Patent ID: 6458097
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
Catheter intended to be introduced into a body channel and comprising: at least one flexible elongate internal element, rigid in traction, and a leaktight tubular sheath surrounding said internal element with an annular space formed between said internal element and said sheath and used for transmitting a pressurized fluid, said sheath being made of a flexible material, having a thin wall and being capable of undergoing radial collapse when no pressurized fluid is introduced into said annular space wherein said thin wall has a surface with irregularities so that when said sheath undergoes such a radial collapse and bears on said internal element, said irregularities maintain a space between said internal element and said sheath for fluid communication between and beyond the ends of said sheath, there being fluid flow capability at all times completely through said and beyond annular space or said space.