×

Miniature ultrasonic transducer for plaque ablation

  • US 5,269,291 A
  • Filed: 12/10/1990
  • Issued: 12/14/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. Ultrasonic apparatus for removal of intravascular blockages, including clots and plaque, said ultrasonic apparatus, comprising:

  • radiator means for coupling ultrasonic waves into the intravascular blockage, said radiator means having a solid blunt radiating surface;

    piezoelectric crystal means, connected with said radiator means, for the intravascular generation of ultrasonic waves, having a frequency of between about 50 kHz and about 1.3 MHz, said ultrasonic waves being propagated along a longitudinal axis of said piezoelectric crystal means and having an inertial node position within said piezoelectric crystal means, said radiator means and piezoelectric crystal means being sized for intravascular positioning, said piezoelectric crystal means having sufficient length to prevent significant power loss during loading of the radiator means caused by the coupling of ultrasonic waves into the intravascular blockage; and

    amplifier means, interconnected between said radiator means and piezoelectric crystal means, for transmitting and amplifying mechanical vibration of an ultrasonic frequency from said piezoelectric crystal means to said radiator means.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×