초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed

A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.

대표청구항 ▼

A device for implanting a formable polymeric article into a patient at a tissue surface, comprising: an elongated shaft having a proximal region and a distal region that is adapted for insertion into a patient; an article-forming element at the distal region of the shaft; an emitter of a predetermin

A device for implanting a formable polymeric article into a patient at a tissue surface, comprising: an elongated shaft having a proximal region and a distal region that is adapted for insertion into a patient; an article-forming element at the distal region of the shaft; an emitter of a predetermined wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation at the distal region of the shaft; and a polymeric article positioned on the device in association with the article-shaping element, the polymeric article containing a chromophore in an amount sufficient to absorb sufficient radiation from the emitter to soften the article to the extent that it becomes formable, the wavelength range of the emitter and the chromophore being matched such that, in conjunction with the arrangement of the emitter and the article, a surface of the polymeric article facing the tissue surface can be rendered sufficiently fluent to be moldable in vivo into intimate and conforming contact with the tissue surface without damaging the tissue surface.