摘要 |
A deformable sheath for an optical catheter is provided which includes an elongated, deformable hollow body having a normal predetermined shape which is compatible with its intended use in situ in a passageway in the patient. The body has a distal end and a proximate end with a plurality of channels extending therebetween. An optical catheter extends through one of the channels in the body, having a distal end aligned with the distal end of the body and a proximate end extending outwardly beyond the proximate end of the body, the catheter assuming the normal shape of the body. A substantially rigid guide wire is provided which is extendable through a second of the channels to straightened the body during insertion of the sheath into a passageway within the patient. This guide wire is removable from the body after insertion so that the body resumes its normal predetermined shape. The sheath can include a third channel for insertion of a laser fiber or laser lithotripsy or an electrohydraulic probe to fracture stones. A lock coupler is attached to the proximate end of the body for attachment to a fitting to properly align and connect the sheath and its catheter and other instruments with external instrumentation. |