CATHETER STIFFENING MEMBER

摘要

A stiffening member for providing controllably variable stiffness to a catheter. A hollow elongated tubular member is sized to be received in a lumen of the catheter. At least a length of the tubular member is configured, such as by forming a spiral cut therethrough, in a manner such that the distal portion of the tubular member has a greater flexibility than the proximal portion.