Patent ID: 6932829
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter for insertion into a lumen to treat a patient, the catheter comprising: a) an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, an outer dimension and an inner dimension; and b) at least one centering device attached near the distal end of the catheter, the at least one centering device comprising at least two struts extending between a proximal end c) and a distal end, the at least one centering device having a smaller first diameter for insertion into the lumen; a larger second diameter for expanding to substantially equal the diameter of the lumen, and to center the catheter in the lumen; and a plurality of intermediate diameters therebetween, wherein the at least two struts have midpoints, the at least two struts further comprising hinges near the midpoints.