Patent ID: 6676692
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
Apparatus for deploying and/or retrieving and/or repositioning a stent having a shape memory, comprising:an elongate catheter assembly having a proximal end region and a distal end region; a thermal transfer device situated on said catheter assembly at said distal end region thereof defining a chamber having a thermal transfer wall, said thermal transfer device comprising an expandable member structured and arranged to expand and collapse between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition and a frame assembly coupled to said expandable member selectively actuatable from said proximal end region of said catheter assembly for expanding and collapsing said expandable member, said frame assembly including a plurality of flexible elongate frame members, each elongate frame member coupled to both said expandable member and said catheter assembly at said distal end region thereof; and means for providing an inflow of thermal transfer fluid into said chamber from said proximal end region of said catheter assembly for transferring thermal energy to said stent through said thermal transfer wall, to adjust the temperature of the stent.