| 摘要 |
<p>A composite catheter is formed from the combination of a catheter body and an inner tubular member, the two components being slidable relative to one another. Both components are of resilient construction with shape memories for at least a portion of their lengths, and at least one shape memory includes a curved segment. The rigidities of the two components are selected to be either equal or different, and in some cases one of the components varies in rigidity in segments along its length. These parameters are selected such that when the inner tubular member is advanced or retracted within the catheter body, the shape of the composite of both components varies in a continuous gradation. Movement of the inner tubular member thus permits the user to adjust the length, shape and location of one or more curves in the catheter body and thereby adjust the catheter body to its optimal shape for any particular patient or procedure without removing the catheter from the patient's body.</p> |
