Device and Method of Ablative Cutting with Helical Tip
AssigneeThe Spectranetics Corporation
InventorsBrandon Thomas Hendrick, Kenneth P. Grace
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Abstract
Catheter devices for ablation and removal of occlusions from blood vessels and methods of using the same are provided. Catheter devices are useful to ablate, cut, dislodge, and otherwise remove occlusions within a blood vessel that may limit or prevent proper circulation. Distal features of the catheter devices comprise arrangements of laser ablative or mechanical cutting features that generally provide enhanced surface areas and cutting functions. Spiral or helical arrangements are provided to aid in cutting operations.
Claims20
A catheter assembly comprising.
- a catheter having a distal portion and an orifice for a lumen extending proximally from the distal portion, wherein the distal portion comprises a distal tip having an extending helical configuration;
- and
- a plurality of optical fibers located within the cutting instrument, the optical fibers having distal ends located within the extending helical configuration of the distal tip.
A catheter assembly comprising.
- a catheter having a distal portion and an orifice for a lumen extending proximally from the distal portion;
- a cutting instrument located at the distal portion of the catheter, the cutting instrument having an extending helical configuration, the cutting instrument comprising a sharp cutting surface;
- and
- a plurality of optical fibers located within the cutting instrument.
A catheter assembly comprising:
- a catheter defining an lumen therein;
- a plurality of optical fibers provided in a helical arrangement substantially concentric with the inner lumen;
- a mechanical cutting feature provided proximate the plurality of optical fibers;
- the plurality of optical fibers having a distal fiber and a proximal fiber, wherein the distal fiber is axially offset from the proximal fiber by a predetermined distance and wherein said mechanical cutting feature extends along said predetermined distance;
- the plurality of optical fibers provided external to the inner lumen, the inner lumen providing a pathway for travel of material ablated by the optical fibers;
- and
- wherein the helical arrangement extends approximately 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the catheter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.