Importance

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Abstract

The controllable deployment system for a radially expandable frame utilized during catheterization includes a guide wire with a stop, a radially expandable frame through which the guide wire freely passes, an elongated actuation sleeve over the guide wire, and a friction locking mechanism located at the proximal end of the system. The expandable frame has a closed, radially compact form and an open, radially expanded form. The proximal end of the frame is coupled to an actuator sleeve. The actuator sleeve, at its proximal end, includes a friction locking mechanism having locking members with respective locking surfaces. The locking mechanism permits the user to lock or hold static the actuator sleeve (and therefore, the expandable frame) with respect to the guide wire, typically in an open, radially expanded form and a closed form. Tactile markers or indicia may be included.

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First Claim