Ultra-sound catheter for removing obstructions from tubular anatomical structures such as blood vessels
US5312328A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 17, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0183
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrasound catheter for removing obstructions from tubular anatomic structures such as blood vessels, said catheter comprising an elongate flexible catheter body having an ultrasound transmission member or wire extending longitudinally therethrough. A distal head is formed on the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member or wire and is affixed to the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member or wire may be formed of any material capable of transmitting ultrasonic energy including various superelastic metal alloys such as nickel titanium metal alloys. The distal portion of the ultrasound transmission member or wire may be of reduced diameter to provide enhanced flexibility and/or amplification of the ultrasonic energy through the distal portion of the ultrasound transmission member or wire. A proximal end connector may be provided with a sonic connector to effectively couple the catheter to the ultrasound transducer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.