Device for guiding medical catheters and scopes
Patent 4934340 Issued on June 19, 1990. Estimated Expiration Date: 
June 8, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
June 8, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3043309 3605725 3674014 3729008 3773034 3890977 Cardiac catheter and method of using same Multichannel endoscope Apparatus for endoscopic examination Coil spring guide with deflectable tip InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 364069 filed on 06/08/1989US Classes:600/151, Having temperature sensitive shape memory retaining material600/117, With means for indicating position, depth or condition of endoscope600/182, Light transmitting fibers or arrangements604/95.05Having remote control for applying light, electricity, or heat to alter conduit shape (e.g., shape memory alloy, etc.)ExaminersPrimary: Grieb, William H.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassA61B 001/06AbstractDisclosed is a "bending assembly" which, when positioned with a flexible catheter, cannula, scope, or the like, is operative to cause periodic bending of the catheter, cannula, scope, or the like so as to assist in guiding the catheter, cannula, scope, or the like through curved or branched anatomical structures. The bending assembly comprises (a) a contractile wire or member, (b) a bendable support means, and (c) a connecting member linking the contractile wire to the bendable support means. When electrical current is passed through the contractile wire, it will undergo axial shortening, thereby causing the bendable support means to bend in the direction of the contractile wire with resultant movement or bending of the catheter, cannula, scope, or the like in which the bending assembly is disposed. | |
