Guide wire extension for shape memory polymer occlusion removal devices
AssigneeLawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
InventorsDuncan J. Maitland, Ward Small, IV, Jonathan Hartman
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Abstract
A flexible extension for a shape memory polymer occlusion removal device. A shape memory polymer instrument is transported through a vessel via a catheter. A flexible elongated unit is operatively connected to the distal end of the shape memory polymer instrument to enhance maneuverability through tortuous paths en route to the occlusion.
Claims20
An apparatus for use with a transport vehicle for occlusion removal in a vessel having a tortuous path, comprising:
- a shape memory polymer mechanical actuator operatively connected to the transport vehicle for transport through the vessel, said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator activated by heat to change shape from a first shape for transport through the vessel to a second shape for occlusion removal when heated above a transition temperature, said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator having a distal end, and
- a flexible elongated guide unit operatively connected to said distal end of said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator for enhancing maneuverability of said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator through the tortuous path of the vessel.
An apparatus for use with a transport vehicle for occlusion removal in a vessel having a tortuous path, comprising:
- shape memory polymer mechanical actuator means for occlusion removal operatively connected to the transport vehicle for transport through the vessel, said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator means activated by heat to change shape from a first shape for transport through the vessel to a second shape for occlusion removal when heated above a transition temperature, said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator means having a distal end, and
- flexible elongated guide means for guiding said shape memory polymer means through the vessel, said flexible elongated guide means operatively connected to said distal end of said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator means for enhancing maneuverability of said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator through the tortuous path of the vessel.
An apparatus for use with a transport vehicle for occlusion removal in a vessel having a tortuous path, comprising:
- a shape memory polymer mechanical actuator operatively connected to the transport vehicle for transport through the vessel via a catheter, said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator activated by heat to change shape from a first shape for transport through the vessel to a second shape for occlusion removal when heated above a transition temperature, said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator having a distal end, and
- a flexible elongated guide unit operatively connected to said distal end of said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator for enhancing maneuverability of said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator through the tortuous path of the vessel, said flexible elongated guide unit including an elongated guiding section and an attachment section, wherein said attachment section comprises wire windings with said wire windings overlapped over said distal end of said shape memory polymer mechanical actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.