CATHETER WITH AN EXPANDABLE END PORTION

摘要

A catheter ( 2 ) is used in medical applications, for example for the retrieval of a sample from a patient or the insertion or retrieval of medical devices such as filters, stents ( 3 ) to and from the patient. The catheter ( 2 ) includes an expandable tip ( 6 ) at a leading portion of a catheter tube portion ( 5 ). This expandable tip ( 6 ) can retrieve or deliver samples, medical devices, etc. ( 3 ), which are slightly larger than the dimensions of a main catheter tube ( 5 ) inserted into the patient. The expandable tip ( 6 ) can also include extension members ( 10 ) which provide axial support to the expandable tip ( 6 ) but which still allow expansion in the radial direction.