Appeal 2007-1451
Application 09/970,146
1 Maseda
2 02. Maseda is directed toward medical devices, and more particularly to
3 catheters, cannulae, guidewires, endoscopes and similar flexible probe
4 devices incorporating electroactive polymers for increased
5 maneuverability and controllability. (Maseda, col. 1, ll. 8-12).
6 03. The controllable intralumen medical device of Maseda integrates a
7 controller and electroactive polymers with flexible probe medical
8 devices such as catheters, guidewires, cannulae and endoscopes to create
9 a device capable of navigating through tortuous passages where precise
10 control of the device is desired. By configuring the electroactive polymer
11 material (typically strands) in various schemes and synchronizing
12 material activation via the controller, the potential movement of the
13 flexible probe that can be achieved would essentially be limitless. The
14 combination of strand length, placement in or on the flexible probe, size
15 and level of activation will determine the amount and type of movement
16 possible. For example, the device may be made to bend in any direction
17 in three-dimensional space. In addition, specific movements or states of
18 rigidity may be achieved. For example, the device may be made to
19 wiggle, slither, twirl, pulse, vibrate, rotate, expand or virtually be made
20 to make any other movement or combination of movements. The device
21 may also be made rigid along its entire length or in sections such that it
22 may be guided through difficult to pass regions such as regions having
23 tight stenotic lesions. (Maseda, col. 2, ll. 41-62).
24 04. Maseda states:
25 Ion-exchange polymer-noble metal composites are
6
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Next
Last modified: September 9, 2013