Catheter apparatus employing shape memory alloy structures
First Claim
1. An improved catheter, the catheter of the type used in a human artery for removing an arterial blockage therein using a mechanical or electromechanical or electro-optical plaque removal device such as a rotating blade within a cylindrical housing adjacent an opening through the radial wall of the housing, the rotating blade cutting pieces of plaque which are received and temporarily stored in the housing;
- the improvement comprising;
in said housing an integral, expandable wall portion positioned substantially opposite to said opening and being formed of a mesh of shape memory alloy wire responsive to changes in temperature for selective changes in dimension;
means for remotely controlling the temperature of said mesh wire for selectively expanding and contracting said wall portion while said catheter is in said artery.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved catheter of the type used for mechanically removing arterial plaque employs shape memory alloy structures in the form of an integral portion of the catheter housing for compression against the artery wall and storage of pieces of plaque and at least one actuatable door for selectively opening and closing a window in the housing. The shape memory alloy material is heated by a remotely located current source connected to the catheter by conductors for selective activation of the alloy for a reversible change in shape such as expansion and elongation.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An improved catheter, the catheter of the type used in a human artery for removing an arterial blockage therein using a mechanical or electromechanical or electro-optical plaque removal device such as a rotating blade within a cylindrical housing adjacent an opening through the radial wall of the housing, the rotating blade cutting pieces of plaque which are received and temporarily stored in the housing;
- the improvement comprising;
in said housing an integral, expandable wall portion positioned substantially opposite to said opening and being formed of a mesh of shape memory alloy wire responsive to changes in temperature for selective changes in dimension; means for remotely controlling the temperature of said mesh wire for selectively expanding and contracting said wall portion while said catheter is in said artery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- the improvement comprising;
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8. An improved catheter, the catheter of the type used in a human artery for removing an arterial blockage therein using a mechanical plaque removal device such as a rotating blade within a cylindrical housing adjacent an opening through the radial wall of the housing;
- the improvement comprising;
a door cooperating with said opening for selectively opening and closing said opening while said catheter is in said artery; and means for actuating said door and having a shape memory alloy material responsive to electrical current-induced temperature changes. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
- the improvement comprising;
- 11. A catheter comprising a cylindrical housing for insertion into an artery, at least a portion of said housing being made of a shape memory alloy for selective expansion in response to temperature changes whereby to cause said housing to forcefully engage the interior of said artery.
Specification