US20100145430A1 - Retractable catheter - Google Patents
Retractable catheter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100145430A1 US20100145430A1 US12/630,098 US63009809A US2010145430A1 US 20100145430 A1 US20100145430 A1 US 20100145430A1 US 63009809 A US63009809 A US 63009809A US 2010145430 A1 US2010145430 A1 US 2010145430A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- reinforcing structure
- pull element
- sheath
- flexible material
- pull
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/95—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
- A61F2/962—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve
- A61F2/966—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts having an outer sleeve with relative longitudinal movement between outer sleeve and prosthesis, e.g. using a push rod
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/95—Instruments specially adapted for placement or removal of stents or stent-grafts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2250/00—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2250/0014—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis
- A61F2250/0018—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis differing in elasticity, stiffness or compressibility
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
Definitions
- the pull element is provided with at least one connection link by which it is connected to the reinforcing structure.
- the connection link may have an at least partially tubular element to support the connection to the reinforcing structure.
Abstract
A retractable catheter including an elongate tubular sheath having at least in a distal portion made of a relatively flexible material, a reinforcing structure made of a relatively inextensible material incorporated in the relatively flexible material of the sheath along at least a portion thereof, and a pull element for transmitting a pull force longitudinally to the sheath and the reinforcing structure, wherein the pull element is connected directly to a portion of the reinforcing structure exposed from the relatively flexible material to transmit the pull force directly to the reinforcing structure.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/119,661, filed Dec. 3, 2008, and to U.K. Provisional Patent Application No. 0822109.5, filed Dec. 3, 2008, each of which is incorporated by reference into this application as if fully set forth herein.
- This invention relates to a retractable catheter preferably for use as an outer sheath in an implant catheter delivery system, and to a method of manufacturing a retractable catheter. Such a catheter is preferably sized to be inserted in a bodily lumen. Such a retractable catheter includes a pull element connected at its distal end to an elongate tubular sheath.
- Conventional implant catheter delivery systems comprise an inner shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end of the system and carries on its distal end a self expanding implant. A longitudinal tubular sheath lies radially outside the implant to retain the implant in the catheter delivery system until the self expanding stent is to be released.
- In WO 2006/133959, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application, there is generally shown a catheter device having such a construction. During a medical procedure, the catheter device is pushed distally into a bodily lumen until the implant is disposed at a pre-determined delivery position. To allow the implant to expand at the delivery position, the outer sheath has to be retracted. For this reason the sheath is connected to a pull wire which is pulled by means of a device to apply a pull force to the wire and, thus, to the outer sheath. To connect the wire to the outer sheath, commonly there is used an outer ring and an inner ring, the outer ring radially outside the outer sheath and being crimped or swaged onto the inner ring which is radially inside the outer sheath. The wire can then be connected to the inner ring, while the outer ring is clamped onto the inner ring, fastening both rings and the wire onto the sheath. When the wire is pulled, the sheath is retracted from where it surrounds the implant and the inner shaft, releasing the implant to expand.
- Another possibility shown in WO 2006/133959 for fastening the wire relative to the outer sheath is to provide two outer rings outside the sheath, one on each side of an inner ring inside the sheath, to which the pull wire is fastened. The two outer rings are clamped onto the outer sheath, one proximal and one distal to the inner ring, to prevent relative movement between the outer sheath and the inner ring. In this way the outer sheath is connected to the pull wire by clamping it on either side of the inner ring, to move with the inner ring when the pull wire is retracted.
- The implants which are to be delivered can be of a variety of lengths, and some may be quite long, for example up to 120 mm in length and 10 mm in diameter. With a longer implant, due to the higher friction forces between the greater contact surface area of the longer implant and the outer sheath, the retracting force needed to retract the outer sheath will necessarily increase with the length. This is particularly noticeable for covered stent grafts, where the friction with the outer sheath is large, as compared with an uncovered stent. Since a greater force has to be applied, the possibility arises that the inner shaft may deflect or move under compression, as tension is applied to the pull wire. The thickness of the inner shaft then must increase to withstand the compressive forces. Larger forces will also tend to break the connection between the pull wire and sheath.
- Another disadvantage of such an arrangement is that the diameter of the outer sheath has to be at least large enough, for the inner shaft, the stent and the inner ring to be accommodated in the sheath. Furthermore, the outer rings increase the thickness of the device as well, at least if one is clamped directly on the inner ring, and may distort the outside surface of the outer sheath. Since an application of such an implant catheter delivery system is for delivery of stents by advancing the catheter system into a bodily lumen, a thicker diameter reduces the range of possible treatment opportunities, especially in the narrow confines of a patient's vasculature, or may give rise to a risk of injury as the catheter system is advanced.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retractable catheter preferably for use in an implant delivery catheter system, the catheter comprising: an elongate tubular sheath which is at least in a distal portion made of a relatively flexible material; a reinforcing structure which is made of a relatively inextensible material and which is incorporated, along at least a portion of the length of the sheath, in the relatively flexible material of the sheath; and a pull element for transmitting a pull force longitudinally to the sheath and the reinforcing structure, characterized in that: the pull element is connected directly to a portion of the reinforcing structure exposed from the relatively flexible material, to transmit the pull force directly to the reinforcing structure.
- An advantage achievable with embodiments of the present invention is to improve the connection between a pull element and an outer sheath in a catheter system, whilst preferably avoiding an increase in the diameter of the outer sheath. Another advantage obtainable with embodiments of the present invention is to provide an outer sheath having evenly formed outer and inner surfaces.
- Due to the force being transmitted directly into the element of the catheter sheath which is strongest in tension, a greater force can be applied to the catheter without risk of damage to the catheter sheath or of breaking the connection between the pull element and the sheath. Application of tensile forces up to 110N has been achieved with this connection method, as compared with 31N for known swaging ring techniques. Furthermore, the need for swaged inner and outer rings can be obviated, which can reduce the overall retractable catheter diameter.
- A further advantage which can be achieved is to provide a larger gap between the catheter sheath and an implant retained thereby, to stop the sheath pressing on the implant as it passes around a tight curvature, without any significant increase in the overall catheter diameter, due to the lower profile sheath that can be used with this construction. This can reduce the friction between the sheath and the implant during retraction, thus lowering the retraction force which must be applied. This enables deployment of longer or covered implants into relatively narrow body passages.
- Preferably, the exposed portion of the reinforcing structure is exposed in an opening in the flexible material and/or by not being completely incorporated in the flexible material. An opening can be provided at the best place for making the exposure and connection, increasing the flexibility and adaptability of the connection process. Alternatively, by not incorporating the reinforcing structure completely the connection process can be easier to manage during manufacture.
- In preferred embodiments, the reinforcing structure comprises a braiding. Braiding can provide well defined directional reinforcement of the sheath material, and can be securely encapsulated in the sheath material.
- Preferably, the pull element is thermally connected to the reinforcing structure, the thermal connection method preferably including laser welding, resistance welding, gap welding, and/or point welding. Such a connection is easy to accomplish and further avoids unnecessary extra elements. Thus, the connection can be made thin, allowing more space within the sheath to slide past the implant, and friction during sheath retraction can be further reduced.
- Preferably, the pull element is provided with at least one connection link by which it is connected to the reinforcing structure. The connection link may have an at least partially tubular element to support the connection to the reinforcing structure.
- In preferred embodiments, at least a portion of the pull element is partially tubular, preferably at its distal end. Alternatively, the pull element is, at least at its distal end, tube shaped.
- In further preferred embodiments, the reinforcing structure and/or the pull element and/or the connection link comprise steel, stainless steel, plastic, a carbon fibre compound and/or a glass fibre compound.
- There is further provided an implant delivery system comprising a retractable catheter according to the first aspect of the invention, the delivery system further comprising an inner catheter shaft and a implant.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for assembling a retractable catheter for use in a implant delivery system, comprising the steps of:—providing a catheter sheath made of relatively flexible material in which a relatively inextensible reinforcing structure is incorporated; and—connecting a pull element directly to an exposed portion of the reinforcing structure.
- Preferred embodiments of the method further comprise the step of:—partially removing the relatively flexible material of the catheter sheath to expose the portion of the reinforcing structure to which the pull element is to be directly connected. This removal of the relatively flexible material may be by thermal means, preferably using a laser.
- In further preferred embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of:—providing the pull element with a connection link; and—connecting the connection link of the pull element directly to the reinforcing structure.
- Preferably, the connection of the pull element to the reinforcing structure is made by laser welding and/or point welding.
- In more preferred embodiments, the method further comprises the step of:—covering the exposed portion of the reinforcing structure after the connection of the pull element thereto.
- Such methods may be used to assemble a retractable catheter or implant delivery device according to the first aspect of the invention.
- To enable a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:—
-
FIG. 1 shows a distal end of an embodiment of a retractable catheter according to the present invention; -
FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show a distal end of another embodiment of a catheter according to the present invention and possible arrangement to connect the reinforcing structure with the pull element; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a distal end of an embodiment of a catheter according to the present invention; -
FIGS. 4 a to 4 h are different examples of an end portion which can be used in embodiments of the present invention; and -
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show an embodiment in which the end portion of a pull element is embedded into the wall of an outer sheath which is provided with a braided reinforcing layer. - In the following, the expressions “distal”, meaning away from the operator's side, and “proximal”, meaning towards the operator's side, are used.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , a self-expandingimplant 10, known as a stent, is placed around ashaft tube 12 and abuts on anabutment member 14 that can be formed integrally with theshaft tube 12 or can be a separate member, as for example a ring clamped or otherwise fixed on the shaft tube. Theshaft tube 12 can be strengthened by a supporting member, such as a steel spring wound tightly to resist compression but to allow off-axis flexibility, in particular if the implant is very long. - Around this arrangement is disposed an
outer catheter sheath 16 that covers the distal end portion of theshaft tube 12 and theimplant 10. Theouter catheter sheath 16 extends longitudinally from a distal end in a proximal direction. Theouter sheath 16 may extend substantially the whole length of the delivery system, but preferably is not significantly longer than is needed merely to cover theimplant 10. Apull element 18, such as a wire, a strand, a tube or another element, capable of transmitting a pull force and flexible enough to follow the catheter path, is connected to theouter sheath 16 at or near its proximal end. Thepull element 18 can consist of a single part, or may contain two or more elements, which then are fixed together. The pull element may include a wire, which usually leads to a hand device (not shown) which is responsible for generating the pull force to retract theouter catheter sheath 16 relative to theshaft tube 12. - As shown schematically in
FIG. 1 , pullwire 18 can be connected to a reinforcingstructure 20 embedded in the outer catheter sheath, at an exposed portion where the outer catheter sheath bulk material is not formed or is removed to expose the reinforcingstructure 20. There are, however, many different possibilities to connect thepull element 18 to theouter sheath 16. Some other exemplary configurations are discussed in the following. - The outer sheath comprises, at least at its distal end, a flexible material 19 such as polyamide, PEBAX and/or PTFE. The flexible material should have characteristics enabling the sheath to be bendable enough for moving through sharp curvatures in a bodily lumen like the vascular system of a patient.
- In this flexible material 19 can be embedded a reinforcing
structure 20 to provide theouter sheath 16 with a better strength. In particular, the reinforcingstructure 20 should be strong under tension in the longitudinal direction of theouter sheath 16, and will thus resist necking, whereby its diameter reduces, when pulled longitudinally. The reinforcingstructure 20 is made of a relatively inextensible material compared to the flexible material 19, and may be, for example, stainless steel, or carbon fibre or glass fibre compounds. The reinforcingstructure 20 is, thus, ideally suited to transmit the load applied by pulling thepull element 18 to theouter sheath 16, along the length thereof. Of course the reinforcingstructure 20 has a construction that enables it still to be bent for movement around the above-mentioned sharp curvatures. Preferred reinforcing structures are wound coils, braidings, other net-shaped or cage structures, or just arrangements of connected wires. However, in other examples, the flexible material 19 can be resistant enough lengthwise stretching to work without a reinforcingstructure 20 and a reinforcing structure is not necessarily needed. - In embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the
pull element 18 is connected directly to the reinforcingstructure 20, which enables theouter sheath 16 to withstand a greater load applied to thesheath 16 through thepull element 18, without risk of breaking the connection between thepull element 18, and the flexible material 19 of the sheath, and facilitating a low-profile interconnection that does not significantly increase the sheath diameter. - A reliable connection method is to connect the pull element onto the braiding thermally. This allows a very well defined connection to be made and reduces the contact area that is needed to create a resilient connection. Therefore, a thermal connection method, like laser, resistance or gap welding, provides a secure connection and can transmit high pull forces. To improve the thermal connection, a support element, such as a weld ring, can be applied to the connection area. For example, a
pull element 18 can be welded onto the reinforcingstructure 20 by using the weld ring. Using such a supporting element can improve the force distribution around the sheath circumference, since the weld ring can be welded at almost equal distances around its circumference, and can provide force transmission to the reinforcingstructure 20 through more than one transmission point. If the spacing of the welding points is generally equal, the force transmission into the reinforcingstructure 20 and, thus, in theouter sheath 16 will be generally equal as well, and this can provide a very consistent force transmission and smooth retraction movement of theouter sheath 16. - To connect the
pull element 18 to the reinforcingstructure 20, with or without thermal connection, thepull element 18 can be at least partially woven into the reinforcingstructure 20. For example, a wire pull element can be threaded through a braiding reinforcing structure. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to a thermal or mechanical fixation, thepull element 18 can be adhered directly to the reinforcingstructure 20, for example by using adhesive means. - Furthermore, as illustrated in
FIG. 2 a, thepull element 18 may include aconnection link 18′″ at its distal end, which can be connected to the reinforcingstructure 20. A support element can be used in conjunction with theconnection link 18′″, but the connection link can also provide the function of the support element. Such a connection link could consist of atube 18′″ which is connected at its distal end to theouter sheath 16 and at its proximal end to awire 18′ that leads out of the catheter. Of course, the shape of theconnection link 18″ is not limited to a tubular shape. Another possible shape of theconnection link 18′″ is shown inFIG. 3 , with a connection to pullwire 18′ proximal of the flexible material ofouter sheath 16. - It is preferable to connect the
pull element 18 to an exposed portion of the reinforcing structure, so that thepull element 18, theconnection link 18″ and/or the support element (not shown) can be connected directly thereto. Usually, a reinforcedouter sheath 16 is formed with the reinforcingstructure 20 completely embedded in the flexible material 19 of theouter sheath 16. Therefore, with a pre-formed reinforced sheath, it is necessary to remove a part of the flexible material 19 to gain access to the reinforcingstructure 20 and to make it possible to connect the pull element directly to the reinforcing structure. The removal of the flexible material 19 can be done in different ways, such as by cutting and/or by thermal means, for example welding. A preferred method, however, is to burn a portion of the flexible material 19 off the reinforcingstructure 20 using a laser. - Alternatively, an
outer sheath 16 might be formed with an exposed part of the reinforcingstructure 20 arranged at a proximal end of theouter sheath 16. In one example, the reinforcingstructure 20 is only partially embedded in the flexible material 19, and has a portion with a smaller or larger diameter than the diameter of the sheath, outside the flexible material of the tubular sheath wall (seeFIG. 2 b, dotted and dashed lines respectively). - With a portion of the reinforcing structure exposed, it may be desirable to provide an outer layer, to cover the exposed portion, after the
pull element 18 has been connected thereto, to render the sheath atraumatic. As further examples, the exposed portion of the reinforcingstructure 20 which the pull element is connected to can be covered by applying an extrusion mass onto this portion, by sticking an adhesive tape onto the exposed portion and/or by providing the exposed portion with a cover tube or similar element. Such shape tape or cover tube could, for example, be made of a shape memory alloy. - The
connection link 18″ as well as the support element can be made from different materials known to the skilled person, such as stainless steel, phynox, titanium, shape memory alloy, such as Nitinol, and/or any other material which is biocompatible and has the requisite mechanical properties. - In embodiments of the second aspect of the invention, no reinforcing
structure 20 is necessarily incorporated in the flexible material 19 of the outer sheath, although by preference such a reinforcing structure may be provided to these embodiments as well, since the reinforcingstructure 20 improves the strength of theouter sheath 16. - In these embodiments, the
pull element 18 comprises adistal end portion 18″ which has a thickness less than its width and length dimensions and is embedded in theouter catheter sheath 16. The end portion preferably is or includes all or part of aplate member 18″, and is disposed in the relatively flexible material 19 of the elongatetubular sheath 16. The end portion may be of many different shapes, as can be seen in the examples ofFIGS. 4 a-4 h. These shapes can comprise straight, rectangular or stepped sides, as well as tapered sides. A combination of straight and tapered sides is possible as well. Preferably, any end portion can be provided with protruding portions at its distal and/or proximal ends. The protruding portions may protrude left and right (corresponding to the circumferential directions of the tubular sheath wall when embedded therein) as can be seen, for example, inFIGS. 4 e and 4 f. The protrusions may also or instead protrude in an upward or downward direction with respect to the lengthwise direction of theend portion 18″(corresponding to a radially outward or inward direction of the tubular sheath wall when embedded therein). Another possible shape is a tubular end portion with a closed circumference or a part tubular end portion with an incomplete circumference. All such plate shapes may exhibit a curvature to match the tubular form of the elongateouter sheath 16. - With specific reference to
FIG. 4 a, there is shown a pair of plate members which can be used to form the end portion of thepull element 18. As seen inFIG. 4 a, the distal end of the plate member is that at the front-left of the perspective view, whilst the proximal end is shown at the far-right of the perspective view. (The same orientation is shown inFIGS. 4 a to 4 d, but is reversed inFIGS. 4 e to 4 h, although in fact the plate members may be embedded into the elongateouter sheath 16 either way round, according to the particular application.) The plate member on the left hand side ofFIG. 4 a is formed with a stepped region approximately half way along its length, at which the width of the plate member decreases from being relatively wide at the near, distal end to being relatively thin at the far, proximal end. As can be seen, the plate member is curved about an axis in the longitudinal direction, to match the curvature of the tube wall of the elongateouter sheath 16. The plate member shown on the right hand side ofFIG. 4 a is similarly formed with a stepped width, reducing from a greater width near the distal end to a reduced width in the center and proximal portions. This right hand side plate member is similarly formed with a curvature to match the tubular wall of the elongateouter sheath 16, and is additionally provided with a through-hole in the plate member near to the distal end, through which the relatively flexible material of the sheath outer wall can be bonded between the radially internal and radially external sides of theplate member 18″, when embedded in theouter sheath 16. - Two further plate members are illustrated in
FIG. 4 b, the right hand member having a tubular (complete tubular) distal portion connected to a proximally extending plate having a relatively minor circumferential extent. The plate member on the left hand side ofFIG. 4 b is similarly shaped, except that the distal tubular portion is only part-tubular, not extending fully around the circumference of the tubular shape corresponding to the wall of the elongateouter sheath 16. -
FIGS. 4 c to 4 h show pairs of plate members having the same overall shape on their major surfaces, in which the left hand plate member in each illustrated pair is a flat plate member, and in which the right hand plate member in each pair has been formed so as to be curved about its longitudinal axis to match the curvature of the tubular wall of the elongateouter sheath 16. The plate members inFIG. 4 c are substantially rectangular in shape, having a bulbous rounded distal end attached thereto, projecting partially in the width wise (circumferential) directions. The plate members illustrated inFIG. 4 d are of substantially the same shape as those inFIG. 4 c, although with a through-hole formed in the substantially circular distal end portion of the plate member between the upper and lower surfaces corresponding to the radially outer and inner surfaces of the member when it is embedded into the elongateouter sheath 16. - In
FIG. 4 e, the plate members are stepped to have a width dimension that increases between a proximal region and a central region, and again between the central region and a distal region of the plate member. Left and right (circumferentially extending) projections are provided at the proximal end of the plate members to facilitate connection to the proximal portion of thepull element 18, such as apull wire 18′. The plate members ofFIG. 4 f are similarly provided with projections at the proximal end, and are tapered from a narrow circumferential width at the proximal end to a wider circumferential width near the central portion, which continues to the distal end of the plate member. The plate members shown inFIG. 4 g have a similar form to those shown inFIG. 4 f, whilst the plate members shown inFIG. 4 h have a similar form to the plate members shown inFIG. 4 e, except that inFIGS. 4 g and 4 h the proximal left and right projections are omitted. - On the one hand, the end portions, and in particular those having shapes with a changing width (stepped or tapering shapes), can form part of the
unitary pull element 18 that extends to the proximal end of the catheter, in which case no pull wire is required as part of the pull element. In particular, the shapes ofFIGS. 4 e-4 h can be adapted to extend to the proximal end of the catheter and to act as thecomplete pull element 18. On the other hand, the end portions may be connected to apull wire 18′ as an independent member, to form pullelement 18. In this case there may be provided an intermediate connecting portion that facilitates the connection of thepull wire 18′ to theend portion 18″. - Another possibility for forming the pull element is to provide a wire with a flattened end, and to incorporate the flattened end at least partially in the flexible material of the
outer sheath 16 as theend portion 18″. The flattened end of the wire, in whole or in part, acts as the end portion, whereas the wire itself is acting as apull wire 18′. - The
end portion 18″ may comprise one or more holes or recesses to increase the bond strength between the flexible material 19 and theend portion 18″ embedded therein. This enables thepull element 18 to transmit sufficient force to thesheath 16, even by merely being embedded in the relatively flexible material 19, to enable thesheath 16 to be retracted by pulling on thepull element 18. Another option could be to provide protrusions on the major surfaces (radially inwardly or outwardly facing surfaces) of the end portion, with a similar effect. The holes, the recesses and/or the protrusions can be micro-dimensional. Such micro dimensional holes, recesses and/or protrusions may give the surface a certain surface roughness, or the surface may be otherwise roughened, preferably to have an Ra surface roughness of between 10 μm and 25 μm on the major surfaces of theend portion 18′. By treating the surface structure of the embedded end portion the bond strength between theend portion 18″ and the flexible material 19 can be improved, to allow thepull element 18 to impart a higher tensile force to thesheath 16, as described above. For this reason the surfaces of theend portion 18″ can be corrugated, sand plastered and/or edged or otherwise chemically treated or coated, as appropriate. - The shape of the embedded end portion could be of continuous width and continuous thickness, of tapered or stepped width and a continuous thickness, of a continuous width and tapered or stepped thickness, or of tapered and/or stepped width and thickness. The end portion may be so formed by a mechanical press, by rolling, by laser cutting or by grinding, for example.
- The material of the pull element and/or of the end portion may comprise stainless steel, plastic, carbon fiber compound and/or glass fiber compound.
- If, in the distal end of the
catheter sheath 16, there is no reinforcingstructure 20 then theend portion 18″ can be simply embedded in the relatively flexible material 19 of the elongateouter catheter sheath 16. If there is provided a reinforcingstructure 20 incorporated into theouter catheter sheath 16, the end portion can be placed underneath (radially inside when embedded in the tubular sheath wall) the reinforcingstructure 20 or above (radially outside where embedded in the tubular sheath wall) the reinforcingstructure 20. These two arrangements are shown inFIGS. 5 a and 5 b, respectively. The incorporation of theend portion 18″ into the material 19 of the outer sheath alone, however, is enough to transmit the necessary tensile force to theouter sheath 16 to retract it. - Alternatively, the
end portion 18″ may be connected to the reinforcing structure in the same manner as in the first aspect of the invention discussed above. For example, theend portions 18″ can be laser, resistance or gap welded to the reinforcingstructure 20, and/or theend portion 18″ could be woven into the reinforcingstructure 20. In one embodiment, the flattened end of a wire can be threaded through the strands of a braided reinforcing structure, as mentioned before. - The surface of the non-embedded parts of the pull element, i.e. not the
end portion 18″, is preferably treated to achieve a low friction between those parts of the pull element 18 (particularly anypull wire 18′) which lead to the stent deployment actuator (not shown) and the surrounding components of the stent delivery system. Thus, thepull element 18 can be treated with PTFE, such as to form a PTFE coated pull wire. - Preferred methods for manufacturing and assembling the retractable sheaths of the present invention will now be described.
- In one preferred method, an outer sheath is provided comprising a reinforcing
structure 20 formed in the tubular wall of the outer sheath. A proximal portion of the relatively flexible material forming the wall of theouter sheath 16 is removed to expose a portion of the reinforcingstructure 20. The relatively flexible material of theouter sheath 16 is preferably removed by burning it off from the reinforcingstructure 20 using a laser. Alternatively, the relatively flexible material may be removed by mechanical or chemical means, or through alternative burning or melting methods. Pullelement 18 is then attached to the exposed portion of the reinforcingstructure 20, to form a connection directly with the reinforcingstructure 20 by which theouter sheath 16 may be retracted by applying a tensile pull force to thepull element 18. In preferred embodiments, where the reinforcingstructure 20 and thepull element 18 are both formed from biocompatible metal, thepull element 18 can be laser or spot welded to the reinforcingstructure 20. - The
pull element 18 may simply be provided in the form of apull wire 18′ to be welded directly to a portion of the reinforcingstructure 20. Alternatively, where aconnection link 18′″ is provided as part of thepull element 18, thepull wire 18′ can be connected to theconnection link 18′″, which is joined to the reinforcingstructure 20. Whether apull wire 18′ is connected directly to the reinforcingstructure 20 or aconnection link 18′″ is used, a weld ring may also preferably be used in order to facilitate welding of thepull element 18 to the reinforcingstructure 20. This is particularly preferable where the reinforcingstructure 20 is metal braiding, as the ends of the different strands of the braiding around the circumference of the reinforcing structure can all be connected to the weld ring so that tensile retraction forces transmitted through thepull element 18 will be distributed and applied relatively evenly around the circumference of the reinforcing structure, and consequently along and through theouter sheath 16. - After the
pull element 18 has been connected to the reinforcingstructure 20, it may be desirable to cover over the connection region, for example by extruding an outer layer of relatively flexible material to cover the exposed portion of the reinforcingstructure 20 and the connection region where thepull element 18 and reinforcingstructure 20 are joined. Alternative means may otherwise be provided for rendering the connection atraumatic, for example by providing a supplementary outer sheath layer, such as a shrink tube, to be shrunk down over theouter sheath 16 and pullelement 18. - In another preferred method for forming the retractable catheter, a reinforced
outer sheath 16 is provided by first forming an inner layer of relatively flexible material about a mandrel, for example by extrusion. Reinforcingstructure 20 is then applied onto the inner layer of relatively flexible material along all or a portion of the length of the inner layer. An outer layer of relatively flexible material is then provided to cover the reinforcingstructure 20 and the inner layer of relatively flexible material, so as to encapsulate the reinforcingstructure 20 between the inner and outer layers which together make up theouter sheath 16. The inner and outer layers of theouter sheath 16 preferably fused together between gaps or interstices in the reinforcingstructure 20. The fusion between inner and outer layers may be achieved during the extrusion of the outer layer onto the inner layer and reinforcingstructure 20, or maybe achieved through subsequent heat treatment of the laminated structure. Alternatively, the reinforced sheath produced in this manner may be manufactured in a substantially continuous process by co-extruding the inner and outer layers onto the mandrel at the same time as the reinforcingstructure 20 is supplied in-between the two layers. In either case, the mandrel is then removed, for example by allowing it to deflate or contract radially inwardly, to leave the enforced sheath structure. This sheath structure can be treated according to the method above, by removing part of the inner or outer layers to expose a portion of the reinforcingstructure 20 to connect it to apull element 18. Alternatively, the reinforcingstructure 20 may be provided so as to extend beyond the inner and/or outer layers of the relatively flexible material of theouter sheath 16, thereby forming the sheath with an exposed portion of reinforcingstructure 20, to which thepull element 18 can be connected. As a further alternative, thepull element 18 can be first connected to the reinforcingstructure 20, prior to the reinforcing structure being incorporated between the inner and outer layers of the relatively flexible material. According to this method, the connection between thepull element 18 and the reinforcingstructure 20 will become encapsulated between the inner and outer layers of relatively flexible material of theouter sheath 16 during the aforementioned layering of these structures onto a mandrel. - In a further preferred method, the
pull element 18 comprises a plate member. Whether any reinforcingstructure 20 is provided or not, the plate member is encapsulated within the relatively flexible material of theouter sheath 16, by first layering an inner layer of material onto a mandrel, placing a portion of the plate member onto the inner layer, and then subsequently providing an outer layer of relatively flexible material to cover the inner layer and the plate member, so as to encapsulateend portion 18″ of thepull element 18 in the flexible material of theouter sheath 16. As noted above, the inner and outer layers of flexible material are preferably extruded onto the mandrel and become fused together to form theouter sheath 16. - In general, the same relatively flexible material may be used for the inner and outer layers of the
outer sheath 16, or two different relatively flexible materials may be used for the respective layers.
Claims (16)
1. A retractable catheter, comprising:
an elongate tubular sheath having at least in a distal portion made of a relatively flexible material;
a reinforcing structure made of a relatively inextensible material incorporated in the relatively flexible material of the sheath along at least a portion thereof; and
a pull element for transmitting a pull force longitudinally to the sheath and the reinforcing structure, wherein the pull element is connected directly to a portion of the reinforcing structure exposed from the relatively flexible material to transmit the pull force directly to the reinforcing structure.
2. The retractable catheter according to claim 1 , wherein the exposed portion of the reinforcing structure is exposed in an opening in the flexible material and/or by not being completely incorporated in the flexible material.
3. The retractable catheter according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing structure comprises a braiding.
4. The retractable catheter according to claim 1 , wherein the pull element is thermally connected to the reinforcing structure by laser welding, resistance welding, gap welding, and/or point welding.
5. The retractable catheter according to claim 1 , wherein the pull element is connected to the reinforcing structure through a connection link.
6. The retractable catheter according to claim 5 , wherein the connection link has an at least partially tubular element to support the connection to the reinforcing structure.
7. The retractable catheter according to claim 1 , wherein a distal portion of the pull element is partially tubular.
8. The retractable catheter according to any one of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the pull element is tube-shaped.
9. The retractable catheter according to claim 1 , wherein the material for both the reinforcing structure and the pull element is selected from the group consisting of steel, stainless steel, plastic, a carbon fibre compound, a glass fibre compound, and combinations thereof.
10. The retractable catheter according to claim 1 , further comprising an inner catheter shaft and a implant.
11. A method for assembling a retractable catheter for use in a implant delivery system, comprising:
providing a catheter sheath made of relatively flexible material in which a relatively inextensible reinforcing structure is incorporated; and
connecting a pull element directly to an exposed portion of the reinforcing structure.
12. The method for assembling a retractable catheter according to claim 11 , further comprising the step of partially removing the relatively flexible material of the catheter sheath to expose the portion of the reinforcing structure to which the pull element is to be directly connected.
13. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the removal step includes using a laser to expose the portion of the reinforcing structure.
14. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising the steps of:
providing the pull element with a connection link; and
connecting the connection link of the pull element directly to the reinforcing structure.
15. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the connecting step includes connecting the pull element to the reinforcing structure by laser welding and/or point welding.
16. The method according to any claim 11 , further comprising the step of covering the exposed portion of the reinforcing structure after the connection of the pull element thereto.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/630,098 US20100145430A1 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2009-12-03 | Retractable catheter |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11966108P | 2008-12-03 | 2008-12-03 | |
GBGB0822106.1A GB0822106D0 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2008-12-03 | Retractable catheter |
GBGB0822109.5A GB0822109D0 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2008-12-03 | Rectractable catheter |
GB0822109.5 | 2008-12-03 | ||
US12/630,098 US20100145430A1 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2009-12-03 | Retractable catheter |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100145430A1 true US20100145430A1 (en) | 2010-06-10 |
Family
ID=42342663
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/630,156 Active 2030-10-11 US8535292B2 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2009-12-03 | Retractable catheter |
US12/630,098 Abandoned US20100145430A1 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2009-12-03 | Retractable catheter |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/630,156 Active 2030-10-11 US8535292B2 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2009-12-03 | Retractable catheter |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8535292B2 (en) |
GB (2) | GB0822109D0 (en) |
WO (2) | WO2010063793A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090204197A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2009-08-13 | Dorn Juergen | Catheter Device |
US20100087906A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2010-04-08 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Ag | Catheter Device |
US20100145309A1 (en) * | 2008-12-03 | 2010-06-10 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Retractable catheter |
US20100286756A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2010-11-11 | C.R. Bard Inc. | Catheter Device |
US8440090B2 (en) * | 2010-04-29 | 2013-05-14 | Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc. | Apparatus and method of making a variable stiffness multilayer catheter tubing |
US20130245743A1 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2013-09-19 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Sleeve retraction system |
US20150094794A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-02 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | Wire collection device with increasing collection diameter |
US20220096799A1 (en) * | 2016-03-21 | 2022-03-31 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Multi-direction steerable handles for steering catheters |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5635997B2 (en) * | 2008-12-03 | 2014-12-03 | アンジオメト・ゲーエムベーハー・ウント・コンパニー・メディツィンテクニク・カーゲー | Telescopic catheter |
GB0921240D0 (en) * | 2009-12-03 | 2010-01-20 | Angiomed Ag | Stent device delivery system and method of making such |
GB0921238D0 (en) | 2009-12-03 | 2010-01-20 | Angiomed Ag | Stent device delivery system and method of making such |
US9700411B2 (en) | 2010-08-17 | 2017-07-11 | St. Jude Medical, Inc. | Delivery system for collapsible heart valve |
GB201020373D0 (en) | 2010-12-01 | 2011-01-12 | Angiomed Ag | Device to release a self-expanding implant |
US10213329B2 (en) | 2011-08-12 | 2019-02-26 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Evertable sheath devices, systems, and methods |
US9763819B1 (en) | 2013-03-05 | 2017-09-19 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Tapered sleeve |
US11291573B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-04-05 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | Delivery system for a self-expanding medical device |
US9907641B2 (en) | 2014-01-10 | 2018-03-06 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Implantable intraluminal device |
US10966850B2 (en) | 2014-03-06 | 2021-04-06 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Implantable medical device constraint and deployment apparatus |
ES2960532T3 (en) | 2017-10-11 | 2024-03-05 | Gore & Ass | Implantable medical device restraint and deployment apparatus |
Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5534007A (en) * | 1995-05-18 | 1996-07-09 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Stent deployment catheter with collapsible sheath |
US5649908A (en) * | 1995-06-23 | 1997-07-22 | Yugengaisha New-Wave Medical | Dilatation catheter |
US5741429A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1998-04-21 | Cardia Catheter Company | Flexible tubular device for use in medical applications |
US5797952A (en) * | 1996-06-21 | 1998-08-25 | Localmed, Inc. | System and method for delivering helical stents |
US6285903B1 (en) * | 1998-06-30 | 2001-09-04 | Eclipse Surgical Technologies, Inc. | Intracorporeal device with radiopaque marker |
US20010027323A1 (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 2001-10-04 | Roy Sullivan | Pull back stent delivery system with pistol grip retraction handle |
US20040030348A1 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2004-02-12 | St. Jude Medical Atg, Inc. | Medical graft connector and methods of making and installing same |
US20040193243A1 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2004-09-30 | Mangiardi Eric K. | Medical appliance optical delivery and deployment apparatus and method |
US20040220653A1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2004-11-04 | Borg Ulf R. | Bifurcated medical appliance delivery apparatus and method |
US20050004553A1 (en) * | 2003-07-02 | 2005-01-06 | Medtronic Ave, Inc. | Sheath catheter having variable over-the-wire length and methods of use |
US20060247661A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2006-11-02 | Richards Kathryn E | Joint for operatively coupling a contoured inner compression member and an inner guide channel member for medical device delivery systems |
US20060263145A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2006-11-23 | Dharmendra Pal | Internal cannulated joint for medical delivery systems |
WO2006133959A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2006-12-21 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg | Catheter device |
US20100087906A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2010-04-08 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Ag | Catheter Device |
US20100145309A1 (en) * | 2008-12-03 | 2010-06-10 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Retractable catheter |
US20100286756A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2010-11-11 | C.R. Bard Inc. | Catheter Device |
Family Cites Families (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB453944A (en) | 1935-04-10 | 1936-09-22 | John Walter Anderson | Improvements in couplings for vehicles |
NL8304304A (en) | 1983-12-14 | 1985-07-01 | Landbouw Hogeschool | METHOD FOR RECOVERING A GEL-FORMING POLYSACCHARIDE, THE COLLECTED GEL-FORMING POLYSACCHARIDE, THE GEL RECOVERED BY USING SUCH POLYSACCHARIDE AND METHOD FOR PREPARING SYNTHETIC OLIGARIDE AND POLYSACCHARIDE |
US5360401A (en) | 1993-02-18 | 1994-11-01 | Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. | Catheter for stent delivery |
US5545132A (en) * | 1993-12-21 | 1996-08-13 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Helically grooved balloon for dilatation catheter and method of using |
JPH07315147A (en) | 1994-05-23 | 1995-12-05 | Nishikawa Rubber Co Ltd | Attachment structure for drip weather strip |
WO1996037167A1 (en) * | 1995-05-25 | 1996-11-28 | Raychem Corporation | Stent assembly |
US5788707A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1998-08-04 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Pull back sleeve system with compression resistant inner shaft |
US5797889A (en) * | 1996-06-19 | 1998-08-25 | Becton Dickinson And Company | Medical device having a connector portion with an improved surface finish |
US6544215B1 (en) * | 1998-10-02 | 2003-04-08 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Steerable device for introducing diagnostic and therapeutic apparatus into the body |
US6254609B1 (en) * | 1999-01-11 | 2001-07-03 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Self-expanding stent delivery system with two sheaths |
US6613075B1 (en) | 1999-10-27 | 2003-09-02 | Cordis Corporation | Rapid exchange self-expanding stent delivery catheter system |
EP1227771B1 (en) | 1999-11-11 | 2007-08-01 | Angiomed GmbH & Co. Medizintechnik KG | Implant delivery device |
US6533754B1 (en) | 1999-11-26 | 2003-03-18 | Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha | Catheter |
US6602280B2 (en) | 2000-02-02 | 2003-08-05 | Trivascular, Inc. | Delivery system and method for expandable intracorporeal device |
IL136213A0 (en) | 2000-05-17 | 2001-05-20 | Xtent Medical Inc | Selectively expandable and releasable stent |
GB0020491D0 (en) | 2000-08-18 | 2000-10-11 | Angiomed Ag | Stent with attached element and method of making such a stent |
US6623504B2 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2003-09-23 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Balloon catheter with radiopaque distal tip |
JP2002301161A (en) | 2001-04-04 | 2002-10-15 | Terumo Corp | Catheter and manufacturing method for catheter |
GB0110551D0 (en) | 2001-04-30 | 2001-06-20 | Angiomed Ag | Self-expanding stent delivery service |
WO2003002019A2 (en) | 2001-06-27 | 2003-01-09 | Salviac Limited | A catheter |
IE20020530A1 (en) | 2001-06-27 | 2003-03-05 | Salviac Ltd | A Catheter |
JP4512362B2 (en) | 2001-07-06 | 2010-07-28 | アンギオメット ゲゼルシャフト ミット ベシュレンクテル ハフツング ウント コムパニー メディツィンテヒニク コマンデイトゲゼルシャフト | Self-expanding stent rapid pusher assembly and delivery system with stent replacement configuration |
JP4350515B2 (en) * | 2001-11-09 | 2009-10-21 | ルビコン・メデイカル・インコーポレイテツド | Stent delivery device |
US7029468B2 (en) * | 2002-06-25 | 2006-04-18 | Enpath Medical, Inc. | Catheter assembly with side wall exit lumen and method therefor |
US7232452B2 (en) * | 2002-07-12 | 2007-06-19 | Ev3 Inc. | Device to create proximal stasis |
JP4757187B2 (en) | 2003-01-15 | 2011-08-24 | アンジオメト・ゲーエムベーハー・ウント・コンパニー・メディツィンテクニク・カーゲー | Tube surgery equipment |
GB0327306D0 (en) | 2003-11-24 | 2003-12-24 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co | Catheter device |
US8016752B2 (en) * | 2003-01-17 | 2011-09-13 | Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc. | Puncturable catheter |
US20040193141A1 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2004-09-30 | Leopold Eric W. | Intravascular flow modifier and reinforcement device and deployment system for same |
EP1628596B1 (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2011-04-06 | Boston Scientific Limited | Stents with attached looped ends |
US7237313B2 (en) * | 2003-12-05 | 2007-07-03 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Elongated medical device for intracorporal use |
CA2554574C (en) | 2004-01-27 | 2012-04-24 | Med Institute, Inc. | Anchoring barb for attachment to a medical prosthesis |
US20060216431A1 (en) * | 2005-03-28 | 2006-09-28 | Kerrigan Cameron K | Electrostatic abluminal coating of a stent crimped on a balloon catheter |
US7497853B2 (en) * | 2005-05-05 | 2009-03-03 | Enpath Medical Inc. | Deflectable catheter steering and locking system |
CA2613713A1 (en) | 2005-07-05 | 2007-01-11 | Angioslide Ltd. | Balloon catheter |
EP2218425B1 (en) | 2006-09-08 | 2012-05-09 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Integrated heart valve delivery system |
-
2008
- 2008-12-03 GB GBGB0822109.5A patent/GB0822109D0/en not_active Ceased
- 2008-12-03 GB GBGB0822106.1A patent/GB0822106D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2009
- 2009-12-03 WO PCT/EP2009/066313 patent/WO2010063793A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-12-03 US US12/630,156 patent/US8535292B2/en active Active
- 2009-12-03 WO PCT/EP2009/066314 patent/WO2010063794A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-12-03 US US12/630,098 patent/US20100145430A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5741429A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1998-04-21 | Cardia Catheter Company | Flexible tubular device for use in medical applications |
US5534007A (en) * | 1995-05-18 | 1996-07-09 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Stent deployment catheter with collapsible sheath |
US5649908A (en) * | 1995-06-23 | 1997-07-22 | Yugengaisha New-Wave Medical | Dilatation catheter |
US5797952A (en) * | 1996-06-21 | 1998-08-25 | Localmed, Inc. | System and method for delivering helical stents |
US20010027323A1 (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 2001-10-04 | Roy Sullivan | Pull back stent delivery system with pistol grip retraction handle |
US6285903B1 (en) * | 1998-06-30 | 2001-09-04 | Eclipse Surgical Technologies, Inc. | Intracorporeal device with radiopaque marker |
US20040030348A1 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2004-02-12 | St. Jude Medical Atg, Inc. | Medical graft connector and methods of making and installing same |
US20040193243A1 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2004-09-30 | Mangiardi Eric K. | Medical appliance optical delivery and deployment apparatus and method |
US20040220653A1 (en) * | 2003-05-01 | 2004-11-04 | Borg Ulf R. | Bifurcated medical appliance delivery apparatus and method |
US20050004553A1 (en) * | 2003-07-02 | 2005-01-06 | Medtronic Ave, Inc. | Sheath catheter having variable over-the-wire length and methods of use |
US20060247661A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2006-11-02 | Richards Kathryn E | Joint for operatively coupling a contoured inner compression member and an inner guide channel member for medical device delivery systems |
US20060263145A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2006-11-23 | Dharmendra Pal | Internal cannulated joint for medical delivery systems |
WO2006133959A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2006-12-21 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg | Catheter device |
US20090204197A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2009-08-13 | Dorn Juergen | Catheter Device |
US20100087906A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2010-04-08 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Ag | Catheter Device |
US20100286756A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2010-11-11 | C.R. Bard Inc. | Catheter Device |
US20100145309A1 (en) * | 2008-12-03 | 2010-06-10 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Retractable catheter |
Cited By (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8758420B2 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2014-06-24 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg | Catheter device |
US20100087906A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2010-04-08 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Ag | Catheter Device |
US20090204197A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2009-08-13 | Dorn Juergen | Catheter Device |
US10596020B2 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2020-03-24 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg | Catheter device |
US8323326B2 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2012-12-04 | Angiomed GmbH & Co. Medizintechnik KG. | Catheter device |
US9872785B2 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2018-01-23 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg | Catheter device |
US9615950B2 (en) | 2005-06-16 | 2017-04-11 | Angiomed Gmbh & Co. Medizintechnik Kg | Catheter device |
US20100286756A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2010-11-11 | C.R. Bard Inc. | Catheter Device |
US20100145309A1 (en) * | 2008-12-03 | 2010-06-10 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Retractable catheter |
US8535292B2 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2013-09-17 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Retractable catheter |
US8440090B2 (en) * | 2010-04-29 | 2013-05-14 | Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc. | Apparatus and method of making a variable stiffness multilayer catheter tubing |
US9089669B2 (en) | 2010-04-29 | 2015-07-28 | Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc. | Apparatus and method of making a variable stiffness multilayer catheter tubing |
US20130245743A1 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2013-09-19 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Sleeve retraction system |
US9402755B2 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2016-08-02 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Sleeve retraction system |
US10219929B2 (en) | 2012-03-13 | 2019-03-05 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Sleeve retraction system |
US11000395B2 (en) * | 2012-03-13 | 2021-05-11 | W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. | Sleeve retraction system |
US20150094794A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-02 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | Wire collection device with increasing collection diameter |
US20220096799A1 (en) * | 2016-03-21 | 2022-03-31 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Multi-direction steerable handles for steering catheters |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0822109D0 (en) | 2009-01-07 |
US20100145309A1 (en) | 2010-06-10 |
WO2010063794A1 (en) | 2010-06-10 |
GB0822106D0 (en) | 2009-01-07 |
WO2010063793A1 (en) | 2010-06-10 |
US8535292B2 (en) | 2013-09-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8535292B2 (en) | Retractable catheter | |
US20130340233A1 (en) | Retractable Catheter | |
JP5908860B2 (en) | Stent delivery and deployment system | |
JP7206363B2 (en) | implant insertion system | |
JP6359590B2 (en) | Composite prosthesis having an outer polymer support structure and method of manufacturing the same | |
JP5943839B2 (en) | Stent device transfer system and manufacturing method thereof | |
CN108472042B (en) | Vascular occlusion device and delivery assembly | |
JP4918550B2 (en) | Implantable medical endoprosthesis delivery system with coil shaft | |
US20090112127A1 (en) | Nitinol guidewire | |
US20080300665A1 (en) | Medical implant, in particular stent | |
US11707370B2 (en) | Stents and related methods | |
JP2005533557A (en) | Intraluminal dilation system | |
US20160303353A1 (en) | Mechanisms for improving the stiffness transition across a dissimilar metal weld joint | |
JP2011522650A (en) | Catheter delivery device | |
WO1997037713A1 (en) | Thin-walled and braid-reinforced catheter | |
EP2352463B1 (en) | Retractable catheter | |
JP5124703B2 (en) | Medical stent and method for manufacturing medical stent | |
JP2015019851A (en) | Catheter | |
JP2013192716A (en) | Medical instrument | |
JP7378459B2 (en) | Medical tubular body transport device and its manufacturing method | |
JP7378460B2 (en) | Medical tubular body transport device and its manufacturing method | |
WO2021124787A1 (en) | Medical tubular body delivery device | |
JPWO2020039653A1 (en) | Medical tubular body transport device | |
GB2594425A (en) | Delivery systems for endovascular devices and related methods | |
US20220079624A1 (en) | Deflectable delivery system for implant delivery |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: C. R. BARD, INC.,NEW JERSEY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WUBBELING, MARTIN;TOLLNER, THOMAS;DORN, JURGEN;SIGNING DATES FROM 20091214 TO 20091219;REEL/FRAME:023961/0784 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |