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Catheter apparatus employing shape memory alloy structures

  • US 4,919,133 A
  • Filed: 08/18/1988
  • Issued: 04/24/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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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.

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