Patent ID: 6027460
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A rotatable medical apparatus comprising:a flexible, elongated medical device advanceable into a bodily passageway or cavity, the medical device having proximal, intermediate and distal portions, the distal portion including a rotationally positionable element; anda flexible torquing sheath extending along a substantial length of the elongated medical device, the sheath having proximal and distal ends and an intermediate segment;the proximal end and the intermediate segment of the torquing sheath being rotatable with respect to the proximal portion of the medical device, the distal end of the torquing sheath being secured to the distal portion of the medical device to prevent relative rotation of the distal end of the torquing sheath and the distal portion of the medical device with respect to each other so that rotation of the proximal end of the torquing sheath with respect to the proximal portion of the medical device conveys torque to the distal end of the torquing sheath and, therefore, to the distal portion of the medical device, thereby rotating the distal portion of the medical device, permitting a user to rotationally position the rotationally positionable element;a stabilizing handle secured to the proximal portion of the medical device and a rotation grip secured to the proximal end of the torquing sheath, the rotation grip being rotatable with respect to the stabilizing handle to permit selective rotation of the proximal end of the torquing sheath with respect to the proximal portion of the medical device, thereby rotating the distal portion of the medical device with respect to the proximal portion of the medical device;means for substantially preventing relative longitudinal movement of the rotation grip with respect to the stabilizing handle,a relative rotation indicator indicating the extent of relative rotation of the rotation grip with respect to the stabilizing handle, the relative rotation indicator comprising an internally threaded collar disposed within the rotation grip and being received over complementary external threads formed in the stabilizing handle, the collar carrying a radially outwardly extending pin received in a longitudinal slot formed in the rotation grip, longitudinal movement of the collar and pin thereby indicating the extent of relative rotation of the rotation grip with respect to the stabilizing handle.