Bistable microvalve and microcatheter system
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorKirk Patrick Seward
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A bistable microvalve of shape memory material is operatively connected to a microcatheter. The bistable microvalve includes a tip that can be closed off until it is in the desired position. Once it is in position it can be opened and closed. The system uses heat and pressure to open and close the microvalve. The shape memory material will change stiffness and shape when heated above a transition temperature. The shape memory material is adapted to move from a first shape to a second shape, either open or closed, where it can perform a desired function.
Claims5
A method of manufacturing a bistable valve and catheter system, comprising the steps of:
- providing a catheter,
- constructing a bistable valve that includes a passage and a shape memory material that will move from a first shape wherein said passage is restricted to a second and different shape wherein said passage is open upon being activated,
- operatively connecting said bistable valve to said catheter wherein said catheter can move said bistable valve to a desired location and said catheter can transmit pressure to said bistable valve, and
- operatively connecting said shape memory material to an optical fiber for transmitting light energy to said shape memory material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.