Delivery of ultrasound to precutaneous and intrabody devices
First Claim
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1. A method for reducing morbidity associated with a medical device inserted into the body of a patient, comprising applying ultrasonic energy to the device with sufficient intensity to inhibit accretion of biological matter associated with the device while the device is in the body.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for reducing morbidity associated with a medical device inserted into the body of a patient. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the device with sufficient intensity to inhibit accretion of biological matter associated with the device while the device is in the body. Typically, the energy is applied to the device in the absence of clinically-observable accretion of biological matter on the device so as to prevent such accretion.
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Citations
58 Claims
- 1. A method for reducing morbidity associated with a medical device inserted into the body of a patient, comprising applying ultrasonic energy to the device with sufficient intensity to inhibit accretion of biological matter associated with the device while the device is in the body.
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16. Apparatus for reducing morbidity associated with a device inserted into the body of a patient, comprising an ultrasonic energy generator, which is coupled to apply ultrasonic energy to the device with sufficient intensity to inhibit accretion of biological matter associated with the device while the device is in the body.
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29. An ultrasonic energy generator for use with an invasive medical device, comprising:
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a generator body, adapted to be mechanically coupled to a proximal portion of the invasive device that is outside the body; and
a transducer, held by the generator body so as to apply ultrasonic energy to the invasive device while a distal portion of the device is in the body.
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36. A medical device, comprising:
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an intrabody member, for insertion into the body of a patient; and
an ultrasonic energy generator, which is coupled to apply ultrasonic energy to the intrabody member with sufficient intensity to inhibit accretion of biological matter associated with the device while the device is in the body.
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- 53. Apparatus for reducing morbidity associated with a device inserted into the body of a patient, comprising an ultrasonic transducer, which is coupled to the skin of the body adjacent to a location of the device in the body and is adapted to apply ultrasonic energy through the skin to the device with sufficient intensity to inhibit accretion of biological matter associated with the device while the device is in the body.
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55. A method for reducing morbidity associated with a medical device inserted into the body of a patient, comprising:
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coupling a transducer to an outer surface of the body adjacent to a location of the device in the body; and
applying ultrasonic energy to the device through the outer surface of the body with sufficient intensity to inhibit accretion of biological matter associated with the device while the device is in the body. - View Dependent Claims (57, 58)
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56. A medical device, comprising:
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a tubular member for insertion into the body of a patient, the member comprising a wall that defines a lumen therethrough; and
an ultrasonic energy generator, which is coupled to apply ultrasonic energy to the wall of the tubular member with sufficient intensity to inhibit accretion of biological matter associated with the device while the device is in the body.
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Specification