Stone destroying catheter and method of use
USRE35787E · kind E · reissue
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 5, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC —)General
Abstract
Apparatus for disintegrating or otherwise destroying a stone, such as a gallstone, within the body of a living being. The apparatus comprises a small diameter catheter having a longitudinal axis and a working head located at the distal end thereof. The catheter is capable of being located at any position within the body so that the working head is adjacent the stone. The working head is arranged to be rotated at a high speed about the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The working head comprises at least one bladed member having an impacting surface thereon. The bladed member is arranged to move from a retracted position wherein its impacting surface is located adjacent the periphery of the catheter to an extended position wherein the impacting surface extend substantially beyond the periphery of the catheter when the working head is rotated. The impacting surface is arranged so that when it rotates in the extended position, it impacts the stone to disintegrate or otherwise destroy the stone. A shroud is provided about the distal end of the catheter to aid in directing the stone to the rotating blade while also projecting adjacent body tissue from being engaged by the rotating blad…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.