Patent ID: 7378048
Filing Date: 2008-05-27
Classification: A61M,B29C,B29L

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a curve in a catheter tube comprising the steps of: providing a catheter tube having a lumen therethrough; providing a means for electromagnetic induction heating of the catheter tube, the means having a composition including a selected amount of a ferromagnetic material having a Curie temperature; placing at least a portion of the catheter tube in close proximity to the means for electromagnetic induction heating of the catheter tube; shaping the at least a portion of the catheter tube in a desired curve shape; exposing the at least a portion of the catheter tube and the means for electromagnetic induction heating of the catheter tube to an alternating magnetic field such that the means for electromagnetic induction heating of the catheter tube reaches the Curie temperature; wherein the step of shaping the at least a portion of the catheter tube in a desired curve shape is performed prior to exposing the at least a portion of the catheter tube and the means for electromagnetic induction heating of the catheter tube to an alternating magnetic field; and separating the catheter tube from the means for electromagnetic induction heating of the catheter tube; wherein the means for electromagnetic induction heating of the catheter tube includes a plurality of portions including at least a first portion having a first selected amount of a ferromagnetic material having a first Curie temperature and a second portion having a second selected amount of a ferromagnetic material having a second Curie temperature different from the first Curie temperature.