Steerable variable stiffness device
US5531685A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0158
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus includes a flexible tubular member containing a shape-memory tube formed to include a lumen extending along the central axis of the tubular member. A liner sleeve extends through the lumen of the shape-memory tube and lies inside the tubular member. A control system selectively heats the shape-memory tube to its activated state causing the shape-memory tube to move toward a predetermined shape if it is different than its present configuration. Whether the shape-memory tube moves or not, it will increase significantly in stiffness, both axial and bending to help retain, hold, or wedge the apparatus in place in a selected body cavity while catheters or other objects are passed through a lumen in the liner sleeve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.