Patent ID: 6872433
Filing Date: 2005-03-29
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L,A61M,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for minimally invasive applications, said apparatus having a longitudinal axis with said apparatus extending in a radial direction from said longitudinal axis and said apparatus being activated by a change in temperature, comprising: a first unit comprising a first structure for at least positioning said apparatus, said first structure including a quantity of shape memory alloy and a second unit comprising a second structure for at least positioning said apparatus, said second structure including a quantity of shape memory polymer, said first unit comprising said first structure including said shape memory alloy having a longitudinally extending coiled configuration with more than one wrap, and said second unit comprising said second structure including said shape memory polymer comprising a cylinder, wherein said first unit is positioned in said second unit such that changes in temperature of said shape memory alloy causes said first unit to change position by a radial contraction and a longitudinal extension and to stretch said second unit comprising said second structure including said shape memory polymer along said longitudinal axis.