US4716757A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Guide wire tip shaping tool and method
Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc
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Filing: 1986-08-25
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Granted: 1988-01-05
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Expires: 2006-08-25
Abstract
Abstract Tool and method for bending of shaping the tips of angioplasty guide wires. The tool has two relatively rigid body sections joined together by a relatively flexible hinge, with a flexible tube extending across the hinge for holding the tip of the wire to be bent. The body sections are folded together about the hinge to bend the wire, and the flexible tube tends to form a kink in the wire which helps the wire to retain the shape to which it is bent. Stops limit the movement of the body sections and prevent overbending of the wire.
Inventors
- 👤 Jean E. McGregor
- 👤 Wilfred J. Samson
- 👤 Craig E. Mar
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:57
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/09; A61M25/09041
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
In a tool for bending the tip of an angioplasty guide wire; first and second body sections, hinge means connecting the body sections together and permitting the body sections to be moved to different angular positions relative to each other, and a flexible tube extending between the two body sections and having an axial opening for holding the tip of the guide wire so that the tip can be bent by moving the body sections from one angular position to another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
In a tool for bending the tip of an angioplasty guide wire; first and second body sections, hinge means connecting the body sections together and permitting the body sections to be moved to different angular positions relative to each other, and a flexible tube extending between the two body sections and having an axial opening for holding the tip of the guide wire so that the tip can be bent by moving the body sections from one angular position to another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The tool of claim 1 including a funnel shaped guide carried by one of the body sections in axial alignment with the opening in the tube to facilitate insertion of the guide wire into the tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tool of claim 1 including stop means carried by one of the body sections to limit angular movement between the body sections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein the two body sections and the hinge means are fabricated as a unitary structure of relatively rigid material, the hinge means comprising an area of reduced thickness between the body sections.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein the flexible tube extends continuously and without interruption across the hinge means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tool of claim 4 wherein the flexible tube so fabricated of a relatively flexible material and is mounted on the unitary structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a tool for bending the tip of an angioplasty guide wire: a generally planar body of plastic material having a pair of rigid body sections and an area of reduced thickness forming a relatively flexible hinge between the body sections, a flexible tube mounted on one side of the generally planar body and extending across the area of reduced thickness with an axially extending opening for receiving the tip of the guide wire and holding the tip for bending as the body is flexed about the hinge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a tool for bending the tip of an angioplasty guide wire: a generally planar body of plastic material having a pair of rigid body sections and an area of reduced thickness forming a relatively flexible hinge between the body sections, a flexible tube mounted on one side of the generally planar body and extending across the area of reduced thickness with an axially extending opening for receiving the tip of the guide wire and holding the tip for bending as the body is flexed about the hinge.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The tool of claim 6 including a funnel shaped guide carried by one of the body sections in axial alignment with the opening in the tube to facilitate insertion of the guide wire into the tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tool of claim 6 wherein the end portions of the flexible tube are mounted in channels on the one side of the generally planar body.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tool of claim 7 including stop means carried by one of the body sections for limiting movement of the body sections upon flexing of the body.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a method of bending the tip of an angioplasty guide wire with a tool having a pair of body sections joined together by a hinge and a flexible tube having an axial opening extending between the body sections, the steps of: inserting the tip of the guide wire into the axial opening of the flexible tube so that the guide wire extends across the hinge, and folding the body sections together about the hinge to bend the flexible tube and the tip of the wire inserted therein.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
88 words
In a method of bending the tip of an angioplasty guide wire with a tool having a pair of body sections joined together by a hinge and a flexible tube having an axial opening extending between the body sections, the steps of: inserting the tip of the guide wire into the axial opening of the flexible tube so that the guide wire extends across the hinge, and folding the body sections together about the hinge to bend the flexible tube and the tip of the wire inserted therein.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tool of claim 7 wherein the flexible tube extends continuously and without interruption across the area of reduced thickness.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tool of claim 7 wherein the flexible tube is formed separately from the body.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-01-04 | 1991-07-06 | 1992-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-04 | 1995-07-06 | 1996-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-04 | 1999-07-06 | 2000-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |