Patent US5211183A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5211183A
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Steerable memory alloy guide wires
Assignee: Jomed GmbH
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Filing: 1992-03-31
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Granted: 1993-05-18
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Expires: 2012-03-31
Abstract
Abstract A medical guide wire or the like that is comprised in part or entirely of one or more heat activated memory alloys alone or in conjunction with one or more non-heat activated memory materials. The tip or any portion of a guide wire comprised of memory alloy or components thereof can be aimed, deflected or steered on command by applying heat to the alloy. Combining heat activated memory alloys alone or with non-heat activated memory materials in opposite or antagonistic configurations or assemblies permits reversible shape change of the guide wire in any direction. The heat activated or shape memory alloys may be titanium-nickel alloys, titanium-nickel-cobalt alloys, other transition and precious metal alloys or thermoplastic heat settable material which exhibit shape memory characteristics. Heating of the guide wire is accomplished by induction heating, immersion heating, application of RF energy, or by body temperature.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce C. Wilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:36
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/0105; A61M25/0133; A61M25/0158; A61M25/09; A61M2025/09058; A61M2025/09083; A61M2025/09133; A61M2025/09141; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/02; A61M2205/0266
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
55 words
A steerable guide wire for insertion in and direct contact with an internal body vessel, the guide wire consisting of at least one solid elongated strand constructed of shape memory alloy material, wherein at least one portion along the length of said strand is annealed to effect a shape change upon the application of heat.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
55 words
A steerable guide wire for insertion in and direct contact with an internal body vessel, the guide wire consisting of at least one solid elongated strand constructed of shape memory alloy material, wherein at least one portion along the length of said strand is annealed to effect a shape change upon the application of heat.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein a plurality of spaced portions along the length of said strand are annealed to effect shape change in different directions upon the application of heat.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein a distal end portion of said strand is annealed to deform into a substantially sinusoidal curve configuration upon the application of heat for anchoring said guide wire within the body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein said guide wire is rotatable about 360° to achieve reversible and omni-directional deflection.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein said shape memory alloy means is a titanium-nickel alloy.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein said shape memory alloy means is comprised of a heat settable plastic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein said shape memory alloy means is a titanium-nickel-cobalt alloy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein said shape memory alloy means is a titanium-copper alloy.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein said shape memory alloy is annealed to assume a deflected configuration when heated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein said shape memory alloy is annealed to assume a straight configuration when heated.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein said guide wire is adapted to precede and to serve as a vehicle for positioning an angioplasty catheter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 wherein said guide wire is adapted for use as a vehicle to precede and position an angiographic catheter.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 1 and further including means to effect heating to said predetermined temperature.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 13 wherein said heat effecting means comprises induction heating.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 14 wherein said guide wire is at least partially insulated with non-conductive material to prevent current leakage outside the guide wire.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
A steerable guide wire as defined in claim 13 wherein said heat effecting means comprises body temperature.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
A steerable guide wire is defined in claim 13 wherein said heat effecting means comprises immersion heating.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3890977A
Cited
US4758222A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-05-17 | 1996-11-16 | 1997-05-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-17 | 2000-11-16 | 2001-05-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-17 | 2004-11-16 | 2005-05-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |