US Patent 7331969 Micro tools

Tool arrays for biomedical surgery where the tools consist of layered polymer micromuscles arranged to induce geometrical changes and movements via an electrochemically induced change of volume in at least one polymer layer. The tool or tool arrays are mounted on a carrier having the form of a needle being inserted into a cannula/catheter through which the tools can be electrically actuated via external means to induce a mechanical movement to act upon biological structures.