Small vessel ultrasound cathter

Abstract

An ultrasound catheter adapted for accessing small vessels in the distal anatomy is disclosed. The ultrasound catheter comprises an elongate tubular body formed with a delivery lumen. The flexibility and dimensions of the tubular body allow access to the distal anatomy by advancement over the guidewire. An ultrasound radiating member is provided along the distal end portion of the tubular body for emitting ultrasound energy at a treatment site. A drug solution may also be delivered through the delivery lumen and out an exit port to the treatment site.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 309,417, filed Dec. 3, 2002, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 336,660, filed Dec. 3, 2001, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 336,627, filed Dec. 3, 2001, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 336,571, filed Dec. 3, 2001, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 336,630, filed Dec. 3, 2001 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 344,422, filed Dec. 28, 2001, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a catheter having an ultrasound assembly useful for delivering ultrasound energy at a treatment site in a body. The apparatus is particularly well suited for delivering ultrasound energy at a treatment site located within a small blood vessel in the distal anatomy.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0003]Several therapeutic and diagnostic applications use ultrasound energy. For e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an apparatus for delivering ultrasound energy to small blood vessels. The apparatus includes an elongate outer sheath and an elongate inner core with a delivery lumen for advancement over a guidewire. The inner core has an ultrasound radiating member at its distal end. The apparatus also includes a flexible joint for easy advancement through small blood vessels and a soft tip assembly to reduce tissue damage. The catheter can also be shaped using a wire and has a stiffening member to control flow and prevent damage to blood vessels. The invention also provides a method for treating small blood vessels by advancing a guidewire, an elongate tubular body, and an ultrasound radiating member through the patient's vasculature. The technical effects of the invention include improved access to small blood vessels, reduced trauma to tissue, and improved treatment outcomes."

Problems solved by technology

However, none of the existing ultrasound catheters is well adapted for effective use within small blood vessels in the distal anatomy.

For example, in one primary shortcoming, the region of the catheter on which the ultrasound assembly is located (typically along the distal end portion) is relatively rigid and therefore lacks the flexibility necessary for navigation through difficult regions of the distal anatomy.

Furthermore, it has been found that it is very difficult to manufacture an ultrasound catheter having a sufficiently small diameter for use in small vessels while providing adequate pushability and torqueability.

Still further, it has been found that the distal tip of an ultrasound catheter can easily damage the fragile vessels of the distal anatomy during advancement through the patient's vasculature.

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