Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US4854330?dq=3798359
Timestamp: 2017-05-01 05:35:44
Document Index: 77472170

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 40', 'art 42', 'art 40', 'art 42', 'art 42', 'art 40', 'arts 40', 'arts 40', 'art 42', 'art 40', 'art 42', 'art 40', 'art 42', 'art 62', 'art 64', 'art 64', 'arts 62']

Patent US4854330 - Formed core catheter guide wire assembly - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA core wire insertable in a catheter guide wire assembly provides a defined degree of rigidity to the catheter assembly to allow the assembly to be maneuvered through the tortuous path of the vascular or other system of a patient. The core wire includes, at its distal end, a paddle having a substantially...http://www.google.com/patents/US4854330?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US4854330 - Formed core catheter guide wire assemblyAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS4854330 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 07/244,610Publication dateAug 8, 1989Filing dateSep 9, 1988Priority dateJul 10, 1986Fee statusPaidPublication number07244610, 244610, US 4854330 A, US 4854330A, US-A-4854330, US4854330 A, US4854330AInventorsRussell M. Evans, III, James E. Machek, Kevin P. CowanOriginal AssigneeMedrad, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (14), Non-Patent Citations (2), Referenced by (192), Classifications (7), Legal Events (8) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetFormed core catheter guide wire assembly
US 4854330 AAbstract
A core wire insertable in a catheter guide wire assembly provides a defined degree of rigidity to the catheter assembly to allow the assembly to be maneuvered through the tortuous path of the vascular or other system of a patient. The core wire includes, at its distal end, a paddle having a substantially barrel-shaped body, leading to a continuous chamfer which terminates in a truncated end. Further, the core wire can have a curved section adjacent its distal end. The curved section is made by press hardening the generally circular core wire into a substantially rectangular shape such that the press hardened wire memorizes the arc of curvature. When the core wire is press hardened into a rectangular shape, a singular degree of freedom of movement is imparted to the wire in contrast to the two degrees of freedom of movement of the cross-sectionally circular core wire. A method of manufacture is also described using concave/convex mating dies or flat plate dies.
1. A formed core catheter guide wire assembly comprising:a smooth surfaced wound wire casing having a closed end and an open end, and an elongated, resilient metal core wire having a distal end and a proximal region, with a portion of said proximal region extending beyond said open end of said casing, said core wire being slidably mounted in said casing and having a preformed, continuously curved section adjacent said distal end, said preformed, continuously curved section being flexible and said preformed, continuously curved section maintaining a curved configuration when in a relaxed state for steering of the guide wire assembly through the vascular system of the body, said preformed, continuously curved section having a first part that has a longitudinally attenuated, generally rectangular cross-sectional area and a second part having a substantially uniform, generally rectangular cross-sectional area extending from said first part to said distal end, said proximal region having a substantially circular cross-sectional area, and said core wire including a continuously curved first transitional slope between the circular proximal region and the rectangular first part of said curved section and including a continuously curved second transitional slope between the uniform rectangular second part of said curved section and said distal end.
2. A formed core catheter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the major axis of all the rectangularly cross-sectional portions of said core wire is normal to the plane of curvature of said curved section.
3. A formed core catheter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the minor axis of all the rectangularly cross-sectional portions of said core wire is normal to the plane of curvature of said curved section.
4. A formed core catheter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the arc of curvature of said curved section is not greater than 90 degrees.
5. A formed core catheter assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said distal end includes a paddle having a substantially circular cross-sectional area which terminates in a continuous chamfer at a truncated end of said core wire.
6. A formed core catheter guide wire assembly comprising:a smooth surface wound wire outer casing having an open end, and an elongated, resilient metal core wire having a distal end and a proximal region, with a portion of said proximal region extending beyond said open end of said casing, said distal end having a barrel-shaped body and a continuous chamfer extending to a truncated end of said core wire, said core wire being slidably mounted in said casing and having a preformed, continuously curved section adjacent said distal end, said preformed continuously curved section being flexible and said preformed, continuously curved section maintaining a curved configuration when in a relaxed state for steering of the guide wire assembly through the vascular system of the body. 7. A catheter guide wire assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein said chamfer extends around the circumference of said barrel-shaped body.
8. A formed core catheter guide wire assembly comprising:an elongated outer casing defined by an elongated rectangular flat wire wound into a coil spring, the surface of said outer casing being defined by the radially outer surface of consecutive contacting coils, and an insertable and movable core wire which is an elongated resilient metal core wire having a distal end that includes a barrel-shaped body and a continuous chamfer extending to a truncated end of said core wire, said core wire being slidably mounted in said casing and having a preformed, continuously curved section adjacent said distal end, said preformed, continuously curved section being flexible and said preformed, continuously curved section maintaining a curved configuration when in a relaxed state for steering of the guide wire assembly through the vascular system of the body. 9. A catheter guide wire assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein said outer casing is closed at one end and open at the other end and includes a safety wire extending longitudinally within said outer casing and is attached to the ends thereof, said core wire includes a proximal region which extends beyond said open end of said assembly when said core wire is fully inserted within said casing.
10. A catheter guide wire assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein said chamfer at said distal end extends around the circumference of said barrel-shaped body.
11. A formed catheter guide wire assembly comprising:a smooth surfaced wound wire casing having a closed end and an open end, and an elongated, resilient metal core wire having a distal end and a proximal region, with a portion of said proximal region extending beyond said open end of said casing, said proximal region having a circular cross-sectional shape and said core wire being slidably mounted in said casing and extendable to said closed end of said casing to guide said casing and said core wire having a preformed, continuously curved section located adjacent said distal end, said preformed, continuously curved section having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape and being flexible for a singular degree of freedom of movement and said preformed, continuously curved section maintaining a curved configuration when in a relaxed state for steering of the guide wire assembly through the vascular system of the body. Description
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 883,943, filed July 10, 1986, now abandoned.
This invention relates to a catheter guide wire assembly and particularly relates to a core wire insertable in the assembly and to a distal tip configuration for that core wire.
In medical procedures such as angiography, a catheter must be positioned deep in the vascular system, and often such catheters must reach difficult to access regions. In order to introduce such a catheter into the vascular system of a patient, a sharp cannula is inserted through the skin and into the vascular system, and then a spring guide wire is inserted through the cannula. The cannula is then removed from the patient's body and the catheter is inserted into the body by sliding over the guide wire. The guide wire generally then is withdrawn, and the catheter is ready for further positioning and use. Catheters are also used in non-vascular procedures such as urinary tract procedures, and are introduced, as described above, with the aid of the catheter guide wire.
As used herein, the terms "catheter" and "guide wire" are meant to encompass all types of catheters and guide wires. For convenience, however, the specific example discussed herein relates to procedures dealing with the vascular system. The present invention is not limited to catheters and guide wires designed for the vascular system, and hence the benefits and advantages of the present invention apply equally to any medical procedure where a catheter must be feed through the skin and reach a remote location in the human body.
As stated earlier, the catheter guide wire assembly is inserted into the vascular system prior to the insertion of the catheter over the guide wire. The guide wire must be flexible and yet strong enough to negotiate the desired tortuous path of the vascular system and yet do no damage with its leading tip. Further, the guide wire must be strong enough to resist doubling back, kinking or breaking during the insertion and retraction processes.
Some catheter guide wire assemblies are one piece guide wire assemblies which include a wound outer casing with an ultra smooth surface and a safety core wire extending longitudinally within the casing and attached to each end thereof. This type of catheter guide wire assembly is described more fully in U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,369 by Heilman et al, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. The core wire of the catheter guide wire assembly provides a degree of strength for the outer casing and appropriate rigidity such that the entire assembly can negotiate the vascular system. The flexibility of the entire guide wire assembly can be altered by changing the flexibility of the core wire at different longitudinal sections along the length thereof. In the Heilman et al patent discussed above, the core wire is tapered in a region proximate to its distal end to enhance its flexibility.
Due to the tortuous path the catheter guide wire assembly must take in the vascular system, and due to the need for selective rigidity and flexibility in the guide wire, a guide wire has been developed with a core wire insertable and movable within the catheter guide wire assembly. With an insertable core wire, the flexibility of the guide wire assembly at the tip can be altered by moving the core wire into and out of the region adjacent the distal end. Still, a great deal of skill is needed to guide the wire into the desired location in the vascular system, and to do so without damaging the vascular system itself. Also, with such a catheter guide wire assembly, care must be taken to minimize the possibility of the distal end of the core wire punching through the wound outer casing of the guide wire at the distal end thereof and also at other locations along the length of the guide wire assembly.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a catheter guide wire assembly whose flexibility depends upon the flexibility of an insertable formed core wire.
It is another object of the present invention to minimize the possibility of the insertable core wire punching through the wound outer casing of the catheter guide wire assembly.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a catheter guide wire assembly having an insertable core wire with a curve in the region adjacent the distal end thereof.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a catheter guide wire assembly which is capable of one degree of movement rather than two degrees due to the shape of the insertable formed core wire.
A core wire insertable in a catheter guide wire assembly provides a defined degree of rigidity to the catheter assembly to allow the assembly to be maneuvered through the tortuous path of the vascular or other system of a patient. The core wire includes, at its distal end, a paddle having a substantially barrel-shaped body, leading to a continuous chamfer which terminates in a truncated end. Further, the core wire has a curved section adjacent its distal end. The curved section is made by press hardening the generally circular core wire into a substantially rectangular shape such that the press hardened wire memorizes the arc of curvature. When the core wire is press hardened into a rectangular shape, a singular degree of freedom of movement is imparted to the wire in contrast to the two degrees of freedom of movement of the cross-sectionally circular core wire. The method of manufacture involves constraining the designated section of wire in a concave or over a mating convex die and press hardening the wire. Another method is constraining the wire in a curve and press hardening the wire between two flat dies.
FIG. 1 illustrates a catheter guide wire assembly with a partially withdrawn, insertable core wire in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates the insertable core wire in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3 illustrates the distal end and the adjacent intermediate region of the core wire in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5 are cross-sectional views from the perspective of section lines 4a'-4a"; 4b'-4b"and 5'-5"in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 illustrates a curved core wire in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 7a, 7b and 8 are cross-sectional views from the perspective of section lines 7a'-7a"; 7b'--7b'and 8'--8'in FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of the curved core wire in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and,
FIGS. l0a, l0b, 11a and 11b illustrate a curved core wire, each having one degree of freedom of movement but in different planes with respect to the plane of the curve, as other embodiments in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
The present invention relates to a catheter guide wire assembly and particularly relates to a core wire which is insertable in the guide wire assembly.
FIG. 1 illustrates a partial, longitudinal cross-sectional view of a catheter guide wire assembly 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, the catheter guide wire assembly 10 includes an insertable core wire 12 partially inserted into a casing assembly 14.
An example of casing assembly 14 includes a wound outer casing 16 and could include a safety wire 18 affixed to the proximal end 20 of assembly 14 and the distal end 22 of that assembly. The wound outer casing takes the form of a coiled spring which is developed from a wound wire, such as flat wire. The outer surface of casing 16 can be an ultra smooth surface developed by coating the base flat wire with a lubricating agent such as teflon prior to being spring-wound. In this manner, flaking of the outer coating is minimized during bending of the guide wire when in use. Also, the surface of the casing can be lightly ground by abrasion and subsequently electro-polished. Safety wire 18 is welded, or is affixed in some other fashion, to proximal end 20 and distal end 22 of wound outer casing 16. A further description of a specific casing assembly can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,369 by Heilman et al, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and that description is incorporated herein by reference thereto.
The casing and safety wire assembly 14 is relatively flexible; therefore, core wire 12 is adapted to be inserted into open end 24 at proximal end 20 of casing and safety wire assembly 14. Core wire 12 is illustrated as being partially inserted in catheter assembly 10 in FIG. 1. When fully inserted into casing and safety wire assembly 14, core wire 12 provides a degree of rigidity such that the entire catheter guide wire assembly 10 can negotiate the tortuous path through the vascular system, or other system, of the patient. The degree of rigidity of catheter assembly 10 is primarily dependent upon the rigidity or flexibility of core wire 12.
Core wire 12 includes at its proximal end a wound handle 26 such that the medical personnel can insert and withdraw core wire 12 from casing and safety wire assembly 14.
FIG. 2 illustrates a partial longitudinal view of core wire 12 with handle 26 showing a partial breakaway cross-sectional view thereof. In general, core wire 12 is an elongated, resilient metal core wire having a distal end 28 at which is formed a paddle 30, an intermediate region 32 and a proximal region 34. The total length of core wire 12 is such that a portion of the proximal region extends beyond proximal end 20 (see FIG. 1) of casing and safety wire assembly 14.
Paddle 30 has a substantially barrel-shaped body 36 which in one embodiment has a cross-sectional area substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of core wire 12 in the proximal region 34. Paddle 30 also includes a continuous chamfer 38 extending to the truncated distal end 28 of core wire 12. The truncated end is substantially flat and at a right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of core wire 12. Paddle 30 can generally be called "a bullet nose." Chamfer 38 is continuous in that it extends around the circumference of barrel-shaped body 36. One method of forming chamfer 38 is to grind the end of body 36 on a centerless grinder. Another method is to dip body 36 into phosphoric acid and pass an electric current therethrough. The electro-etching concentrates on the sharp edge of barrel-shaped body 36 and therefore etches the edge away. By timing the electro-chemical etching, chamfer 38 is formed on body 36. In this situation, chamfer 38 may be slightly bowed rather than a straight inclined plane extending from the circumference of barrel-shaped body 36 to truncated distal end 28 f the core wire. Experimental tests have shown that the "bullet nose" paddle reduces the possibility of punch through.
Intermediate region 32 is generally defined by a first part 40, a second part 42 and a tapered section 44. The first part 40 has a circular cross-sectional area which is longitudinally attenuated from proximal region 34 to the second part 42, over a distance 0. The second part 42 has a cross-sectional area which is substantially uniform throughout its longitudinal length N. Taper 44, spanning distance M is a uniform taper to the larger diameter barrel-shaped body 36 of paddle 30. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the proximal region 34 is substantially uniform throughout its length. Therefore, core wire 12 imparts the greatest rigidity to catheter assembly 10 throughout proximal region 34 and imparts a lesser degree of rigidity, i.e., greater flexibility, to the catheter assembly throughout its intermediate region 32. By increasing length 0 of longitudinal attenuated part 40, the core wire would impart greater degrees of flexibility to the catheter assembly. In a similar fashion, the present invention can be embodied by providing a plurality of longitudinally attenuated parts 40, each having different degrees of taper. In this alternative embodiment, the flexibility of the core wire and hence the catheter assembly would be further enhanced. The present invention is meant to encompass a plurality of longitudinally attenuated cross-sectional areas.
Parts 40 and 42 of intermediate region 32 are formed by placing a core wire 12, which can be a high grade stainless steel, 300 series work hardenable, between a specially configured grinding wheel and a regulation wheel. At that time, taper 44, uniform part 42, and longitudinally attenuated part 40 are formed by centerless grinding of the integral core wire.
FIG. 2 illustrates handle 26 at the proximal end of core wire 12. Handle 26 is only exemplary of a plurality of handles which can be placed at the end of core wire 12 to enable the medical personnel to insert and withdraw the core wire from the catheter assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, handle 26 comprises a plurality of wound flat wire coils which are welded at either end to the core wire.
In one embodiment, proximal region 34 of core wire 12 can have a diameter from 0.010 to 0.022 of 304 stainless steel. Length O is three inches, length N is one inch and the diameter of uniform part 42 is 0.007 inches. The diameter of barrel-shaped body 36 of paddle 30 is in the same range as the diameter of the core wire in proximal region 34.
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of core wire 12 at the intermediate region 32 and the distal end section of the core wire. FIGS. 4a, 4b and 5 show cross-sectional areas of longitudinally attenuated part 40 and uniform part 42.
The core wire described in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3 has substantially two degrees of freedom of movement. To explain, if the core wire were mounted along the Z axis in a hypothetical three plane cartesian coordinate system with the Z axis extending perpendicularly through an XY plane, the distal end of the core wire could move in an unrestricted fashion in the X direction, in the Y direction and a combination of those two. Since the wire is constrained along the Z axis, the wire would not move along the Z direction. In this sense, the core wire has two degrees of freedom of movement, in the X and Y direction.
In another embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in FIG. 6, a formed core wire has substantially only one degree of freedom of movement. FIG. 6 generally shows the intermediate region in the distal end of core wire 12. In addition, a limited section of proximal region of 34 is illustrated at the top of FIG. 6. In general, core wire 12 has a continuously curved section adjacent distal end 28, when the core wire is in its relaxed state. The curved section is defined by intermediate region 32, however, the curved section need not be so limited and may be only a portion of the intermediate region rather than the entire intermediate region.
The curved section of core wire 12 is formed by placing the wire portions to be curved in a concave die and press hardening or coining the constrained wire with a mating convex die. In this manner, the cross-sectional area of the curved section is press hardened into a substantially rectangular shape. As used herein, the term "rectangular shape" means a shape which conforms grossly to FIG. 7a, i.e., a shape having at least two substantially parallel sides to provide preferential flexibility in one plane. By press hardening in a concave die, the major axis S in FIGS. 6 and 7a of the rectangular shape is normal to the plane defined by the curvature of the curved section. Conceptually, the curved section lies in a plane and that plane is called herein "the plane of curvature." The major axis of the rectangular shape is the lengthwise aspect thereof. When the wire is press hardened in concave/convex mating dies, the major axis is normal to the plane of curvature and the minor axis, or the widthwise aspect, of the rectangular shape is aligned parallel to the plane of curvature. Another method of forming a curved section of the core wire is to constrain the appropriate section of wire in a curve on a flat die and to press harden or coin the constrained wire with a mating flat die. In this manner, a substantially rectangular cross-sectional wire is obtained and the minor axis T of the rectangular shape is normal to the plane of curvature of the core wire. With this embodiment, the lengthwise aspect (the major axis S) of the rectangular shape is parallelly aligned to the plane of curvature of the wire location.
Returning to FIG. 6, the proximal region 34 ends at 60. The first part 62 of intermediate region 32 has a longitudinally attenuated cross-sectional area (compare FIGS. 7a and 7b) over length R, and the second part 64 has a substantially uniform cross-sectional area throughout its length Q. The longitudinally attenuated cross-sectional areas of the intermediate region are shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b and FIG. 8 along the appropriate section lines illustrated in FIG. 6.
To reduce the stress concentration between the more proximal portion of core wire 12 and the rectangularly-shaped intermediate region 32, a transitional slope 66 is provided between the flattened and curved section of the wire and the circular section of the wire. Also, a second transitional slope 68 is provided between the second part 64 of intermediate region 32 and paddle 30. Paddle 30 is not curved and, therefore, the longitudinal length L of barrel-shaped body 36 is substantially the same as that noted above with respect to the core discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3.
The stainless steel chosen for core wire 12 is such that it is work hardenable and, therefore, when the wire is constrained in a curve and coined, the wire will retain the curve or memorize the curve. However, the curved section of the core wire still is flexible, that is, the curved section is not rigid to all movement. By providing a curved section in the core wire, the medical personnel can advance or retract this core and hence the distal end of the catheter assembly becomes either very floppy, by withdrawing the core, or stiffer by advancing the core. Further, when the curved section of the core is fully inserted into the distal end of the catheter assembly, as shown in FIG. 9, the catheter assembly follows the curved section and takes on a curved shape such that the medical personnel can enter a selected artery by directing the core wire appropriately. Further, the core wire is torqueable, and hence the curved tip of the guide wire can be steered by turning the handle 26 of the core wire. It is contemplated that arcs of two, three and six inches can be embodied by the curved section of the core wire. Hence, different core wires can have different degrees of arc.
It is known to utilize a guide wire with a "J" tip at the distal thereof. These "J" tipped configurations range in size from 1 mm to as large as 15 mm. Their main function is to reduce trauma to the arterial system as they negotiate torturous curvatures in the vessel, thereby reducing the propensity for perforating the vessel. Usually it is standard practice for this "J" tipped guide wire to extend beyond the catheter in order for the guide wire to find its way with the "bottom" of the "J" and then the catheter to be advanced upon the correct section of the artery having been steered by the guide wire. The "J" shape in the guide wire is considered by some to be a safer configuration. Also, various shapes can be placed at the distal portion of catheters, which perform quite a different function. The unique shape of the distal portions of the catheter is used to selectively determine the vessel which requires entry.
Therefore, the "J" shape of the guide wire is mainly for the purpose of minimizing trauma as it negotiates a vessel. There is no relationship to the above-described "J" shape and the arc that is placed in the formed core of the present invention. This arc or radius at the distal portion of the guide wire is for the purpose of steering or selecting a vessel at a branch or bifurcation in a vessel. The distal tip of the formed core is precisely steered through the vascular system whereas only the "bottom" of the "J" is at the forefront of the "J" tipped guide wire, i.e., the distal end of that core wire is not the most distal portion of the entire guide wire. The degree of arc of the present invention is something less than the arc in "J" tipped guide wires and, in preferred embodiments, not greater than 90 degrees.
FIG. 9 illustrates a partial cross-sectional longitudinal view of catheter assembly 10 with the curved section, which includes parts 62 and 64 of the intermediate region, and with core wire 12 fully inserted within casing and safety wire assembly 14. As shown, the catheter assembly 10 has a curved aspect which follows the curved core wire.
FIGS. 10a, 10b, 11a and 11b show front and side views of curved, flattened core wires having substantially one degree of freedom of movement.
FIGS. 10a and 10b show front and side views of a curved core wire 80. Proximal region 82 leads to longitudinally attenuated section 84 which in turn leads to uniform section 86 and ultimately to paddle 88 at the distal end of core wire 80. FIG. 10b shows the side view of core wire 80. The plane of curvature is the surface of the drawing sheet in FIG. 10b. The major axis of the rectangularly-shaped section of the wire, illustrated generally by surface 90, follows curvature U which in turn generally describes the curvature of core wire 80 in the plane of curvature. The surface 90, generally aligned with the major axis, is normal to the plane of curvature. In this case, core wire 80 has a substantially singular degree of freedom of movement illustrated by double arrowed line V.
To explain, returning to the theoretical positioning of core wire 80 along the Z axis in a three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system, if the major axis (generally surface 90) of the rectangular cross-sectionally-shaped core wire 70 is parallel to the Y axis, the core wire exhibits substantially a singular degree of freedom of movement in the X direction or along the X axis (e.g., see arrow V). It is to be understood that flattening the core wire does not limit all movement along the Y axis, but movement along the Y axis is substantially diminished as compared with movement along the X axis due to the comparative lengths along the major and minor axes of the body (compare surface 90 to surface 86). Therefore, the single degree of freedom of movement discussed with respect to the present invention means that preferential bending or flexing in one direction is introduced by the flattening or press hardening of the core wire.
In FIGS. 11a and 11b, the front and side views of a curved core wire 110 are illustrated. Core wire 110 includes proximal region 112, an intermediate region including longitudinally attenuated section 114, and uniform section 116, and paddle 118 at the distal end of the core wire. As illustrated in FIG. 12b, the minor axis of the rectangularly-shaped core wire sections, generally along surface 120, follows the arc of curvature of arc W such that core wire 110 exhibits a singular degree of freedom of movement as shown by double arrowed line AA in FIG. 11a. Surface 120 is normal to the plane of curvature and surface 116 is parallelly aligned to that plane.
While only certain preferred features of the invention have been shown by way of illustration, many modifications and changes can be made. It is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modification and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS2865374 *Sep 16, 1957Dec 23, 1958Sierra Eng CoTracheotomy instrumentUS3452742 *Jun 29, 1966Jul 1, 1969Us Catheter & Instr CorpControlled vascular curvable spring guideUS4003369 *Apr 22, 1975Jan 18, 1977Medrad, Inc.Angiographic guidewire with safety core wireUS4215703 *Aug 29, 1978Aug 5, 1980Willson James K VVariable stiffness guide wireUS4402684 *Sep 16, 1981Sep 6, 1983The Kendall CompanyCannula with soft tipUS4498482 *Jul 28, 1983Feb 12, 1985Medtronic, Inc.Transvenous pacing lead having improved styletUS4538622 *Nov 10, 1983Sep 3, 1985Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Guide wire for cathetersUS4545390 *Sep 22, 1982Oct 8, 1985C. R. Bard, Inc.Steerable guide wire for balloon dilatation procedureUS4548206 *Jul 21, 1983Oct 22, 1985Cook, IncorporatedCatheter wire guide with movable mandrilUS4619274 *Apr 18, 1985Oct 28, 1986Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Torsional guide wire with attenuated diameterUS4676249 *May 19, 1986Jun 30, 1987Cordis CorporationMulti-mode guidewireUS4684369 *Aug 19, 1985Aug 4, 1987Wildemeersch Dirk A AInstrument for suprapubic drainage of the bladder, inserted through the urethraGB1435797A * Title not availableSU976993A1 * Title not available* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1 *USCI, Safety Spring Guides Stainless Steel & Teflon Coated, 1974.2USCI, Safety Spring Guides-Stainless Steel & Teflon Coated, 1974.* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS5037387 *Jan 24, 1990Aug 6, 1991Corpak, Inc.Method of positioning an enteral feeding tube within a patient's bodyUS5067489 *Oct 26, 1990Nov 26, 1991Flexmedics CorporationFlexible guide with safety tipUS5092847 *Apr 6, 1990Mar 3, 1992Sherwood Medical CompanyEnteral feeding tube styletUS5125902 *Mar 2, 1990Jun 30, 1992Cardiopulmonics, Inc.Sheath/obturator to facilitate insertion of medical devices into a patient's venous systemUS5152756 *Feb 25, 1991Oct 6, 1992Corpak, Inc.Distal gripping tip for enteral feeding tubeUS5242389 *Nov 16, 1992Sep 7, 1993Sherwood Medical CompanyEnteral feeding tube enteral feeding tube with separate stylet lumenUS5250054 *May 1, 1992Oct 5, 1993Li Medical Technologies, Inc.Intracorporeal knot tying apparatus and methodUS5295493 *Nov 10, 1992Mar 22, 1994Interventional Technologies, Inc.Anatomical guide wireUS5341817 *Dec 14, 1992Aug 30, 1994Cordis CorporationElongated guidewire for use in dilation proceduresUS5377690 *Feb 9, 1993Jan 3, 1995C. R. Bard, Inc.Guidewire with round forming wireUS5386828 *Aug 17, 1993Feb 7, 1995Sims Deltec, Inc.Guide wire apparatus with location sensing memberUS5480382 *Sep 2, 1994Jan 2, 1996Pilot Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Steerable medical deviceUS5497786 *Aug 18, 1994Mar 12, 1996Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Apparatus and method for formable guide wire tipUS5527298 *Dec 14, 1992Jun 18, 1996Schneider (Usa) Inc.Tracking guidewireUS5569197 *Dec 21, 1994Oct 29, 1996Schneider (Usa) IncDrug delivery guidewireUS5645065 *Apr 11, 1995Jul 8, 1997Navion Biomedical CorporationCatheter depth, position and orientation location systemUS5673707 *Sep 23, 1994Oct 7, 1997Boston Scientific CorporationEnhanced performance guidewireUS5788654 *Jul 2, 1996Aug 4, 1998Schneider (Europe) A.G.Wedge-tipped catheter guidewireUS5792075 *Apr 4, 1997Aug 11, 1998Schneider (Europe) A.G.Method and apparatus for extending the length of a guide wireUS5836885 *Dec 11, 1997Nov 17, 1998Schneider (Europe) AgPressure monitoring guidewire and method for manufacturing sameUS5916177 *Dec 29, 1995Jun 29, 1999Schneider (Europe) A.G.Pressure measuring guide wireUS5916178 *May 5, 1997Jun 29, 1999Medtronic, Inc.Steerable high support guidewire with thin wall nitinol tubeUS5954672 *Dec 11, 1997Sep 21, 1999Schneider (Europe) GmbhControlled gap guidewireUS6039700 *Dec 12, 1996Mar 21, 2000Schneider (Europe) A.G.Docking assembly for the extension of a guidewireUS6059771 *Dec 23, 1996May 9, 2000Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.Stiffening member to increase fluid flow within a medical deviceUS6183424Jan 14, 1999Feb 6, 2001Schneider (Europe) A.G.Pressure measuring guide wireUS6206834Oct 14, 1997Mar 27, 2001Schneider (Europe) A.G.Stiffened hollow vascular deviceUS6245030 *Feb 25, 1999Jun 12, 2001C. R. Bard, Inc.Flexible kink resistant, low friction guidewire with formable tip, and method for making sameUS6254550Aug 19, 1999Jul 3, 2001Cook IncorporatedPreformed wire guideUS6461311Feb 15, 2001Oct 8, 2002C.R. Bard, Inc.Low friction guidewire with off-center coreUS6464650 *Dec 31, 1998Oct 15, 2002Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Guidewire with smoothly tapered segmentUS6475167Sep 7, 2000Nov 5, 2002Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Guide wire tipUS6491648 *Dec 21, 2000Dec 10, 2002Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Guidewire with tapered flexible core segmentUS6527732Oct 17, 2000Mar 4, 2003Micro Therapeutics, Inc.Torsionally compensated guidewireUS6551340Oct 6, 1999Apr 22, 2003Board Of Regents The University Of Texas SystemVasoocclusion coil device having a core thereinUS6652472Jul 1, 2002Nov 25, 2003Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Guidewire with smoothly tapered segmentUS7048695Aug 9, 2000May 23, 2006Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Guiding aidUS7714217Sep 16, 2008May 11, 2010Innovatech, LlcMarked precoated strings and method of manufacturing sameUS7811623Mar 11, 2009Oct 12, 2010Innovatech, LlcMarked precoated medical device and method of manufacturing sameUS7923617Apr 23, 2010Apr 12, 2011Innovatech LlcMarked precoated strings and method of manufacturing sameUS7942832 *Oct 31, 2005May 17, 2011Terumo Kabushiki KaishaMedical guide wireUS7976518Jan 13, 2005Jul 12, 2011Corpak Medsystems, Inc.Tubing assembly and signal generator placement control device and method for use with catheter guidance systemsUS8007449Dec 20, 2005Aug 30, 2011Cytyc CorporationMethod and apparatus for uterine cavity length measurementUS8048471Dec 21, 2007Nov 1, 2011Innovatech, LlcMarked precoated medical device and method of manufacturing sameUS8080000Oct 30, 2007Dec 20, 2011Acclarent, Inc.Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear nose and throatUS8088101Oct 26, 2007Jan 3, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throatUS8090433Oct 30, 2007Jan 3, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear nose and throatUS8100933May 8, 2008Jan 24, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Method for treating obstructed paranasal frontal sinusesUS8114062Oct 1, 2009Feb 14, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Devices and methods for delivering therapeutic substances for the treatment of sinusitis and other disordersUS8114113Oct 4, 2005Feb 14, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Multi-conduit balloon catheterUS8118757Apr 30, 2007Feb 21, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Methods and devices for ostium measurementUS8123722Oct 29, 2007Feb 28, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throatUS8142422Mar 4, 2008Mar 27, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sinusitis and other disorders of the ears, nose and/or throatUS8146400Jul 31, 2007Apr 3, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Endoscopic methods and devices for transnasal proceduresUS8172828Oct 30, 2007May 8, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Apparatus and methods for dilating and modifying ostia of paranasal sinuses and other intranasal or paranasal structuresUS8182432Mar 10, 2008May 22, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Corewire design and construction for medical devicesUS8190389May 17, 2006May 29, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Adapter for attaching electromagnetic image guidance components to a medical deviceUS8231926Jul 11, 2008Jul 31, 2012Innovatech, LlcMarked precoated medical device and method of manufacturing sameUS8231927Feb 9, 2009Jul 31, 2012Innovatech, LlcMarked precoated medical device and method of manufacturing sameUS8317816Sep 30, 2002Nov 27, 2012Acclarent, Inc.Balloon catheters and methods for treating paranasal sinusesUS8348864 *Aug 29, 2011Jan 8, 2013Cytyc CorporationUterine cavity length measurementUS8362344Mar 4, 2011Jan 29, 2013Innovatech, LlcMarked precoated strings and method of manufacturing sameUS8388642Aug 29, 2008Mar 5, 2013Acclarent, Inc.Implantable devices and methods for treating sinusitis and other disordersUS8414473Sep 16, 2009Apr 9, 2013Acclarent, Inc.Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear nose and throatUS8423125Oct 31, 2007Apr 16, 2013Spectrum Dynamics LlcRadioimagingUS8425457Dec 29, 2009Apr 23, 2013Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sinusitus and other disorder of the ears, nose and/or throatUS8435290Mar 24, 2010May 7, 2013Acclarent, Inc.System and method for treatment of non-ventilating middle ear by providing a gas pathway through the nasopharynxUS8439687Dec 29, 2006May 14, 2013Acclarent, Inc.Apparatus and method for simulated insertion and positioning of guidewares and other interventional devicesUS8445851Oct 31, 2007May 21, 2013Spectrum Dynamics LlcRadioimagingUS8485199May 8, 2007Jul 16, 2013Acclarent, Inc.Methods and devices for protecting nasal turbinate during surgeryUS8489176Aug 21, 2000Jul 16, 2013Spectrum Dynamics LlcRadioactive emission detector equipped with a position tracking system and utilization thereof with medical systems and in medical proceduresUS8492725Dec 24, 2012Jul 23, 2013Biosensors International Group Ltd.Method and system of optimized volumetric imagingUS8521253Oct 29, 2007Aug 27, 2013Spectrum Dynamics LlcProstate imagingUS8535242 *Jul 18, 2007Sep 17, 2013Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Method of manufacturing a guidewire with an extrusion jacketUS8565860Jul 10, 2003Oct 22, 2013Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Radioactive emission detector equipped with a position tracking systemUS8571881May 17, 2007Oct 29, 2013Spectrum Dynamics, LlcRadiopharmaceutical dispensing, administration, and imagingUS8574171Jul 3, 2012Nov 5, 2013Innovatech, LlcMarked precoated medical device and method of manufacturing sameUS8586932May 9, 2007Nov 19, 2013Spectrum Dynamics LlcSystem and method for radioactive emission measurementUS8606349Oct 31, 2007Dec 10, 2013Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Radioimaging using low dose isotopeUS8610075Nov 13, 2007Dec 17, 2013Biosensors International Group Ltd.Radioimaging applications of and novel formulations of teboroximeUS8615405Oct 31, 2007Dec 24, 2013Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Imaging system customization using data from radiopharmaceutical-associated data carrierUS8620046Jan 8, 2012Dec 31, 2013Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Radioactive-emission-measurement optimization to specific body structuresUS8620679Oct 31, 2007Dec 31, 2013Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Radiopharmaceutical dispensing, administration, and imagingUS8644910Jul 19, 2006Feb 4, 2014Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Imaging protocolsUS8668657 *Aug 30, 2013Mar 11, 2014Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Method of manufacturing a guidewire with an extrusion jacketUS8676292Jan 23, 2007Mar 18, 2014Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Multi-dimensional image reconstructionUS8702626Dec 29, 2006Apr 22, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Guidewires for performing image guided proceduresUS8715169Oct 30, 2007May 6, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods useable for treating sinusitisUS8721591Jan 23, 2012May 13, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Apparatus and methods for dilating and modifying ostia of paranasal sinuses and other intranasal or paranasal structuresUS8740929Feb 6, 2002Jun 3, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Spacing device for releasing active substances in the paranasal sinusUS8747389Apr 24, 2007Jun 10, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Systems for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throatUS8748826Jun 10, 2013Jun 10, 2014Biosensor International Group, Ltd.Radioimaging methods using teboroxime and thalliumUS8748827Jul 22, 2013Jun 10, 2014Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Method and system of optimized volumetric imagingUS8758269 *Jan 20, 2012Jun 24, 2014Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.GuidewireUS8764709Jun 30, 2010Jul 1, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throatUS8764726Aug 18, 2009Jul 1, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods useable for treating sinusitisUS8764729Dec 22, 2008Jul 1, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Frontal sinus spacerUS8764786Oct 9, 2012Jul 1, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Balloon catheters and methods for treating paranasal sinusesUS8772614Jan 16, 2013Jul 8, 2014Innovatech, LlcMarked precoated strings and method of manufacturing sameUS8777926Mar 15, 2013Jul 15, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Apparatus and methods for dilating and modifying ostia of paranasal sinuses and other intranasel or paranasal structuresUS8828041Mar 18, 2010Sep 9, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods useable for treating sinusitisUS8837793Jan 9, 2012Sep 16, 2014Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Reconstruction stabilizer and active visionUS8852143Apr 7, 2010Oct 7, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throatUS8858586Jan 18, 2007Oct 14, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Methods for enlarging ostia of paranasal sinusesUS8864787Apr 9, 2008Oct 21, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Ethmoidotomy system and implantable spacer devices having therapeutic substance delivery capability for treatment of paranasal sinusitisUS8870893Apr 29, 2010Oct 28, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sinusitis and other disorders of the ears, nose and/or throatUS8894614Feb 16, 2006Nov 25, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods useable for treating frontal sinusitisUS8894974May 11, 2007Nov 25, 2014Spectrum Dynamics LlcRadiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and therapyUS8900652Mar 9, 2012Dec 2, 2014Innovatech, LlcMarked fluoropolymer surfaces and method of manufacturing sameUS8905922Mar 26, 2012Dec 9, 2014Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sinusitis and other disorders of the ears, nose and/or throatUS8909325Jul 11, 2001Dec 9, 2014Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Radioactive emission detector equipped with a position tracking system and utilization thereof with medical systems and in medical proceduresUS8932276May 16, 2007Jan 13, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Shapeable guide catheters and related methodsUS8940357Jun 27, 2012Jan 27, 2015Innovatech LlcMarked precoated medical device and method of manufacturing sameUS8945088Apr 28, 2010Feb 3, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Apparatus and methods for dilating and modifying ostia of paranasal sinuses and other intranasal or paranasal structuresUS8951225May 18, 2006Feb 10, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Catheters with non-removable guide members useable for treatment of sinusitisUS8961398Oct 31, 2007Feb 24, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throatUS8961495Oct 29, 2007Feb 24, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throatUS8968269Jan 18, 2012Mar 3, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Multi-conduit balloon catheterUS8979888Jul 30, 2009Mar 17, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Paranasal ostium finder devices and methodsUS9028441Sep 7, 2012May 12, 2015Corpak Medsystems, Inc.Apparatus and method used with guidance system for feeding and suctioningUS9039657Sep 3, 2009May 26, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Implantable devices and methods for delivering drugs and other substances to treat sinusitis and other disordersUS9039680Apr 21, 2008May 26, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Implantable devices and methods for delivering drugs and other substances to treat sinusitis and other disordersUS9040016Jul 19, 2007May 26, 2015Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Diagnostic kit and methods for radioimaging myocardial perfusionUS9050440Sep 22, 2006Jun 9, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Multi-conduit balloon catheterUS9055965Mar 22, 2010Jun 16, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods useable for treating sinusitisUS9056189Mar 7, 2014Jun 16, 2015Terumo Kabushiki KaishaGuide wireUS9072626May 6, 2013Jul 7, 2015Acclarent, Inc.System and method for treatment of non-ventilating middle ear by providing a gas pathway through the nasopharynxUS9084876Mar 15, 2013Jul 21, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Implantable devices and methods for delivering drugs and other substances to treat sinusitis and other disordersUS9089258Mar 15, 2007Jul 28, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Endoscopic methods and devices for transnasal proceduresUS9101384Jan 16, 2009Aug 11, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for diagnosing and treating sinusitis and other disorders of the ears, Nose and/or throatUS9107574Dec 8, 2011Aug 18, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Endoscopic methods and devices for transnasal proceduresUS9131956Jun 2, 2011Sep 15, 2015Corpak Medsystems, Inc.Tubing assembly and signal generator placement control device and method for use with catheter guidance systemsUS9155492Sep 24, 2010Oct 13, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Sinus illumination lightwire deviceUS9167961Oct 31, 2007Oct 27, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear nose and throatUS9179823Jun 5, 2009Nov 10, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Methods and devices for facilitating visualization in a surgical environmentUS9198736Apr 19, 2012Dec 1, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Adapter for attaching electromagnetic image guidance components to a medical deviceUS9220879Apr 30, 2014Dec 29, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods useable for treating sinusitisUS9241834Mar 21, 2014Jan 26, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throatUS9265407Jul 31, 2007Feb 23, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Endoscopic methods and devices for transnasal proceduresUS9275451Dec 20, 2007Mar 1, 2016Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Method, a system, and an apparatus for using and processing multidimensional dataUS9295814Mar 7, 2014Mar 29, 2016Terumo Kabushiki KaishaGuide wireUS9308361Mar 4, 2013Apr 12, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Implantable devices and methods for treating sinusitis and other disordersUS9316743Nov 18, 2013Apr 19, 2016Biosensors International Group, Ltd.System and method for radioactive emission measurementUS9351750Dec 16, 2009May 31, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Devices and methods for treating maxillary sinus diseaseUS9355621Jul 2, 2014May 31, 2016Innovatech, LlcMarked precoated strings and method of manufacturing sameUS9370333Dec 26, 2013Jun 21, 2016Biosensors International Group, Ltd.Radioactive-emission-measurement optimization to specific body structuresUS9370649Feb 5, 2015Jun 21, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Devices, systems and methods useable for treating sinusitisUS9399121Jul 1, 2009Jul 26, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Systems and methods for transnasal dilation of passageways in the ear, nose or throatUS9433437Mar 15, 2013Sep 6, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Apparatus and method for treatment of ethmoid sinusitisUS9457175Sep 4, 2015Oct 4, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Balloon catheters and methods for treating paranasal sinusesUS9463068Jun 18, 2013Oct 11, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Methods and devices for protecting nasal turbinatesUS9468362Apr 19, 2012Oct 18, 2016Acclarent, Inc.Endoscopic methods and devices for transnasal proceduresUS9470801Dec 28, 2006Oct 18, 2016Spectrum Dynamics LlcGating with anatomically varying durationsUS9554691May 14, 2007Jan 31, 2017Acclarent, Inc.Endoscopic methods and devices for transnasal proceduresUS9572480Jun 19, 2014Feb 21, 2017Acclarent, Inc.Methods and devices for facilitating visualization in a surgical environmentUS9579488Sep 14, 2015Feb 28, 2017Corpak Medsystems, Inc.Tubing assembly and signal generator placement control device and method for use with catheter guidance systemsUS20030216772 *Mar 20, 2003Nov 20, 2003Board Of Regents, University Of Texas SystemVasoocclusion coil device having a core thereinUS20040030266 *Aug 7, 2003Feb 12, 2004Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha .Guide wireUS20050065588 *Sep 23, 2003Mar 24, 2005Medtronic, Inc.Medical electrical lead system including pre-formed J-shape styletUS20060116609 *Oct 31, 2005Jun 1, 2006Terumo Kabushiki KaishaMedical guide wireUS20060135887 *Dec 20, 2004Jun 22, 2006Sampson Russel MUterine soundUS20060241419 *Feb 23, 2006Oct 26, 2006Terumo Kabushiki KaishaGuide wireUS20070142750 *Dec 20, 2005Jun 21, 2007Robert KotmelMethod and apparatus for uterine cavity length measurementUS20070142752 *Dec 20, 2005Jun 21, 2007Robert KotmelUterine cavity length measurementUS20070232957 *May 2, 2007Oct 4, 2007Terumo Kabushiki KaishaGuide wireUS20080173391 *Jul 18, 2007Jul 24, 2008Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Method of manufacturing a guidewire with an extrusion jacketUS20080243140 *Jun 12, 2008Oct 2, 2008Acclarent, Inc.Spacing devices for releasing active substances in the paranasal sinusUS20090227900 *Mar 10, 2008Sep 10, 2009Isaac KimCorewire design and construction for medical devicesUS20090275862 *Apr 30, 2008Nov 5, 2009Cook IncorporatedGuidewire and method of making sameUS20120041422 *Sep 29, 2011Feb 16, 2012Pacesetter, Inc.System and method for manipulating insertion pathways for accessing target sitesUS20120109015 *Aug 29, 2011May 3, 2012Cytyc CorporationUterine Cavity Length MeasurementUS20120197159 *Jan 20, 2012Aug 2, 2012Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.GuidewireUS20120253321 *Mar 22, 2012Oct 4, 2012Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.GuidewireUS20130006149 *Jun 29, 2011Jan 3, 2013Abbott Cardiovascular SystemsGuide Wire Device Including a Solderable Linear Elastic Nickel-Titanium Distal End Section and Methods Of Preparation ThereforUS20130344230 *Aug 30, 2013Dec 26, 2013Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Method of manufacturing a guidewire with an extrusion jacketUS20150320978 *Apr 29, 2015Nov 12, 2015Acclarent, Inc.Corewire design and construction for medical devicesUSD741999Aug 15, 2014Oct 27, 2015Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.Guidewire for a medical deviceUSD742000Aug 28, 2014Oct 27, 2015Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.Guidewire for a medical deviceCN101677850BMay 16, 2008Sep 4, 2013马里昂·德沃纳Device for positioning a stentDE10138953A1 *Aug 3, 2001Feb 27, 2003Epflex Feinwerktech GmbhGuiding wire for surgical instrument comprises core wire made from super elastic material, screw spring casing surrounding the core wire, and end cap to connect the front end section of the core wire with the front section of the casingDE10138953B4 *Aug 3, 2001Mar 24, 2005Epflex Feinwerktechnik GmbhFührungsdraht mit Kerndraht und SchraubenfederummantelungEP0452631A1 *Feb 22, 1991Oct 23, 1991Peter Dr. Ing. OsypkaDilatation catheterEP0495299A1 *Nov 28, 1991Jul 22, 1992C.R. Bard, Inc.Guidewire tip constructionEP0670696A1 *Nov 12, 1993Sep 13, 1995Lake Region Manufacturing Co. Inc.Low profile, coated, steerable guide wireEP0670696A4 *Nov 12, 1993Nov 8, 1995Lake Region MfgLow profile, coated, steerable guide wire.EP1088568A1 *Sep 9, 1999Apr 4, 2001Schneider (Europe) GmbHGuiding aid for a medical instrumentEP1666083A1 *Aug 11, 1999Jun 7, 2006Boston Scientific LimitedFlexural rigidity profile guidewire tipEP2918306A1 *Feb 24, 2015Sep 16, 2015Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd.Guide wireWO1993021831A1 *Apr 28, 1993Nov 11, 1993Li Medical Technologies, Inc.Intracorporeal knot tying apparatus and methodWO2000009191A1 *Aug 11, 1999Feb 24, 2000Boston Scientific LimitedFlexural rigidity profile guidewire tipWO2000040288A1 *Dec 21, 1999Jul 13, 2000Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.Guidewire with smoothly tapered segmentWO2001017601A1 *Aug 9, 2000Mar 15, 2001Schneider (Europe) GmbhGuiding aid* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification600/585, 604/264International ClassificationA61M25/09, A61B5/00Cooperative ClassificationA61M2025/09083, A61M25/09European ClassificationA61M25/09Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionDec 2, 1992FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Jun 7, 1993ASAssignmentOwner name: SCHNEIDER (USA) PITTSBURGH, INC., NEW YORKFree format text: CONFIRMATORY ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:MEDRAD, INC.;REEL/FRAME:006544/0645Effective date: 19930524Aug 30, 1993ASAssignmentOwner name: LAKE REGION MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC., MINNESOTAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SCHNEIDER (USA) PITTSBURGH, INC.;REEL/FRAME:006674/0279Effective date: 19930212Mar 18, 1997REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedJul 18, 1997FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Jul 18, 1997SULPSurcharge for late paymentFeb 8, 2001FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 12May 18, 2001ASAssignmentOwner name: LAKE REGION MANUFACTURING, INC., MINNESOTAFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:LAKE REGION MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:011821/0380Effective date: 19941220RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services