Patent ID: 6360577
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: A61F,A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for applying a radial inward force to a medical device comprising:an actuation device; at least three coupled movable blades disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied, the blades movable so as to allow the aperture to be sized to contain the medical device, the blades arranged in overlapping relationship, each blade in communication with a coupling arm, each coupling arm in communication with the actuation device, the actuation device constructed and arranged to simultaneously move the coupling arms and the blades along linear paths with respect to the reference circle to alter the size of the aperture, blades which are adjacent one another sliding against one another, wherein each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved by the actuation device only along a radius of the reference circle in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the coupling arm.