Patent ID: 8454535
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An elongated torque tube for use in medical applications, comprising an elongated tubular structure having a cylindrical cross section and defining a longitudinal axis and a circumferential axis, the elongated tubular structure including a discontinuous helical cut with at least one of a predetermined pitch or multiple predetermined varied pitches and having a finite width and extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongated tubular structure, the discontinuous helical cut being oriented substantially along the circumferential axis and including a plurality of flexural units, each flexural unit being offset from the helical cut along the longitudinal axis in a perpendicular direction from the helical cut, the flexural unit being defined at least in part by a first, second, and third cut, parallel to one another and the helical cut and spaced apart in the perpendicular direction from the helical cut to form a first flexural strut between the first and second cut, and a second flexural strut between the second and third cut at a single spacing or varied spacing consisting of a single overall width or multiple varied widths.