Patent ID: 6585718
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A catheter comprising:a sheath including a proximal region, a distal-end region, and a longitudinal centerline; at least one steering tendon housed within the sheath, the steering tendon having a first end attached to the distal-end region of the sheath, and a second end located at the proximal region of the sheath, wherein movement of the steering tendon in a proximal direction causes the sheath distal-end region to deflect; and a support system having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen there between, the support system sized to fit within the distal-end region of the sheath and configured to deflect laterally relative to the centerline and to resist axial compression along the centerline; wherein the support system comprises a helical coil defining the lumen and at least one strut secured to one side of the coil throughout the length of the coil.