| abstract |
The present invention relates to a medical device comprising at least one ionic electroactive polymer actuator, wherein the actuator comprises at least one polymer electrolyte element defining at least one surface and a plurality of electrodes arranged around the surface of the at least one element. polymer electrolyte; an elongated flexible portion defining a proximal end and a fixed distal end adjacent to the ionic electroactive polymer actuator, wherein said elongated flexible portion further comprises a core and a sleeve surrounding the core and a plurality of electrically conductive wires, each having an end proximal and a distal end coupled to at least one of the plurality of electrodes, wherein the one or more polymeric electrolyte elements deform asymmetrically in response to an applied electrical potential through at least one of the plurality of electrodes; one of the plurality of electroconductive wires to at least one of the plurality of electrodes. |