초록 ▼

A system for delivering shape memory alloy prosthesis includes a catheter, a fluid injector and a controller. The catheter includes a fluid lumen coupled to the fluid injector and one or more openings at its distal end which are at least partially disposed beneath the prosthesis. The catheter furthe

A system for delivering shape memory alloy prosthesis includes a catheter, a fluid injector and a controller. The catheter includes a fluid lumen coupled to the fluid injector and one or more openings at its distal end which are at least partially disposed beneath the prosthesis. The catheter further includes a thermocouple at its distal end for monitoring the temperature of the prosthesis in situ to minimize thermal damage to fluids and tissue within the body lumen. A fluid is heated to an initial temperature, and then delivered through the openings to the prosthesis, and thermal energy is directly transferred to the prosthesis to expand the prosthesis at a temperature above the body temperature. The temperature and flow rate of the fluid is precisely controlled such that the prosthesis is expanded, and thermal damage to the body lumen is minimized.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for implanting a tubular prosthesis within a body lumen, said system comprising:a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a fluid lumen therebetween and an opening near or at the distal end coupled to the fluid lumen for directing a heated fluid;a temperatu

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A system for implanting a tubular prosthesis within a body lumen, said system comprising:a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a fluid lumen therebetween and an opening near or at the distal end coupled to the fluid lumen for directing a heated fluid;a temperature sensing element near the opening on the catheter for monitoring the temperature of the heated fluid from the lumen in situ;a tubular prosthesis mounted at least partially over the opening at the distal end of the catheter, said prosthesis being composed at least in part from a shape memory alloy and having a narrow diameter configuration and an expanded diameter configuration;a heat source; anda controller coupled to the catheter and disposed to control flow of the heated fluid through the fluid lumen of the catheter to the opening at the distal end so as to directly transfer a sufficient amount of heat from the heated fluid to the prosthesis to expand the prosthesis to the expanded diameter configuration without causing substantial thermal damage to tissue or fluids within the body lumen, said controller comprising a temperature controller coupled to the temperature sensing element and the heat source.