Patent ID: 6146355
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A steerable catheter comprising:(a) a handle having a first end comprising first and second ports for allowing passage of instruments therethrough, and a second end generally opposite said first end;(b) a steering dial rotatably mounted within said handle;(c) a catheter shaft extending from the second end of said handle, said catheter shaft comprising:(i) a first shaft segment having a first stiffness, said first shaft segment having a rear distal end coupled to said handle, and a front distal end opposite said rear distal end;(ii) a tip segment having a second stiffness less than said first stiffness, said tip segment having a first end fused to the front distal end of said first shaft segment, and a second end opposite said first end;(iii) an end segment fused to the second end of said tip segment, said end segment having a greater stiffness than said tip segment;(iv) a first steering wire lumen extending lengthwise through said first shaft segment, said tip segment, and at least a portion of said end segment;(v) a second steering wire lumen extending lengthwise through said first shaft segment, said tip segment, and at least a portion of said end segment, said second steering wire lumen extending generally parallel to and diametrically separated from said first steering wire lumen; and(vi) first and second instrument passage lumens extending lengthwise through said first shaft segment, said tip segment, and said end segment;(d) a steering wire having a first end coupled to a first point of said steering dial, a looped portion extending through said first steering wire lumen and said second steering wire lumen, and a second end coupled to a second point of said steering dial, wherein said looped portion comprises a coined portion adjacent said end segment and extending between said first and second instrument passage lumens, whereby rotation of said steering dial causes said tip segment of said catheter shaft to flex;(e) a manifold having first and second passages therethrough, said first passage communicating with said first instrument passage lumen, and said second passage communicating with said second instrument passage lumen; and(f) first and second tubing segments, said first tubing segment connecting said first port to said first passage of said manifold, and said second tubing segment connecting said second port to said second passage of said manifold.