Introducer with steerable distal tip section
AssigneeSt. Jude Medical, Cardiology Division, Inc.
InventorsTheodore P. Dale, Benjamin E. Morris, Gregory R. Furnish, Asela Indaka D. Gunasekara
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An introducer (10) with a steerable distal tip section (17) is disclosed. The steerable distal tip section may comprise an articulation support member comprising a laser-cut pattern of symmetrical elongated apertures in which the shape of each aperture is defined by at least three radii, a central radii being the largest and two end radii being smaller. This pattern of apertures can minimize ovaling of the cross-sectional shape of introducer shaft over the length of the deflectable section. The introducer can articulate in multiple planes. A tension pull wire can allow the introducer to resist directional bias.
Claims8
A steerable introducer comprising
- a shaft comprising a proximal end portion and a distal end portion;
- and
- a steerable distal tip section attached to the distal end portion of the shaft, the steerable distal tip section comprising an articulation support member comprising a plurality of elongated apertures arranged in a pattern;
- wherein each pair of adjacent apertures defines a rib therebetween;
- wherein a shape of each aperture of the plurality of apertures comprises a first arc defining a central section of the aperture, a second arc defining an outboard section of the aperture, and a third arc defining an inboard section of the aperture between the first arc and the second arc;
- wherein the first arc has a first radius, the second arc has a second radius, and the third arc has a third radius, the first radius being greater than the third radius, and the third radius being greater than the second radius;
- wherein, when the introducer is steered to a maximum angle of deflection, and the steerable distal tip section defines a curve portion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, contact between the ribs is maximized along the inner surface;
- and
- wherein the first arc is concave, the second arc is concave, and the third arc is convex.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.