Ultrasonic transmission guide wire
First Claim
1. An ultrasound transmission guide wire for use in an ultrasonic angioplasty device, the ultrasound transmission guide wire having an elongated shaft, a proximal end configured to be connected to an ultrasound transducer, and a distal end for applying ultrasonic energy to an area of vascular lesion, the ultrasound transmission guide wire comprising:
- a distal portion with at least one amplification region of reduced cross-sectional diameter, wherein the location and dimensions of each amplification region are selected so as to reduce the possibility of breakage of the ultrasound transmission guide wire due to transverse vibrations of ultrasonic energy;
a core of ultrasonic transmission material; and
a non-metallic outer jacket in contact with and surrounding the core along each amplification region, the outer jacket having a substantially constant thickness, wherein the outer jacket further reduces the possibility of breakage of the ultrasound transmission guide wire due to transverse vibrations of ultrasonic energy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The ultrasonic angioplasty transmission guide wire has regions of reduced cross-sectional diameter to improve flexibility and to compensate for degradation of longitudinal displacement due to acoustic losses along the length of the guide wire. The guide wire has a core of ultrasonic transmission material and an outer jacket surrounding a usable portion of the elongated shaft. The outer jacket is formed of a shrink tubing. At the proximal end are disposed threads configured to connect to a connecting device for an ultrasound transducer. The distal end comprises a smooth ball tip for atraumatic application of ultrasound energy to biological tissue. In one embodiment, the guide wire is formed of stainless steel. In another, the guide wire is formed at least partially of a superelastic metal alloy and in one case is formed at least partially of a shape memory alloy that exhibits superelastic properties when in its martensitic state. In one preferred embodiment, the guide wire is formed of a nickel-titanium alloy.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. An ultrasound transmission guide wire for use in an ultrasonic angioplasty device, the ultrasound transmission guide wire having an elongated shaft, a proximal end configured to be connected to an ultrasound transducer, and a distal end for applying ultrasonic energy to an area of vascular lesion, the ultrasound transmission guide wire comprising:
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a distal portion with at least one amplification region of reduced cross-sectional diameter, wherein the location and dimensions of each amplification region are selected so as to reduce the possibility of breakage of the ultrasound transmission guide wire due to transverse vibrations of ultrasonic energy;
a core of ultrasonic transmission material; and
a non-metallic outer jacket in contact with and surrounding the core along each amplification region, the outer jacket having a substantially constant thickness, wherein the outer jacket further reduces the possibility of breakage of the ultrasound transmission guide wire due to transverse vibrations of ultrasonic energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An ultrasound transmission guide wire having an elongated shaft, a proximal end configured to be connected to an ultrasound transducer, and a distal end for applying ultrasonic energy, the ultrasound transmission guide wire comprising:
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a distal portion with at least one amplification region of reduced cross-sectional diameter, wherein the location and dimensions of each amplification region are selected so as to reduce the possibility of breakage of the ultrasound transmission guide wire due to transverse vibrations of ultrasonic energy;
a core of ultrasonic transmission material;
an enlarged application portion located at the distal end of the elongated shaft, the enlarged application portion configured to apply ultrasonic energy; and
a non-metallic outer jacket in contact with and surrounding the core along each amplification region, wherein the outer jacket further reduces the possibility of breakage of the ultrasound transmission guide wire due to transverse vibrations of ultrasonic energy. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. An ultrasonic angioplasty catheter device comprising an elongate flexible catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, the device comprising:
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an ultrasound transmission guide wire extending through the lumen and having a distal end with an enlarged head for applying ultrasonic energy to a lesion, and a proximal end configured to be connected to an ultrasound generating device, the ultrasound transmission guide wire having a distal portion with at least one amplification region of reduced cross-sectional diameter where transverse vibration of ultrasonic energy transmitted by the ultrasound transmission guide wire is amplified, wherein the location and dimensions of each amplification region are selected so as to reduce the possibility of breakage of the ultrasound transmission guide wire due to the transverse vibration;
wherein the ultrasound transmission guide wire comprises;
an elongated shaft;
a core of ultrasonic transmission material; and
an outer jacket surrounding the core along each amplification region. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28)
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Specification