Apparatus and method for enhanced intravascular phonophoresis including dissolution of intravascular blockage and concomitant inhibition of restenosis
US5474531A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22082
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Ultrasonic apparatus and method for coupling ultrasonic energy into intravascular walls to enhance phonophoresis and for dissolution of intravascular blockages. The apparatus includes a radiator for coupling ultrasonic waves and a piezoelectric crystal, connected with said radiator, for the intravascular generation of ultrasonic waves; said ultrasonic waves being propagated along a longitudinal axis of said piezoelectric crystal. The radiator is sized for intravascular insertion. A transmission cable may be provided for transmitting ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic transducer to the radiator. A seed liquid is introduced proximate the radiator for promoting cavitation of intravascular fluid. In addition, enhancement of dissolution of intravascular blockages and inhibition of restenosis by chemical agents is significantly increased when combined with ultrasonic energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.