You can freely build on Catheter System for Opening and Closing Body Passages

What this patent covers

This patent details a medical device system for procedures like angioplasty. It involves two main parts: a guide catheter and a dilatation catheter. The dilatation catheter has a special expandable tip, called a dilatation element, which has two separate internal channels (lumens). One channel is for injecting fluid to open up a passage or cavity, and the other is for inflating the dilatation element itself to a specific size. The guide catheter is designed to be stiff and allow for twisting (torsional forces) to help steer it. The dilatation element is described as having a foldable wall that can expand to a predetermined shape and diameter when pressurized. An example use would be to insert this system into a narrowed blood vessel, position the dilatation element at the blockage, and then inflate it to widen the vessel.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 4195637 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Catheter systems where the dilatation element is not foldable or pre-shaped.

• Catheter systems that do not have two distinct lumens within the dilatation element.

• Catheter systems where one lumen is not used for inflating the dilatation element.

• Catheter systems where the guide catheter cannot transmit torsional forces.

• Catheter systems without a marking element for X-ray localization.

Who is building on this today

The technology described is fundamental to numerous medical device companies producing angioplasty and other interventional cardiology equipment. Major players like Medtronic, Boston Scientific, and Abbott continue to innovate in this space, building upon the principles established by early patents like this one.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Schneider Medintag AG. US Patent 4195637. Catheter arrangement, method of catheterization, and method of manufacturing a dilatation element. Granted 1980, expired 1997. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.