Low profile sterrable soft-tip catheter

Claim 2

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer catheter shaft, a flexible catheter member located within said outer catheter shaft having distal and proximal ends and one or more lumens extending therethrough, at least one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen or lumens being open at the distal end or ends thereof, a deflection were having distal and proximal ends and axially extending through a lumen having a closed end, the distal end of said deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal end of said catheter member, the proximal end of said deflection wire extending through said control means and said control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing said deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end thereof, said displacement causing the distal end of said catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of he longitudinal axis of said catheter member, and the engaging means of said control means fixedly engaging said deflection wire so that when said control means is rotated, said catheter member and said deflection wire both rotate together to cause the distal end of said catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 3

A steerable catheter means consisting essentially of: an outer catheter shaft, a flexible catheter member located within said outer catheter shaft having distal and proximal ends and one or more lumens extending therethrough, at least one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen or lumens being open at the distal end or ends thereof, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and axially extending through a lumen having a closed end, the distal end of said deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal end of said catheter member, the proximal end of said defection wire extending to said control means, said control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of said catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of said catheter member, and said control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and said catheter member to rotate together to cause the distal end of said catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 4

A steerable catheter means consisting essentially of: an outer catheter shaft, a flexible catheter member located within said outer catheter shaft having distal and proximal ends and one or more lumens extending therethrough, at least one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen or lumens being open at the distal end or ends thereof, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and axially extending through a lumen having a closed end, the distal end of said deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal end of said catheter member, the proximal end of said defection wire extending to said control means, said control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of said catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of said catheter member, and said control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and said catheter member to rotate together to cause the distal end of said catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 5

The steerable catheter means of claim 2, wherein said catheter comprises from 1 to 3 lumens.

Claim 6

The steerable catheter means of claim 2, wherein said catheter member has at least two lumens and one of said lumens is open.

Claim 7

The steerable catheter means of claim 4, wherein the open lumen is capable of having a balloon dilatation catheter or a retractable pressure sensor threaded therethrough.

Claim 8

The steerable catheter means of claim 2, wherein the outer surface of said catheter member near the distal portion thereof comprises dilatation balloon means.

Claim 9

The steerable catheter means of claim 6, wherein a closed lumen has openings near its distal end and said openings are arranged to permit inflation of said dilatation balloon means.

Claim 10

The steerable catheter means of claim 2, wherein a closed lumen has a pressure sensing fiber therein, said pressure sensing fiber having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of said pressure sensing fiber comprising a pressure sensing membrane, and the distal end of said pressure sensing fiber extending through the distal end of said catheter member whereby the pressure sensing membrane is substantially flush with the outer surface of the distal end of said catheter member.

Claim 11

The steerable catheter means of claim 2, wherein a flexible tip has proximal and distal ends and the proximal end thereof is affixed or embedded in the distal end of the catheter member.

Claim 12

The steerable catheter means of claim 9, wherein the flexible tip is a floppy wire comprised of spring steel wire.

Claim 13

The steerable catheter means of claim 2, wherein said catheter member comprises a lumen open at its distal end and the proximal end of said lumen is in fluid communication with a passageway in said control means.

Claim 14

A steerable catheter means consisting essentially of: an outer catheter shaft, a flexible catheter located within said outer catheter shaft having distal and proximal ends and two lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, and the other lumen being open at its distal end, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and axially extending through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of said deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal end of said catheter means, the proximal end of said deflection wire extending to said control means, said control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of said catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of said catheter member, and said control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and said catheter member to rotate together to cause the distal end of said catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 15

A steerable catheter means consisting essentially of: an outer catheter shaft, a flexible catheter located within said outer catheter shaft having distal and proximal ends and two lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, and the other lumen being open at its distal end, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and axially extending through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of said deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal end of said catheter means, the proximal end of said deflection wire extending to said control means, said control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of said catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of said catheter member, and said control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and said catheter member to rotate together to cause the distal end of said catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 16

A steerable catheter means consisting essentially of: an outer catheter shaft, a flexible catheter movably located within said outer catheter shaft having distal and proximal ends and one or more lumens extending therethrough, each of said lumens being closed at its distal end, a deflection wire having distal and proximal end s and axially extending through the lumen having a closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal end of said catheter member, the proximal end of said deflection wire extending to said control means, said control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of said catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of said catheter member, and said control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and said catheter member to rotate together to cause the distal end of said catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 17

A steerable catheter means consisting essentially of: an outer catheter shaft, a flexible catheter movably located within said outer catheter shaft having distal and proximal ends and one or more lumens extending therethrough, each of said lumens being closed at its distal end, a deflection wire having distal and proximal end s and axially extending through the lumen having a closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal end of said catheter member, the proximal end of said deflection wire extending to said control means, said control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of said catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of said catheter member, and said control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and said catheter member to rotate together to cause the distal end of said catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 18

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the one or more other lumens being open distally, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal end of the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means, the control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of its longitudinal axis, the control means having a passageway in fluid connection with at least one open lumen, and the control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and the inner catheter member to rotate together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 19

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the one or more other lumens being open distally, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal end of the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means, the control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of its longitudinal axis, the control means having a passageway in fluid connection with at least one open lumen, and the control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and the inner catheter member to rotate together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 20

The catheter means of claim 14 which also comprises a guide wire extending through an open lumen, the guide wire having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the guide wire protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 21

The catheter means of claim 14 which also comprises a balloon dilatation catheter extending through an open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 22

The catheter means of claim 16, wherein the balloon dilatation catheter has a guiding lumen therein and a guide wire having proximal and distal ends extends the length of the guiding lumen, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the distal end of the guide wire extending distally beyond the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter.

Claim 23

The catheter means of claim 14, wherein the inner catheter member has two lumens.

Claim 24

The catheter means of claim 14 which comprises balloon dilatation means arranged on the outer surface of the inner catheter member adjacent its distal end.

Claim 25

The catheter means of claim 14, wherein the inner catheter member is freely movable within the outer catheter shell.

Claim 26

The catheter means of claim 14, wherein the deflection wire is tapered at its distal end.

Claim 27

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the one or more other lumens being open distally, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having said closed end, the distal end of the wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means, the control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of its longitudinal axis, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with at least one open lumen, and the control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and the inner catheter member to rotate substantially together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 28

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the one or more other lumens being open distally, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having said closed end, the distal end of the wire being embedded in said closed end, and control means attached to the proximal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means, the control means having engaging means which fixedly engages the proximal end of said deflection wire to cause said deflection wire to be displaced distally or proximally, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend out of or toward the line of its longitudinal axis, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with at least one open lumen, and the control means having rotation means to cause said deflection wire and the inner catheter member to rotate substantially together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

Claim 29

The catheter means of claim 22 which also comprises a guide wire extending through an open lumen, the guide wire having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the guide wire protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 30

The catheter means of claim 22 which also comprises a balloon dilatation catheter extending through an open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 31

The catheter means of claim 24, wherein the balloon dilatation catheter has a guiding lumen therein and a guide wire having proximal and distal ends extends the length of the guiding lumen, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the distal end of the guide wire extending distally beyond the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter.

Claim 32

The catheter means of claim 22, wherein the inner catheter member has two lumens.

Claim 33

The catheter means of claim 22 which comprises balloon dilatation means arranged on the outer surfaces of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member adjacent the distal end thereof.

Claim 34

The catheter means of claim 22 which comprises balloon dilatation means arranged on the outer surface of the distal end of the inner catheter member adjacent its distal end.

Claim 35

The catheter means of claim 22, wherein the deflection wire is tapered at its distal end.

Claim 36

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen or lumens being open at the distal end or ends thereof, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen or lumens, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a balloon dilatation catheter extending through an open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent to said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 37

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen or lumens being open at the distal end or ends thereof, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen or lumens, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a balloon dilatation catheter extending through an open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent to said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 38

The catheter means of claim 30 which also comprises a guide wire extending through an open lumen, the guide wire having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the guide wire protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 39

The catheter means of claim 30, wherein the balloon dilatation catheter has a guiding lumen therein, a guide wire having proximal and distal ends extends the length of the guiding lumen, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter protrudes distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter.

Claim 40

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen or lumens being open at the distal end or ends thereof, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal end of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen or lumens, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and balloon dilatation means arranged on the outer surface of the distal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member.

Claim 41

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen or lumens being open at the distal end or ends thereof, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal end of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen or lumens, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and balloon dilatation means arranged on the outer surface of the distal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member.

Claim 42

The catheter means of claim 33 which also comprises a guide wire extending through an open lumen, the guide wire having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the guide wire protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 43

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen or lumens being open at the distal end or ends thereof, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter shell, the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, and the inner catheter member being movable within the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal end of the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending through the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen or lumens, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a balloon dilatation catheter extending through an open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent to said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 44

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two or more lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen or lumens being open at the distal end or ends thereof, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter shell, the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, and the inner catheter member being movable within the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal end of the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending through the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen or lumens, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a balloon dilatation catheter extending through an open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent to said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 45

The catheter means of claim 35, wherein the balloon dilatation catheter has a guiding lumen therein, a guide wire having proximal and distal ends extends the length of the guiding lumen, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter protrudes distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter.

Claim 46

The catheter means of claim 35 which also comprises a guide wire extending through an open lumen, the guide wire having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the guide wire protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 47

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen being open at its distal end, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate substantially together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a balloon dilatation catheter extending through the open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent to said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 48

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen being open at its distal end, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate substantially together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a balloon dilatation catheter extending through the open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent to said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 49

The catheter means of claim 38, wherein the balloon dilatation catheter has a guiding lumen therein, a guide wire having proximal and distal ends extends the length of the guiding lumen, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter protrudes distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter.

Claim 50

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen being open at its distal end, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control/means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate substantially together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and balloon dilatation means arranged on the outer surfaces of the distal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member.

Claim 51

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen being open at its distal end, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, and the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control/means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the deflection wire both rotate substantially together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and balloon dilatation means arranged on the outer surfaces of the distal ends of the outer catheter member and the inner catheter member.

Claim 52

The catheter means of claim 40 which also comprises a guide wire extending through the open lumen, the guide wire having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the guide wire protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 53

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen being open at its distal end, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, and the inner catheter being movable within the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal end of the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the steering wire both rotate substantially together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a balloon dilatation catheter extending through the open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent to said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 54

A steerable catheter means comprising: an outer flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends, an inner flexible catheter member having distal and proximal ends and two lumens extending therethrough, one of said lumens being closed at its distal end, the other lumen being open at its distal end, the inner catheter member extending through the outer catheter member, the distal end of the inner catheter member protruding distally beyond the distal end of the outer catheter member, and the inner catheter being movable within the outer catheter member, a deflection wire having distal and proximal ends and extending the length of the inner catheter member through the lumen having the closed end, the distal end of the deflection wire being embedded in said closed end, control means attached to the proximal end of the inner catheter member, the proximal end of the deflection wire extending to the control means and the control means having an engaging means which fixedly engages said deflection wire, rotation of said engaging means causing the deflection wire to longitudinally displace either toward or away from the distal end of the inner catheter member, said displacement causing the distal end of the inner catheter member to bend away from or toward the line of the longitudinal axis of the inner catheter member, the control means having a passageway in fluid communication with the open lumen, and the engaging means of the control means fixedly engaging the deflection wire so that when the control means is rotated, the inner catheter member and the steering wire both rotate substantially together to cause the distal end of the inner catheter member to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and a balloon dilatation catheter extending through the open lumen, the balloon dilatation catheter having distal and proximal ends, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter having inflatable dilatation balloon means adjacent to said distal end and protruding distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter extending through the passageway in the control means.

Claim 55

The catheter means of claim 42, wherein the balloon dilatation catheter has a guiding lumen therein, a guide wire having proximal and distal ends extends the length of the guiding lumen, the distal end of the balloon dilatation catheter protrudes distally beyond the distal end of the inner catheter member, and the proximal end of the guide wire extends proximally beyond the proximal end of the balloon dilatation catheter.