Method and apparatus for arterial ablation

• US 6,669,686 B1
• Filed: 07/19/2000
• Issued: 12/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ajoy Inder Singh
• Original Assignee: Ajoy Inder Singh
• Inventors: Singh, Ajoy Inder
• Primary Examiner(s): Shay, David M.
• Application Number:
  US09/619,625
• Time in Patent Office: 1,259 Days
• Field of Search: 606/2, 606/3, 606/7, 606/10-17, 606/1, 606/167-173, 606/180-183, 606/191-194, 128/898
• US Class Current: 606/12
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/20 using laser
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/061 for measuring dimensions, e.g. length
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/37 Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation

Abstract

A method and apparatus for reducing the thickness of arterial walls is disclosed. Ablation of the exterior layer of the arterial walls is performed using mechanical or laser ablation techniques. Surveying is preferably carried out during the procedure to ensure optimal ablation. The ablation reduces the effective thickness of the arterial walls and increases flexibility so that the walls distend under normal blood pressure, thereby improving blood flow. Advantageously, the procedure is carried out without invasion of the blood vessel lumen and without damage to the inner layer of the artery wall.

Claims

1. A method for increasing flexibility of an arterial wall of an artery to reduce arterial blockage including the step of ablating an exterior layer of the arterial wall without entering the lumen of the artery.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of surveying the thickness of the arterial wall prior to the step of ablating.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of surveying the thickness of the arterial wall during the step of ablating.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of ablating is carried out mechanically.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of ablating is carried out using a laser.

6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the laser is a femto-second pulsed laser, and the step of ablating includes pulsing the laser, wherein the pulses are of 20 to 100 fs duration.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of ablating includes providing a plurality of blind holes in the exterior layer of the arterial wall.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of ablating includes creating a plurality of furrows in the exterior layer of the arterial wall.