US 12,064,571 B2
Systems and methods for providing a steerable sheath with improved torque transfer during deflection
Scott Kimmel, St. Paul, MN (US); Shawn J. Noble, Lakeville, MN (US); Meng Chang, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US); and Steven R. Wedan, Savage, MN (US)
Assigned to Imricor Medical Systems Inc., Burnsville, MN (US)
Filed by Imricor Medical Systems Inc., Burnsville, MN (US)
Filed on Aug. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/449,421.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/397,712, filed on Aug. 12, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0050701 A1, Feb. 15, 2024
Int. Cl. A61M 25/01 (2006.01)
CPC A61M 25/0147 (2013.01) 38 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for operating a steerable sheath during a medical procedure, comprising:
causing an inner shaft of the steerable sheath to move in a first direction relative to an outer shaft having a first lumen in which the inner shaft is at least partially disposed, wherein the causing the inner shaft of the steerable sheath to move in the first direction comprises applying a force to a knob;
applying tension to a first pull wire as the inner shaft moves in the first direction, the first pull wire being partially disposed in a wall of the inner shaft and partially disposed in the first lumen of the outer shaft, a first end of the first pull wire being connected to the inner shaft and a second end of the first pull wire being connected to the outer shaft;
allowing a deflectable region of the inner shaft's wall to transition from a straight state to a deflected state as the tension is being applied to the first pull wire;
causing the inner shaft of the steerable sheath to move in a second opposing direction relative to the outer shaft;
removing the tension being applied to the first pull wire as the inner shaft moves in the second opposing direction;
allowing the deflectable region of the inner shaft's wall to return to the straight state as the tension is being removed from the first pull wire; and
adjusting an amount of sliding friction between the inner shaft and the knob via manipulation of a valve disposed in the knob.