Patent ID: 6997870
Filing Date: 2006-02-14
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A guide catheter apparatus, comprising: (a) a guide catheter portion comprising a plurality of electroactive polymer actuators disposed along its axial length, said actuators changing guide catheter portion shape based upon received control signals; and (b) a control unit coupled to said plurality of actuators and sending said control signals to said plurality of actuators, wherein each of said plurality of electroactive polymer actuators comprises (a) an active member portion, (b) a counter-electrode portion and (c) a region comprising an electrolyte disposed between said active member portion and said counter-electrode portion, wherein said active member portion, said counter-electrode portion and said region comprising an electrolyte are disposed between a substrate layer and a barrier layer, wherein said substrate layer is in the shape of a tube.