Catheter for percutaneous transradial approach

Abstract

A preshaped tubular catheter for percutaneous transradial approach to catheterization, comprises a distal bridge shaped portion having a distal arch defining a primary curve, a top defining a secondary curve, and a proximal arch defining a tertiary curve. The proximal arch is connected to a straight shaft. The shaft is stiff and the bridge shaped portion has a flexibility extending at least up to and including the primary curve and a stiffness extending at least up to and including the tertiary curve.

1 . A preshaped tubular catheter for percutaneous transradial approach to catheterization, comprising a distal bridge shaped portion having a distal arch defining a primary curve, a top defining a secondary curve, and a proximal arch defining a tertiary curve, wherein said proximal arch is connected to a distal end of a straight and stiff shaft and wherein said bridge shaped portion has a flexibility extending at least up to and including the primary curve and a stiffness extending at least up to and including said tertiary curve.  
     
     
         2 . A catheter according to  claim 1 , wherein the distal bridge shaped portion comprises a first distal straight portion, a primary curve extending from said first distal straight portion, said primary curve having a concavity oriented towards a proximal end of said bridge shaped portion, a second straight portion extending from said primary curve, said second straight portion being inclined towards said proximal end of the bridge shaped portion, a secondary curve extending from said second straight portion, said secondary curve having a concavity oriented between said first distal straight portion and said proximal end of said bridge shaped portion, a third straight portion extending from said secondary curve, said third straight portion being inclined towards the proximal end of said bridge shaped portion, and a tertiary curve extending from said third straight portion, said tertiary curve having a concavity oriented towards said first distal straight portion, and said tertiary curve having a proximal end connected to said distal end of said straight shaft.  
     
     
         3 . A catheter according to  claim 2 , wherein said flexibility of the bridge shaped portion extends at least over said first distal straight portion, said primary curve, and a distal portion of said second straight portion.  
     
     
         4 . A catheter according to  claim 2 , wherein said secondary curve extends over about 90°.  
     
     
         5 . A catheter according to  claim 2 , wherein said tertiary curve extends over about 45°.  
     
     
         6 . A catheter according to  claim 2  wherein said second straight portion and said third straight portion are of essentially the same length.  
     
     
         7 . A catheter according to  claim 2 , wherein said first distal straight portion is substantially parallel to said straight shaft.