An ablation catheter including an elongate shaft, an inflatable balloon positioned at a distal region of the elongate shaft, a first ablation electrode disposed outside of and carried by an outer surface of the inflatable balloon, a first ultrasound transducer disposed outside of the inflatable balloon, and a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit includes a first conductor and a second conductor and is disposed outside of and carried by the outer surface of the inflatable balloon. The first conductor is in electrical communication with the first ablation electrode, and the second conductor in electrical communication with the first ultrasound transducer.

This document relates to shape memory compositions containing a sliding-ring polymer (polyrotaxane) additive and a thermally-curable epoxy resin. The shape memory compositions are able to deform and reform in response to external stimuli. This document also relates to 3D-printed shape memory compositions containing a sliding-ring polymer (polyrotaxane) additive and a thermally-curable epoxy resin.

A method of bonding a first part on a second part made of composite material by an adhesive, in which the adhesive is filled with elements of shape memory alloy, is provided. A method of un-sticking the first part adhesively bonded on the composite material second part is also provided. The un-sticking method includes a step of weakening the adhesive interface that consists in subjecting the adhesively bonded parts to heat treatment performed at a temperature that is lower or higher than the martensitic transformation temperature of the shape memory alloy elements.

This invention relates to shape memory block copolymers comprising: at least one switching segment having a T.sub.trans from 10 to 70° C.; and at least one soft segment, wherein at least one of the switching segments in linked to at least one of the soft segments by at least one linkage, and wherein the copolymer transforms from a first shape to a second shape by application of a first stimulus and the copolymer transforms back to the first shape from the second shape by application of a second stimulus. The shape memory block copolymers may be biocompatible and biodegradable.

Shape memory polymers (SMP) based on poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) in the presence of 2-carboxyethyl acrylate oligomers (CEA), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and cross linked by ionizing radiation were investigated. Chemical crosslinking by glutaraldehyde for PVA in the presence of CEA and MWCNTs was also studied. Radiation cross linked SMP exhibits good temperature responsive shape memory behavior as demonstrated by thermal properties of radiation investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis. Transition temperature at Tan δ of radiation cross linked SMP decreased significantly by 6 and 13° C. due to addition of MWCNTs. The developed SMP exhibited promising shape memory behavior of radiation cross linked SMP for biomedical applications between temperatures range of Tan δ. Results on the gel fraction revealed significant reduction in swelling and increase in gelation due to chemical cross linking with glutaraldehyde. The radiation cross linked SMP reached 100% gelation at an irradiation dose of 50 kGy.

An ultrasonic system includes an ultrasound transducer housing, an ultrasonic catheter, and a transducer mechanism. The ultrasound transducer housing contains a transducer horn configured to be connected to a signal generator. The ultrasonic catheter includes an ultrasound transmission member having a proximal end and disposed in the lumen, a sonic connector that connects the proximal end of the ultrasound transmission member with the transducer horn, a control ring, and a nesting piece configured to selectively receive the sonic connector. The control ring is operatively coupled to the nesting piece to move the nesting piece. The transducer mechanism is configured to move from a first position to a second position, and wherein the transducer mechanism is configured such that movement of the transducer mechanism from the first position to the second position engages the control ring on the catheter to move the nesting piece.

A composition for sealing defects in structural materials such as roads or paved surfaces, the composition preferably comprising one or more shape memory polymer (SMP) components capable of responding to increased temperature by decreasing in volume.

An improved device and method for extended repair and regeneration of muscle tissue. An exemplary device comprises (a) a scaffold comprising an ECM component; (b) a combination of growth factors such as VEGF and IGF; and (c) a population of myogenic cells. Implantation of the device leads to muscle regeneration and repair over an extended period of time.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for an RF guidewire for applying RF energy to create a channel through a region of tissue within a patient's body. The RF guidewire is configured to have a hydrophilic coating disposed thereon to reduce friction to facilitate traversal through vasculature while maintaining its mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.

Cardiac ablation catheters and methods of use. Catheters that include an expandable membrane, an imaging member disposed within the expandable membrane, the imaging member having a field of view, a light source disposed within the expandable member adapted to deliver light towards the field of view of the imaging member, and an electrode comprising an outer conductive layer and inner light absorbing layer disposed between the electrode and the expandable membrane, the inner light absorbing layer adapted to absorb light from the light source and thereby reduce reflection of the light from the outer conductive electrode.