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Ultrasound devices for ablating and removing obstructive matter from anatomical passageways and blood vessels

  • US 5,957,882 A
  • Filed: 03/12/1997
  • Issued: 09/28/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/11/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An ultrasound catheter device for delivering ultrasound from an external ultrasound source to a location inside a mammalian body, said device comprising:

  • (a) a tubular catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough and a longitudinal axis;

    (b) a distal head member comprising a plug at least partially inserted into the distal end of the lumen of the catheter body, said distal head member having a lateral sidewall and a frontal surface anda plurality of fluid passageways and fluid outflow apertures formed at spaced locations about the lateral surface of said distal head member to expel fluid in outward directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said catheter body said fluid passageways being configured to carry fluid from said catheter lumen, through said fluid passageway and out of said fluid outflow apertures;

    (c) a proximal connector assembly on the proximal end of said catheter body, said proximal connector assembly having at least one bore extending longitudinally therethrough in fluid connection with the lumen of said catheter body, and at least one fluid infusion port to permit infusion of fluid;

    (d) an ultrasound transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end, said ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of said catheter body and into the bore of said proximal connector assembly, the distal end of said ultrasound transmission member being in contact with said distal head member and the proximal end of said ultrasound transmission member being coupleable, by way of said proximal connector assembly, to said external ultrasound source;

    (e) said catheter device being thereby constructed to concomitantly deliver;

    (i) ultrasonic vibration from said ultrasound source to the distal head member of said catheter; and

    (ii) a flow of infusion/dilation fluid through said catheter body and out of said fluid outflow apertures.

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