Bending, torsional and extending active catheter assembled using electroplating

This paper reports a new batch fabrication method of active catheters which have bending, torsional and extending functions for medical applications. The active catheter consists of shape memory alloy (SMA) coil for actuator and a stainless steel liner coil. The SMA coil and the liner coil are connected using nickel electroplating and acrylic resin electrodeposition. This novel method makes low cost assembly and small diameter (/spl phi/1.4 mm) possible. The new fabrication method of small diameter and thin wall tubular structure which is suitable for active catheters was developed. The tubular structure consists of stainless steel spring coil, evaporated parylene membrane and dip coated biocompatible polyurethane.