US 5,129,396 A · Microwave aided balloon angioplasty with lumen measurement

Abstract

A multipurpose catheter apparatus for microwave aided balloon angioplasty includes a balloon capable of being filled with a lossy dielectric liquid, and bearing a metallization pattern. The catheter includes an electromagnetic transmission line. Radio frequency energy applied to the proximal end of the electromagnetic transmission line is radiated by an antenna within the balloon. The metallization pattern causes a portion of the energy applied to the proximal end of the transmission line to be reflected, which affects a characteristic such as impedance, return loss or time of reflection. A measurement apparatus measures the characteristic, and the distention of the balloon is determined from the measured characteristic. A guide filament may extend through the transmission line.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A method for measuring the diameter of a vas or blood vessel at a particular point, comprising the steps of:

obtaining access to the interior of said bas;
inserting into said vas the distal end of an electromagnetic transmission line terminated at said distal end in an antenna surrounded by a deflated dielectric balloon carrying a conductive pattern;
adjusting said antenna and deflated balloon to a position adjacent said point;
said applying pressure for inflating said balloon;
applying a radio frequency signal to the proximal end of said transmission line;
measuring a characteristic of said signal attributable to reflections from said conductive pattern with said balloon pressurized for inflation against the walls of said vas;
and
establishing the diameter of said vas at said point from said characteristic of said signal.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Microwave aided balloon angioplasty with lumen measurement

Life of this patent

Microwave aided balloon angioplasty with lumen measurement

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11