Catheter guide assembly
OwnerPeter Hanley, Ian Leitch Mcdougallinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A catheter guide assembly (3) is provided having a magnet support for mounting to a catheter; at least two permanent magnets (1A+1B, 2) mounted to the support; and a control system (4). The control system (4) is used to adjust the relative magnetisation directions of the permanent magnets between a first configuration in which their direction of magnetisation are such that the magnets generate a relatively large resultant magnetic field, and a second configuration in which their directions of magnetisation are such that the magnets generate a relatively small resultant magnetic field.
Claims15
A catheter guide assembly comprising a magnet support for mounting to a catheter;
- at least two permanent magnets mounted to the support;
- and a control system for adjusting the relative magnetisation directions of the permanent magnets between a first configuration in which their directions of magnetisation are such that the magnets generate a relatively large resultant magnetic field, and a second configuration in which their directions of magnetisation are such that the magnets generate a relatively small resultant magnetic field.
An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the volumes of the permanent magnets are chosen such that in the second configuration, the total volume magnetised in one direction is equal to the total volume magnetised in the opposite direction.
An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein 3 permanent magnets are provided.
An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnets define a sphere.
An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support partially surrounds the permanent magnets so as to hold them in place, but permits relative movement between them.
An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnets contact one another.
An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system comprises at least one control line connected to one of the permanent magnets so that orientation of the permanent magnet can be changed by moving the control line.
A catheter guide assembly substantially hereinbefore described with reference to any of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings.
A catheter assembly comprising a catheter;
- and a catheter guide assembly according to any of the preceding claims mounted to the catheter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.