Flexible flow apparatus and method for the disruption of occlusions
US6547779B2 · kind B2 · utility
130Cited by
30References
244Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/2211
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for creating fluid flow from one location to another are disclosed. The fluid flow is created via the absorption of repetitive pulses of radiation in a fluid to generate bubbles that expand and collapse repetitively. This fluid mechanism, or pumping phenomenon, can be used to aid removal of a total or partial occlusion in a body passage by disrupting a surface of the occlusion with acoustic shock and pressure waves and/or by causing mechanical disruption of the occlusive material. Appropriate selection of materials and particular constructions improve apparatus flexibility.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.