Flexible debulking catheters with imaging and methods of use and manufacture

US8808186B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Covidien LP · US

Inventors

• Benjamin Fruland · Blaine, US
• Zachary Garvey · Stillwater, US
• Ethan Andrew Guggenheimer · Minnetonka, US
• Thomas McPeak · Shakopee, US
• John Pedersen · Eden Prairie, US
• Scott Petersen · Mansfield, US
• Lindsay Ann Crescenzo · Blaine, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 10, 2011
• Grant date: Aug 19, 2014
• Expiry date: Nov 20, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49826
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Catheters and methods for removing material from (or “debulking”) a body lumen while imaging the region comprised of the material are provided. The catheters can be used in body lumens, including but not limited to intravascular lumens such as coronary or peripheral arteries. The catheters include housings or other structures to mount or protect an imaging transducer. Generally, debulking catheters include a proximal portion, a distal portion having an opening, a cutting element which may be exposed through the opening to contact material in a body lumen and an imaging transducer with associated circuitry and display. The catheter debulks a body lumen when it is moved while the cutting element is in contact with the material in the lumen and the region comprised of the material is imaged before, after, or during catheter movement.