Patent ID: 6605086
Filing Date: 2003-08-12
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A catheter comprising:a sheath including a proximal region, a distal-end region having a distal tip, and a longitudinal centerline; a first steering tendon housed within the sheath, the first steering tendon having a first end attached to the distal-end region at a location offset from the centerline of the sheath, and a second end located at the proximal region of the sheath, wherein movement of the first steering tendon in the proximal direction causes the sheath distal-end region to deflect; a second steering tendon housed within the sheath, the second steering tendon having a first end attached to the distal-end region at a location offset from the centerline of the sheath, and a second end located at the proximal region of the sheath, wherein movement of the second steering tendon in the proximal direction causes the sheath distal-end region to deflect; and a torque transfer system adapted to transfer torsional forces from the proximal region of the sheath to the distal-end region of the sheath, the torque transfer system including a ribbon having a length which is less than the length of the sheath, the ribbon being housed within the distal-end region of the sheath and configured to deflect therewith, the ribbon having a first end attached to the distal tip of the sheath and a second end attached to a distal portion of the proximal region of the sheath.