Patent ID: 6348067
Filing Date: 2002-02-19
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
A system for opening and temporarily supporting a portion of a generally tubular organ, comprising, in combination:a dilation catheter including a shape memory catheter tip which is both (a) integral with said dilation catheter, and (b) incapable of being separated from said dilation catheter during times when the system functions according to its intended purposes, said shape memory catheter tip including a portion thereof which is formed of a shape memory alloy, means for insertion of the dilation catheter including said shape memory catheter tip at a first temperature into the generally tubular organ at a first desired location within said tubular organ, said shape memory catheter tip assuming a first shape at said first temperature, means for causing the temperature of said shape memory catheter tip to increase to a second temperature which is higher than said first temperature, thereby making said shape memory catheter tip to assume a second shape in response to the resulting rise in temperature; and elastic means integral with said shape memory catheter tip, wherein said elastic means has an initial shape, said initial shape is generally similar to said first shape, wherein said elastic means applies force on said shape memory catheter tip so as to deform said shape memory catheter tip toward said first shape.