Proton generating catheters and methods for their use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a calcified vascular occlusion
First Claim
1. A catheter device comprising at its distal end:
- a proton generating means; and
a vascular site flushing means.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
Catheter devices and methods are provided for enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a calcified lesion. The catheter devices of the subject invention at least include, at their distal end, a proton generating means, and in many embodiments also include a flushing means. In using the subject devices, the distal end of the catheter is placed proximal to the vascular occlusion and protons are generated, e.g., via proton generation from water, in a manner sufficient to reduce the pH of the vascular site in the region proximal to the occlusion. The subphysiologic pH is maintained for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced. Also provided are kits comprising the subject catheter devices for use in the subject methods.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A catheter device comprising at its distal end:
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a proton generating means; and
a vascular site flushing means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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7. A catheter device comprising at its distal end:
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a proton generating means comprising an anode and a cathode;
a fluid introduction means; and
an aspiration means. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion, said method comprising:
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(a) generating protons from water in said vascular site in a manner sufficient to provide for a subphysiological pH in said vascular site; and
(b) maintaining said subphysiological pH in said vascular site for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow to be enhanced through said vascular site;
whereby fluid flow is enhanced through said vascular site. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification