US5741429A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flexible tubular device for use in medical applications
Assignee: Ev3 Peripheral Inc
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Filing: 1995-05-31
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Granted: 1998-04-21
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Expires: 2015-05-31
Abstract
Abstract Manufacturing processes for apparatus, including slotted hypotube, for use as a catheter, a guidewire, a catheter sheath for use with catheter introducers or a drug infusion catheter/guidewire are disclosed. The manufacturing process includes creating a pattern of slots or apertures in a flexible metallic tubular member, by processes including but not limited to, electrostatic discharge machining (EDM), chemical milling, ablation and laser cutting. These slots or apertures may be cut completely or partially through the wall of the flexible metallic tubular member. These manufacturing processes may include the additional step of encasing the flexible metallic member such that a fluid tight seal is formed around the periphery of the tubular member.
Inventors
- 👤 James V. Donadio, III
- 👤 David R. Holmes
- 👤 Robert S. Schwartz
- 👤 David Berry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:06
CPC Classifications
C; C23; C23F; C23F1/00; C23F1/02; A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0043; A61M25/0054; B; B29; B29C; B29C41/00; B29C41/02; B29C41/20; A61M25/01; A61M25/09; A61M2025/09058; A61M2025/09066; A61M2025/091; A61M2025/09191; A61M25/06; A61M25/0662; B29L; B29L2023/00; B29L2023/001; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/753; B29L2031/7542
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
214 words
A method for producing a flexible tubular device comprising: a. providing a tubular element including an outer surface, the tubular element being sized for intravascular insertion within a human body; b. providing a light source; and c. creating a desired pattern on the tubular element by: 1) applying a photoresistive material to at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular element; 2) providing a mask intermediate the tubular element and the light source, at least a portion of the mask including a mask pattern having locations translucent to light from the light source; 3) activating the light source to selectively expose the photoresistive material on the outer surface of the tubular element, such that exposed and unexposed locations are created on the photoresistive material; 4) developing the photoresistive material on the tubular element; and 5) removing segments of the tubular element corresponding to either the exposed or unexposed locations of the photoresistive material such that the tubular element is provided with the desired pattern, the desired pattern including a plurality of apertures that extend completely through the tubular element between an inner and outer diameter of the tubular element, the plurality of apertures being arranged and configured for providing the tubular element with in a desired flexibility suitable for intravascular operations.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
214 words
A method for producing a flexible tubular device comprising: a. providing a tubular element including an outer surface, the tubular element being sized for intravascular insertion within a human body; b. providing a light source; and c. creating a desired pattern on the tubular element by: 1) applying a photoresistive material to at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular element; 2) providing a mask intermediate the tubular element and the light source, at least a portion of the mask including a mask pattern having locations translucent to light from the light source; 3) activating the light source to selectively expose the photoresistive material on the outer surface of the tubular element, such that exposed and unexposed locations are created on the photoresistive material; 4) developing the photoresistive material on the tubular element; and 5) removing segments of the tubular element corresponding to either the exposed or unexposed locations of the photoresistive material such that the tubular element is provided with the desired pattern, the desired pattern including a plurality of apertures that extend completely through the tubular element between an inner and outer diameter of the tubular element, the plurality of apertures being arranged and configured for providing the tubular element with in a desired flexibility suitable for intravascular operations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein some of the apertures extend partially through the tubular element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the apertures are rectangular.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the apertures are round.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular element is metal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the tubular element is stainless steel or nitinol.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the mask includes a patterned tube for concentric placement around the tubular element.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the mask includes a patterned film having a length approximately equal to the circumference of the tubular element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the light source is a laser.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible tubular device is a catheter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible tubular device is a catheter sheath.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the flexible tubular device is a drug infusion catheter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 additionally comprising removing the remaining photoresistive material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 13 additionally comprising laminating the tubular element with a coating.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the laminated coating is a polymeric material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of developing the photoresistive material includes developing the photoresistive material positively or negatively.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of removing the segments of the tubular element includes chemical etching.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
219 words
A method for producing a flexible tubular medical device comprising: providing a tubular element sized for intravascular insertion in a human body, the tubular element including an outer surface; providing a light source; applying a photoresist to at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular element; providing a pattern mask intermediate the tubular element and the light source; exposing the photoresist by directing light from the light source through the mask; rotating the tubular element about its longitudinal axis; translating the mask across the tubular element; coordinating the operation of the light source with the movement of the tubular element and the mask such that an exposed pattern and an unexposed pattern are generated on the outer surface of the tubular element; developing the photoresist to remove first regions of the photoresist that correspond to one of the exposed and unexposed patterns; and removing first portions of the tubular element that correspond to the first regions of the photoresist such that the tubular element is provided with a desired pattern, the desired pattern including a plurality of apertures that extend completely through the tubular element between an inner and outer diameter of the tubular element, the plurality of apertures being arranged and configured for providing the tubular element with a desired flexibility suitable for intravascular operations.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
219 words
A method for producing a flexible tubular medical device comprising: providing a tubular element sized for intravascular insertion in a human body, the tubular element including an outer surface; providing a light source; applying a photoresist to at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular element; providing a pattern mask intermediate the tubular element and the light source; exposing the photoresist by directing light from the light source through the mask; rotating the tubular element about its longitudinal axis; translating the mask across the tubular element; coordinating the operation of the light source with the movement of the tubular element and the mask such that an exposed pattern and an unexposed pattern are generated on the outer surface of the tubular element; developing the photoresist to remove first regions of the photoresist that correspond to one of the exposed and unexposed patterns; and removing first portions of the tubular element that correspond to the first regions of the photoresist such that the tubular element is provided with a desired pattern, the desired pattern including a plurality of apertures that extend completely through the tubular element between an inner and outer diameter of the tubular element, the plurality of apertures being arranged and configured for providing the tubular element with a desired flexibility suitable for intravascular operations.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the pattern mask is substantially flat.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the pattern mask is translated substantially along a planar path.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the pattern mask has a patterned region having a length at least substantially equal to an outer circumference of the tubular element.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the pattern mask comprises a patterned film.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the pattern mask is substantially curved.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 23, wherein the pattern mask is translated substantially along a curved path.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 23, wherein the pattern mask has a patterned region having a length at least substantially equal to an outer circumference of the tubular element.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 3, wherein the pattern mask comprises a patterned film.
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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) | 2001-04-20 | 2001-10-20 | 2002-04-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-04-20 | 2005-10-20 | 2006-04-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-04-20 | 2009-10-20 | 2010-04-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |