STEERABLE CATHETER WITH RAPID EXCHANGE LUMEN

摘要

A medical device for advancement over a guidewire includes a number of lumens therein including a working channel lumen, one or more control wire lumens, and a guidewire lumen. A flexible support within the device includes number of interlocking elements that resist longitudinal compression, transfer rotational torque, and can bend side to side. The flexible support also includes a slot that is aligned with the guidewire lumen. An outer jacket includes a perforation, slot, slit, or thinned area that is aligned with the slot in the support member and the guidewire lumen in order to allow a device such as a guidewire to be removed from the guidewire lumen and through the support member.

主权项

1. A method for manufacturing a medical device, the method comprising:
extruding a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of lumens therein, the lumens including a working channel lumen, at least one control wire lumen, and a slotted guidewire lumen; positioning a flexible support having a proximal end and a distal end over the body such that the flexible support extends from the distal end of the body toward the proximal end of the body, the flexible support having a number of rings that extend circumferentially around the device, hinges that join adjacent pairs of rings together and a slot extending through the rings and along a length of the flexible support; aligning the slot of the flexible support with the slotted guidewire lumen of the body; and positioning an outer jacket over the flexible support.