Acoustic catheter with rotary drive
US5423797A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/320028
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An acoustic catheter reduces transmission losses and unwanted heating of the transmission member by driving the catheter a rotary motor. The catheter includes an elongated body and a shaft extending longitudinally therethrough. The shaft is adapted for coupling to a rotary motor. A rotary-to-axial motion converter is coupled to the shaft at distal end of the catheter, for converting rotary shaft motion into axial acoustic motion. In one embodiment, the rotary-to-axial motion converter includes a swash plate driven by the shaft. The swash plate defines a surface which, at an angularly fixed reference point, moves axially in response to the rotary motion of the swash plate. A follower bears on the swash plate, for moving axially in response to axial motion of the follower. The follower includes a projection bearing on the swash plate and a spring urging the follower toward the swash plate. In one embodiment, the swash plate has a sinusoidal surface, while another embodiment has notches cut into the surface. The follower generates acoustic energy within a fluid medium, and may have a concave fluid coupling surface. To aspirate the material removed from arterial walls, one or more lume…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.