Laser Catheter with Helical Internal Lumen

• US 20140276682A1
• Filed: 03/13/2013
• Published: 09/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Spectranetics Corporation (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Spectranetics Corporation (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Hendrick, Brandon Thomas, Grace, Kenneth P.
• Granted Patent: US 10,383,691 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/7
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/32 Surgical cutting instruments A61B18/042 takes precedence; suture cutters A61B17/0467; instruments for ligaturing or cutting A61B17/128; instruments for rupturing the amniotic membrane A61B17/4208; specially adapted knives for eye surgery A61F9/0133
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3207 Atherectomy devices working by cutting or abrading; Similar devices specially adapted for non-vascular obstructions A61B17/32037 takes precedence; endoscopic cutting instruments A61B17/320016
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/245 for removing obstructions in blood vessels or calculi
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/84 Drainage tubes; Aspiration tips for negative pressure wound therapy A61M1/90; for surgical cutting instruments A61B17/32

Abstract

Catheters for ablation and removal of occlusions from blood vessels are provided. Laser cutting systems and mechanical cutting systems are provided in catheter devices, the cutting systems operable to ablate, cut, dislodge, and otherwise remove occlusions within a blood vessel that may limit or prevent proper circulation. A helical or partially-helical inner surface structure is provided in the catheter, the structure operable to remove or translate dislodged material(s).

Claims

1. A catheter assembly comprising:

a catheter having a tubular wall, the tubular wall comprising a distal end and an orifice for a lumen extending proximally from the distal end, the lumen having an inner surface comprising a helical structure extending along a length thereof; and

a plurality of optical fibers located within the tubular wall and exposed at the distal end of the catheter.

2. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the helical structure projects radially inwardly of the lumen.

3. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the helical structure is embedded within the lumen and extends radially outwardly thereof.

4. The catheter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cutting instrument located at the distal portion of the catheter, the cutting instrument having an extending helical configuration, the cutting instrument comprising a sharp cutting surface;

and a plurality of optical fibers located within the cutting instrument.

5. The catheter assembly of claim 4, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are located within the helical configuration.

6. The catheter assembly of claim 5, wherein the helical configuration extends approximately 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

7. The catheter assembly of claim 6, wherein the sharp cutting surface is located substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

8. The catheter assembly of claim 4, wherein the sharp cutting surface is located within the helical configuration.

9. The catheter assembly of claim 8, wherein the sharp cutting surface extends approximately 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

10. The catheter assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are located within the substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

11. The catheter assembly of claim 8, wherein the orifice is smaller than the lumen.

12. A catheter aspiration system comprising:

a catheter having a tubular wall, the tubular wall comprising a distal end and an orifice for a lumen extending proximally from the distal end, the lumen having an inner surface comprising a helical structure extending along a length thereof; and

a plurality of optical fibers located within the tubular wall and exposed at the distal end of the catheter; and

a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the catheter.

13. The catheter aspiration system of claim 12, further comprising:

a valve assembly in communication with the vacuum pump, the valve assembly having an open position and closed position; and

a controller for alternating the position of the valve assembly between the open position and the closed position.

14. The catheter aspiration system of claim 13, wherein the valve assembly comprises a solenoid valve.

15. The catheter aspiration system of claim 14, wherein controller comprises a pulse width modulator.

16. The catheter aspiration system of claim 12, further comprising a filter in fluid communication with the catheter.

17. The catheter aspiration system of claim 16, wherein the filter comprises a substantially transparent housing.

18. The catheter aspiration system of claim 12, wherein the distal end of the catheter further comprises:

a cutting instrument located at the distal end of the catheter, the cutting instrument having an extending spiral configuration, the cutting instrument comprising a sharp cutting surface; and

a plurality of optical fibers located within the cutting instrument.

19. The catheter aspiration system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of optical fibers are located within the spiral configuration.

20. The catheter aspiration system of claim 19, wherein the distal tip further comprises a sharp cutting surface connecting a proximal end of the spiral configuration to a distal end of the spiral configuration.