Patent attributes
A catheter assembly comprises a catheter which comprises an inner shaft and an outer shaft, and at least one heat transmitting mechanism. At least one portion of at least one of the inner shaft and the outer shaft of the catheter has a predetermined longitudinal stiffness and a predetermined temperature. The predetermined longitudinal stiffness is changed when the predetermined temperature is changed. The at least one heat transmitting mechanism extends distally from the proximal end of the catheter, along the length of the catheter, to a position adjacent to the at least one portion. At least a portion of the at least one heat transmitting mechanism is constructed and arranged to conductively change the predetermined temperature of the at least one portion of the at least one of the inner shaft and the outer shaft.
