PROTECTION BY ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER SLEEVE

摘要

A system for protecting a stent includes an electroactive polymer (EAP) sleeve (12) , a stent (25) , a balloon catheter (30) , and a voltage source (35) . A voltage is applied to the EAP sleeve, whereupon the EAP sleeve expands. The stent, disposed about the balloon catheter is inserted into the region defined by the inner surface (4) of the EAP sleeve. The voltage is removed, whereupon the EAP sleeve contracts .