REVERSIBLY AND RADIALLY EXPANDABLE ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER ELEMENT FOR TEMPORARY OCCLUSION OF A VESSEL

摘要

An occlusion device (23) is formed of an electroactive polymer element (10) mounted on an elongated shaft (18). The electroactive polymer element includes an outer electrode (11), an inner electrode (13), and an electroactive polymer film (15) disposed between the inner and outer electrodes. The electroactive polymer element may be formed in a hollow, generally cylindrical shape such that a longitudinal opening is formed inside of the inner electrode. The elongated shaft may be a guidewire or catheter. The inner and outer electrodes are coupled to an electrical power source (38) such that an electrical voltage can be applied between the inner and outer electrodes. Upon application of the electrical voltage between the inner and outer electrodes, the electroactive polymer element expands to block a blood vessel of a patient.