Multi-functional catheter

Abstract

A catheter suitable for delivering an electric current to the body, in particular a catheter having electrodes that can be positioned independently of the main elongate shaft of the catheter. More particularly the catheters include a movable sleeve that incorporates the electrodes. A movable sleeve includes one or more electrodes. Advances in the construction of the electrodes and related components are disclosed. Methods for positioning electrodes at a treatment site in the body for diagnostic or therapeutic applications, particularly electrical pharyngeal stimulation are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A catheter comprising:
 an elongate shaft;   a sleeve, the sleeve having a lumen there through for receiving the shaft and being movable along the elongate shaft such that position of the shaft is adjustable; and   a clamp,   wherein the clamp is movable between an open configuration, in which the position of the shaft is adjustable relative to the sleeve, and a closed configuration, in which the position of the shaft is fixed relative to the sleeve.   
     
     
         2 . A catheter according to  claim 1 , wherein the clamp comprises a first part and a second part arranged in a hinged configuration. 
     
     
         3 . A catheter according to  claim 2 , wherein the clamp comprises a living hinge. 
     
     
         4 . A catheter according to  claim 2 , wherein the clamp is attached to the sleeve and each of the first part and the second part of the clamp has an inner surface which, when the clamp is in the closed configuration, is engagable with the shaft to fix the position of the shaft relative to the sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . A catheter according to  claim 4 , wherein one, or both, of the first and/or second part of the clamp comprises one or more projections for contacting the shaft when the clamp is in the closed configuration. 
     
     
         6 . A catheter according to  claim 1 , wherein the clamp is at least partially formed from a resiliently deformable material. 
     
     
         7 . A catheter according to  claim 1 , wherein the clamp is integrated in a Y-shaped connector. 
     
     
         8 . A catheter according to  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve incorporates one or more electrode. 
     
     
         9 . A catheter according to  claim 1  further comprising a grommet slideable on the shaft and engageable with the clamp. 
     
     
         10 . A catheter according to  claim 9 , wherein the grommet is formed from a deformable material. 
     
     
         11 . An electrical connector comprising a casing formed from a first part and a second part arranged in a hinged configuration and connection means for connection to an electrical device, wherein the first and second part of the casing are movable between a closed position and an open position. 
     
     
         12 . An electrical connector according to  claim 11 , wherein the electrical connector is a Y-shaped connector comprising three limbs and the casing and connection means are positioned on respective limbs of the electrical connector. 
     
     
         13 . An elongated sleeve comprising:
 a lumen there through for receiving a cable or tube, and   a clamp,   wherein the clamp is movable between an open position, in which the position of a cable or tube located in the sleeve is adjustable relative to the sleeve, and a closed position, in which position of a cable or tube located in the sleeve is fixed relative to the sleeve.