# US 10,426,921 B2 · Adjustable stiffness catheter

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- Number: US 10,426,921 B2
- Document ID: US10426921B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/484,346
- Filed: 2017-04-11
- Published: 2017-08-03
- Granted: 2019-10-01
- Earliest claimed: 2005-09-02
- Assignees: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
- Applicants: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
- Inventors: Daniel J. Gregorich; Soo-Young Yoon; Michael P. Meyer; Liza J. Davis
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10426921B2

## CPC

- A61M 25/0051: {made from fenestrated or weakened tubing layer}
- A61M 25/0045: {multi-layered, e.g. coated (coating materials A61L29/08)}
- A61M 25/0053: {having a variable stiffness along the longitudinal axis, e.g. by varying the pitch of the coil or braid}
- A61M 25/0054: {with regions for increasing flexibility}
- A61M 25/0097: {characterised by the hub (tube connectors or tube couplings A61M39/10)}
- A61B 1/00078: {with stiffening means}
- A61M 2025/0046: {Coatings for improving slidability}
- A61M 2025/0058: {having an electroactive polymer material, e.g. for steering purposes, for control of flexibility, for locking, for opening or closing}
- A61M 2025/0063: {having means, e.g. stylets, mandrils, rods or wires to reinforce or adjust temporarily the stiffness, column strength or pushability of catheters which are already inserted into the human body}
- A61M 2025/0065: {which become stiffer or softer when becoming wet or humid, e.g. immersed within a liquid}
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

Medical devices such as catheters can include structure or provision that permit a physician or other health care professional to adjust the stiffness of at least a portion of the medical device. In some instances, the medical device may be adjusted prior to inserting the medical device into a patient. In some cases, the medical device may be adjusted while in use within the patient.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An adjustable stiffness catheter comprising:
an inner elongate shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a first outer surface, and a first outer diameter;
an intermediate elongated shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a first lumen defining a first inner surface, a first inner diameter, and a second outer surface defining a second outer diameter,
wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the first outer diameter; and
an outer elongated shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a second lumen defining a second inner surface and a second inner diameter,
wherein the second inner diameter is greater than the second outer diameter,
wherein the inner elongate shaft is at least partially received within the first lumen and is longitudinally moveable relative to the intermediate elongated shaft,
wherein the intermediate elongated shaft is at least partially received within the second lumen and is longitudinally moveable relative to the outer elongated shaft;
wherein the inner elongate shaft is positioned relative to the intermediate elongated shaft in a first arrangement;
wherein shifting the inner elongate shaft relative to the intermediate elongated shaft positions the inner elongate shaft relative to the intermediate elongated shaft in a second arrangement different from the first arrangement;
wherein the adjustable stiffness catheter has a first stiffness in the first arrangement;
and wherein the adjustable stiffness catheter has second stiffness in the second arrangement, the second stiffness being different from the first stiffness;
wherein shifting the inner elongate shaft relative to the intermediate elongated shaft includes rotating the inner elongate shaft;
wherein rotating the inner elongate shaft radially expands the inner elongate shaft.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The adjustable stiffness catheter of claim 1, wherein shifting the inner elongate shaft relative to the intermediate elongated shaft includes compressing the inner elongate shaft in a proximal to distal direction.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The adjustable stiffness catheter of claim 1, wherein shifting the inner elongate shaft relative to the intermediate elongated shaft includes actuating an actuation structure coupled to the proximal end of the inner elongate shaft.