Assembly of Bending, Torsional and Extending Active Catheter Using Electroplating

Abstract

This paper reports a new batch fabrication method of active catheters which have bending, torsional and extending functions for steering. The active catheter consists of shape memory alloy (SMA) coil actuators and a liner coil to return to its original shape. The SMA coil and the liner coil are connected each other using electroplating of nickel and electrodeposition of acrylic polymer. This novel method makes low cost assembly and small diameter (φ1.4mm) possible.