Patent ID: 7648458
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
1. An insertion shape detecting probe, comprising: plural shape detecting elements that is used to detect a position of an insertion portion for generating magnetic field or detecting magnetic field; plural signal lines that are connected to the plural shape detecting elements; plural supporting members that support the plural shape detecting elements; plural inner sheaths into which the signal lines and the supporting members are inserted, the inner sheaths being each formed by a multiple-lumen tube that has a first lumen formed at a substantially central portion of each inner sheath and plural second lumens formed around an exterior periphery portion of the first lumen, the shape detecting elements and the inner sheaths being linearly arranged, the supporting members being elongated wire rods in which one portion thereof is arranged along exterior peripheries of the shape detecting elements in an axial direction and other portion thereof runs through the second lumens of the inner sheaths; and an outer sheath into which the inner sheaths, the shape detecting elements, and at least one portion of the supporting members are inserted.