Patent ID: 9668720
Date: 2017-06-06
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. An esophageal displacement catheter, comprising: a catheter body comprising at least one lumen, a distal end, a proximal end, a distendable section and sidewalls, the lumen extending between at least portions of the proximal and distal ends of the catheter body, the catheter body being configured to assume a substantially straight configuration along a longitudinal axis, or to assume a flexible or limp configuration along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis, when the catheter body is in a relaxed or non-active configuration; wherein the distendable section comprises a plurality of substantially rigid sections and a plurality of joints having joint locations along the distendable section corresponding thereto, the rigid segments being connected to one another by the joints, the joints and rigid segments being configured to permit the distendable section to deflect away from the longitudinal axis and form a compound bend substantially within a single plane along the plurality of joints when the pulling member is pulled towards the proximal end of the catheter body, the distendable section and the catheter body further being configured to rotate substantially within the single plane when the proximal end of the catheter body is rotated by a user, the catheter body is configured such that the distendable section thereof is configured to assume a distended configuration between the proximal and distal ends of the catheter body, the distended configuration being suitable for displacing and repositioning an esophagus of a patient at least 20 mm away from the patient's heart when the pulling member is in an active or retracted position as the pulling member is tightened by the user manipulating the catheter manipulation mechanism, the catheter is configured such that a torsional and rotational force applied to the proximal end of the catheter body or the catheter manipulation mechanism by the user resulting in a rotation of the proximal end of the catheter body through a prescribed angle determined by the user results in the torsional force being transmitted through the catheter body and the distendable section such that the distendable section also rotates substantially through the prescribed angle when the torsional and rotational force is applied, and the distendable section comprises a plurality of openings disposed in the sidewalls of the catheter body at or near at least some of the joint locations such that portions of the first pulling member extend through the openings and become located outside the lumen and the catheter body when the first pulling member is placed in the active or retracted position, the flexible sheath being configured to cover the openings and become deformed and distended by portions of the pulling member located outside the catheter body and the lumen when the first pulling member is in the active or retracted position.