Mechanism for manipulating a tool and flexible elongate device using the same
First Claim
1. A flexible elongate device in the form of a small diameter guide wire or catheter for entering a vessel of a human body comprising a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal extremities, a tool actuator member mounted in the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, actuator element means having a negative coefficient of expansion disposed within the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member, said actuator element means including first and second opposing heat actuatable actuator elements said actuator element means having a transition temperature which is above the body temperature, electrical control means at the proximal extremity for supplying electrical energy to the actuator element means and means coupling the actuator elements to the tool actuator member for causing movement of the tool actuator member and to cause operation of the operable tool when heat is supplied to the actuator element means.
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Abstract
Flexible elongate device comprising a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal extremities and a tool actuator member mounted on the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member. An elongate element having a negative coefficient of expansion is carried by the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member and is connected to the tool actuator member for causing movement of the tool actuating member. A control console is provided for supplying electrical energy to the elongate element.
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Citations
21 Claims
- 1. A flexible elongate device in the form of a small diameter guide wire or catheter for entering a vessel of a human body comprising a flexible elongate member having proximal and distal extremities, a tool actuator member mounted in the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member, actuator element means having a negative coefficient of expansion disposed within the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member, said actuator element means including first and second opposing heat actuatable actuator elements said actuator element means having a transition temperature which is above the body temperature, electrical control means at the proximal extremity for supplying electrical energy to the actuator element means and means coupling the actuator elements to the tool actuator member for causing movement of the tool actuator member and to cause operation of the operable tool when heat is supplied to the actuator element means.
- 14. A mechanism for use in the medical field for manipulating a tool carried by the distal extremity of a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a lumen therein extending from the proximal to the distal extremities and being adapted to be inserted into a vessel of a human body, comprising a tool actuator member disposed in said lumen and adapted to be connected to said tool, and actuation element means having a negative coefficient of expansion, said actuation element means including first and second opposing heat actuator elements having a transition temperature which is above the body temperature, means coupling the actuation element means to the tool actuator member and electrical means for supplying electrical energy to heat the actuation element means to cause motion to be supplied to tool actuator member to cause it to move in said lumen.
Specification