Device and method of ablative cutting with helical tip

• US 9,283,040 B2
• Filed: 03/13/2013
• Issued: 03/15/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Spectranetics Corporation (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Original Assignee: Spectranetics Corporation (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Hendrick, Brandon Thomas, Grace, Kenneth P.
• Primary Examiner(s): ROANE, AARON F
• Application Number:
  US13/800,700
• Publication Number:
  US 20140276694A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,098 Days
• Field of Search: 606 1- 16, 606/41, 606/45
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/24 with a catheter A61B18/26, A61B18/28 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/245 for removing obstructions in blood vessels or calculi
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0041 Removal of thrombosis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00863 Fluid flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/206 the laser light passing along a liquid-filled conduit
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/2211 Plurality of fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/2216 Braided or helically wound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/2244 Features of optical fibre cables, e.g. claddings

Abstract

Catheter devices for ablation and removal of occlusions from blood vessels and methods of using the same are provided. Catheter devices are useful to ablate, cut, dislodge, and otherwise remove occlusions within a blood vessel that may limit or prevent proper circulation. Distal features of the catheter devices comprise arrangements of laser ablative or mechanical cutting features that generally provide enhanced surface areas and cutting functions. Spiral or helical arrangements are provided to aid in cutting operations.

Claims

1. A catheter assembly comprising:

a catheter defining an inner lumen therein;

a plurality of optical fibers provided in a helical arrangement concentric with the inner lumen;

a mechanical cutting feature including a portion proximate the plurality of optical fibers;

the plurality of optical fibers having a distal fiber and a proximal fiber, wherein the distal fiber is axially offset from the proximal fiber by a predetermined distance and wherein the mechanical cutting feature extends along the predetermined distance;

the plurality of optical fibers provided external to the inner lumen, the inner lumen providing a pathway for travel of material ablated by the optical fibers; and

wherein the helical arrangement extends 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

2. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the mechanical cutting feature is disposed parallel with the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

3. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of optical fibers are provided parallel with the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

4. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the catheter comprises at least one deflection means provided along a length of the catheter, the at least one deflection means operable to provide a deflection in a distal end of the catheter based on user manipulation at a proximal end of the catheter.

5. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of optical fibers comprises between thirty and sixty optical cutting fibers.