Deflectable guide

Abstract

Described herein are devices and methods for guide catheters having one or more regions of increased flexibility. A flexibility region comprises one tubular segment of the guide catheter with a non-linear longitudinal seam between two non-concentric layers of material having different durometers. A non-linear seam, such as a zig-zag or sinusoidal configuration, permits controlled compression of lower durometer material between portions of higher durometer material.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A guide catheter comprising:
 a tubular body comprising a proximal section and a distal section, the distal section comprising a deformation zone, a curved pre-deformation section proximal to the deformation zone and a curved post-deformation section distal to the deformation zone, wherein the deformation zone has a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal length and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a first constricting portion, a second constricting portion and a compressible portion in alternating configuration with the first and second constricting portions along the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second constricting portions have a higher hardness and the compressible portion has a lower hardness; and   a pull member coupled to a pull structure that is located in the post-deformation section, wherein the pull member is configured such that pulling the pull member bends the deformation zone and causes the first and second constricting portions compress the compressible portion therebetween.   
     
     
         22 . The catheter of  claim 21 , wherein the compressible portion is located between the first constricting portion and the second constricting portion. 
     
     
         23 . The catheter of  claim 21 , wherein the pull member comprises a ring-like structure. 
     
     
         24 . The catheter of  claim 23 , wherein a proximal end of the pull member is coupled to a rotating knob. 
     
     
         25 . The catheter of  claim 23 , wherein a proximal end of the pull member is coupled to a lever. 
     
     
         26 . The catheter of  claim 23 , wherein a proximal end of the pull member is coupled to a bias member. 
     
     
         27 . The catheter of  claim 21 , the guide catheter further comprising a reinforcement structure surrounding the tubular body. 
     
     
         28 . The catheter of  claim 27 , wherein the reinforcement structure comprises a tubular braid. 
     
     
         29 . The catheter of  claim 21 , wherein the proximal section has a pre-formed curve. 
     
     
         30 . The catheter of  claim 21 , wherein the deformation zone is at an angle with respect to the pre-deformation section. 
     
     
         31 . The catheter of  claim 30 , wherein the angle is from about 0 degrees to about 345 degrees. 
     
     
         32 . The catheter of  claim 21 , wherein the post-deformation section has a pre-formed curve. 
     
     
         33 . The catheter of  claim 21 , wherein the pre-deformation section has a pre-formed curve.