초록 ▼

This invention provides a method and apparatus for selectively heating an atheromatous mass which partially or fully occludes a particular blood vessel. As a result, the occlusive mass is effectively softened or weakened, allowing the occlusive mass to be more readily recanalized by expansion of a b

This invention provides a method and apparatus for selectively heating an atheromatous mass which partially or fully occludes a particular blood vessel. As a result, the occlusive mass is effectively softened or weakened, allowing the occlusive mass to be more readily recanalized by expansion of a balloon or other dilitation means. This invention also provides a method and apparatus for effectively boring through a partially or fully occluded blood vessel by simultaneously applying both (1) heat to the occlusive mass surrounding the tip of the catheter and (2) pressure against the mass within the partially or fully occluded blood vessel.

대표청구항 ▼

In an angioplasty catheter having a dilation means, the improvement comprising: a first electrode located on an extensible guidewire; second electrode located at a distal end of said catheter electrically insulated from said first electrode; a third electrode located at a distal end of said dilation

In an angioplasty catheter having a dilation means, the improvement comprising: a first electrode located on an extensible guidewire; second electrode located at a distal end of said catheter electrically insulated from said first electrode; a third electrode located at a distal end of said dilation means electrically insulated from said first and second electrodes; a fourth electrode located at a proximal end of said dilation means electrically insulated from said first, second, and third electrodes; whereby said guidewire comprises said first electrode; whereby said second, third, and fourth electrodes are annular metallic regions having a wire extending therefrom; means for selectively communicating an electric current to said electrodes to thereby cause heating of a resistive mass located between said electrodes; whereby said means for communicating an electric current to said second, third, and fourth electrodes comprises at least one wire contained within the catheter; and whereby said guidewire comprises said means for communicating an electric current to said first electrode.