US 5,843,050 A · Microcatheter

Abstract

Disclosed is an elongate flexible microcatheter, for diagnostic and or therapeutic applications. The microcatheter is provided with a small outside diameter and high degree of flexibility, to facilitate negotiation of small, tortuous vessels such as those encountered in intercranial catheterizations. The catheter is formed from a composite of a series of tubular elements, each extending axially for a different distance along the tubular body. A distal section on one or more of the tubular components is provided with a spiral cut, to modify the flexibility properties of the finished catheter. The catheter may also be provided with an inflatable balloon, and a valve to permit the use of a single lumen for both receiving a guidewire and for conveying inflation media.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A catheter for negotiating small, tortuous vessels comprising:

an elongate flexible body having a tubular wall and at least one lumen extending axially therethrough;
a first tubular element in the wall, extending axially through the body and terminating in a first distal zone;
a second tubular element in the wall, extending axially through the body and terminating in a second distal zone;
wherein each of the first and second tubular elements is provided with a spiral cut in each of the first and second distal zones.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Microcatheter

Life of this patent

Microcatheter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12