Catheter apparatus employing shape memory alloy structures
Patent 4919133 Issued on April 24, 1990. Estimated Expiration Date: 
August 18, 2008. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
August 18, 2008. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesMethod for implanting and subsequently removing mechanical connecting elements from living tissue Automated biopsy device Livestock watering device Medical devices incorporating sim alloy elements Angioplasty catheter and method for use thereof Atherectomy device having a flexible housing Patent #: 4781186 InventorApplicationNo. 233417 filed on 08/18/1988US Classes:606/159, Blood vessel, duct or teat cutter, scrapper or abrader606/170, Cutter carried on elongated probe-like member606/180Rotary cutterExaminersPrimary: Pellegrino, Stephen C.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassA61B 017/32AbstractAn improved catheter of the type used for mechanically removing arterial plaque employs shape memory alloy structures in the form of an integral portion of the catheter housing for compression against the artery wall and storage of pieces of plaque and at least one actuatable door for selectively opening and closing a window in the housing. The shape memory alloy material is heated by a remotely located current source connected to the catheter by conductors for selective activation of the alloy for a reversible change in shape such as expansion and elongation. | |
