Patent ID: 7879004
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter having a distal tip that can be selectively deflected in a desired direction, comprising: (a) an elongate flexible shaft having a distal end where the distal tip of the catheter is disposed, a proximal end, and an outer surface; (b) an actuator, at least a portion of which is disposed proximate to the outer surface, and which is selectively actuatable either by changing a temperature of the actuator or by applying an electric potential, to provide a directed force that causes the distal end of the catheter to deflect in the desired direction further comprising a sheath, the sheath comprising a non-extendible balloon that is disposed around the outer surface of the elongate flexible shaft, encompassing the actuator; and (c) a source of electrical energy for selectively actuating the actuator by changing the temperature of the actuator or by providing the electric potential, to deflect the distal end in the desired direction.