Abstract: Cold worked nickel-titanium alloys that have linear pseudoelastic behavior without a phase transformation or onset of stress-induced martensite as applied to a medical device having a strut formed body deployed from a sheath is disclosed. In one application, an embolic protection device that employs a linear pseudoelastic nitinol self-expanding strut assembly with a small profile delivery system for use with interventional procedures is disclosed. The expandable strut assembly is covered with a filter element and both are compressed into a restraining sheath for delivery to a deployment site downstream and distal to an interventional procedure. Once at the desired site, the restraining sheath is retracted to deploy the embolic protection device, which captures flowing emboli generated during the interventional procedure. Linear pseudoelastic nitinol is used in the medical device as distinct from non-linear pseudoelastic (i.e., superelastic) nitinol.

Abstract: A stent for use in a curved body lumen is disclosed. The stent is made from a superelastic alloy such as nickel titanium or nitinol, and optionally includes a ternary element. The superelastic alloy has a low temperature phase or martensitic phase and a high temperature phase or an austenitic phase. In the high temperature phase, the stent has a curve along the length that closely matches the curve of the vessel in the patient's anatomy. When deployed in the curved vessel of the patient, the heat set curve of the stent closely conforms to the curvature in the vessel and minimizes trauma and stress to the vessel.

Abstract: A filter cleaning device for purging filters made of porous material employs a tank containing pressurized air and a flow conduit communicating with the tank. A shield mounted on the flow conduit is shaped to engage the filter whereby the pressurized air is suddenly released into an interior chamber of the filter upon actuating a flow valve. An extensible member such as a spring is mounted inside the conduit and has a air flow diverter attached to its lower end so that, upon the sudden rush of air, the flow diverter spreads the air outwardly and radially toward the filter medium and the extensible member gradually extends so that dust is purged substantially from all parts of the filter.