US5316706A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of manufacturing jointless catheter
Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc
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Filing: 1992-08-05
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Granted: 1994-05-31
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Expires: 2012-08-05
Abstract
Abstract A catheter is formed from a single extrusion of cold crystallizable material in its amorphous state. Selected portions of the catheter are subsequently subjected to the material's cold crystallization temperatures for a selected period of time in order to transform those portions into a more crystalline form. Increased crystallinity profoundly affects the physical characteristics of the material. A jointless catheter having a relatively stiff body and a soft, pliable, and atraumatic tip is thereby provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Ketan P. Muni
- 👤 Michael S. Williams
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:54
CPC Classifications
B; B29; B29C; B29C71/00; B29C71/0063; A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0009; B29C71/02; B29K; B29K2067/00; B29K2067/06; B29K2995/00; B29K2995/0037; B29K2995/0039; B29K2995/0041; B29L; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/753; B29L2031/7542
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for forming a jointless catheter having differentiated physical characteristics along its length, comprising the steps of: selecting a cold-crystallizable thermoplastic material that is extrudable in its amorphous state; extruding said material in the form of said catheter; and causing selected portions of said catheter to undergo cold-crystallization whereby said portions that undergo cold-crystallization are rendered stiffer and more kink resistant and any portions not having undergone cold-crystallization remain relatively soft and pliable.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for forming a jointless catheter having differentiated physical characteristics along its length, comprising the steps of: selecting a cold-crystallizable thermoplastic material that is extrudable in its amorphous state; extruding said material in the form of said catheter; and causing selected portions of said catheter to undergo cold-crystallization whereby said portions that undergo cold-crystallization are rendered stiffer and more kink resistant and any portions not having undergone cold-crystallization remain relatively soft and pliable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said selected portions of said catheter are caused to undergo cold-crystallization with the application of heat thereto wherein a preselected temperature above said material's cold-crystallization temperature is maintained for a preselected period of time.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said extruded material is polyethylene terephathalate and cold crystallization is achieved by maintaining said material at a temperature of from 110° C.-140° C. for a period of from 5 to 15 minutes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said extruded catheter has a proximal end and a distal end and wherein said preselected temperature is maintained in all but the distal end of said extrusion for said preselected period of time.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said heat is applied via inductance heating.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 5 wherein an inductance element is inserted into said catheter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-05-30 | 1997-11-29 | 1998-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-05-30 | 2001-11-29 | 2002-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-05-30 | 2005-11-29 | 2006-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |