초록 ▼

An ultrasonic catheter comprises a catheter body having a resonantly vibrating assembly at its distal end. The resonantly vibrating assembly comprises a tail mass, an interface member, and a spring element which connects the tail mass to the interface member. An interface surface is formed on the in

An ultrasonic catheter comprises a catheter body having a resonantly vibrating assembly at its distal end. The resonantly vibrating assembly comprises a tail mass, an interface member, and a spring element which connects the tail mass to the interface member. An interface surface is formed on the interface member and is forwardly disposed at the distal end of the catheter. A longitudinally oscillating driver is disposed between the tail mass and the interface member, and the catheter can be connected to a suitable power supply to induce oscillations in the driver. The driver is typically a piezoelectric device, such as a tubular piezoelectric transducer or a piezoelectric stack. The characteristics of the interface member, spring element, and longitudinally oscillating driver are selected so that the interface member may be resonantly vibrated at an ultrasonic frequency. The catheter is useful for treating luminal conditions, such as vascular clot and plaque. Optionally, a therapeutic agent may be delivered through the catheter simultaneously with the application of ultrasonic energy.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A catheter comprising:a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;a tail mass attached to the catheter body;a longitudinally oscillating driver engaging and extending distally from the tail mass;an interface member engaging a distally forward surface of the osc

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A catheter comprising:a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;a tail mass attached to the catheter body;a longitudinally oscillating driver engaging and extending distally from the tail mass;an interface member engaging a distally forward surface of the oscillating driver, wherein the mass of the interface member is much less than that of the tail mass; anda spring element connecting the tail mass to the interface member, wherein the spring element has a spring force which is selected to permit resonant driving by the longitudinally oscillating driver.