摘要:
In accordance with one aspect, the invention relates to medical devices which comprise at least one reservoir, a therapeutic-agent-containing region disposed within the reservoir and an electrode comprising a conductive polymer. The devices of the invention are configured such that a rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the reservoir changes upon a change in the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.
摘要:
A catheter system comprises a catheter comprising a distal portion, a proximal portion and an inner shaft. The inner shaft comprises a medical device receiving region for receiving and carrying a medical device. The retaining device is at least partially constructed of an electroactive polymer. The retaining device is located on or adjacent to the medical device receiving region. The electroactive polymer of the retaining device has an activated state and an inactivated state. The retaining device is capable of retaining a medical device to the catheter and releasing the medical device from the catheter by transitioning between the activated state and the inactivated state.
摘要:
In accordance with one aspect, the invention relates to medical devices which comprise at least one reservoir, a therapeutic-agent-containing region disposed within the reservoir and an electrode comprising a conductive polymer. The devices of the invention are configured such that a rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the reservoir changes upon a change in the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.
摘要:
A catheter assembly comprises a catheter shaft having a proximal region a distal region and a rotational seal therebetween. The rotational seal comprises a first component fixedly engaged to the proximal region and a second component fixedly engaged to the distal region. The components engaged in an overlapping arrangement. The rotational seal is actuatable between a non-activated and activated states. In the non-activated state the first component and the second component are separated by a gap which provides for the distal region of the catheter shaft to be rotatable relative to the proximal region. In the activated state at least a portion of the fist component and the second component being sealingly engaged together such that distal region is made static relative to the proximal region.
摘要:
Medical devices or components thereof having electroactive polymer actuators embedded within at least a portion of the device of component thereof, and novel electroactive polymer actuators formed with a conductive substrate layer and an electroactive polymer layer, the electroactive polymer actuated upon application of a voltage to surrounding liquid electrolyte, the actuators may be embedded within an inert polymer matrix material, or within solid polyelectrolyte matrix material.
摘要:
A stent can comprise a tubular body having a first region and a second region. The tubular body is defined by a plurality of serpentine bands. Each serpentine band comprises a plurality of alternating proximal turns and distal turns connected by struts. The second region comprises a first serpentine band and a second serpentine band that overlap one another about a common stent circumference. The first region comprises a serpentine band that is not overlapped by another serpentine band about a common stent circumference.
摘要:
A catheter comprising an outer shaft comprising a first section of electroactive polymer. The first section of electroactive polymer affecting either the flexibility of the catheter or the steerability of the catheter.
摘要:
A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a balloon, a plurality of guidewire housings, and a stent. The stent is disposed about the balloon. At least a portion of each of the guidewire housings is positioned between the stent and the balloon.
摘要:
A stent assembly comprises a rotatable sheath and a stent. The assembly is crimped or reduced in diameter prior to loading onto a catheter by one or more crimping apparatuses. One crimping apparatus comprises a blade having a stepped configuration. A mandrel may be used to support the assembly during crimping. The mandrel may have an expandable region. A protective sheath may be used to protect the stent during crimping and to redirect the crimping forces to desired locations about the assembly.
摘要:
A system for protecting a stent includes an electroactive polymer (EAP) sleeve, a stent, a balloon catheter, and a voltage source. A voltage is applied to the EAP sleeve, whereupon the EAP sleeve expands. The stent, disposed about the balloon catheter is inserted into the region defined by the inner surface of the EAP sleeve. The voltage is removed, whereupon the EAP sleeve contracts.