Patent ID: 7766896
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A catheter comprising a first section of electroactive polymer having a surface, the first section of electroactive polymer being actuated by a first braid comprising a plurality of interbraided strands, the plurality of interbraided strands comprising at least one first strand having a surface and at least one second strand having a surface, the at least one first strand being an electrode and the at least one second strand being a counter electrode, at least a portion of the surface of the at least one first strand being in contact with a portion of the surface of the first section of electroactive polymer and at least a portion of the surface of the at least one second strand being in contact with a portion of the surface of the first section of electroactive polymer, further comprising an electrolyte liner which is in contact with at least a portion of the first section of electroactive polymer and at least a portion of the counter electrode, wherein the flexibility of the catheter may be altered upon actuation of the first section of electroactive polymer.