Methods and apparatus for imparting curves in elongated medical catheters
US6939338B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0064
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Curves and dynamic shapes are imparted in distal segments of medical instruments e.g., catheters, through use of a temperature-activated actuator coupled to distal segment of the instrument body. The actuator comprises includes members extending side-by-side in substantially a common plane and configured to move in opposite directions when independently activated. A first heating device is coupled to a first actuator member and configured to deliver thermal energy to the first actuator member to activate the first actuator member and cause the first actuator member to move the distal segment in a first direction. A second heating device is coupled to a second actuator member and configured to deliver thermal energy to the second actuator member to activate the second actuator member and cause the second actuator member to move the distal segment in a second direction opposed to the first direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.