Steerable sheath with variable curve span

Abstract

A guiding sheath assembly has a shaft that is operable to define more than one deflection curvature and defines a lumen to slidably receive a cardiovascular catheter. The guiding sheath assembly includes a proximal section, a distal section, and a stiffener member. The proximal section has a proximal shaft that defines a proximal lumen extending distally along a longitudinal axis to the distal section. The distal section has a distal shaft that defines a distal lumen that is configured to be biased (e.g., resiliently biased) laterally away from the longitudinal axis. The stiffener member is a rigid elongate member, such as an inner tubular member, that is configured to counteract the bias of the distal shaft. Longitudinal movement of the stiffener member relative to the distal section enables an operator to select and set a deflection curvature of the more than one deflection curvature.

CPC Classifications