Patent ID: 7828790
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter having selectively varying flexibility including an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a length and a lumen extending therethrough, the elongate shaft comprising: a polymer layer including a thermoplastic shape memory polymer extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongate shaft, the thermoplastic shape memory polymer having a pre-selected glass transition temperature (Tg), wherein the polymer layer includes an inner layer and an outer layer, an electrically conductive heat conductive member extending between the inner layer and the outer layer within at least a portion of the thermoplastic shape memory polymer, and an outer tubular member disposed about at least a portion of the thermoplastic shape memory polymer, and an electrical source electrically connected to the heat conductive member and configured to, when active, heat the thermoplastic shape memory polymer to a temperature about the glass transition temperature through electrical resistance of the heat conductive member.