Patent ID: 6544231
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A medical instrument, comprising:a) a shaft having an outer surface; b) a tubular element having an inner surface extending over a portion of said shaft; and c) at least one coil wound in a first rotational direction and provided between said shaft and said tubular element, said at least one coil having an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface of said at least one coil interfering with said shaft such that said at least one coil grips said shaft, and said outer surface of said coil coupled to said tubular element, wherein said tubular element is movable longitudinally relative to said shaft in a first longitudinal direction when subject to force in said first longitudinal direction, and said tubular element is substantially immovable longitudinally relative to said shaft in a second longitudinal direction opposite said first longitudinal direction when subject to force in said second longitudinal direction only, and wherein when said tubular element is subject to rotational force in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction, movement of said tubular element in said second longitudinal direction relative to said shaft is permitted, and further wherein when said rotational force in said second rotational direction is released said tubular element is substantially immovable relative to said shaft in said second longitudinal direction.