Figure 13.

Representation of endovascular thrombectomy using the laser activated shape memory polymer micro actuator attached to an optical fiber. (a) In its secondary straight rod form, the micro actuator is delivered through a catheter distal to the thrombotic vascular occlusion. (b) Primary corkscrew form of micro actuator induced by laser heating. (c) The deployed micro actuator is retracted to capture the thrombus. (Reproduced with permission from [100] Copyright 2005, The Optical Society).