Battery operated multifunction ultrasonic wire for angioplasty
First Claim
1. A battery operated multifunction ultrasonic wire for angioplasty comprising:
- ultrasonic generator means capable of generating ultrasonic frequencies;
ultrasonic wire means comprising a first elongated segment having a proximal end and a distal end;
a second elongated segment having a proximal end and a distal end;
a third elongated segment having a proximal end and a distal end, with said first elongated segment having a relatively high stiffness as compared to said second elongated segment and with said third elongated segment having a relatively low stiffness as compared with said second elongated segment;
said distal end of said first elongated segment joined to said proximal end of said second elongated segment and said distal end of said second elongated segment joined to said proximal end of said third elongated segment; and
connection means mounted on said ultrasonic generator means for connection of said ultrasonic generator means to said proximal end of said first elongated segment.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An ultrasonic angioplasty apparatus includes an ultrasonic generator which is coupled to a segmented wire that includes a relatively stiff portion, a more flexible portion and an extremely flexible portion. Ultrasonic energy, which is coupled to an end of the relatively stiff portion, reduces friction between the wire and an interior arterial vessel wall and whip-like motion of the extremely flexible portion allows the wire to pass high grade occlusions and plaque build-ups. The ultrasonic generator has a selectable range of operating frequencies which allow whip-like motion of the end of the wire, or alternatively directing ultrasonic cavitational forces into vessel wall to remove plaque build-up.
316 Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A battery operated multifunction ultrasonic wire for angioplasty comprising:
-
ultrasonic generator means capable of generating ultrasonic frequencies; ultrasonic wire means comprising a first elongated segment having a proximal end and a distal end; a second elongated segment having a proximal end and a distal end; a third elongated segment having a proximal end and a distal end, with said first elongated segment having a relatively high stiffness as compared to said second elongated segment and with said third elongated segment having a relatively low stiffness as compared with said second elongated segment;
said distal end of said first elongated segment joined to said proximal end of said second elongated segment and said distal end of said second elongated segment joined to said proximal end of said third elongated segment; andconnection means mounted on said ultrasonic generator means for connection of said ultrasonic generator means to said proximal end of said first elongated segment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A battery operated wire, especially suited for intravascular surgical procedures wherein a circulatory vessel is at least partially occluded by an obstruction leaving a restricted lumen at the obstruction, the wire comprising in combination:
-
generator means for generating selectively ultrasonic energy having either a broad frequency range or a narrow frequency range with selector switch means for selecting therebetween; a first wire segment having a first proximal end and first distal end, a second wire segment having a second proximal end and a second distal end, and a third wire segment having a third proximal end and a third distal end, with the three wire segments in general alignment; the first segment having a relatively high stiffness as compared to that of the second segment and the third segment being thin and having a relatively low stiffness as compared with that of the second segment; the first distal end joined to second proximal end and the second distal end joined to the third proximal end; connection means for connecting the generator means to the first proximal end; a wrap wire wound on the second distal end, the second distal end having a length equal to approximately one-quarter wave length of the second frequency range; whereby with the selector switch means selecting the first frequency range, the third segment whips randomly to find and get through the restricted lumen and whereby with the selector switch means selecting the second frequency range and the second distal end positioned in the lumen dislodging mechanically clot and/or plaque and/or other debris from the lumen and/or to dilate the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification