Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present invention provides a deflectable catheter having a catheter body, a tip section attached at a distal end of the catheter body and a control handle attached at a proximal end of the catheter body. A puller wire, anchored at its proximal end to the control handle and at its distal end to the tip section is provided in the catheter for deflecting the tip section. Longitudinal movement of the puller wire relative to the catheter body, resulting in the deflection of the tip section, is accomplished by a suitable manipulation of the control handle. To eliminate the 'residual tip curve' problem arising out of the deflection, and especially repeated deflection, of the tip section a straightening element is carried by the catheter tip section. The straightening element consists of a short section of a flexibly resilient material and may be any suitable shape. The material of the straightening element is capable of returning to its original shape after plastic deformation. A straightening element of Nitinol wire having a circular cross-section with a diameter in the range of about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, and preferably a diameter of about 0.014 inches is preferred.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim