Patent ID: 8939931
Filing Date: 2015-01-27
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. An access catheter having an enlargeable internal working lumen, comprising: an elongate, flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a working lumen extending therethrough; a proximal section on the body, having a fixed diameter; a distal section on the body which is movable between a first, reduced outside diameter less than the fixed diameter for transluminal navigation and a second, enlarged outside diameter to accommodate an enlarged internal working lumen; an axially movable tubular support for controllably supporting the working lumen against collapse when the working lumen is enlarged and the distal section is in the second diameter; and a control on the proximal end of the catheter for controlling the support; wherein the working lumen in the distal section is enlargeable from a first inside diameter to a second inside diameter in response to distal movement of the support; and wherein the support is movable from a first proximal limit within the catheter when the working lumen within the distal section is in the first inside diameter configuration to a second, distal position within the catheter to support the enlarged internal working lumen in the distal section.