Patent ID: 7691138
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A retractable sleeve for use with a catheter, the sleeve comprising: a tubular member constructed and arranged to transition between an extended state and a retracted state, the tubular member further having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being at least partially constructed from a shape memory material and the first portion is constructed and arranged to be engaged to at least a portion of a catheter shaft and in the extended state the second portion constructed and arranged to at least partially overlay a medical device receiving region of the catheter shaft, and the second portion further constructed and arranged to respond to a transition stimulation in order to transition from the extended state to the retracted state, the transition stimulation selected from at least one member of the group consisting of ultrasonic energy, electrical stimulations, chemical stimulations, heat stimulations, optical stimulations, and any combination thereof.