Methods for intraluminal photothermoforming
US5849035A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 15, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S623/901
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.