Patent ID: 8303570
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An adjustable catheter, the catheter having a distal region and a proximal region, the catheter comprising: an elongate polymeric shaft extending from the proximal region to the distal region; a first spiral-cut hypotube disposed within the elongate polymeric shaft; and a second spiral-cut hypotube disposed about the first spiral-cut hypotube; wherein the first spiral-cut hypotube translates from a relatively proximal position to a relatively distal position, thereby increasing stiffness of the distal region of the catheter; wherein the second spiral-cut hypotube has a relaxed position in which the second spiral-cut hypotube has a relaxed inner diameter, the first spiral-cut hypotube has a relaxed position in which the first spiral-cut hypotube has a relaxed outer diameter, and the relaxed inner diameter of the second spiral-cut hypotube is larger than the relaxed outer diameter of the first spiral-cut hypotube; and wherein the second spiral-cut hypotube is adapted such that rotating the second spiral-cut hypotube with respect to the first spiral-cut hypotube causes the second hypotube to constrict onto the first spiral-cut hypotube.