Electroactive polymer-based tissue apposition device and method of use

摘要

Methods and devices for positioning tissues in apposition to each other are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a tissue apposition device is provided having a flexible shaft with at least one expandable element coupled thereto, and a positioning element adapted to axially move the expandable element relative to the elongate shaft to move tissue engaged by the expandable element. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the positioning element and the expandable element(s) is formed from an electroactive polymer.