VARIABLE STIFFNESS CATHETER

摘要

A variable stiffness catheter having two concentric coils. A first coil is fixed with relation to the body of the catheter and a second coil is able to rotate in the space between adjacent turns of the first coil. The second coil translates axially in response to being rotated. When the second coil is advanced to its distal position, the stiffness is maximized. When the second coil is retracted proximally, the stiffness of the coil is reduced.

主权项

1. A method of varying the stiffness of a catheter, comprising:
guiding a distal end of a variable stiffness catheter to a target location, the variable stiffness catheter comprising an outer layer, an inner layer disposed within the outer layer and being coaxial with the outer layer, a first coil comprising a first wire wrapped around the inner layer, and a second coil comprising a second wire wrapped the inner layer between turns of the first coil; and rotating the second coil causing the second coil to move axially between the inner and outer layer, thereby changing the stiffness at the distal end of the variable stiffness catheter.