Ultrasound apparatus and methods for mixing liquids and coating stents
US7896539B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B17/063
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Ultrasound methods and apparatus for mixing two or more different liquids are disclosed. The ultrasound methods and apparatus may mix varied components including drugs, polymers, and coatings for application to a variety of medical apparatus surfaces. The apparatus and technique can generate a proper mixture which is uninterruptedly/continuously delivered to the surface of the medical apparatus. The apparatus may include specific ultrasound transducer/tip configurations which may allow for the mixing of different liquids in a mixing camera located inside of the vibrating tip. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may mix different drugs, applying them to stent surface using different effects like ultrasound cavitation and radiation forces. Furthermore, the disclosed methods and apparatus may generate a mixture and may deliver a targeted, gentle, highly controllable dispensation of continuous liquid spray which can reduce the loss of expensive pharmaceuticals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.