Apparatus and methods for ultrasonically enhanced intraluminal therapy
US5725494A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22084
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrasonic catheter comprises a catheter body having a resonantly vibrating assembly at its distal end. The resonantly vibrating assembly comprises a tail mass, an interface member, and a spring element which connects the tail mass to the interface member. An interface surface is formed on the interface member and is forwardly disposed at the distal end of the catheter. A longitudinally oscillating driver is disposed between the tail mass and the interface member, and the catheter can be connected to a suitable power supply to induce oscillations in the driver. The driver is typically a piezoelectric device, such as a tubular piezoelectric transducer or a piezoelectric stack. The characteristics of the interface member, spring element, and longitudinally oscillating driver are selected so that the interface member may be resonantly vibrated at an ultrasonic frequency. The catheter is useful for treating luminal conditions, such as vascular clot and plaque. Optionally, a therapeutic agent may be delivered through the catheter simultaneously with the application of ultrasonic energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.