Microfabricated therapeutic actuators

US5911737A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Abraham P. Lee · Irvine, US
• M. Allen Northrup · Berkeley, US
• Dino R. Ciarlo · Livermore, US
• Peter Krulevitch · Pleasanton, US
• William J. Benett · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 28, 1997
• Grant date: Jun 15, 1999
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2017/12077
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Microfabricated therapeutic actuators are fabricated using a shape memory polymer (SMP), a polyurethane-based material that undergoes a phase transformation at a specified temperature (Tg). At a temperature above temperature Tg material is soft and can be easily reshaped into another configuration. As the temperature is lowered below temperature Tg the new shape is fixed and locked in as long as the material stays below temperature Tg. Upon reheating the material to a temperature above Tg, the material will return to its original shape. By the use of such SMP material, SMP microtubing can be used as a release actuator for the delivery of embolic coils through catheters into aneurysms, for example. The microtubing can be manufactured in various sizes and the phase change temperature Tg is determinate for an intended temperature target and intended use.