Patent ID: 7399291
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A catheter for treatment of chronic total occlusions, comprising: an occlusion breaching device having: a catheter body of a temperature-dependent softening, shape-memory, thermoplastic polymer having a first relatively flexible state and a second relatively stiff state, said catheter body having: a heat-transferring device fluidically connected to said heat transfer conduit and selectively changing a temperature of said heat transfer conduit to, thereby, change a stiffness of said catheter body from said first flexible state to said second stiff state; a centering device connected to said catheter body and centering said catheter body in a vessel in which said catheter body is placed; and a vacuum fluidically connected to said distal end of said catheter body for drawing matter at said distal end through said catheter body.