Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of dilating of a lumen in a living body utilizing an elongated, small diameter, flexible catheter having a longitudinal axis and a distal end at which a working head is located, said working head being arranged for high speed movement with respect to said axis by associated drive means, said drive means being arranged to freely effect the movement of said working head even if said catheter is bent through an arc up to a minimum radius of curvature and without resulting in excessive vibration which could interfere with the lumen-dilating process, said method comprising inserting said catheter into said lumen from a remote location, causing said drive means to move said working head at said high rate of speed and advancing said catheter into said lumen along said axis as said working head is moving, whereupon the mechanical action of said working head causes said lumen to be enlarged.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
152 words
A method of dilating of a lumen in a living body utilizing an elongated, small diameter, flexible catheter having a longitudinal axis and a distal end at which a working head is located, said working head being arranged for high speed movement with respect to said axis by associated drive means, said drive means being arranged to freely effect the movement of said working head even if said catheter is bent through an arc up to a minimum radius of curvature and without resulting in excessive vibration which could interfere with the lumen-dilating process, said method comprising inserting said catheter into said lumen from a remote location, causing said drive means to move said working head at said high rate of speed and advancing said catheter into said lumen along said axis as said working head is moving, whereupon the mechanical action of said working head causes said lumen to be enlarged.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said lumen is dilated by the mechanical action of said moving working head and remains dilated after removal of said catheter therefrom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a liquid is inserted into said lumen adjacent said working head and whereupon the movement of said working head in cooperation with said liquid effects the dilation of said lumen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said lumen is dilated by the mechanical action of said moving working head and remains dilated after removal of said catheter therefrom.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said movement of said working head is rotary movement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said movement of said working head is rotary movement.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said lumen comprises a blood vessel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said lumen comprises a fallopian or eustachian tube.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
166 words
The method of stopping spasm in a lumen in a living being utilizing an elongated, small diameter, flexible catheter having a longitudinal axis and a distal end at which a working head is located, said working head being arranged for high speed movement with respect to said axis by associated drive means, said drive means being arranged to freely effect the movement of said working head even if said catheter is bent through any arc up to a minimum radius of curvature and without resulting in excessive vibration which could interfere with the spasm stopping process, said method comprising inserting said catheter into said lumen from a remote location causing said drive means to move said working head at said high rate of speed and advancing said catheter into said lumen along said axis as said working head is moving, whereupon the action of said working head causes said lumen to stop being in spasm and to remain out of spasm after said catheter is removed.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
166 words
The method of stopping spasm in a lumen in a living being utilizing an elongated, small diameter, flexible catheter having a longitudinal axis and a distal end at which a working head is located, said working head being arranged for high speed movement with respect to said axis by associated drive means, said drive means being arranged to freely effect the movement of said working head even if said catheter is bent through any arc up to a minimum radius of curvature and without resulting in excessive vibration which could interfere with the spasm stopping process, said method comprising inserting said catheter into said lumen from a remote location causing said drive means to move said working head at said high rate of speed and advancing said catheter into said lumen along said axis as said working head is moving, whereupon the action of said working head causes said lumen to stop being in spasm and to remain out of spasm after said catheter is removed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said lumen is an artery.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said lumen is a bronchial passage.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said lumen is the esophagus.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said lumen is the bowel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said movement is rotary movement.