Patent ID: 6902555
Filing Date: 2005-06-07
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of shaping a combination catheter having an inner medical element and an outer catheter tube in which the inner medical element is disposed, said outer catheter tube being sufficiently small so that the catheter tube may be inserted into the human body, said catheter tube having a lumen in which the inner medical element is disposed, said inner medical element being disposed in said lumen and being axially movable with respect to the catheter tube, at least one of said catheter tube and said inner medical element being remotely controllable to form a curve in the distal end thereof, said method comprising the steps of: moving the combination of the catheter tube and the inner medical element in a passage in the human body to a desired position, said moving step occurring with the distal end of the inner element disposed distally of the distal tip of the catheter tube; imaging the catheter tube and the inner medical element while said tube and medical element are disposed in the human body; shaping the distal end of the combination catheter, during imaging of the catheter tube and the inner medical element, by manipulating the distal end of the combination catheter by remotely controlling the distal end of at least one of the catheter tube and the inner medical element to form a curve therein such that the distal end of the combination catheter takes a desired shape; verifying the desired shape by imaging the catheter tube and the inner medical element.