Laser-activated shape memory polymer intravascular thrombectomy device

A blood clot (thrombus) that becomes lodged in the arterial network supplying the brain can cause an ischemic stroke, depriving the brain of oxygen and often resulting in permanent disability. As an alternative to conventional clot-dissolving drug treatment, we are developing an intravascular laser-...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optics express 2005-10, Vol.13 (20), p.8204-8213
Main Authors: Small Iv, Ward, Wilson, Thomas, Benett, William, Loge, Jeffrey, Maitland, Duncan
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:A blood clot (thrombus) that becomes lodged in the arterial network supplying the brain can cause an ischemic stroke, depriving the brain of oxygen and often resulting in permanent disability. As an alternative to conventional clot-dissolving drug treatment, we are developing an intravascular laser-activated therapeutic device using shape memory polymer (SMP) to mechanically retrieve the thrombus and restore blood flow to the brain. Thermal imaging and computer simulation were used to characterize the optical and photothermal behavior of the SMP microactuator. Deployment of the SMP device in an in vitro thrombotic vascular occlusion model demonstrated the clinical treatment concept.
ISSN:1094-4087
1094-4087
DOI:10.1364/opex.13.008204