Dimension sensitive angioplasty catheter
First Claim
1. Angioplasty catheter having means for indicating blood vessel wall dimensions comprising, in combination:
- (a) an elongated tubular body having a longitudinally extending lumen and a proximal end and a distal end with an expander member affixed near said distal end, said expander member being in fluid communication with said lumen of said tubular body;
(b) a plurality of electrodes disposed on the surface of said tubular body proximate said expander member;
(c) signal generator means connected to the proximal end of said catheter body for applying an alternating current carrier signal between first and second of said plurality of electrodes, said carrier signal being modulated by the changes in blood flow through said blood vessel; and
(d) signal processing means connected to third and fourth of said plurality of electrodes for developing a direct current signal proportional to the cross-sectional size of a blood vessel in which said distal end of said catheter body is disposed.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved dilation catheter for use in the conduct of transluminal angioplasty techniques whereby measurements may be taken to determine patency during the course of the procedure. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular member having an inelastic expander member proximate its distal end. The expander is adapted to be inflated and deflated through the introduction of a suitable fluid into the lumen of the tubular member. Disposed on either side of the expander member are sets of electrodes, preferably ring electrodes. Associated with each such electrode is a conductor which runs the length of the catheter from an associated ring electrode to the proximal end of the catheter where such conductors are connected to circuitry for performing impedance plethysmography. Thus, as the improved catheter is routed through the vascular system, the cross-sectional size of the blood vessel at plural points proximate the distal end of the catheter can be assessed, both for locating stenotic lesions to be treated and for later determining the efficacy of the treatment process.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. Angioplasty catheter having means for indicating blood vessel wall dimensions comprising, in combination:
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(a) an elongated tubular body having a longitudinally extending lumen and a proximal end and a distal end with an expander member affixed near said distal end, said expander member being in fluid communication with said lumen of said tubular body; (b) a plurality of electrodes disposed on the surface of said tubular body proximate said expander member; (c) signal generator means connected to the proximal end of said catheter body for applying an alternating current carrier signal between first and second of said plurality of electrodes, said carrier signal being modulated by the changes in blood flow through said blood vessel; and (d) signal processing means connected to third and fourth of said plurality of electrodes for developing a direct current signal proportional to the cross-sectional size of a blood vessel in which said distal end of said catheter body is disposed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification