Balloon catheters having ultrasonically driven interface surfaces and methods for their use
US5846218A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/104
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A catheter comprises a catheter body having an oscillating driver, an interface surface mechanically coupled to the driver, and an inflatable balloon disposed near the interface surface. The balloon may be an angioplasty balloon, in which case the interface surface will deliver ultrasonic or other vibratory energy into a blood vessel as part of an angioplasty or related procedure. Alternatively, the catheter may comprise a pair of axially spaced-apart isolation balloons, in which case the interface surface can deliver ultrasonic or other vibratory energy into a treatment region defined between said balloons. The energy can thus act to mix or enhance penetration of a treatment held between said balloons in performing a vascular treatment procedure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.