초록 ▼

The present invention comprises apparatus and methods for maintaining patency in body passages subject to occlusion by invasive tissue growth. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may be used to open and maintain patency in virtually any hollow body passage which may be subject to occl

The present invention comprises apparatus and methods for maintaining patency in body passages subject to occlusion by invasive tissue growth. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may be used to open and maintain patency in virtually any hollow body passage which may be subject to occlusion by invasive cellular growth or invasive solid tumor growth. Suitable hollow body passages include ducts, orifices, lumens, and the like, with exemplary body passages including the coronary arteries. The present invention is particularly useful for reducing or eliminating the effects of restenosis in coronary arteries by selectively removing tissue ingrowth in or around stents anchored therein.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for maintaining patency in a body passage having an intraluminal prosthesis with a cylindrical wall positioned therein, wherein occlusive media has grown through or around the cylindrical wall of the prosthesis into the body passage, the method comprising:positio

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for maintaining patency in a body passage having an intraluminal prosthesis with a cylindrical wall positioned therein, wherein occlusive media has grown through or around the cylindrical wall of the prosthesis into the body passage, the method comprising:positioning an active electrode near or at the occlusive media;delivering electrically conductive fluid to the prosthesis such that the active electrode is substantially surrounded by the electrically conductive fluid; andapplying high frequency voltage to the active electrode to selectively remove the occlusive media without directly applying current to the prosthesis.