Having Tensioning Means To Alter Conduit Shape Patents (Class 604/95.04)
-
Patent number: 8951231Abstract: An aseptic re-aspiration catheter apparatus for removing body fluids from a human body includes a front connector connected to a guide tube, into which a catheter having a predetermined length is inserted, and an adjustment tube having a predetermined length. The leading end of the adjustment tube is assembled to the front connector. A front locking member has an inner hole into which the catheter is inserted, is detachably assembled to the front connector, and is disposed inside the adjustment tube. A rear connector is assembled to the rear end of the adjustment tube. A rear locking member is connected to the catheter and detachably assembled to the rear connector, and extends through the connectors. A cap member is detachably assembled to the rear locking member. Blood clots, abscesses, and blood fluids are simply and safely removed from the human body in a short time using the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Kyungpook National University Industry Academic Cooperation FoundationInventor: Jaechan Park
-
Patent number: 8945146Abstract: A delivery system assembly includes an outer tube, an inner member, extending within a lumen of the outer tube, and a deflectable shaft, extending within the outer tube lumen and around the inner member; the tube and inner member are longitudinally moveable with respect to the shaft, and a distal end of the inner member is located distal to the shaft within the tube lumen. A medical device can be loaded into the tube lumen, along a distal-most portion of the tube, and contained between the inner member and a distal opening of the tube lumen. Deflecting the shaft orients the distal-most portion for navigation of the assembly, and, when the distal end of the inner member is engaged within the tube lumen, distal movement of the tube, with respect to the shaft, causes similar distal movement of the inner member and the loaded medical device toward an implant site.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: H. Allan Steingisser, Don H. Tran, William A. Berthiaume, Brent L. Locsin
-
Publication number: 20150032048Abstract: The present application discloses a handle configured to receive a catheter. The handle comprises a port that communicates with a lumen of the catheter and a mechanism is provided that moves the end of the catheter for positioning. The guide wire traverses a reservoir located in the handle. In particular, the handle comprises an enclosure with a conduit and a reservoir, where the conduit extends through the enclosure from the left side to the right side and the reservoir space has a curved or concave base. The bottom side and top side of the handle converge into a tapered point on the left side.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Rebecca Copenhaver DeLegge, Mark Henry DeLegge
-
Patent number: 8939960Abstract: Methods for easy, atraumatic access to areas of the vasculature that are otherwise difficult to access, using steerable guide catheters constructed with components that are selected to provide optimal navigability, torque transfer, and push ability for a variety of typical percutaneous access routes. The catheter wall thickness in the deflecting segment of the guide catheter is about 1 French (? mm) or less, and includes a slotted deflection tube, and this construction allows a very tight turning radius which in turn enables guide catheter access to regions of the vasculature that are otherwise inaccessible.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: BioCardia, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Rosenman, Daniel Kayser, Michael Keleher, Nick Fravala, Richard Cook, Mark Tale, Frank Arko, Simon Stertzer, Peter A. Altman
-
Patent number: 8939931Abstract: Disclosed is an access catheter, having a distal segment which is moveable from a reduced outside diameter for positioning at a target site, and an enlarged outside diameter to create an enlarged internal working lumen. In one application, the catheter is configured for use as an intracranial aspiration catheter. Methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Onset Medical CorporationInventor: Gerard von Hoffmann
-
Publication number: 20150005704Abstract: A medical device, such as an introducer, includes a shaft having a lumen therethrough. A distal region of the shaft includes both a fixed curve region and a steerable region. According to certain aspects of the disclosure, the fixed curve region is more proximal than the steerable region. The fixed curvature of the distal region is selected to facilitate positioning of the distal end of the medical device in the general vicinity of a target, such as the left atrial appendage, while the steerable region allows for “fine tuning.” The lumen of the shaft is a large bore, typically on the order of about 12F to about 14F, to facilitate passage of larger medical devices, including left atrial appendage occlusion devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Jennifer Marie Heisel, Gregory James Dakin, Somally Mom
-
Patent number: 8920369Abstract: Steerable medical delivery devices and their methods of use.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Shifamed Holdings, LLCInventors: Amr Salahieh, Jonah Lepak, Emma Leung, Tom Saul, Jean-Pierre Dueri, Brice Arnault De La Menardiere, Clayton Baldwin
-
Publication number: 20140371671Abstract: A deflectable device, such as a catheter, is provided that includes a hinge that enhances the ability of the device to deflect or bend within a predetermined plane. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having proximal and distal ends and at least one lumen extending therethrough. A distal segment is provided distal to the distal end of the catheter body. A tubular hinge is provided between the distal end of the catheter body and the proximal end of the distal segment. The hinge has an axis and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tube includes at least one slot, and preferably a plurality of slots, extending part of the way through the hinge generally transverse to the axis of the hinge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Martin F. O'Sullivan, James K. Lee
-
Patent number: 8911397Abstract: Various embodiments concern an introducer sheath assembly comprising a tubular sheath member having a deflectable distal end portion and a sheath member lumen, and a handle assembly including a steering mechanism for deflecting the distal end portion of the sheath member. The distal end portion of the sheath member can deflect in different directions along a plane by selective tension in one of two pull wires. The selective tension can be caused by selective proximal or distal axial translation of a shuttle assembly relative to the tubular sheath member. The selective proximal or distal axial translation can be controlled by selective clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of a control knob.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. O'Donnell, Steven T. Onishi
-
Patent number: 8911382Abstract: An apparatus for determining a length of a portion of a steering wire disposed within a bendable medical device includes an electrical contact slidably coupled with a steering wire, an electrical source configured to transmit an electrical signal through a portion of the steering wire, and a processor configured to monitor a parameter of the electrical signal at or about the electrical contact and configured to determine a length of a portion of the steering wire using the monitored parameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hauck, Mark T. Johnson
-
Patent number: 8911362Abstract: An endoscope including a bending operation apparatus including a bending operation mechanism section and a bending portion braking mechanism section in an operation section, the bending operation mechanism section includes a bending lever, a first bearing member transmitting a force of the lever, and a cylindrical member rotated with an operation of the lever, and the bending portion braking mechanism section includes a bending state keeping lever, a braking shaft body transmitting a force of the lever, a second bearing member pivotally supporting the braking shaft body, a rotation pressing member rotating around an axis of the second bearing member, and having inclined projection portions, a slide pressing member having inclined projection portions opposed to the projection portions, a friction member abutting on the cylindrical member, a regulation member regulating a gap where the friction member is disposed, and positioning members regulating a braking force of the friction.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.Inventor: Hiroyuki Kaneko
-
Publication number: 20140364802Abstract: The present invention is a catheter actuation handle for deflecting a distal end of a tubular catheter body, the handle including an auto-locking mechanism. The handle comprises upper and lower grip portions, an actuator, and an auto-locking mechanism. The auto-locking mechanism is adapted to hold a deflected distal end of the catheter in place without input from the operator. When the distal end of the catheter is deflected from its zero position, it typically will seek a return to its zero position, and as a result exerts a force on the actuator. The auto-locking mechanism acts by providing a second force that resists this force from the distal end and holds the distal end in place. As a result, the operator does not need to maintain contact with the buttons to maintain the distal end 18 in a set position once placed there by actuating the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Clint Schneider, Joshua L. Dudney, Richard E. Stehr, Troy T. Tegg, Michael C. Bednarek, Guy P. Vanney, James A. Jensen, Michael W. Stine
-
Patent number: 8900183Abstract: A guide device including a polymer and/or plastic tube, in particular a tube containing a polysiloxane, through the continuous opening of which a cable which is moveable in the continuous opening has been routed. To markedly reduce the wear caused by the cable rubbing in the continuous opening of the tube, a coating is provided on the outer surface of the cable and/or the inner surface of the continuous opening, which includes mainly particles that are substantially spherical and/or cylindrical and can move freely at least on the particular surface (e.g., outer surface of the cable and/or inner surface of the continuous opening). Furthermore, a medical device containing such a guide device, and a method for manufacturing the guide device or the medical device are described.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Biotronik SE & Co. KGInventor: Heinrich Widdecke
-
Publication number: 20140350462Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a continuum manipulator that can be used, for example, as a steerable catheter tip. The manipulator of the embodiments comprises a plurality of segments arranged in a stack, which is then able to bend in a range of directions away from the long axis of the stack. In one embodiment the segments include a helical portion which winds in the direction of the long axis of the stack, and can thus bend away from the long axis in any direction. In another embodiment the segments include a backbone portion with cantilevered rings extending from the backbone portion, separated by bending gaps which allow the segment to bend in a range of directions away from the backbone portion so that the bending gap between the rings closes. In some embodiments a carbon fibre rod is included as a backbone for the stack, to minimise hysteresis and improve repeatability of bending.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: KINGS COLLEGE LONDONInventors: Asghar Ataollahi, Kaspar Althoefer, Tobias Richard Schaeffter, Kawaldeep Rhode
-
Publication number: 20140350463Abstract: Devices and methods for facilitating access to the pancreaticobiliary system are disclosed. In particular, the methods include bending a device having an elongate body with a first lumen, a second lumen, and respective first and second exit openings. The methods include inserting a first guidewire through the first lumen and out of the first exit opening to cannulate a pancreatic duct, and inserting a second guidewire through the second lumen and out of the second exit opening to cannulate a biliary duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.Inventors: Vanessa NAHON, Lindsay MULLINS, Steve WALAK, Ralph BARRY
-
Publication number: 20140350374Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a linear control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The linear control assembly has a linear control member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the linear control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventor: Jeffrey William Schultz
-
Patent number: 8894610Abstract: A steerable catheter comprises a flexible catheter body including a proximal shaft section and a distal articulating section, a proximal steering interface coupled to the proximal shaft section, and at least one hollow stiffening member extending through the proximal shaft section. The stiffening member(s) is more rigid than the proximal shaft section and is laterally offset from a geometric cross-sectional center of the proximal shaft section. The steerable catheter further comprises circumferentially spaced lumens extending through the distal articulating section, and pullwires extending through the stiffening member(s) in the proximal shaft section and the respective lumens in the distal articulating section. Each of the pullwires has a distal end that terminates in the catheter body distal to the distal articulating section and a proximal end that terminates in the steering interface. The steering interface is manipulatable to selectively tension the pullwires to bend the distal articulating section.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Francis Macnamara, Joseph Bogusky, Arkady Kokish, Enrique Romo, Jason Hsu, Kiran Murthy, Leena Kadakia, Helen Truong
-
Patent number: 8894619Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, particularly for insulin or other liquid preparations, particularly for multiple injection administration of set doses of a medicine from an exchangeable container, for example for the self-application of insulin by diabetes patients. An indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, having an assembly of at least two barrels movably coupled to each other has an indication barrel mounted on the driving barrel contains only marking on its external surface and is co-axially connected to the pull-push control nut.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Copernicus Sp. z o. o.Inventor: Adam Stefański
-
Publication number: 20140343489Abstract: A control unit that includes a braking system for fixing the position of an endoscope tip is provided. The control system includes an up-down control knob and a right-left control knob. The brakes are engaged by rotating the control knob itself counter-clockwise from a free wheeling position. After the brakes have been engaged, a sufficient amount of force applied to the control knobs will move the endoscope tip slightly in the corresponding direction, allowing for fine tuning of tip position after braking.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: EndoChoice, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Lang, Stephan Wieth
-
Patent number: 8887716Abstract: A supraglottic tube is provided, which despite certain softness has high compressive strength in the proximal distal direction and an adjustable radius of curvature. The supraglottic tube includes at least three lumens. A guiding lumen is located between a respiration lumen and a esophageal lumen. The lumens are separated from each other by separating walls. A guiding means, which includes a pressure element and a tractive element, is located in the guiding lumen. A tractive force can be applied to the tractive element by way of a feed connector and an adjustment unit, in which the pressure element is supported, whereby the radius of curvature of the supraglottic tube can be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Deltona Innovations AGInventor: Werner F. Dubach
-
Publication number: 20140336573Abstract: Catheter shaft handles and deflection actuators are disclosed. The actuators include at least one pull wire guide wall and a means for anchoring the proximal portion of a pull wire or of a fiber attached to a pull wire. Each actuator is pivotable relative to the catheter handle housing, and may comprise at least one boss for pivoting the actuator relative to the catheter handle housing. The actuators transfer rotational motion based upon user input on a boss into longitudinal motion of a pull wire. The actuators may include a tensioning mechanism comprising a tension adjustment pin and a pin block, wherein the tension adjustment pin is rotatably attached to the pin block to enable adjustment of tension in a pull wire (e.g., during assembly of the catheter handle).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Alex Yu, Stephen W. Evans, Genevieve L. Gallagher, Troy T. Tegg
-
Publication number: 20140336572Abstract: A catheter assembly includes an inner liner made of flexible material and an outer layer having a steering mechanism. A catheter assembly is provided that includes an inner liner made of flexible material, and an outer layer having a steering mechanism that includes at least one wire and a corresponding lumen for each of the at least one wire through which the respective wire may travel. The outer layer includes a braided wire assembly that includes at least two wires braided into a wire mesh, and further includes a see-through portion positioned proximate a pull wire extraction location to facilitate extraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Jennifer Marie Heisel, Gregory James Dakin, Somally Mom
-
Patent number: 8882705Abstract: An improved steerable catheter with in-plane deflection comprises a catheter body having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough and a tip section at the distal end of the catheter body. The tip section comprises a flexible plastic tubing having a pair of diametrically-opposed lumens extending therethrough. The catheter also provides two puller wires manipulated through a control handle at the proximal end of the catheter body. Each puller wire extends through one of the pair of lumens in the tip section and through the lumen of the catheter body and is anchored to the control handle at its proximal end and anchored to the tip section at its distal end. The deflection mechanism is configured to generally define a plane along which deflection most readily occurs and an edge along which deflection is most readily avoided.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Thomas V. Selkee
-
Publication number: 20140330251Abstract: A bi-directional steerable catheter that, for a given tip deflection angle, generates a first articulation radius in a first lateral direction and a second articulation radius in a second lateral direction, the second articulation radius being different than the first articulation radius. The catheter includes two pull wire portions that can be individually and selectively put under tension to cause deflection of the tip in a corresponding lateral direction. Actuation of a first of the pull wire portions causes a shift in the neutral axis of the catheter over a portion of the steering section, resulting in articulation over a shorter length of the steering section and thus a smaller bend radius. Actuation of a second of the pull wire portions does not result in a neutral axis shift, so that articulation is over substantially the entire length of the steering section, resulting in a larger bend radius.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2013Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventor: Alexandre Ioan Romoscanu
-
Publication number: 20140330201Abstract: A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of lumens extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, wherein at least one of the lumens is abutting at least another one of the lumens. A catheter comprising the deflectable catheter shaft section and a method of manufacturing the deflectable catheter shaft section are also disclosed. A catheter incorporating a deflectable catheter shaft section can further comprise first and second compression coils disposed over pull wires located within the catheter, wherein the compression coils are unattached to the catheter or components thereof, but can be constrained by a shaft coupler at a distal end of each of the compression coils and by at least a portion of a handle assembly at a proximal end of each of the compression coils.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Troy T. Tegg, Salome A. Gonzalez
-
Patent number: 8876796Abstract: Single filter and multi-filter endolumenal methods and systems for filtering fluids within the body. In some embodiments a blood filtering system captures and removes particulates dislodged or generated during a surgical procedure and circulating in a patient's vasculature. In some embodiments a filter system protects the cerebral vasculature during a cardiac valve repair or replacement procedure.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Claret Medical, Inc.Inventors: Daniel W. Fifer, Randall T. Lashinski, Antony J. Fields, Michael Lee
-
Publication number: 20140323964Abstract: Catheters, sheaths, or other tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a steerable distal portion. The tubular device includes a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; an auxiliary lumen adjacent the primary lumen; and one or more reinforcement members including windings extending helically along at least the distal portion, at least some of the windings passing between the primary and steering element lumens and at least some of the windings surrounding both the primary and steering element lumens. In one embodiment, a steering element is slidably disposed within the auxiliary lumen. Apparatus and methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Stephen A. Leeflang, Christian S. Eversull
-
Publication number: 20140303468Abstract: A medical device has a distal member with a configuration that can be changed by means of a control handle with a control assembly employing a rotational cam, a shaft, and a pulley, where the rotational cam is rotationally mounted on a portion of the control handle for rotation by a user. The rotational cam operates on the shaft to move it proximally or distally depending on the direction of rotation which in turn rotates the pulley to draw or release a puller wire to change the configuration of the distal member of the medical device. The shaft is oriented along a diameter of the control handle. The shaft has two ends which extends through two axial guide slots in the portion of the control handle to sit two opposing helical tracks formed on inner surface of the rotational cam. The guide slots are parallel with the longitudinal axis of the control handle and therefore maintain the shaft's diametrical orientation as the rotational cam is rotated to move the shaft proximally or distally.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventor: Jeffrey W. Schultz
-
Publication number: 20140303553Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventors: Kurt GEITZ, Brian TINKHAM
-
Publication number: 20140296778Abstract: A steerable kink resistant access device is provided having an elongated body and a steerable portion; methods for manufacturing the kink resistant device are also provided. The access sheath has an outside diameter sufficiently small so that it may be inserted into a body cavity or conduit. The access sheath typically has two internal lumen, a first lumen sized and configured as an access to a surgical site and a second lumen sized and configured to contain a tensioning device that, when acted upon, will deflect the steerable portion. The tensioning device may be directly or remotely attached to an actuation device that operates to control the tensioning and loosening of the tensioning device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: Applied Medical Resources CorporationInventors: Charles C. Hart, John R. Brustad, Nabil Hilal, Henry Kahle, Donald L. Gadberry
-
Publication number: 20140296779Abstract: A rigidizable medical device may include an inner element and an outer element. The outer element of the device may be positioned at least in part around the inner element so as to define a space radially between the inner element and the outer element. The medical device may further include a stiffening material positioned in the space between the inner and outer elements. The stiffening material may be transitionable between a first relatively compliant state and a second relatively stiff state, upon a change in energy applied to the stiffening material. In the first state of the stiffening material, at least a portion along a length of the device where the stiffening material is located is flexible. In the second state of the stiffening material, at least the portion along the length of the device where the stiffening material is located is rigidized.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Jaime S. VARGAS
-
Patent number: 8845520Abstract: A wire-operated selective compliance mobile platform (100), in particular for endoscopic surgery devices, obtains a perfect and precise mobility and thus it allows to handle, in the most effective way, the supported instruments, and comprises a mobile surface (1), a connecting base (2) apt to be connected to a flexible tubular duct (4) for endoscopic uses, a plurality of supporting elements (3), apt to permit the motion of said mobile surface (1) relative to said base (2), characterized in that said supporting elements (3) have at least a selective compliance turning pair (31) and a number of joints (32, 34) so as to provide a predetermined number of degrees of freedom to said platform (100), neither determining any over-constraining, nor forcing the system to be deformed in unselected directions, each supporting element (3) being operated by moving means (51, 52) so as to move said mobile surface (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Universita' degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”Inventors: Nicola Plo Belfiore, Massimillano Scaccia, Francosco Ianniello, Massimillano Presta, Luca Perfetti
-
Publication number: 20140276397Abstract: In a catheter system and method for controlling such a system, an elongate hollow shaft has a proximal end connected to a handle and a distal end remote from the handle. A working component is carried by the shaft and has at least one characteristic that is adjustable. An actuator is rotatably mounted on the handle for selectively adjusting at least one characteristic of the working component. A control line extends at least in part within the shaft. The control line operatively couples the actuator with the working component such that rotation of the actuator relative to the handle effects linear translation of the control line to adjust the at least one characteristic of the working component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Russell D. Terwey
-
Publication number: 20140276398Abstract: A catheter system includes a handle and a catheter component operatively connected to the handle for selective adjustment by an actuator associated with the handle housing. The actuator comprises at least in part a generally cylindrical shuttle disposed at least in part within the housing for longitudinal movement. The catheter component is operatively coupled to the shuttle for movement therewith. The shuttle has an outer surface with an annular groove formed therein, and an elastomeric ring seated in the annular groove. An annular slide bearing is retained in the housing, with the shuttle being in part disposed in the annular groove and with the elastomeric ring in frictional contact with the slide bearing. Friction between the elastomeric ring and the slide bearing is sufficient to frictionally retain the shuttle at a selected longitudinal position relative to the housing corresponding to a selected adjustment of the catheter component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: James Paul Goodman, Kevin Gin Park, Bradley C. Knippel
-
Publication number: 20140276613Abstract: In a catheter system and method for controlling such a system, a first working component is carried by a shaft and has at least one characteristic that is adjustable. A first control line extends within the shaft and operatively couples a first actuator with the first working component such that actuation of the first actuator acts on the first control line to adjust the first working component. A second control line separate from the first control line extends within the shaft and is operatively coupled to a second working component such that acting on the second control line adjusts at least one characteristic of the second working component. A compensator assembly is associated with the handle, with the second control line being operatively coupled to the compensator assembly. The compensator assembly is operable, in response to actuation of the first actuator, to inhibit slack from forming in the second control line.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: James Paul Goodman, Kevin Gin Park, Bradley C. Knippel
-
Publication number: 20140276394Abstract: An input device includes a plurality of orientation blocks each representing a portion of a catheter assembly and a controller configured to determine an orientation of the plurality of orientation blocks relative to one another. The controller is further configured to output a control signal that causes a tip of a catheter assembly to adopt the orientation determined by the controller. A system includes an actuator configured to manipulate a position and orientation of the catheter assembly. The controller of the input device is configured to output a control signal to the actuator to make a tip of a catheter assembly adopt the orientation determined by the controller. The input device can be virtually represented on a computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Serena Wong, Richard Henderson, June Park, Sean Walker, Jason Hsu, Kamini Balaji, Leena Kadakia, Kiran Murthy
-
Publication number: 20140276612Abstract: Embodiments of steerable catheters are disclosed. The catheters may include a plurality of generally arcuate-shaped struts connected at proximal and distal ends of a handle. The handle is connected to a tubular portion at a distal end of the handle. The tubular portion includes a resilient component positioned near a distal tip of the tubular portion. The catheter includes a pull wire fixed to a point at or near the distal tip of the tubular portion. Upon manual compression of the handle, the struts are squeezed together, lengthening the handle, and extending the pull wire proximally. The proximal extension of the pull wire can cause the distal tip of the catheter to deflect. The catheter can be rotated greater than 360° around a longitudinal axis. The compressible handle can allow a user of the catheter tactile feedback and control over navigation of the catheter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Matthew W. Sevensma
-
Publication number: 20140276396Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting a distal portion of a catheter, a sheath, a medical device, or other flexible elongate member may generally include a handle portion, a pair of adjusting knobs, and deflection wires. The adjusting knobs may be rotatably coupled to the handle portion and operably coupled to the deflection wires. The deflection wires may be in further communication with the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. Rotation of the adjustment knobs may translate or otherwise displace particular deflection wires with respect to the rest of the flexible elongate member, thereby causing the distal portion of the flexible elongate member to deflect. Further, the deflection wires may be oriented such that the distal portion of the flexible elongate member may be deflected in a multitude of directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventor: Troy T. Tegg
-
Publication number: 20140276395Abstract: A catheter according to one embodiment may be configured to extend through a transseptal puncture site, a left atrium, and into a left ventricle. The catheter may comprise a shaft defining at least one lumen configured to receive at least one of an implant and/or a dilator, a first steerable actuator coupled to the shaft at a position on the shaft substantially corresponding to the annulus of the mitral valve when the distal end of the shaft is disposed within the left ventricle, and a handle assembly coupled to a proximal end of the shaft. The handle assembly may comprise a first actuator coupled to the first steerable actuator. The first actuator may be configured to apply a force to the first steerable actuator to deflect the shaft about a region proximate to the first steerable actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: CARDIOSOLUTIONS INC.Inventors: Jonathan E. Wilson, Robert J. St. John, Eric W. Conley
-
Publication number: 20140276594Abstract: This disclosure covers various concepts to use for obtaining measurement of tension in catheter pullwires to improve controllability of a robotic surgical system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Neal A. Tanner, Matthew J. Roelle, Gregory J. Stahler, Robert G. Younge, Travis Covington
-
Patent number: 8827949Abstract: A system includes a steerable device, such as a sheath or shaft, having proximal and distal ends. The steerable device includes an elongated body having a proximal section, a steering section, and a distal tip. Control wires are routed through the body and connected at or near the distal end of the steerable device. The system further includes a control unit to which the proximal end of the steerable device is functionally connected. In one embodiment, the control unit includes an actuator connected to one control wire and a biasing force generating device connected to a second control wire. The steering section is controllably manipulated by the control unit to facilitate steering of the distal tip of the steerable device as the steerable device is advanced through tortuous passageways of a patient's body.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventor: Dennis Boulais
-
Patent number: 8827981Abstract: Methods and devices for augmenting bone, such as in performing vertebroplasty are disclosed. A bone cement injection needle is provided, having a laterally deflectable distal end. The distal end may be provided with a cavity creation element, such as an inflatable balloon. Systems are also disclosed, including the steerable injection needle, introducer and stylet. The system may additionally include a cement delivery gun, one-time use disposable cement cartridges and a cement mixing chamber. Methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Osseon LLCInventors: Y. King Liu, Jan R. Lau, Judson E. Threlkeld, Michael T. Lyster
-
Patent number: 8827948Abstract: Medical devices having an elongated steerable member are described herein. In one embodiment, a device includes an elongated body having a proximal section, a distal section, and a working lumen extending through the proximal and distal sections, a first coil having a distal portion, and a proximal portion, the proximal portion of the first coil being slidable relative to the proximal section of the elongated body, and being closer to a wall of the elongated body than to an axis of the elongated body, wherein a lengthwise portion of the distal portion of the first coil is anchored to the distal section of the elongated body, and a first steering wire located within a lumen of the first coil.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Hansen Medical, Inc.Inventors: Enrique Romo, Jeffery B. Alvarez, Francis Macnamara, Gene Reis
-
Publication number: 20140246014Abstract: An endoscope (1) having a distal end being arranged to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient to be examined and a proximal end which is arranged to be held by a user of the endoscope. The endoscope further comprises a handle (2) arranged at the proximal end of the endoscope, an insertion portion (3) arranged at the distal end of the handle, a bending portion (4) arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion, and two control wires (40, 41) arranged between the handle and the bending portion, said control wires being used to control the bending of the bending portion via control inputs made at the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Ambu A/SInventors: Lasse Kjeld Gjoeske PETERSEN, Louise Wagner PETERSEN
-
Publication number: 20140249473Abstract: An actuating member for making a flexible elongated member perform a predetermined action includes a push/pull member having a tip side and a base end side, the push/pull member including: a first moving portion and a second moving portion that are located on the base end side of the push/pull member and are movable relative to one another along an axis of the push/pull member, a first extending portion that extends from the first moving portion towards the tip side of the push/pull member, and a second extending portion that extends from the second moving portion towards the tip side of the push/pull member; an operating member that is rotatable about an axis that intersects an axis of the push/pull member, the operating member being configured such that rotation of the operating member causes movement of the first moving portion and the second moving portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Satoru SUEHARA
-
Publication number: 20140249474Abstract: This invention is directed to a medical device having a longitudinal axis, and including a handle and a catheter. The handle can include a body having a proximal end and a distal end, an actuator moveably coupled to the body, and a handle control member coupled to the actuator, wherein the actuator can be configured to move relative to the body to move the handle control member. The catheter can include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the shaft and the distal end of the body can be configured for releasable coupling. The catheter can also include a steering section located along the shaft and a catheter control member coupled to the steering section, wherein the catheter control member can be configured to move relative to the shaft to move the steering section relative to the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Naroun SUON, Dan BACON, Ra NAM, Paul SMITH, John GOLDEN, Barry WEITZNER, Gary KAPPEL
-
Publication number: 20140243742Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for controlling a catheter with a catheter positioning device by using a remote controller and a guidewire control mechanism that may be used to draw a guidewire through a catheter coupled with the catheter positioning system. As the catheter is advanced over the guidewire by the catheter positioning device, the guidewire control mechanism may draw the guidewire away, such as collecting any slack on the guidewire. In further embodiments, the guidewire control mechanism may match the speed at which the guidewire is drawn to the speed at which the catheter advances and thereby maintain the position of the guidewire relative to the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: CATHETER ROBOTICS, INC.Inventors: Robert PACHECO, Steve FOLEY
-
Publication number: 20140243743Abstract: A deflectable, catheter includes a catheter body, an intermediate section, a tip electrode and a control handle for deflecting the catheter by manipulation of a puller element that is made of a high modulus fiber material and extends through the catheter body and the intermediate section. The proximal end of the puller element is housed in the control handle and the distal end of the puller element is in a wrapped configuration and engages with a distal tip member or the intermediate section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Biosense Webster, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin D. McDaniel, Dean M. Ponzi, Darrell Drysen
-
Patent number: 8814825Abstract: A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end and a proximal end; and a plurality of lumens extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, wherein at least one of the lumens is abutting at least another one of the lumens. A catheter comprising the deflectable catheter shaft section and a method of manufacturing the deflectable catheter shaft section are also disclosed. A catheter incorporating a deflectable catheter shaft section can further comprise first and second compression coils disposed over pull wires located within the catheter, wherein the compression coils are unattached to the catheter or components thereof, but can be constrained by a shaft coupler at a distal end of each of the compression coils and by at least a portion of a handle assembly at a proximal end of each of the compression coils.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: Troy T Tegg, Salome A Gonzalez
-
Patent number: 8814824Abstract: The present invention relates to steerable access sheath assembly (12). Moreover, the present invention relates to a steerable short sheath access device (10) for use in epicardial procedures. Embodiments of the present invention including shorter steerable access sheaths or introducers (10, 12) may provide epicardial access for various ablation tools and devices for the performance of various ablation procedures or procedures involving alternate energy sources. The steerable access device (10) provides an elongated member (20) having a proximal section (26) and a distal section (28), wherein the deflection of the distal section (28) provides a primary curve including an inner radius (r1) that result in a secondary curve of proximal section (26) having an inner radius (r2, r3), wherein the inner radius of curvature (r1) of the primary curve is less than the inside radius of curvature (r2, r3) of the secondary curve.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Atrial Fibrillation Division, Inc.Inventors: James V. Kauphusman, Allan M. Fuentes, Troy T. Tegg, Dale E. Just