Patent ID: 6907298
Filing Date: 2005-06-14
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A deflectable elongated medical instrument, comprising: an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal tubular member ends; a wire coil comprising coil turns wound about a longitudinal coil axis in a coil length extending between proximal and distal coil ends, the coil turns separated apart by a coil spacing, the coil proximal end joined to the tubular member distal end to support the coil in axial alignment with the elongated tubular member; a longitudinally extending movable wire mounted within the coil and tubular member, the movable wire mechanically coupled at or near the distal end of the wire coil and extending proximally through the coil and tubular member to the tubular member proximal end; first means for maintaining the coil spacing between a first plurality of coil turns extending in a first line in a first longitudinal portion of the coil when the movable wire is pulled proximally through the coil whereby a first curve is induced in the coils of the first longitudinal portion in a first radial direction from the coil axis; and second means for maintaining the coil spacing between a second plurality of coil turns extending in a second line in a second longitudinal portion of the coil when the movable wire is pulled proximally through the coil, the second longitudinal portion longitudinally displaced at least in part from the first longitudinal portion along the coil length, the second longitudinal portion displaced circumferentially from the first longitudinal portion, whereby a second curve is induced in the coils of the second longitudinal portion in a second radial direction from the coil axis differing from the first radial direction.