Patent US5397304A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5397304A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Shapable handle for steerable electrode catheter
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
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Filing: 1993-06-29
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Granted: 1995-03-14
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Expires: 2013-06-29
Abstract
Abstract A steerable catheter suitable for radiofrequency ablation of cardiac tissue comprises a catheter shaft with a deflectable tip at the distal end of the shaft. The tip is deflected by means of a shapable handle coupled to pull wires fastened to the distal end of the deflectable tip. A core wire extends from the handle to the distal tip, providing fine positioning of the deflectable tip by applying torque through the core wire to the tip. A spring tube is further provided in the deflectable tip for improved torque transmission and kink-resistance. The catheter has an electrode at the distal end of the deflectable tip for positioning at a target site and applying RF power to accomplish ablation.
Inventors
- 👤 Csaba Truckai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 23:48
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/0105; A61M25/0133; A61M25/0138; A61M25/0147; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/14; A61B18/1492; A61M2025/015
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is laterally deflectable; at least two pull wires disposed in the lumen having distal ends attached to radially offset positions at the distal end of the catheter shaft and proximal ends opposite the distal ends; a deformable handle body having a distal end secured to the proximal end of the catheter shaft, a proximal end opposite the distal end and at least two radially offset passages disposed axially therebetween, the pull wires extending through the offset passages and attached at their proximal ends to the proximal end of the handle body, wherein laterally deflecting the handle body lengthens a first of the offset passages and shortens a second of the offset passages to deflect the distal portion of the shaft; and means in the handle body for maintaining the handle body in a laterally deflected shape.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is laterally deflectable; at least two pull wires disposed in the lumen having distal ends attached to radially offset positions at the distal end of the catheter shaft and proximal ends opposite the distal ends; a deformable handle body having a distal end secured to the proximal end of the catheter shaft, a proximal end opposite the distal end and at least two radially offset passages disposed axially therebetween, the pull wires extending through the offset passages and attached at their proximal ends to the proximal end of the handle body, wherein laterally deflecting the handle body lengthens a first of the offset passages and shortens a second of the offset passages to deflect the distal portion of the shaft; and means in the handle body for maintaining the handle body in a laterally deflected shape.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The catheter of claim 1 wherein the deformable handle body includes an axially extending central passage, and wherein the shape maintaining means comprises a spine disposed in the central passage of the handle body having a plurality of linked elements pivotally coupled to one another.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The catheter of claim 2 wherein the linked elements each comprise a first end having a socket and a second end having a ball, the socket of one linked element receiving the ball of another linked element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The catheter of claim 2 wherein the spine comprises at least three linked elements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The catheter of claim 1 wherein the deformable handle body includes an axially extending central passage, and wherein the shape maintaining means comprises a coil spring disposed in the central passage of the handle body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The catheter of claim 1 wherein the deformable handle body includes an axially extending central passage, and wherein the shape maintaining means comprises a deformable tube of soft metal disposed in the central passage of the handle body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The catheter of claim 1 wherein the deformable handle body includes an axially extending central passage, and wherein the shape maintaining means comprises means disposed in the offset passages in the handle body, for frictionally engaging the pull wires to hold the pull wires in tension.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The catheter of claim 1 wherein the handle body comprises convoluted tubing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The catheter of claim 1 further comprising means for torquing the deflectable portion of the shaft about a longitudinal axis without rotating the handle body.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
61 words
The catheter of claim 9 wherein the means for torquing comprises a core wire disposed in the lumen of the catheter shaft having a distal end coupled to the deflectable portion of the shaft and a proximal end disposed in the handle body, and means mounted to the handle body for applying torque to the proximal end of the core wire.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
57 words
The catheter of claim 10 wherein the means for applying torque comprises a torquer ring rotatably mounted to the handle body, and an inner ring rotatably mounted in the handle body and fixed to the proximal end of the core wire, the inner ring engaging an inner surface of the torquer ring so as to rotate therewith.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
72 words
The catheter of claim 1 wherein the radially offset positions of the pull wires at the distal end of the catheter shaft are substantially closer to an axial centerline of the catheter shaft than the radially offset passages in the handle body are to an axial centerline of the handle body, whereby producing a first deflection in the handle body produces a substantially larger deflection in the distal portion of the shaft.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The catheter of claim 1 further comprising at least one electrode on the deflectable tip with lead wires extending proximally therefrom, and a connector mounted to the handle body and coupled to the lead wires for connecting to a radiofrequency generator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
126 words
A combination shapable handle assembly and steerable shaft comprising: the shaft having proximal and distal ends; a deflectable tip at the distal end; a linkage coupled to the deflectable tip disposed in an axial passage in the shaft; a deformable handle body having a distal end configured for attachment to the proximal end of the shaft, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a central passage and at least one radially offset passage disposed axially therebetween, the linkage extending through the offset passage and a coupled to a proximal portion of the handle body, wherein laterally deflecting the handle body lengthens the offset passage to deflect the distal tip; and means in the handle body for maintaining the handle body in a laterally deflected shape.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
126 words
A combination shapable handle assembly and steerable shaft comprising: the shaft having proximal and distal ends; a deflectable tip at the distal end; a linkage coupled to the deflectable tip disposed in an axial passage in the shaft; a deformable handle body having a distal end configured for attachment to the proximal end of the shaft, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a central passage and at least one radially offset passage disposed axially therebetween, the linkage extending through the offset passage and a coupled to a proximal portion of the handle body, wherein laterally deflecting the handle body lengthens the offset passage to deflect the distal tip; and means in the handle body for maintaining the handle body in a laterally deflected shape.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
92 words
The combination of claim 14 wherein the linkage comprises at least one pair of pull wires having distal ends coupled to radially offset locations of the deflectable tip and proximal ends attached to radially offset locations at the proximal end of the handle body, a first pull wire being disposed in a first offset passage in the handle body and a second pull wire being disposed in a second offset passage in the handle body, whereby laterally deforming the handle body tensions the first pull wire and relaxes the second pull wire.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The combination of claim 14 wherein the shape maintaining means comprises a spine disposed in the central passage of the handle body having a plurality of linked elements pivotally coupled to one another.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination of claim 16 wherein the linked elements each comprise a first end having a socket and a second end having a ball, the socket of one linked element receiving the ball of another linked element.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 16 wherein the spine comprises at least three linked elements.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination of claim 14 wherein the shape maintaining means comprises a coil spring disposed in the central passage of the handle body.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination of claim 14 wherein the shape maintaining means comprises a deformable tube of soft metal disposed in the central passage of the handle body.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
34 words
The combination of claim 14 wherein the shape maintaining means comprises means disposed in the offset passage in the handle body for frictionally engaging the pull wire to hold the pull wire in tension.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
The combination of claim 14 wherein the handle body comprises convoluted tubing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 14 further comprising means for torquing the deflectable tip about a longitudinal axis without rotating the handle body.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
58 words
The combination of claim 23 wherein the means for torquing comprises a core wire disposed in the axial passage of the shaft having a distal end coupled to the deflectable tip and a proximal end disposed in the handle body, and means mounted to the handle body for applying torque to the proximal end of the core wire.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
46 words
The combination of claim 24 wherein the means for applying torque comprises a torquer ring rotatably mounted to the handle body, and means fixed to the proximal end of the core wire for engaging an inner surface of the torquer ring so as to rotate therewith.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination of claim 25 wherein the means for engaging the inner surface of the torquer ring comprises an inner ring having an outer surface for frictionally engaging the inner surface of the torquer ring.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
38 words
The combination of claim 25 wherein the means for engaging comprises a pinion gear having a plurality of gear teeth, the torquer ring having a plurality of drive teeth on its inner surface for engaging the gear teeth.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of claim 25 wherein the torquer ring and the means for engaging the inner surface of the torquer ring are configured to provide a ratio of torquer ring rotation to core wire rotation of at least about 1:1.5.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
70 words
The combination of claim 15 wherein the radially offset locations of the pull wires at the distal end of the shaft are substantially closer to an axial centerline of the shaft than the radially offset passages in the handle body are to an axial centerline of the handle body, whereby producing a first deflection in the handle body produces a substantially larger deflection in the distal portion of the shaft.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
47 words
The combination of claim 14 wherein the catheter further comprises at least one electrode on the deflectable tip with lead wires extending proximally therefrom, the shapable handle including a connector mounted to the handle body and coupled to the lead wires for connecting to a radiofrequency generator.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
146 words
A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is laterally deflectable; a core wire disposed in the central lumen having a distal end secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft and a proximal end opposite the distal end; at least one pull wire disposed in the central lumen having a distal end attached to a radially offset position at the distal end of the catheter shaft and a proximal end opposite the distal end; a handle secured to the proximal end of the catheter shaft; means on the handle for exerting tension on the pull wire to laterally deflect the distal portion of the catheter shaft; and means coupled to the handle for torquing the core wire about a longitudinal axis without rotating the handle.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
146 words
A steerable catheter comprising: a catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen extending therebetween, wherein a distal portion of the shaft is laterally deflectable; a core wire disposed in the central lumen having a distal end secured to the distal end of the catheter shaft and a proximal end opposite the distal end; at least one pull wire disposed in the central lumen having a distal end attached to a radially offset position at the distal end of the catheter shaft and a proximal end opposite the distal end; a handle secured to the proximal end of the catheter shaft; means on the handle for exerting tension on the pull wire to laterally deflect the distal portion of the catheter shaft; and means coupled to the handle for torquing the core wire about a longitudinal axis without rotating the handle.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
53 words
The catheter of claim 31 further comprising at least a first electrode disposed on the deflectable tip; lead wires coupled to the electrode and extending through the central lumen to the handle body; and a connector mounted to the handle and coupled to the lead wires for connecting to a radiofrequency power supply.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
90 words
The catheter of claim 31 wherein the handle comprises a shapable handle body having a distal end secured to the proximal end of the catheter shaft, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a central passage and at least one radially offset passages disposed axially therebetween, the pull wire extending through the offset passage and attached at its proximal end to the proximal end of the handle body, wherein shaping the handle in a laterally deflected shape tensions the pull wire to deflect the distal portion of the shaft.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The catheter of claim 33 further comprising means for maintaining the handle body in a laterally deflected shape.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The catheter of claim 34 wherein the maintaining means comprises a spine having a plurality of linked elements pivotally coupled to one another.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
37 words
The catheter of claim 35 wherein the linked elements each comprise a first end having a socket and a second end having a ball, the socket of one linked element receiving the ball of another linked element.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The catheter of claim 35 wherein the spine comprises at least three linked elements.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
12 words
The catheter of claim 33 wherein the handle body comprises convoluted tubing.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
45 words
The catheter of claim 31 wherein the means for applying torque comprises a torquer ring rotatably mounted to the handle, and means fixed to the proximal end of the core wire for engaging an inner surface of the torquer ring so as to rotate therewith.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
35 words
The catheter of claim 39 wherein the means for engaging the inner surface of the torquer ring comprises an inner ring having an outer surface for frictionally engaging the inner surface of the torquer ring.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
38 words
The catheter of claim 39 wherein the means for engaging comprises a pinion gear having a plurality of gear teeth, the torquer ring having a plurality of drive teeth on its inner surface for engaging the gear teeth.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
40 words
The catheter of claim 39 wherein the torquer ring and the means for engaging the inner surface of the torquer ring are configured to provide a ratio of torquer ring rotation to core wire rotation of at least about 1:1.5.
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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) | 1998-03-13 | 1998-09-12 | 1999-03-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-03-13 | 2002-09-12 | 2003-03-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-03-13 | 2006-09-12 | 2007-03-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |