Patent ID: 6017322
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
A steerable catheter kit comprising:a package;a plurality of disposable modules positioned in the package, each said disposable module including an elongate tube having at least one lumen extending from a distal end to a proximal end of said tube, a module interface connected to the proximal end of said tube, and deflecting means connected to said tube for deflecting the distal portion of said elongate tube; anda reusable handle positioned in the package for being detachably connected to said module and being configured to be readily held in the hand of a user, said handle comprising a body including a wall positioned in distal portions of said body, said wall having an outer surface thereof defining an exterior portion of said body, and a first cavity formed within said body, said body being detachably and coextensively connectable to said module interface through the outer surface of said wall, and control means connected to said body and detachably connectable to said deflecting means of said module for responsively controlling said deflecting means to thereby manipulate distal portions of said elongate tube, said control means and said deflecting means being connectable to define a unitary catheter manipulation means extending from said first cavity, through said wall, and to said tube for manipulating a distal portion of the catheter when positioned within a vessel, cavity, or tissue.