disposed in a dedicated lumen within the catheter, the expansion wire having an expandable distal portion with a pre-formed expanded shape capable of expanding the sealing membrane into sealing engagement with the wall of an artery to provide occlusion of blood flowing through the artery. In one embodiment, a steering wire is slidably disposed in a dedicated lumen within the catheter and is fixed adjacent the shaft distal end. Pushing or pulling the steering wire deflects the distal end of the catheter. In another embodiment, the guiding catheter has a pre-formed curve adjacent the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A drainage catheter is adapted to drain fluid from the body cavity through a body conduit and includes an elongate tube and a retention member disposed at the distal end of the elongate tube. The retention member is adapted for movement between a low-profile state facilitating insertion of the catheter and a high-profile state facilitating retention of the catheter in its operative position. A woven mesh forms at least a portion of one of the tube and the retention member. The woven mesh can be formed of filaments heat-settable so that the catheter automatically moves to the high-profile state. Insertion of the catheter can be facilitated using a stylet which can be removed after insertion to permit the catheter to automatically return to its high-profile state.

Abstract: A handle for use with a catheter, the handle including a housing, a cable, and a guide. The housing has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis that extends from the proximal end of the housing to the distal end of the housing. The cable is disposed in the housing and extends through the proximal end of the housing. A portion of the cable that is disposed in the housing is movable, under compression, in a first direction that is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing. The guide is disposed in the housing and is adapted to prevent the portion of the cable from moving in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction when the portion of the cable is moved in the first direction. The handle is suitable for use with an electrophysiology catheter having an elongated shaft.

Abstract: Catheters for mapping and/or ablation are disclosed. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a handle, a flexible shaft, a tip assembly, and a cable. The handle includes an actuator and is attached, at its distal end, to the proximal end of the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft has a longitudinal axis that extends along a length of the shaft. The proximal end of the tip assembly is attached to the distal end of the shaft and includes a fixed bend of approximatley ninety degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The distal end of the tip assembly includes an arcuate curve having a diameter. The arcuate curve is oriented in a plane that is approximatley perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The cable is attached to the actuator and the distal end of the tip assembly, and extends through the shaft. The cable is adapted to change the diameter of the arcuate curve in response to movement of the actuator.

Abstract: An active system for deflecting a distal portion of a catheter into a hoop configuration includes an elongated catheter body having a proximal portion and a distal portion that is formed with a lumen. A thin-walled tube, which is typically made of a metallic material, is positioned in the lumen. The tube includes a cylindrical wall and includes a plurality of lateral slits that are typically formed in the tube wall and arranged such that the tube can be transformed between a relaxed, cylindrical configuration and a deflected configuration wherein the tube is substantially hoop shaped. One end of a deflection wire is attached to the tube and the other wire end is attached to a reel that is rotationally mounted onto a catheter handle housing. In use, the reel is rotated to axially retract the wire and transform the tube into a hoop configuration.

Abstract: An esophagus isolation catheter for deflecting an esophagus of a patient away from an ablation site in the left atrium of the patient's heart is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body and a deflectable section. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises a deflectable intermediate section mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and a generally straight tip section mounted at the distal end of the intermediate section. In this embodiment, the catheter comprises two puller wires, one anchored proximal the other. The intermediate section deflects to form a generally C-shaped curve. In an alternative embodiment, the catheter comprises a deflectable tip section mounted at the distal end of the catheter body. In this embodiment, the catheter comprises only one puller wire. The tip section carries a tip electrode having an atraumatic design to prevent damage to the esophagus upon deflection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multifunctional catheter handle. The handle comprises a handle body and a core mounted within the handle body. A piston is provided having a distal end mounted in the handle body and a proximal end extending outside the handle body, to which a catheter body can be attached. The piston is longitudinally moveable relative to the core and handle body. A first puller wire anchor is fixedly mounted to the core. A cam receiver is mounted in the handle body so that the cam receiver is longitudinally slidable relative to the piston and core. A second puller wire anchor is fixedly mounted to the cam receiver. A generally cylindrical cam is mounted distal to the cam receiver in surrounding relation to the piston and core. Rotation of the cam relative to the piston and core causes longitudinal movement of the cam receiver and second puller wire anchor.

Abstract: Devices for and methods of treating afflictions occurring in a body cavity, such as the epidural space. The methods and devices provide for fluoroscopic assisted placement of a fiber optic catheter/scope with a balloon tip. These devices and methods would perform decompression surgery, neuroplasty, and mechanical lysis of adhesions (and other afflictions), as well as allowing small operating and therapeutic instruments under direct visualization.

Abstract: A catheter includes a pull wire which extends through two different lumen and attaches to the distal end of the catheter at an off-axis location. By tensioning the pull wire, the catheter can assume various complex curves, depending on the respective lumen through which the pull wire passes.

Abstract: A magnetically navigable catheter includes a sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, and an extension member having a proximal end and a distal end, slidably mounted in the sheath so that the distal end portion of the extension member telescopes from the distal end of the sheath. The distal end portion of the extension member being relatively more flexible than the distal end of the sheath. There may be one or more electrodes on the distal end of the extension member. There is also at least one magnet, and preferably more than one magnet, on the distal end portion of the extension member to allow the distal end of extension member to be oriented by the application of an externally applied magnetic field.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a tube having a distal end for deployment in a patient, and a proximal end for remaining outside of the patient; an anchoring mechanism at the distal end of the tube having a fully open configuration, a fully closed configuration, and a range of configurations therebetween; a filamentary member attached to the anchoring mechanism for controlling the configuration of the anchoring mechanism; and a controller located at or near the proximal end of the tube for controlling the filamentary member, wherein the controller comprises an indicator for visually indicating the anchoring mechanism configuration, a locking mechanism for locking the anchoring mechanism in the fully closed configuration; or a combination of the visual indicator and the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A probe that includes a elongate body and a steerable loop structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a torquer for maneuvering a medical guidewire during endovascular surgical procedures or the like, which can be easily positioned and re-positioned along the length of the wire. A clamp-like device is formed with a top arm and a bottom arm connected to one another by means of a flap hinge. A horizontal slit is defined within the flap hinge, and a vertical slit is defined on a clamping tongue positioned at the top distal end of the top arm, such that the torquer is placed onto the guidewire and snapped into place with the guidewire penetrating the vertical slit. A wire channel means is further defined between the two arms to hold the guidewire within the torquer.

Abstract: A dual 4-bar linkage steering mechanism consists of four strip/rod-like prismatic or disk/sphere-like revolute side links, called, side link 1A, side link 1B, side link 2A and side link 2B; two strip/rod-like prismatic coupler links, called, coupler link A, coupler link B; and a common fixed link. In one option, the side link 1A and the side link 1B are integrated to act as a whole, and side link 2A and the side link 2B are also integrated to act as a whole. In other option, the side link 1A and the side link 1B are separate and move independently, and the side link 2A and the side link 2B are also separate and move independently. The coupler link A and coupler link B are either rigid or flexible.

Abstract: A curved ablation catheter imparts ablative energy to target tissue, for example, along a trabecular slope, e.g., in the right atrium along the isthmus between the ostium of the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve. The catheter is formed with a preset curvature that, when deployed, both translates linearly and increases in radius to aid in the formation of spot or continuous linear lesions. A method of treating atrial flutter employs the curved ablation catheter.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to the field of cryo balloon therapy and the use of cryo balloon therapy catheters to generate cold-induced lesions. The present invention includes a cryo balloon therapy apparatus, comprising a catheter having a proximal and a distal end, a cooling member disposed at the distal end of the catheter, a pull cord coupled to the cooling member, and a sheath that couples the pull cord and the catheter. A method for causing cold-induced necrosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter of the present invention includes a tubular member and a lockable connector having a hub and a locking device. The locking device includes a semi-oval button; a rectangular main operating part; an accepting part having a pair of projections and an accepting hole; and a latching part coupled to one of the projections. The hub includes a guide hole into which the locking device is inserted and a first body passage formed horizontally toward the inside of the hub, the first body passage communicating with the guide hole. The locking device can be released from the locked position only by use of an appropriate key. A tip of the tubular member is made of hard material and has a double adhesion structure so that the catheter tube can easily be inserted into a body cavity.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a gastrostomy feeding tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal bore, the distal end being shaped to include an internal bolster, the internal bolster having an anchoring state and a non-anchoring state. A suture extends from the internal bolster through the longitudinal bore to exit the tube at its proximal end, proximal displacement of the suture maintaining the internal bolster in its anchoring state. A protective sleeve made of a rigid material is removably insertable into the tube through its proximal end, the suture being inserted through the protective sleeve. The protective sleeve, when inserted into the tube, serves to protect the suture from being cut when the tube is cut to a desired length after having been implanted in a patient.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a sheath, which includes a side wall enclosing an interior bore, and a distal region. The assembly also has a bendable catheter tube, which is carried for sliding movement in the interior bore. A pull wire also runs through the interior bore of the sheath, preferably within a lumen. The catheter tube has a distal portion with a coupling which joins the distal portion of the catheter tube and the distal portion of the pull wire. Relative movement of the pull wire and the sheath causes bending of the catheter tube outwardly through the opening, in response to sliding movement of the catheter tube within the interior bore toward the distal region of the sheath.

Abstract: A method for withdrawing a fluid sample from a patient is disclosed comprising the steps of: a) providing a sampling device (10) having a housing (20) and a needle (40) having a sharpened tip for piercing the skin of the patient; b) withdrawing fluid from the patient into the housing; c) retracting the needle so that the sharpened tip of the needle is enclosed within the housing; and d) expelling the fluid from the housing after the needle is retracted.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a drug to a target site within a patient's body. The system and method include a steerable guide catheter and a drug delivery catheter. The steerable guide catheter has a first extension tube and a second extension tube that are joined together and form a shoulder. The delivery catheter has a distal docking segment and a proximal docking segment. The guide catheter is inserted into the patient's body, then the delivery catheter is inserted into the guide catheter. The distal docking segment engages the first extension tube, the proximal docking segment engages the second extension tube, and the shoulder limits the distance the delivery catheter can be inserted into the guide catheter. Also, once the delivery catheter is inserted it can be rotated to attach the helical tip to the target site. The guide catheter also includes a steering mechanism as well as a friction mechanism which controls the tension on the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A device for the drainage of the bladder through the body's own urethra opening outside of the human body, comprising a tube-shaped body (10). The 5 tube-shaped body is comprised: to assume a first contracted position and for taken up within the bladder as well as a to assume a second partially extended position. At least one thread (14) extends between the bladder and an opening so that the tube-shaped body can be extended from the first position to the second position during 10 the application of a pulling force upon the thread. The tube-shaped body will return to the first position upon the release of the pulling force on the thread.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deflectable catheter-based system for assisting in the delivery of therapeutic agents, cellular materials and the like to one or more sites in a target body tissue. The system provides for one or more injections to a predetermined needle insertion depth with a single core needle that can be advanced and retracted from the tip of the catheter. The catheter assembly includes a handle subassembly having a mechanism for setting and limiting the depth of insertion of the needle, a slide for moving the injection needle between retracted and extended positions, a return spring for biasing the needle to the retracted position, and a modified pulley mechanism for compensating for catheter shaft compression when the catheter is deflected.

Abstract: A steerable catheter includes a housing, an elongated tube, a steering member and a retention mechanism. The elongated tube extends from the housing. The steering member is movably attached to the housing and is interconnected to a distal tip of the elongated tube such that movement of the steering member causes a corresponding angular movement of the distal tip. The retention mechanism is carried by at least one of the steering member and the housing. The retention mechanism is operative in the first mode to provide smooth movement of the steering member relative to the housing and further operative in a second mode to provide ratcheted movement of the steering member relative to the housing.