Flexible flow apparatus and method for the disruption of occlusions
US6440124B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/266
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention encompasses methods and flexible apparatus for delivering radiation energy to a radiation-absorbing fluid within the apparatus to generate a series of expanding and collapsing bubbles therein, and thereby generate flow in a fluid surrounding the apparatus. Effective fluid flow is obtained via at least one optical fiber, disposed within the apparatus near a distal opening therein, that, when fired, tends to pump fluid with respect to the apparatus, and at least one other optical fiber, disposed within the apparatus in the vicinity of a side opening thereof, that, when fired, tends to agitate fluid near its distal end. These pumping and agitative actions cause a net fluid motion that is particularly effective in disrupting a partial or total occlusion in a body passage, such as a blood vessel, within which the apparatus is operated. While a relatively low level of radiation energy or power may be used for such applications, it may be desirable to increase the radiation energy or power to obtain greater disruption effects. The apparatus is adapted to provide a cooling medium to the body passage to avoid causing any substantial thermal injury to the walls of the passage, …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.