Apparatus and methods for vibratory intraluminal therapy employing magnetostrictive transducers
US6221038A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/22084
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An energy transmitting catheter comprises a catheter body (16) having a vibrating assembly at its distal end. The vibrating assembly comprises a magnetostriction driver (40) which is mechanically coupled to an interface member (46) on the catheter for radiating energy into an environment surrounding the distal end of the catheter. Usually, the vibrating assembly further includes a tail mass (44), an interface member (46), and a spring element (48) which together and in combination with the magnetostriction driver define a resonant assembly for amplification of the displacement of the interface surface provided by the magnetostriction driver. The catheter is useful for treating luminal conditions, such as vascular clot and plaque. Optionally, a therapeutic agent may be delivered through the catheter before, after, or simultaneously with the application of vibratory energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.