Patent ID: 7066880
Filing Date: 2006-06-27
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A self propelling catheter introducer system for exploring a body cavity, comprising: a flexible tubular catheter having a length extending from a distal end for introduction in the cavity to a proximal end opposite the distal end; a tubular working channel formed within the catheter, adapted for guiding medical tools along the length of the catheter; a non-collapsible sheath defining the working channel, disposed inside the catheter, extending substantially from the proximal end to the distal end and maintaining a substantially circular cross-section even when bent along an axis; a propulsion section of the catheter disposed adjacent the distal end, adapted for pulling the catheter through the cavity; a steering section of the catheter disposed adjacent the distal end, adapted for pointing the distal end in a desired direction; and control means for controlling operation of the propulsion section and the steering section; wherein the steering section comprises a flexible mesh defining an outer surface of the catheter, a tip forming the distal end and a plurality of push-pull wires attached to the tip and the flexible mesh and extending to the proximal end.