Method for attaching a marker to a medical instrument

A method for attaching a marker to a medical instrument used for treating a patient comprising the steps of:

• providing a medical instrument wherein said medical instrument includes a tubular portion having an inner surface for engagement by said marker and an outer surface formed opposite to said inner surface,
• providing a marker formed of a shape-memory material capable of having a deformed configuration while at a first temperature and an original configuration at a second temperature;
• positioning said marker in the deformed configuration adjacent to the inner surface of the tubular portion of said medical instrument for subsequent engagement therewith;
• positioning a support means adjacent said outer surface for supporting said tubular-portion prior to engaging said marker with said tubular portion;
• and
• changing said first temperature of said shape-memory material to said second temperature to cause said shape-memory material to transform from said deformed configuration to said original configuration wherein said marker engages the inner surface of said tubular portion upon the return of said shape memory material to said original configuration.

A method for attaching a marker to a medical instrument comprising the steps of:

• providing a medical instrument having an outer surface and an inner chamber defined by an inner surface,
• providing a marker formed of a shape-memory material capable of having a deformed configuration while at a first temperature and an original configuration at a second temperature;
• positioning said marker at said first temperature in the deformed configuration adjacent to one of said outer or inner surfaces of said medical instrument for subsequent engagement therewith;
• positioning a support means for contact with the remaining inner or outer surface not to be subsequently engaged by said marker prior to engaging said marker so as to support said surface in the area of said medical instrument to be engaged by said marker;
• and
• changing said first temperature of said shape-memory material to said second temperature to cause said shape memory material to transform from said deformed configuration to said original configuration wherein said marker engages said medical instrument.

A method for attaching a marker to a medical instrument comprising the steps of:

• providing a medical instrument having an outer surface and an inner chamber defined by an inner surface, at least one of said inner and outer surfaces being formed of a thermally responsive material which is softened at a softening temperature;
• providing a marker formed of a shape-memory material capable of having a deformed configuration while at a first temperature and an original configuration at a second higher temperature;
• lowering the temperature of said marker to said first temperature and deforming said marker;
• positioning said marker in the deformed configuration adjacent to said inner or outer surface of thermally responsive material for subsequent engagement therewith;
• and
• raising the temperature or said shape-memory material to said second temperature and said softening temperature to soften said thermally responsive material while causing said shape-memory material to transform from said deformed configuration to said original configuration wherein said marker engages said medical instrument.