Methods and systems for an invasive deployable device using a shape memory material to reconfigure transducer elements in response to stimuli

A method of deploying an imaging catheter, the method comprising:

• receiving at a control circuit a command to transition a transducer from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the plurality of elements are aligned in a plane, and wherein in the second configuration the plurality of elements are stacked;
• the transducer comprising a plurality of elements linked by at least one shape memory material, the at least one shape memory material configured to move the plurality of elements in a first direction relative to one another between the first configuration and the second configuration;
• and
• controlling current through at least one integral heating resistor to heat at least a portion of the shape memory material to provide the first thermal stimulus to move the plurality of elements relative to one another to transition the transducer from the first configuration to the second configuration;
• and
• receiving at the control circuit a command to transition the transducer from the second configuration to the first configuration;
• and
• providing, in response to control by the control circuit, a second thermal stimulus to move the plurality of elements opposite the first direction relative to one another to transition the transducer from the second configuration to the first configuration, wherein the second thermal stimulus is different temperature than the first thermal stimulus.

A deployable invasive device comprising:

• a transducer with a plurality of elements linked by at least one shape memory material, the at least one shape memory material configured to move the plurality of elements relative to one another from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the plurality of elements are aligned in a plane, and wherein in the second configuration the plurality of elements are stacked;
• wherein the shape memory material comprises at least one active region configured to change shape to facilitate transition between the first configuration and the second configuration;
• and
• at least one integral heating resistor on or within the at least one active region and configured to heat the shape memory material surrounding the integral heating resistor;
• a control circuit configured to:
• control the integral heating resistor to provide a first thermal stimulus to move the plurality of elements relative to one another from the first configuration to the second configuration;
• and
• control delivery of a second stimulus to move the plurality of elements relative to one another from the second configuration to the first configuration, wherein the second stimulus is different stimulus type than the first thermal stimulus.