Steerable variable stiffness device

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 5531685
SERIAL NO

08284076

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Abstract

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An apparatus includes a flexible tubular member containing a shape-memory tube formed to include a lumen extending along the central axis of the tubular member. A liner sleeve extends through the lumen of the shape-memory tube and lies inside the tubular member. A control system selectively heats the shape-memory tube to its activated state causing the shape-memory tube to move toward a predetermined shape if it is different than its present configuration. Whether the shape-memory tube moves or not, it will increase significantly in stiffness, both axial and bending to help retain, hold, or wedge the apparatus in place in a selected body cavity while catheters or other objects are passed through a lumen in the liner sleeve.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
SCIMED LIFE SYSTEMS INCONE SCIMED PLACE MAPLE GROVE MN 55311-1566

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Forman, Michael R St. Paul, MN 41 5722
Hemmer, Chad G Indianapolis, IN 2 441
McGrath, Jonathan R Chanhassen, MN 7 715
Steen, John A Zionsville, IN 2 266

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