Proton generating catheters and methods for their use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a calcified vascular occulation
First Claim
1. A catheter device consisting essentially of at its distal end:
- a proton generating means;
a vascular site flushing means comprising separate fluid introduction and aspiration elements; and
said catheter device generating protons in a manner sufficient to provide for a subphysiological pH in the vascular site.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Catheter devices and methods are provided for enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a calcified lesion. The catheter devices of the subject invention at least include, at their distal end, a proton generating means, and in many embodiments also include a flushing means. In using the subject devices, the distal end of the catheter is placed proximal to the vascular occlusion and protons are generated, e.g., via proton generation from water, in a manner sufficient to reduce the pH of the vascular site in the region proximal to the occlusion. The subphysiologic pH is maintained for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced. Also provided are kits comprising the subject catheter devices for use in the subject methods.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A catheter device consisting essentially of at its distal end:
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a proton generating means;
a vascular site flushing means comprising separate fluid introduction and aspiration elements; and
said catheter device generating protons in a manner sufficient to provide for a subphysiological pH in the vascular site.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
an anode; and
a cathode.
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4. The catheter device according to claim 3, wherein said catheter device further comprises a means for applying an electric potential between said cathode and said anode.
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5. The catheter device according to claim 1, wherein said catheter device comprises at least two distinct elements which are movable relative to each other.
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9. A method of enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion, said method comprising:
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(a) generating protons from water in said vascular site using a device according to claim 1 in a manner sufficient to provide for a subphysiological pH in said vascular site; and
(b) maintaining said subphysiological pH in said vascular site for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow to be enhanced through said vascular site;
whereby fluid flow is enhanced through said vascular site.
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10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said method further comprises flushing said vascular site with an aqueous solution.
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11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said aqueous solution is an electrolyte solution.
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12. The method according to claim 10, wherein said protons are generated by electrolyzing water in said vascular site.
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13. The method according to claim 9, wherein said vascular occlusion comprises calcium.
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14. The method according to claim 9, wherein said occlusion is a total occlusion.
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15. The method according to claim 9, wherein said occlusion is a partial occlusion.
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16. A system for enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion, said system comprising:
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(a) a catheter device according to claim 1;
(b) a manifold;
(c) an aqueous fluid reservoir; and
(d) a source of negative pressure.
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17. The system according to claim 16, wherein said system further comprises a guidewire.
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18. A kit for use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion, said kit comprising:
a catheter device according to claim 1.
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19. The kit according to claim 18, wherein said kit further comprises a guidewire.
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6. A catheter device consisting essentially of at its distal end:
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a proton generating means comprising an anode and a cathode;
a fluid introduction means; and
an aspiration means that is separate from said fluid introduction means. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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Specification