Apparatus and methods for vibratory intraluminal therapy employing magnetostrictive transducers

Abstract

An energy-transmitting catheter comprises a catheter body having a vibrating assembly at its distal end. The vibrating assembly comprises a magnetostrictive driver which is mechanically coupled to an interface member on the catheter for radiating energy into an environment surrounding the distal end of the catheter. Usually, the vibrating assembly further includes a tail mass, an interface member, and a spring element which together and in combination with the magnetostrictive driver define a resonant assembly for amplification of the displacement of the interface surface provided by the magnetostrictive driver. The catheter is useful for treating luminal conditions, such as vascular clot and plaque. Optionally, a therapeutic agent may be delivered through the catheter before, after, or simultaneously with the application of vibratory energy.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.