WO1997042910A1 - Extenseur tubulaire pour applications medicales - Google Patents

Extenseur tubulaire pour applications medicales Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997042910A1
WO1997042910A1 PCT/US1997/005408 US9705408W WO9742910A1 WO 1997042910 A1 WO1997042910 A1 WO 1997042910A1 US 9705408 W US9705408 W US 9705408W WO 9742910 A1 WO9742910 A1 WO 9742910A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tubular element
ofthe
tube
light source
catheter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/005408
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James V. Danadio, Iii
Original Assignee
Cardia Catheter Co.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cardia Catheter Co. filed Critical Cardia Catheter Co.
Priority to AU30544/97A priority Critical patent/AU3054497A/en
Publication of WO1997042910A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997042910A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/82—Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/86—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A61F2/90—Stents in a form characterised by the wire-like elements; Stents in the form characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure characterised by a net-like or mesh-like structure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2240/00—Manufacturing or designing of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2240/001—Designing or manufacturing processes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a biocompatible flexible tubular device for insertion into the body during medical procedures. More particularly, the invention relates to flexible tubular devices for use as catheters, including guide catheters and balloon catheters, guidewires, catheter sheaths, catheter introducers and drug infusion catheters/guidewires, and methods for making the same. The present invention also relates to tubular stents for use in the body during medical procedures, and methods for making the same. The methods are similar to those for the above disclosed flexible tubular devices.
  • Catheters are relatively thin and flexible tubes used in the medical field for numerous applications. Catheters are made by any number of different methods and designs. However, in most catheter designs it is desirable to obtain a maximum torsional rigidity while retaining a satisfactory longitudinal flexibility and stiffness without kinking. These features will allow the orientation ofthe catheter to be manipulated so that the catheter can be guided through small body vessels and cavities. These features will also prevent any kinking from occurring, and provide the catheter with enough "push” or stiffness so as to prevent the catheter from wrinkling or folding back on itself during this process. The specific nature of these characteristics will of course vary depending on the specific application for which the catheter is being used. Yet another consideration is that a relatively small outside diameter must be maintained while providing a lumen or an inside diameter as large as possible.
  • Guide wires require the same general type of characteristics. However, with guide wires it is important to minimize the outside diameter ofthe guide wire so that they will readily fit inside ofthe lumen ofthe catheter.
  • Catheters and guide wires are used both as diagnostic tools and in the treatment of diseases.
  • One such diagnostic procedure is cardiac catheterization which is a widely performed procedure, being used for assessment of coronary artery disease.
  • Other uses are neurologic uses, radiologic uses, electrophysiologic uses, peripheral vascular uses, etc.
  • One example of a treatment use is the use of balloon catheters in dilation procedures to treat coronary disease. Dilation procedures rely upon the use of a catheter for injection of contrast and delivery of guidewires and dilation catheters to the coronary artery or other arteries.
  • An example ofthe use of guide wires is for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) balloons and for guiding diagnostic catheters through the arteries and to body organs.
  • PTCA Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty
  • catheters and guide wires used in these and other procedures must have excellent torque characteristics, and must have the requisite flexibility.
  • catheters and guidewires provide sufficient longitudinal support for "pushing" of items through the arteries and other vessels such as when feeding the balloon portion of an angioplasty catheter through the arteries. Unless there is sufficient stiffness, the catheter or guidewire will wrinkle or fold back on itself.
  • the larger the ratio of inside to outside diameter the better.
  • guide wires it is important to maintain a small outside diameter. Smaller catheter and guidewire outside diameter sizes result in less chance of arterial damage. Catheters and guide wires must have sufficient torque such that they do not buckle when being manipulated.
  • the distal portion ofthe guide wire is of a relatively short length and is connected to a relatively long, manipulative section capable of transmitting rotational torque along its length.
  • the catheter tube might be advanced over the guide wire after the guide wire has been properly positioned or the catheter might be advanced together with the guide wire, the guide wire providing a reinforcement for the thin wall ofthe catheter.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,764,324 to Burnham discloses a method for making a catheter. In Burnham, a reinforcing member is heated and applied to a thermoplastic catheter body so as to become embedded in the wall ofthe catheter. The wall ofthe catheter is then smoothed and sized so as to produce a composite, reinforced catheter.
  • braiding or multi-pass wire reinforcement to a catheter inner core
  • machinery for performing such a step is well known.
  • reinforcement material is applied to the inner core tube of the catheter in a pattern of overlapping right and left hand helices.
  • the braiding process usually requires that the machinery performing the braiding process to move the reinforcement material alternately radially inwardly and outwardly, as well as circularly, whereby the tension ofthe reinforcement material continuously varies. This varying tension can result in the reinforcement material breaking particularly as the speed of braiding increases.
  • Yet another problem with braided catheters is that their inside diameter is relatively small compared to their outside diameter. The braids are quite loose also.
  • Catheter sheaths and introducers are used to provide a conduit for introducing catheters, fluids or other medical devices into blood vessels.
  • a catheter introducer typically comprises a tubular catheter sheath, a hub attached to the proximal end ofthe sheath having hemostasis valve means to control bleeding and to prevent air embolisms, and a removable hollow dilator that is inserted through the hub, valve means and the lumen ofthe catheter sheath.
  • Many catheter introducers also contain a feed tube that is connected to the hub to facilitate the introduction of fluids into the blood vessel.
  • the procedure for positioning the introducer into a blood vessel begins by inserting a hollow needle through the skin and into the lumen ofthe desired blood vessel. A guidewire is then passed through the needle and into the blood vessel. The needle is then removed leaving the guidewire in the vessel. Next, the sheath and dilator are advanced together over the guidewire until the distal ends ofthe dilator and sheath are positioned within the lumen ofthe vessel. The guidewire and dilator are then removed, leaving the distal end ofthe sheath within the vessel. Catheters or other medical devices can then be passed through the introducer and sheath into the desired vessel.
  • the sheath It is also important that the sheath have a minimum thickness to reduce the size ofthe puncture hole in the blood vessel. Larger puncture holes make hemostasis more difficult upon removal ofthe sheath.
  • the sheath should also be lubricous to make the insertion and extraction ofthe sheath and other devices easy. Therefore, there arises the need for a catheter sheath for use with a catheter introducer that has a thin wall, that is flexible and resistant to kinking, that is lubricous, and that has sufficient hoop strength to prevent the catheter sheath from burring or notching.
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • Drug infusion catheters/guidewires are devices that act like both catheters and guidewires and are capable of delivering drugs or other fluids to a specific location within a patient's blood vessel such as an occluded blood vessel.
  • the guidewire type devices are typically comprised of a coil spring with a heat shrunk TEFLON® coating and a core wire that can be inserted and removed from the lumen in the coil spring.
  • the coated coil also contains either side holes or an end hole or a combination thereof in its distal end to enable the drugs or other fluids to be sprayed into the blood vessel.
  • the coated coil spring and its core wire are advanced together through the patient's circulatory system much like conventional guidewires. Upon reaching the desired location, the core wire is removed creating a small catheter like device. Drugs or other fluids are pumped through the lumen in the coated coiled spring, out ofthe holes and into the blood vessel at the desired location.
  • a second type of drug infusion catheter/guidewire device utilizes a catheter like member with side holes and a tapered distal end having an end hole generally equal to the outside diameter of a guidewire. These catheter type drug infusion catheter/guidewire devices are advanced over a guidewire to the desired location and then drugs are then pumped through and out ofthe holes in the catheter like member. These devices can also be used in combination with the guidewire type drug infusion devices.
  • drug infusion catheter/guidewire devices act like both catheters and guidewires. Therefore, these devices must have the same characteristics as catheters and guidewires. These devices must obtain a maximum torsional rigidity while retaining a satisfactory longitudinal flexibility and stiffness without kinking. They must also maintain a small outside diameter while providing a lumen as large as possible.
  • Stents are devices that are placed into and/or implanted in the body, and in particular in body structures including vessels, tracts or ducts.
  • stents are commonly used in blood vessels, the urinary tract and in the bile duct, to treat these body structures when they have weakened.
  • stents are typically implanted therein to treat narrowings or occlusions caused by disease, to reinforce the vessel from collapse or to prevent the vessel from abnormally dilating, as with an aneurysm or the like.
  • Stents are typically produced at a first smaller diameter for deployment and then expanded to a larger diameter, upon placement into the body vessel, tract, duct or the like. Deployment of stents is typically achieved by mounting the stents on balloon catheters and then once at the requisite position in the body vessel, tract, or duct, expanding the stent to the larger diameter, for permanent placement therein.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,856,516 to Hillstead discloses a typical stent and describes a method for its deployment and placement with a balloon catheter. Summary of the Invention
  • the present invention relates to a novel apertured flexible tubular member with an encasing for insertion into vessels ofthe body as part of a medical device.
  • the invention can be used as catheters, including guide catheters and balloon catheters, guidewires, catheter sheaths for use with catheter introducers, or drug infusion catheter/guidewires.
  • the present invention also relates to a novel apertured flexible tubular stent. These stents may be coated, for insertion into vessels, tracts or ducts.
  • the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention will be coated with a low friction material such as a low friction polymer so as to provide for lubricity.
  • Samples of materials that might be used are polyurethane, hydrogels, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and, in particular, one such material which might be used is TEFLON®.
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • the inside ofthe flexible tubular member is also preferably coated with a low friction material such as hydrogel and/or with an anticoagulant such as heparin.
  • a low friction material such as hydrogel
  • an anticoagulant such as heparin.
  • the coating process might be accomplished by any number of well known processes.
  • slots of a predetermined configuration are cut into a single, hollow, thin walled metal tube at predetermined spacings, depth and pattern so as to provide the tube with a desired flexibility.
  • the tube is then encased in a suitable low friction material as noted above or some other suitable coating material.
  • the use ofthe flexible tubular member within a fluid-tight encasing provides flexibility to catheters, guidewires, catheter sheaths and drug infusion catheter/guidewires without subjecting them to the possibility of kinking.
  • these devices also have high hoop strength, therefore, they are resistant to the forming of burrs or notches.
  • Catheter sheaths made from the present invention can also be adapted for use with any conventional catheter introducer parts to create an improved catheter introducer device. The present invention is further explained hereafter wim more particularity and reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the following drawings.
  • Figure 1 is a partial view of an embodiment of a catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire in accordance with the principles ofthe invention wherein individual wound filaments comprise substantially round wire;
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view ofthe embodiment shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a partial view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wherein the filaments comprise substantially flat ribbon;
  • Figure 4 is an elevational schematic illustration showing a multiple filament ig winding filaments onto a mandrel in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention
  • Figure 5 is an elevational view of an embodiment of a multifilament jig which might be used in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention
  • Figure 6 is a partial side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of a catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention wherein slots are cut into a wall of a thin walled tube;
  • Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 illustrating the slots being spaced further apart;
  • Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 illustrating the slots being spaced closer together and continuous;
  • Figure 9 is a partial side elevational view of a catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention wherein longitudinally extending slots have been cut into the catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire;
  • Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 illustrating an alternate embodiment of a catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire wherein a helical slot has been cut in the wall ofthe catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire;
  • Figure 11 is a sectional view of a balloon catheter comprising a catheter made from the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 12 is an elevational view with portions broken away of a catheter introducer, a guidewire and dilator after they have been advanced into the blood vessel of a patient;
  • Figure 13 is an elevational view ofthe catheter introducer having a fluid introduction tube and having a dilator and guidewire inserted therein;
  • Figure 14 is an elevational view of a prior art version of a catheter introducer with portions broken away after it has been advanced into a blood vessel of a patient and the dilator unit and guidewire have been withdrawn, showing a kinked catheter sheath;
  • Figure 15 is an elevational view of a representative guidewire type drug infusion catheter/guidewire with portions broken away after it has been advanced into a blood vessel of a patient and the core has been withdrawn
  • Figure 16 is an elevational view of a representative combination catheter type and end hole guidewire type drug infusion catheter/guidewire device with portions broken away after it has been advanced into a blood vessel of a patient and the core wire has been withdrawn
  • Figure 17 is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire made in accordance with the principals ofthe present invention wherein slots are cut into a wall of a thin- walled tube by electrodes from an electrostatic discharge machining tool
  • Figure 18 is a side elevational view of a first electrode for cutting slots in a thin-walled tube as shown in Figure 17;
  • Figure 19 is a side elevational view of a second electrode for cutting slots in a thin- walled tube as shown in Figure 17;
  • Figure 20 is a partial cross sectional view of a representative guidewire ofthe present invention.
  • Figures 21 a, 21 b and 21 c are side views of a manufacturing method for creating slots in a thin- walled tube as shown in Figure 17;
  • Figure 22 is a side view of an alternate manufacturing method for creating slots in a thin-walled tube as shown in Figure 17;
  • Figures 23a and 23b are perspective views of thin-walled tubes prepared for exposure to light prior to being developed;
  • Figure 24 is a side view of a method for screen printing a mask onto a photoresist coated thin-walled tube
  • Figure 25 is a side view of a method for printing a photoresistive material layer onto a thin-walled tube.
  • Figure 26 is a sectional view of a guidewire made with a segment of tubing, made in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figures 1-3 illustrate two embodiments of a coated flexible tubular member in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention, generally referred to by the reference numeral 20, for use as a catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire.
  • the flexible tubular member 20 has a single layer multiwire coil 21 including six wire filaments 22 which in this case comprise substantially round wire. It will be appreciated that differing numbers of filaments might be used; e.g. two to sixteen or more.
  • the filaments 22 are made of spring tempered, stainless steel.
  • the filaments are made of nitinol or ELGILOY®, which is a cobalt-nickel-chromium alloy.
  • the diameter ofthe wire in the embodiment shown, is preferably .002 inches to .010 inches.
  • a single filament coil or multi-layer coil could be used with the invention.
  • both ofthe embodiments shown in Figures 1-3 are preferably encased in a low friction material such as a low friction polymer or hydrogel for lubricity and to decrease thrombogenicity. Examples of materials which might be used are polyurethane, polyethylene, PTFE or TEFLON®.
  • the thickness of this coating is typically .010 inches or less. Preferably the thickness ofthe coating will be less than the thickness ofthe filaments.
  • the coating could be applied in one of any well-known methods, such as dip coating, heat shrinking, spray depositing or vapor depositing the material to the coil 21.
  • Illustrated in Figure 3 is a helically wound single layer multiwire coil 21 wherein the filaments 22 are made of flat ribbon 24.
  • a coated flexible tubular member 20 of varying characteristics can be formed. For example, making the individual coils more circular will result in a flexible tubular member 20 which has a greater hoop strength and stiffness, while making the individual coils more longitudinally extending will result in less hoop strength but more flexibility. Having fewer filaments, will result in increased flexibility but less hoop strength. Increasing the size ofthe filaments will result in increased hoop strength but less flexibility.
  • varying the configuration ofthe multi-wire coil along the length ofthe flexible tubular member 20 can result in a flexible tubular member 20 with varying characteristics.
  • the middle section ofthe flexible tubular member 20 could be made more flexible by reducing the diameter, reducing the number of filaments, increasing the spacing between filament coils, etc., while the distal end of a flexible tubular member 20 could be arranged to have a higher hoop strength to prevent burring or notching.
  • a flexible tubular member 20 could also be made where the distal end is very flexible and the proximal end is very stiff to improve the transmission of a torque at the proximal end to the distal end.
  • a flexible tubular member 20 can be made which varies in stiffness continuously throughout its length.
  • a flexible tubular member 20 can also be made wherein the variation in flexibility or stiffness from one location to the next is very gradual and continuous.
  • the flexibility ofthe flexible tubular member 20 could also be reduced by selectively welding adjacent windings ofthe coil 21. By welding adjacent windings, the relative movement between the windings is eliminated and the flexibility ofthe coil in the area adjacent to the weld would be reduced. Therefore, a flexible tubular member 20 having variable flexibility along its length could be made from a coil 21 with a single winding configuration that had selective windings welded together.
  • a jig 30 has a portion 32 with apertures 34 disposed therein generally about its periphery.
  • the filaments 22 are slidably disposed in the apertures 34 and are fed from supply reels or the like (not shown).
  • the center of the jig 30 has an aperture 36 for insertion therethrough of a mandrel 38.
  • the mandrel 38 would typically have a diameter of one inch or less.
  • the ends ofthe filaments 22 are suitably attached to the mandrel 38 at the beginning ofthe winding process.
  • the jig 30 might take on any number of suitable configurations.
  • guide arms might be used to guide the filaments.
  • the jig might be replaced with a plurality of arms which are movable radially toward and away from the mandrel.
  • the mandrel 38 is inserted through the aperture 36 in the jig 30 and the mandrel 38 is rotated as the mandrel 38 is moved in a downstream direction as generally indicated by the arrow 40.
  • the filaments 22 are wound onto the mandrel so as to form the single layer multiwire coil 21.
  • the filaments 22 are maintained under very high tension as they are wound onto the mandrel. The tension of course will vary depending on a number of factors. Varying the rate of rotation and the rate of longitudinal movement will result in varying configurations of coils.
  • the coil 21 is then encased in a suitable low friction material as noted above so as to form a coated flexible tubular member 20 for use as a catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire.
  • the mandrel is moved longitudinally and is rotated, although the jig could just as well be moved and rotated.
  • a typical speed of movement might be one inch per minute, while a typical rate of rotation might be ten revolutions per minute (RPM).
  • a programmable controller might be used to control the operation ofthe jig
  • FIG. 6-10 Illustrated in Figures 6-10 are alternative embodiments ofthe flexible tubular member 20 for use as a catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire. These embodiments comprise a single metal tube 50, with a wall thickness of roughly 0.001 inches to 0.010 inches. The tube 50 has a plurality of slots 52 disposed therein to form a flexible tubular member 20.
  • the preferred tube material would be stainless steel or nitinol, however, the tube material could be spring temper steel such as the product brand ELGILOY®, or another suitable alloy material.
  • the tube 50 is encased in a suitable low friction material as noted above for the embodiments shown in Figures 1-3 so as to seal off the slots making it fluid tight.
  • the inner surface ofthe tube 50 is preferably coated with a similar low friction material such as TEFLON®, PTFE or FEP so as to provide low friction.
  • TEFLON®, PTFE or FEP so as to provide low friction.
  • the thickness ofthe outer and inner coating will be .001 inches to .003 inches or less.
  • the flexibility, longitudinal stiffness and hoop strength ofthe flexible tubular member 20 can be varied.
  • the variation ofthe composition and thickness ofthe coating material will also vary the flexibility ofthe coated flexible tubular member 20 for use as a catheter, guidewire, catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire.
  • the metal tube 50 might be bent and heat treated to pre-form curves and configurations as desired.
  • the slots are cut totally through the tubing wall 50 by use of a an electrostatic discharge machining tool (EDM).
  • EDM electrostatic discharge machining tool
  • both ends ofthe tube 50 are fastened to a holding device such that the tube 50 is positioned between two or more EDM wires.
  • the holding device would then position the tube 50 at the desired location for cutting a slot.
  • the EDM wires would then be moved inward to cut the desired slot.
  • the EDM wires would then translate outward beyond the outer diameter ofthe tube 50.
  • the holding device would then rotate and/or translate the tube 50 to the desired position for cutting another set of slots.
  • the EDM wires would then be moved inward to cut the next set of slots. This procedure would be repeated throughout the tube 50 to create a flexible tubular member 20.
  • Those skilled in the art would recognize that multiple holding devices and multiple EDM wires could be used to simultaneously cut multiple slots into multiple tubes 50 to simultaneously create multiple flexible tubular members 20.
  • the slots are cut totally through the tubing wall
  • a plunge EDM machine utilizes charged electrodes that are arranged and configured to cut a predetermined shape when they are plunged into a base material.
  • a plunge EDM machine with first and second electrodes 80, 81 can be utilized to cut an alternating pattern of slots 52 in the thin-walled tube 50 that are offset by 90°.
  • the first electrode 80 would be generally rectangular in shape with a notch 82 that is triangular in shape with a rectangular extension 83.
  • the depth ofthe notch 82 would be greater than the radius of tube 50 such that a portion ofthe tube 50 would be displaced within the rectangular extension 83 ofthe notch 82 when the first electrode 80 is plunged into the tube 50. Because a portion ofthe tube 50 is displaced within the rectangular extension 83, that portion is not in contact with the first electrode 80 and is not cut.
  • One example of a first electrode 80 for cutting slots 52 as shown in Figure 17 would have an angle ⁇ ( of 82° and a rectangular extension 83 with a width of 0.010 inches.
  • a second electrode 81 would be generally rectangular in shape with a triangular notch 84.
  • the triangular notch 84 would have a depth that is less than the radius ofthe tube 50 and an angle ⁇ 2 that is more than 90°, preferably 94°. Because the depth ofthe triangular notch 84 is less than the radius ofthe tube 50, a portion ofthe tube 50 will extend beyond the second electrode 81 as shown in Figure 17 and will not be cut.
  • a second pair of first and second electrodes would be oppositely disposed from the first and second electrodes 80, 81 shown in Figure 17.
  • the tube 50 would be secured on both ends.
  • the first pair of electrodes would be plunged into the tube 50 to cut half of a pair of slots 52 as shown in Figure 17.
  • the first pair of electrodes would be removed and the second pair of electrodes would be plunged into the tube 50 to complete the creation ofthe pair of slots 52 as shown in Figure 17.
  • Those skilled in the art would recognize that multiple pairs of electrodes 80, 81 could be displaced along the length ofthe tube 50 to cut a predetermined pattern of multiple slots 52 in the tube 50 without having to translate either the tube 50 or the electrodes 80, 81.
  • the slots or apertures may be cut completely or partially through the tubing wall 50 of a tubular element by wet chemical and acid etching techniques or "chemical milling" to produce structures including slotted hypotubes.
  • Such slots or apertures could also be referred to as “slits", “notches” or “etches.”
  • the slots or apertures could also have a variety of shapes which may be suitable such as round, square or rectangular.
  • “Chemical milling” involves coating a stainless steel or nitinol tube with a layer of a positive or negative photoresist material, exposing and developing selected portions ofthe photoresist material layer, cutting the slots in the tube with chemicals in a chemical etching solution, and removing the remaining photoresist material (and other coating materials if present).
  • Alternate chemical milling methods involve coating a stainless steel or nitinol tube with a layer of chemically resistant material, cutting the slots in the tube with chemicals in a chemical etching solution, and removing the remaining chemically resistant material (and other coating materials if present).
  • FIG. 21a and 21b there is a first manufacturing process for preparing a tube 120, prior to the photoresist layer being developed and slots chemically milled into the tube.
  • the tube 120 preferably a thin- walled tube, coated with a layer of photoresistive material 122 is positioned on a mandrel 124, or other rotatable tube holding structure.
  • This tube 120 is arranged in close proximity to pattern masks (e.g., photographic film tools) 126 ( Figure 21a), 127 ( Figure 21b), in conjunction with a light source 128 that is controlled by passing through an aperture 130.
  • the light source 138 provides light (indicated by arrows 131), at a wavelength sufficient to expose the photoresistive layer 122 at selected locations.
  • the photoresistive layer 122 typically includes positive or negative photoresistive polymers commonly known in the art.
  • positive photoresistive polymers that may be used are Novolak® based materials such as Photoposit® 111 Photo Resist, Photoposit® 119 S Photo Resist and Photoposit® SP 20-29 Photo Resist, all available from Shipley Company, Inc., 500 Nickerson Road, Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752.
  • Some negative photoresistive polymers that may be used are KTFR Negative Photoresist, from KTI Chemicals Inco ⁇ orated, 2 Barnes Industrial Park Road, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492.
  • the light from the light source 128 is preferably columnated and of a wavelength between approximately 350-400nm, but may be varied depending on the particular photoresistive material employed.
  • the light may be controlled by a shutter, subject to manual or automated (computer) control.
  • the photoresist coated tube 120 is patterned or "printed" as the tube 120 is rotated on the mandrel 124 (in the direction of arrow 132). Simultaneously (as shown specifically in Figure 21a), the pattern mask 126 having apertures (not shown) is translated across the photoresist coated tube 120 in an arcuate path (in the direction of arrow 134). The arcuate path allows the flat pattern mask 126, corresponding to the slots 52 or apertures on the finished tube 50 ( Figure 17) (including areas where tube portions are to remain), to be applied to the rounded surface for creating a pattern on the tube 120.
  • the photoresist coated tube 120 could be rotated as the mandrel 124 rotates (in the direction of arrow 142), as the flat pattern mask 127 having apertures 144, is moved laterally (in the direction of arrow 146).
  • the rotating ofthe mandrel 124 and the photoresist coated tube 120, coupled with movement ofthe screen 144 is coordinated such that a portion ofthe photoresist layer is exposed for creating a pattern on the tube 120, that corresponds to the slots or the apertures ofthe finished tube 50 ( Figure 17)(including areas where tube portions are to remain). This procedure is repeated throughout the length ofthe tube 120, to create a pattern for the slots over the entire length ofthe tube 120.
  • FIG 21c there is a alternate embodiment to this first manufacturing process for preparing a tube 120, prior to the photoresist layer being developed and slots chemically milled into the tube.
  • This alternate embodiment involves contact between the pattern mask, preferably a photographic film tool, and the photoresist coated tube, along a partial arc (greater than 0° and less than 360°), as opposed to the point contact, illustrated in figures 21a and 21b and detailed in accordance therewith, above.
  • Tube 120, coated with either positive or negative photoresist 122, as described above by the methods described above, is positioned on the mandrel 124, or other rotatable tube holding structure.
  • This tube 120 is arranged in close proximity to pattern masks (e.g., photographic film tool 326) in conjunction with a light source 128, identical to that described in figs. 21a and 21b above.
  • the film tool 326 is bent downward over the tube 120 and is held in this downward bend on a print frame 328 by blocks 330 and vacuum suction lines 332. It is preferred that the film tool 326 have a pattern of apertures along a partial arc A- A.
  • This partial arc A-A is at least the minimum partial arc in contact with the tube 120, that when the light source 128 is activated, will expose a corresponding arc on the tube, for creating a pattern on the tube 120 (detailed below).
  • arc A- A having the pattern thereon, extends for approximately 40° to 190°, and in particular, between approximately 50° and 100°, and more particularly, between approximately 60° and 90°.
  • the photoresist coated tube 120 is patterned or "printed" as the tube 120 is rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise on the mandrel 124 in either a single (360°) rotation or multiple rotations, in a single direction, of preferably equal arcs (corresponding to the partial arc contact A-A between the film tool 236 and the tube 120.
  • the light source 128 is activated during the single rotation as well as during each ofthe multiple rotations, such that the photoresist layer 122 is exposed for creating a pattern on the tube 120, that corresponds to slots or the apertures ofthe finished tube (including areas where tube portions are to remain).
  • a pattern mask preferably a photographic film tool (film tool) that is of a sufficient rigidity to be curved, such that the curvature contacts a photoresist coated tube along a partial arc, the contact being similar to that described in figure 21c above.
  • the photoresist coated tube (with positive or negative photoresistive material) is prepared in accordance with the methods disclosed above, and is positioned on a mandrel or other similar rotatable tube holding structure, as described above.
  • the pattern mask is placed intermediate the photoresist coated tube and the light source (similar to that disclosed in Figs. 21a-21c above), and particularly the photoresist coated tube is within the curvature of the photographic film tool, with contact along a partial arc greater than 0° and less than 360°, preferably between 45° and 270°, and most preferably, approximately 180°.
  • the photoresist coated tube is patterned or "printed" as the tube is rotated on the mandrel, preferably in a clockwise direction, and the film tool is translated (advanced) along a substantially linear path (left to right due to clockwise rotation of the tube), the linear advancement being coordinated with the rotation ofthe tube, to maintain the curvature ofthe film tool, to allow for continuous contact over the partial arc.
  • the film tool is advanced preferably by a motor driven mechanism and is movably engaged on a frame (similar to the frame 328 shown in Figure 21c).
  • the pattern mask includes apertures (not shown) preferably along its length, this length of apertures (not shown) preferably along its length, this length of apertures being coordinated with the circumference ofthe tube, such that the tube, once exposed by the activated light source, is exposed with a pattern that will result in corresponding slots 52 or apertures on the finished tube 50 ( Figure 17)(including areas where the tube portions are to remain).
  • the rotations ofthe tube with accompanying film translations could be achieved by a.single rotation and accompanying translation, or multiple rotations and accompanying translations, provided the rotation(s) and accompanying translation(s) were coordinated with the light source activation(s), such that preferably, exactly the 360° arc ofthe tube was patterned.
  • Figure 22 shows a second manufacturing process for preparing a tube, preferably a thin-walled tube, prior to the photoresist layer being developed and slots chemically milled into the tube.
  • the tube 150 coated with a layer of photoresistive material 152, as described above, is positioned on a mandrel 154, or other rotatable tube holding structure.
  • a mask (phototool) 156 preferably in the form of a glass tube having a pattern written (printed) onto its inner or outer surface, is then placed concentrically over the tube 150.
  • This mask 156 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 150 so the photoresist coated tube 150 can fit snugly within the mask 156.
  • This tube 150 is arranged in close proximity to a light source 158 that is controlled by passing through an aperture 160.
  • the light source 128 provides light (indicated by arrows 161), preferably columnated, at a wavelength sufficient to expose the photoresistive layer 152 at selected locations (corresponding to the slots or apertures ofthe finished tube, including areas where the tube portions are to remain), as the tube 150 is rotated exactly together with the mask 156 (in the direction of arrow 164).
  • the tube is identical to tube 150 above, and is coated with a photoresistive layer (positive or negative) as described above, and is placed on a mandrel or other tube holding structure, identical to that disclosed above.
  • the mask preferably in the form of a glass tube, is different from that described above, as it preferably has a pattern written (printed) onto a portion or arc (less than 360°) ofthe glass tube, but could have a pattern printed over the full arc (360°). Additionally, the glass tube is stationary and of a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter ofthe photoresistive material coated inner tube, allowing for the photoresist coated (inner) tube to be rotated, in partial (less than 360° rotation) or full (at least 360°) rotations within the.glass tube mask. It is preferred that the glass tube mask have a pattern printed along an arc from approximately 45° to 225°, with approximately 60°, 90°, 120° and 180° arcs being preferred.
  • the photoresist coated tube, within the stationary glass tube mask, preferably concentrically, is arranged in close proximity to a light source, preferably columnated and identical to the light source 158 disclosed above.
  • the photoresist coated inner tube is then rotated (clockwise or counterclockwise, provided all rotations are in the same direction) at rotations corresponding to the arc (e.g.,.60°, 90°, 120° and 180°) patterned onto the outer stationary glass tube mask.
  • the light source is preferably activated upon each rotation and deactivated upon the termination of each rotation. However, the rotation can be continuous, covering the entire 360° arc if desired, whereby, the light source would not be deactivated.
  • the light source is of a wavelength sufficient to expose the photoresistive coating on the inner tube at selected locations, corresponding to the slots or apertures ofthe finished tube (including areas where tube portions are to remain).
  • Figures 23 a and 23b show a third manufacturing process for preparing the preferably thin-walled tubes, prior to the photoresist layer being developed and slots chemically milled into the tube.
  • the tubes 170, 171 are initially coated with a layer of photoresistive material 172, as described above.
  • Pattern masks phototools
  • in the form of films 178, 179 with apertures 180, 181 are wrapped around the photoresist coated tube 170.
  • the films 178, 179 could be a sheet 178 or series of sheets attached to the photoresist coated tube 171 ( Figure 23 a) or a strip 179 wrapped around the photoresist coated tube 170 ( Figure 23b). Once the films 178, 179 are secured to the respective photoresist coated tubes 170, the photoresist coated tubes 170, 171 would be positioned on the mandrel 154 ( Figure 22) or other similar rotatable tube-holding structure, and processed in accordance with the above disclosed second manufacturing process that is detailed in Figure 22.
  • Figure 24 details a fourth manufacturing process for preparing the tube prior to the photoresist layer being developed and slots chemically milled in to the tube.
  • the tube 190 is initially coated with a layer of photoresistive material 192, as described above.
  • This photoresist coated tube 190 is men placed between an upper screen 194 (moveable laterally in the direction of arrow 195) and lower support rollers 196.
  • An roller 198 (rotating in the direction of arrow 200), coated with chemically-resistant ink, preferably acid resistant ink, is positioned above the screen 194.
  • the movement ofthe screen 194 is coordinated with the rotation ofthe ink coated roller 198 such that ink is forced through apertures (not shown) in the screen 198, rotating the tube 190 (in the direction of arrow 201), resulting in the entire photoresist coated surface 192 ofthe tube 190 being correctly patterned.
  • the pattern corresponds to the slots or apertures ofthe finished tube, as the inked portions ofthe photoresist coated tube serve as the mask.
  • the photoresist coated tube 190 can then be placed on a mandrel 154 ( Figure 22) or other similar tube holding structure and processed in accordance with the second manufacturing process disclosed above and detailed in Figure 22. Alternately, this inked pattern could be applied by laser printing or ink jet printing (described below).
  • the tube is coated with a layer of photoresistive material, as described above.
  • This photoresist coated tube is then placed inside of a stationary glass tube that serves as a mask (phototool), as this stationary tube includes a pattern of pin-hole apertures.
  • This stationary glass tube mask is arranged in close proximity to a light source. As the photoresist coated tube is rotated, the light source is activated at predetermined times, corresponding to predetermined rotational locations ofthe photoresist coated tube. This action exposes the photoresist coated tube at locations corresponding to the slots or apertures ofthe finished tube.
  • the photoresist coated tubes are prepared by any ofthe above methods, these tubes, coupled with their respective masks, could also be exposed by being subjected to laser radiation as a substitute for the above disclosed light sources.
  • the laser radiation could be from an excimer laser or ultraviolet (UV) laser, to expose predetermined locations on the tube. The exposed locations would correspond to the slots or apertures ofthe finished tube (including areas where tube portions are to remain).
  • laser radiation may be applied directly to non- masked photoresist coated tubes, exposing the tubes at predetermined locations, corresponding to the slots or apertures ofthe finished tube, (including areas where tube portions are to remain).
  • the exposed tubes (having the photoresistive material coating exposed such that either areas where the slots or apertures are to be, or areas where tube portions are to remain) are then developed as either a positive or a negative, with suitable developers depending on the photoresistive material employed.
  • suitable developers depending on the photoresistive material employed. For example, if positive photoresistive materials, such as Photoposit® 111, 119 S, or SP 20-29 (all disclosed above) are employed, Photoposit® 303 A Developer, available from Shipley Company, Inc., 500 Nickerson Road, Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752 may be the developer.
  • KTFR Negative Photoresist (disclosed above)
  • KTFR Developer available from KTI Chemicals Incorporated, 2 Barnes Industrial Park Road, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492 may be used.
  • the pattern of photoresist material on the tube is such that the tube is now suitable for further processing and development.
  • the developed tube may now be chemically milled, preferably by placement in an acid bath for chemical etching.
  • the chemical etchant is preferably an acid etchant, such as ferric chloride of a photoengraver's grade at 36-42 degrees Baume in a bath at approximately 125 degrees F.
  • acid etchant such as ferric chloride of a photoengraver's grade at 36-42 degrees Baume in a bath at approximately 125 degrees F.
  • Other etchants include solutions of ferric chloride and hydrochloric acid, a five volume solution of one volume concentrated hydrochloric acid (37%), one volume concentrated nitric acid (70%), and three volumes of water, this etchant under similar conditions as above, and Ferric Chloride at approximately 42 degrees Baume at approximately 130 degrees F (hydrochloric acid may be added).
  • the tube is removed from the bath after approximately thirty seconds to ten minutes and the time depends on the depth and width ofthe slots desired, as well as the thickness of the metal substrate (i.e., the tubular element).
  • the tube can be removed from the bath, proximal end first, followed by its distal end. This allows the acid additional time to etch at the distal end, such that the slots cut at this end will be wider, giving the distal end greater flexibility than the proximal end.
  • the above disclosed masks may be pattemed such that the resultant apertures are; 1 ) of the same size but spaced apart from each other at different lengths, preferably as described above, 2) of different sizes throughout the length ofthe mask but spaced equidistant from each other, in particular of different, preferably larger, sizes at areas ofthe mask corresponding to the distal end ofthe finished tube (as opposed to the proximal end ofthe finished tube), or 3) of different shapes (e.g., round, square, rectangular, polygonal, and/or combinations thereof, as described above), ofthe same or different size and spaced apart from each other at either the same or different lengths.
  • different shapes e.g., round, square, rectangular, polygonal, and/or combinations thereof, as described above
  • the photoresistive material (as well as other materials such as inks) that remains on the tube is then removed by techniques such as stripping with chemicals compatible with the positive or negative photoresistive materials remaining on the tube.
  • positive photoresistive materials such as Photoposit® 111, 1 19 S, or SP 20-29 (all disclosed above) are employed
  • Photoposit® Remover 1 112A available from Shipley Company, Inc., 500 Nickerson Road, Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752 may be used to strip the remaining photoresist (as well as other material remaining on the tube).
  • KTFR Negative Photoresist (disclosed above)
  • Products 13/LS, 14/HS, 14/KS and ICL/8000 all available from Photofabrication Chemical and Equipment Company, 522 Route 30, Frazier, Pennsylvania 19355 may be used to strip the remaining photoresist from the tube.
  • Other strippers may be added to stripping mixture to remove other materials, such as inks, that may also be remaining on the tube.
  • These other strippers may be compositions such as, Products 68, SSI, THP, GPS and PRS-3, all available from Photofabrication Chemical and Equipment Company, 522 Route 30, Frazier, Pennsylvania 19355.
  • the chemically resistant material such as the photoresistive materials disclosed above, as well as other acid resistant materials, could be coated onto the stainless steel or nitinol tube in a pattern conforming to the slots or apertures to be cut, by methods such as ink jet printing or screen printing.
  • Figure 25 details an automated, computer controlled, ink jet printing method for applying chemically resistant material to a tube 210 in a predetermined (preprogrammed) pattern, corresponding to the slots or apertures to be cut partially therein or completely therethrough.
  • the tube 210 is held on a print lathe 212 by collets 214. Motors 216 on the lathe 212 drive the collets 214, such that the tube 210 is rotated.
  • the lathe 212 also includes a print head 218, through which the chemically resistant material, from a supply 220, is printed onto the tube 210.
  • a guide 222 on the print head 218 ( Figure 25) as well as secondary guide(s) 224 (only one shown) on the lathe 212 maintain the tube 210 in the proper position.
  • the guide 222 on the print head 218 is attached thereto by bolts 226. Screws 228, preferably made of plastic, extend laterally through the guide 222, and serve to retain the tube 210 in the proper position during printing.
  • the lathe 212 is mounted on wheels 230, the wheels being received on lands
  • the lathe 212 is also attached to a belt 232 or other equivalent carriage.
  • the belt 232 is driven by a motor 234. All ofthe motors 216, 234 and the head control 236 for the print head 218 are preferably controlled by a computer 238 or other similar microprocessor.
  • the belt 232 moves to translate the tube 210 as the chemically resistant material is patterned onto the rotating tube 210.
  • the preferred translation distance is approximately one meter in both directions (represented by arrows 239a, 239b) so that the entire tube can be printed. Printing can be in one or both directions, depending upon the length ofthe tube.
  • This method could also be used to place an inked pattern, corresponding to slots or apertures ofthe finished tube, onto a photoresist coated tube (the photoresist coated onto the tube by spraying, vapor deposition, dip coating etc., as disclosed above).
  • the ink would be applied as a light (radiation) blocking layer onto the photoresistive material coating from the print head 218 of the lathe 212, in accordance with a computer controlled pattern.
  • the photoresist coated tube would then be exposed by the light sources or laser radiation, as disclosed above.
  • the exposed tubes would be developed, in accordance with the procedures disclosed above, and chemically milled in accordance with the chemical etching methods disclosed above.
  • This method could also be used with a tube to make a tubular mask (phototool), such as the mask 156 in Figure 22.
  • the tube would be processed similar to that described above, except masking material (i.e., ink) would be placed into the supply 220, such that the print head 218 would print this masking material onto the tube.
  • Slots are then cut into the tube by chemical milling, as the coated patterned tube is chemically etched by placement into the bath of acid etchant described above, in accordance with the methods described above. Once the chemical etch is complete, the chemically resistant material (and any other materials, e.g., ink) remaining on the tube is removed by the stripping processes described above.
  • the tube may then be encased in a suitable low friction material, as described above, to seal off the slots (if cut completely through the tube) making the tube fluid tight.
  • slots or apertures are cut into a tubular element (tube) by a process referred to as laser ablation.
  • the tube is coated with a chemically resistant material, such as Teflon® or polyimide.
  • a pattern of apertures would then be made in the coated tube as radiation (light) from a laser would ablate or burn off portions ofthe chemically resistant material coating, corresponding to the slots or apertures ofthe finished tube.
  • the tube would then be chemically milled by chemically etching the tube in an acid etchant bath, as described above, in accordance with the methods described above.
  • Slots at the distal end ofthe tube could be cut wider and/or closer together than those at the proximal end ofthe tube, to provide the tube with greater flexibility at the distal end.
  • the remaining coating material would then be stripped by conventional techniques.
  • a laser may be used to cut the slots or apertures directly into the tubular element, either partially or completely therethrough, in various shapes and sizes.
  • the slots 52 or apertures need not be cut completely through the tubing wall 50.
  • Such apertures could also be referred to as "slits", “notches” or “etches.”
  • the apertures could also have a variety of shapes which may be suitable such as round, square or rectangular apertures.
  • the flexible tubular member 20 might be manufactured in any number of ways in keeping with the principles ofthe invention. For example, holes of a suitable pattern might be cut in a flat sheet of material such as stainless steel or nitinol which is then rolled and welded into the appropriate shape. In yet other methods, holes of a suitable pattern might be cut in a thicker, shorter tube of metal which is then drawn into an appropriate shape.
  • the slots are shown as running generally transverse to the longitudinal axis ofthe flexible tubular member 20.
  • the flexible tubular member 20 shown in Figure 6 is more flexible than the flexible tubular member 20 shown as Figure 7 as the slots 52 are closer together.
  • One example ofthe spacing between slots is 0.05 to 0.10 inches.
  • the flexible tubular member 20 of Figure 8 has a continuous slot (of plural apertures) in a spiral and is very flexible.
  • an alternate embodiment is shown wherein the slots 52 extend longitudinally ofthe tube 50.
  • a slot 52 is shown as extending helically about the tube 50. It will be appreciated that any number of different slot configurations might be created in the tube 50.
  • the configuration ofthe slots might be varied along the length ofthe tube 50 so as to provide a flexible tubular member 20 with varying characteristics along its length.
  • a further explanation ofthe invention for use as a catheter, including a guide catheter or balloon catheter, a guidewire, a catheter sheath or drug infusion catheter/guidewire is provided hereinafter.
  • the various embodiments ofthe invention can be used as catheters.
  • the inside and outside diameters ofthe catheters may vary, however, some catheters have an outside diameter from 0.010 inches to 0.250 inches or larger.
  • the use of the invention as a catheter is particularly advantageous because one can make a catheter having varied characteristics along its length.
  • the distal end ofthe catheter typically must be very flexible, while other areas ofthe catheter must be stiffer to provide the longitudinal stiffness to transmit the torque required to maneuver the catheter.
  • These requirements can be met by varying the windings ofthe coils 21 or by welding adjacent windings ofthe coil 21 as described in the first embodiment ofthe invention or by varying the configuration ofthe slots 52 in the flexible tubular member 20 as described in the second embodiment ofthe invention.
  • FIG 11 illustrates a balloon type catheter 60 utilizing an embodiment of the flexible tubular member 20 for use as a catheter shown In Figure 1.
  • the balloon catheter 60 includes an expandable balloon portion 62 interconnected to lumen 64 of the catheter 20 by ports 66.
  • the balloon portion is expanded to temporarily obstruct the passageway of a coronary artery or the like during angioplasty treatment.
  • a coated flexible tubular member 20 in accordance with the invention can be used as a guidewire.
  • the guidewires that are currently used are comprised of a core wire that is welded to the inner surface of a spring coil. TEFLON ® is then spray coated on the outside ofthe device to complete the assembly ofthe guidewire.
  • the core wire has a series of elaborate tapering schemes to vary the stiffness and flexibility ofthe various portions ofthe guidewire.
  • a guidewire 100 made according to the present invention would be comprised of a core wire 101 that is attached to a flexible tubular portion 20 made according to any ofthe previously described embodiments of the invention.
  • a core wire 101 attached to the distal end ofthe guidewire 100 and having a single tapered section; a slotted tubular portion 102; and a coil 103 attached between the core wire 102 and the distal end.
  • the outer surface ofthe tubular portion 20 is covered with an appropriate biocompatable encasing 104 as described hereinabove.
  • the core wire 101 could have multiple tapered sections or it could be of constant or other variable cross section; it also does not have to be attached at the distal end ofthe guidewire 100.
  • a guidewire in accordance with the present invention can achieve the functions of current guidewires without the need for elaborate tapering schemes for the core wire.
  • the distal end ofthe guidewire could be made very flexible by using a coil 21 with more longitudinally displaced windings, while the proximal end ofthe guide wire could be made stiffer by having more circular windings or by welding adjacent windings together.
  • EDM Electrostatic discharge machining
  • chemical milling the same result could be achieved by varying the configuration ofthe slots 52 in the tube 50.
  • FIG. 26 shows a guidewire 250 made with slotted hypotube prepared in accordance with the present invention.
  • This guidewire 250 is formed of a core wire 252 having a tapered distal portion 254.
  • a tubular member 256 preferably made of a slotted hypotube segment in accordance with the invention, is then welded onto the tapered distal portion 254 ofthe core wire 252 at weld or solder joints 258.
  • a blunt nose piece 260 is formed, preferably by burnishing, at the distal end 262, as the core wire 252 and the tubular member 256 are welded or soldered together.
  • the slots 264 at the end ofthe tubular member 256 at the far distal end 266 ofthe guidewire 250 are preferably wider than the other slots 264 ofthe tubular member 256. This configuration provides the guidewire 250 with greater flexibility at the distal end 262.
  • catheter sheaths and Catheter Introducers As described earlier, a coated flexible tubular member 20 in accordance with the invention could also be used as a catheter sheath.
  • the inside and outside diameter of catheter sheaths may vary to meet different introducer and catheter requirements; however, several embodiments of a catheter sheath have an outside diameter from 0.050 inches to 0.300 inches or larger.
  • catheter sheaths require a high hoop strength at the distal end to prevent burring and notching and flexibility in the center portion to prevent kinking.
  • the windings ofthe coil 21 in the first embodiment of the invention can be varied or welded to provide a high hoop strength at the distal end ofthe catheter sheath and the center portion ofthe catheter sheath can be made flexible to prevent kinking.
  • the configuration ofthe slots 52 in the tube 50 ofthe second embodiment can be varied to produce the same characteristics.
  • a coated flexible tubular member 20 according to the present invention for use as a catheter sheath can be inco ⁇ orated into a catheter introducer, generally designated as 90.
  • the introducer 90 would have a hub 94 with hemostasis valve means that is connected to the coated flexible tubular member 20 (catheter sheath) and to a feed tube 91 having a three-way stop cock 92.
  • hemostasis valve means such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,000,739 and 4,610,665 could be used with the present invention.
  • the feed tube 91 is arranged and configured to allow the insertion of fluids through the hub 94 and catheter sheath 20 and into the patient's blood vessel.
  • the hub 94 and catheter sheath 20 are also arranged and configured to allow the insertion of a dilator 93 through the lumen ofthe hub 94 and catheter sheath 20.
  • the dilator 93 would contain a lumen that is arranged and configured to allow the insertion of a guidewire 95 through the dilator 93.
  • the dilator 93 is generally cylindrical in shape with a tapered distal end and having a stop portion 96 generally located at its proximal end that is arranged and configured to temporarily secure the dilator 93 to the hub 94.
  • the dilator 93 also has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the diameter ofthe lumen in the catheter sheath 20 so as to provide an interference fit to support to the catheter sheath 20 during its insertion into the blood vessel.
  • Those skilled in the art would recognize that other dilators 93 could be used with the invention.
  • a guidewire type drug infusion catheter/guidewire 70 is located within the lumen of a blood vessel 72 with occlusion 73.
  • the guidewire type drug infusion catheter/guidewire 70 would be comprised of a flexible tubular member 20 made in accordance with the previously described invention having side holes 71 near its distal end and a removable core wire (not shown).
  • the flexible tubular member 20 would have a small outside diameter ranging between 0.01 and 0.05 inches. In use, the flexible tubular member and removable core would be advanced together through the patient's circulatory system like a conventional guidewire until reaching the desired location.
  • a flexible tubular member 20 in accordance with the various embodiments ofthe invention previously described in the discussion on guidewires provides the guidewire type drug infusion catheter/guidewire with the required flexibility and torquability to maneuver the device tlirough the circulatory system.
  • the core is removed leaving only the flexible tubular member 20 within the patient. Drugs or other fluids can then be pumped through the lumen ofthe flexible tubular member 20 and out the holes 71 and into the occluded portion ofthe blood vessel 72.
  • a second embodiment of a guidewire type drug infusion catheter/guidewire 70 could be made very similar to the previously described device in Figure 15 except that the second embodiment would contain a hole in the distal end 76 and would not contain side holes 71 as shown in Figure 15.
  • the catheter type drug infusion catheter/guidewire 74 would be comprised of a flexible tubular member 20 made in accordance with the previously described embodiments ofthe invention for use as a catheter, except that it would have a tapered distal end 77 and side holes 75 near its distal end 77.
  • the catheter type drug infusion catheter/guidewire 74 would be advanced over a guidewire or a guidewire type drug infusion catheter/guidewire 70, as shown in Figure 16. Upon reaching the desired location, drugs or other fluids would be pumped through the catheter type drug infusion catheter/guidewire 74 and through the side holes 75 into the blood vessel near the occluded location. Because the catheter type drug infusion devices 74 have a larger lumen than the guidewire type drug infusion devices 70, the drugs or other fluids can be delivered to the desired area at a lower pressure.
  • stents can be made from tubes (e.g., thin walled metal tubing) according to the present invention.
  • tubes e.g., thin walled metal tubing
  • stents that can be made in accordance with the invention, are shown in Figures 2A and 2B of U.S. Patent No. 4,733,665 to Palmaz, and described therein, this patent being inco ⁇ orated by reference herein.
  • exemplary stents as well as other commercially available stents, with different aperture configurations, and further, with other stents having aperture configurations that are round, square, rectangular, polygonal, and/or combinations thereof, can be made by the "chemical milling" techniques ofthe present invention as described above, as either a long tube, cut into a plurality of individual stents or as a single individual stent.
  • These stents are preferably made from thin walled metal tubing, the metals including stainless steel, Nitinol®, tantalum, platinum, and platinum/tungsten, or other suitable metals. These metals are preferred because they are biocompatable and radio opaque.
  • stents are sized in accordance with the body vessel, tract or duct they will be placed into.
  • the stents are manufactured at a first diameter and length, for delivery and deployment on a balloon catheter (described above) and then expanded to a second larger diameter upon placement at the requisite site, by expansion ofthe balloon portion ofthe balloon catheter (described above). Upon this expansion, the stent undergoes a negligible change in length.
  • stents made in accordance with the present invention for blood vessels are manufactured with diameters (unexpanded) ranging from approximately 1.25 mm to 4.75 mm (.05 in to .19 in), with lengths of approximately 5 mm to 60 mm (.20 to 2.36 in).
  • the stents ofthe present invention may be coated to cover their metal structure, for biocompatibility and/or thromboresistance.
  • coatings include polyurethane, polyethylene, PTFE, or TEFLON®, Heparin,
  • the thickness ofthe coatings over the metal structure ofthe stent will be typically approximately .001 cm (.0004 inches) or less.
  • the coatings could be applied by any of the well known methods, such as dip coating, heat shrinking, spray depositing or vapor deposition ofthe coating material onto the stent

Abstract

L'invention concerne des procédés de fabrication d'un appareil tel qu'un hypotube fendu, servant de cathéter, fil de guidage, gaine de cathéter s'utilisant avec des introducteurs de cathéter ou un cathéter/fil de guidage pour administrer un médicament. Ces procédés consistent à créer un réseau de fentes ou d'ouvertures dans un élément tubulaire flexible et comprennent notamment, mais pas exclusivement, l'usinage par décharge électrostatique 'EDM', le fraisage chimique, l'ablation et la découpe par laser. Ces fentes ou ouvertures peuvent être découpées partiellement ou complètement dans la paroi de l'élément tubulaire métallique flexible. Ces procédés de fabrication peuvent comprendre l'étape supplémentaire d'encastrement de l'élément métallique flexible de sorte qu'un élément d'étanchéité soit formé sur la périphérie de l'élément tubulaire.
PCT/US1997/005408 1996-05-14 1997-05-14 Extenseur tubulaire pour applications medicales WO1997042910A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU30544/97A AU3054497A (en) 1996-05-14 1997-05-14 Tubular stent for use in medical applications

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US64585096A 1996-05-14 1996-05-14
US08/645,850 1996-05-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997042910A1 true WO1997042910A1 (fr) 1997-11-20

Family

ID=24590736

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/005408 WO1997042910A1 (fr) 1996-05-14 1997-05-14 Extenseur tubulaire pour applications medicales

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3054497A (fr)
WO (1) WO1997042910A1 (fr)

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999023977A1 (fr) * 1997-11-07 1999-05-20 Expandable Grafts Partnership Stent intravasculaire et procede de fabrication
WO1999061261A1 (fr) 1998-05-22 1999-12-02 Bmc Industries, Inc. Procede et appareil de fabrication d'articles cylindriques
WO2000018331A3 (fr) * 1998-09-29 2000-07-06 Bard Inc C R Systemes d'administration de medicaments
US6251079B1 (en) 1998-09-30 2001-06-26 C. R. Bard, Inc. Transthoracic drug delivery device
US6277082B1 (en) 1999-07-22 2001-08-21 C. R. Bard, Inc. Ischemia detection system
US6620170B1 (en) 1999-04-26 2003-09-16 C. R. Bard, Inc. Devices and methods for treating ischemia by creating a fibrin plug
US6629987B1 (en) 1999-07-30 2003-10-07 C. R. Bard, Inc. Catheter positioning systems
US6719805B1 (en) 1999-06-09 2004-04-13 C. R. Bard, Inc. Devices and methods for treating tissue
WO2004096310A2 (fr) * 2003-04-25 2004-11-11 Cook, Inc. Fil-guide dote d'un marquage et d'un revetement a faible coefficient de frottement pour introduction d'un catheter sur fil-guide
EP1610666A2 (fr) * 2003-03-25 2006-01-04 MicroVention, Inc. Techniques et dispositif de traitement pour anevrismes et autres defauts vasculaires
WO2009112060A1 (fr) 2008-03-10 2009-09-17 Fortimedix B.V. Instrument et son procédé de fabrication
WO2009158072A1 (fr) * 2008-06-27 2009-12-30 Medtronic Vascular Inc. Procédés et appareils pour la production d'endoprothèses revêtues de multiples formulations durcies
US9023094B2 (en) 2007-06-25 2015-05-05 Microvention, Inc. Self-expanding prosthesis
US9622753B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2017-04-18 Microvention, Inc. Aneurysm treatment device and method of use
US9788980B2 (en) 2000-05-19 2017-10-17 Vactronix Scientific, Inc. Method for making grooves on a luminal surface of an intravascular stent
US9848858B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2017-12-26 Fortimedix Surgical B.V. Instrument for endoscopic applications or the like
US10058330B2 (en) 2011-05-11 2018-08-28 Microvention, Inc. Device for occluding a lumen
US11642114B2 (en) 2017-07-04 2023-05-09 Fortimedix Assets Ii B.V. Steerable instrument comprising a radial spacers between coaxial cylindrical elements
US11696677B2 (en) 2016-06-06 2023-07-11 Fortimedix Assets Ii B.V. Steerable instrument comprising a cilindrical diameter adaptation section

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0047231A2 (fr) * 1980-08-28 1982-03-10 Astra Meditec AB Prothèse vasculaire et procédé pour sa fabrication
US4767418A (en) * 1986-02-13 1988-08-30 California Institute Of Technology Luminal surface fabrication for cardiovascular prostheses
EP0608853A2 (fr) * 1993-01-26 1994-08-03 Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha Dispositif de dilatation vasculaire et cathéter
EP0709067A2 (fr) * 1994-10-27 1996-05-01 Medinol Limited Procédé de fabrication d'un extenseur
WO1996038193A1 (fr) * 1995-05-31 1996-12-05 Cardia Catheter Co. Dispositif tubulaire flexible a usage medical

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0047231A2 (fr) * 1980-08-28 1982-03-10 Astra Meditec AB Prothèse vasculaire et procédé pour sa fabrication
US4767418A (en) * 1986-02-13 1988-08-30 California Institute Of Technology Luminal surface fabrication for cardiovascular prostheses
EP0608853A2 (fr) * 1993-01-26 1994-08-03 Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha Dispositif de dilatation vasculaire et cathéter
EP0709067A2 (fr) * 1994-10-27 1996-05-01 Medinol Limited Procédé de fabrication d'un extenseur
WO1996038193A1 (fr) * 1995-05-31 1996-12-05 Cardia Catheter Co. Dispositif tubulaire flexible a usage medical

Cited By (39)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6190404B1 (en) 1997-11-07 2001-02-20 Advanced Bio Prosthetic Surfaces, Ltd. Intravascular stent and method for manufacturing an intravascular stent
WO1999023977A1 (fr) * 1997-11-07 1999-05-20 Expandable Grafts Partnership Stent intravasculaire et procede de fabrication
WO1999061261A1 (fr) 1998-05-22 1999-12-02 Bmc Industries, Inc. Procede et appareil de fabrication d'articles cylindriques
WO2000018331A3 (fr) * 1998-09-29 2000-07-06 Bard Inc C R Systemes d'administration de medicaments
US6733488B2 (en) 1998-09-30 2004-05-11 C.R. Bard, Inc. Transthoracic drug delivery device
US6251079B1 (en) 1998-09-30 2001-06-26 C. R. Bard, Inc. Transthoracic drug delivery device
US6517527B2 (en) 1998-09-30 2003-02-11 C. R. Bard, Inc. Transthoracic drug delivery device
US6620170B1 (en) 1999-04-26 2003-09-16 C. R. Bard, Inc. Devices and methods for treating ischemia by creating a fibrin plug
US6719805B1 (en) 1999-06-09 2004-04-13 C. R. Bard, Inc. Devices and methods for treating tissue
US6277082B1 (en) 1999-07-22 2001-08-21 C. R. Bard, Inc. Ischemia detection system
US6629987B1 (en) 1999-07-30 2003-10-07 C. R. Bard, Inc. Catheter positioning systems
US10806614B2 (en) 2000-05-19 2020-10-20 Vactronix Scientific, Llc Method of making recessed features on inner surface of tubular structure by thermal ablation
US10758383B2 (en) 2000-05-19 2020-09-01 Vactronix Scientific, Llc Method of making recessed features on inner surface of tubular structure by photolithography
US9788980B2 (en) 2000-05-19 2017-10-17 Vactronix Scientific, Inc. Method for making grooves on a luminal surface of an intravascular stent
US9622753B2 (en) 2001-07-20 2017-04-18 Microvention, Inc. Aneurysm treatment device and method of use
EP1610666A2 (fr) * 2003-03-25 2006-01-04 MicroVention, Inc. Techniques et dispositif de traitement pour anevrismes et autres defauts vasculaires
EP1610666A4 (fr) * 2003-03-25 2008-07-16 Microvention Inc Techniques et dispositif de traitement pour anevrismes et autres defauts vasculaires
US8267874B2 (en) 2003-04-25 2012-09-18 Cook Medical Technologies Llc Low friction coated marked wire guide for over the wire insertion of a catheter
WO2004096310A2 (fr) * 2003-04-25 2004-11-11 Cook, Inc. Fil-guide dote d'un marquage et d'un revetement a faible coefficient de frottement pour introduction d'un catheter sur fil-guide
WO2004096310A3 (fr) * 2003-04-25 2005-02-03 Cook Inc Fil-guide dote d'un marquage et d'un revetement a faible coefficient de frottement pour introduction d'un catheter sur fil-guide
US7651469B2 (en) 2003-04-25 2010-01-26 Cook Incorporated Low friction coated marked wire guide for over the wire insertion of a catheter
US9023094B2 (en) 2007-06-25 2015-05-05 Microvention, Inc. Self-expanding prosthesis
EP2915476A1 (fr) 2008-03-10 2015-09-09 Fortimedix Surgical B.V. Instrument pour des applications endoscopiques
US11559664B2 (en) 2008-03-10 2023-01-24 Fortimedix Assets Ii B.V. Instrument for endoscopic applications
US11571548B2 (en) 2008-03-10 2023-02-07 Fortimedix Assets Ii B.V. Instrument for endoscopic applications
EP3219249A1 (fr) 2008-03-10 2017-09-20 Fortimedix Surgical B.V. Instrument pour des applications endoscopiques
WO2009112060A1 (fr) 2008-03-10 2009-09-17 Fortimedix B.V. Instrument et son procédé de fabrication
US8986317B2 (en) 2008-03-10 2015-03-24 Fortimedix Surgical B.V. Instrument and method for making the same
EA018560B1 (ru) * 2008-03-10 2013-08-30 Фортимедикс Сёрджикал Б.В. Инструмент для эндоскопических применений и способ его получения
US10328241B2 (en) 2008-03-10 2019-06-25 Fortimedix Surgical B.V. Instrument and method for making the same
EP3524130A1 (fr) 2008-03-10 2019-08-14 Fortimedix Surgical B.V. Instrument pour des applications endoscopiques
EP3610777A1 (fr) 2008-03-10 2020-02-19 Fortimedix Surgical B.V. Instrument pour des applications endoscopiques
EP2762058A1 (fr) 2008-03-10 2014-08-06 Fortimedix Surgical B.V. Instrument pour des applications endoscopiques
USRE49359E1 (en) 2008-04-18 2023-01-10 Fortimedix Assets Ii B.V. Instrument for endoscopic applications or the like
US9848858B2 (en) 2008-04-18 2017-12-26 Fortimedix Surgical B.V. Instrument for endoscopic applications or the like
WO2009158072A1 (fr) * 2008-06-27 2009-12-30 Medtronic Vascular Inc. Procédés et appareils pour la production d'endoprothèses revêtues de multiples formulations durcies
US10058330B2 (en) 2011-05-11 2018-08-28 Microvention, Inc. Device for occluding a lumen
US11696677B2 (en) 2016-06-06 2023-07-11 Fortimedix Assets Ii B.V. Steerable instrument comprising a cilindrical diameter adaptation section
US11642114B2 (en) 2017-07-04 2023-05-09 Fortimedix Assets Ii B.V. Steerable instrument comprising a radial spacers between coaxial cylindrical elements

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3054497A (en) 1997-12-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6107004A (en) Method for making a tubular stent for use in medical applications
US6027863A (en) Method for manufacturing a tubular medical device
US5741429A (en) Flexible tubular device for use in medical applications
WO1997042910A1 (fr) Extenseur tubulaire pour applications medicales
EP0680351B1 (fr) Dispositif tubulaire flexible pour applications medicales
CA2117088A1 (fr) Dispositif tubulaire flexible presentant des applications medicales
US6309412B1 (en) Expandable stents and method for making same
US5415639A (en) Sheath and method for intravascular treatment
US6013854A (en) Indwelling stent and the method for manufacturing the same
EP0990449B1 (fr) Cathéter medical avec segment distal souple rainuré
US5497785A (en) Catheter advancing guidewire and method for making same
US20200330725A1 (en) Catheter devices and methods for making them
EP1461107B1 (fr) Catheter comprenant une tige de transmission de couple amelioree
EP0652026A1 (fr) Fil de guidage de cathéter flexible
US20040172804A1 (en) Method for manufacturing an endovascular support device
JPH07185009A (ja) カテーテルの可撓性ガイドワイヤ
US20130289498A1 (en) Catheter and Method for Making a Catheter

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AM AT AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ CZ DE DE DK DK EE EE ES FI FI GB GE GH HU IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SK TJ TM TR TT UA UG UZ VN YU AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH KE LS MW SD SZ UG AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 97540859

Format of ref document f/p: F

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase