Apparatus and methods for ultrasonically enhanced fluid delivery
AssigneePharmasonics, Inc.
InventorAxel F. Brisken
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An ultrasonic catheter comprises a catheter body having an interface surface which extends at least partially over a circumferential portion of the catheter body. The interface surface is coupled to an oscillating driver so that axial and/or radial oscillations are radiated into a fluid environment surrounding the catheter body. Optionally, the catheter may be provided with a fluid infusion lumen and/or inflatable balloons on either side of the interface surface in order to deliver treatment fluid within a specific or isolated region in a body lumen.
Claims53
A catheter comprising:
- a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;
- an oscillating driver disposed in catheter body;
- and
- an interface member having an interface surface which extends axially over at least a portion of and is spaced-apart from a circumferential surface of the catheter body, wherein the interface member is coupled to the oscillating driver at a single location so that said driver will transmit axial oscillations to the interface member to cause the interface surface to axially oscillate as a single body relative to the catheter body to induce transverse wave motion in fluid lying adjacent to the catheter body.
A catheter comprising:
- a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a longitudinally oscillating driver having a proximal end and a distal end, said driver extending distally from the distal end of the catheter body;
- and
- an interface member spaced-apart from the catheter body and coupled to the distal end of the longitudinally oscillating driver at a single location, said interface member having an interface surface at least a portion of which is disposed circumferentially about the catheter body.
A catheter comprising:
- a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;
- an interface member having an interface surface;
- and
- a pair of longitudinally oscillating drivers connected in tandem so that the combined lengths of the drivers remains substantially constant as the drivers are oscillated;
- wherein the interface member is mechanically coupled to the catheter body through the pair of drivers so that simultaneous oscillation of the drivers induces longitudinal movement of the interface surface.
A method for treating an intraluminal site, said method comprising:
- providing a catheter having an interface member near its distal end;
- advancing a circumferential interface surface on the catheter to a region near the intraluminal site;
- and
- driving the interface surface in an axial direction relative to the catheter to induce wave motion in fluid adjacent to the circumferential interface surface, wherein all points along the length of the interface surface move in unison.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.