Electroactive polymer-actuated peristaltic pump and medical lead incorporating such a pump
US7397166B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 12, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S310/80
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A peristaltic pump for conveying a fluid comprises a flexible tube having an outer surface and a lumen for carrying the fluid such as a therapeutic agent. The tube has a length defined by opposed ends of the tube, the outer surface of the body carrying a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart electroactive polymer actuators. The plurality of actuators are adapted to be responsive to electrical signals for energizing the actuators sequentially along the length of the tube to move a lumen pinch-off along the length of the tube to thereby convey the fluid from one end of the tube to the other end by means of a peristaltic pumping action. The peristaltic pump may be incorporated into a medical lead, such as an endocardial pacing lead, carrying at least one electrode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.