REMOVABLE SUPPORT DEVICE

摘要

System (100) and method for opening and temporarily supporting a section of a generally tubular organ, the system (100) includes a dilation catheter (102) with an integrally connected shape memory catheter tip (356) which may further consist of an elastic biasing element (404, 602) to promote shape change. The shape memory catheter tip (356) is made of a shape memory alloy wherein the shape memory catheter tip (356) assumes a first shape at a first temperature and a second shape at a second temperature. The system (100) also includes an energy control unit (320) providing a heat source to initiate the shape change of the shape memory catheter tip (356). The shape memory catheter tip (356) constitutes an energy transfer unit (362a, b) forming a conduit (362a, b) for delivery of a temperature controlled fluid for heat energy conveyance. An addition energy transfer unit (364a, b) may be provided as two electrical leads (364a, b) generating heat energy via the electrical resistance of the shape memory alloy material forming the shape memory catheter tip (356). A guiding tip (360) may be disposed within and extend beyond the shape memory catheter tip (356).