Ultrasound-based neuromodulation system
Inventors
Taylor, Kevin • Merino, Jaime • Chandler, Paul E. • Raquet, Jacob
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-10350440-B2
Publication Date
2019-07-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A neuromodulation system including a catheter having a balloon along its distal end is disclosed in several embodiments. An ultrasound transducer positioned within an interior of the balloon can be selectively activated to emit acoustic energy radially outwardly in order to target nerve tissue and other portions of the subject anatomy. In some embodiments, the system is configured to be delivered over a guidewire.
Core Innovation
The patent describes an intravascular, ultrasound-based ablation system with a catheter, an inflatable balloon, and a cylindrical ultrasound transducer bearing inner and outer electrodes. Fluid entering the balloon passes along the outer electrode and through openings into an internal space between the transducer support structure and the inner electrode, transferring heat away from the transducer. A backing member supports the structure and permits delivery over a guidewire.
The disclosed system also includes a stepped portion of the transducer and electrical connections between the cable and electrodes; one claimed configuration matches the cable impedance to the transducer impedance to provide more efficient power transfer. The supplied partial content does not include the patent’s background section, so it does not explicitly describe the problem being solved there. It identifies nerve ablation and other tissue targets as treatment applications.
Claims Coverage
The supplied claims identify three independent claims: claims 1, 8, and 17. Together, they cover three inventive features concerning fluid-cooled transducer support and guidewire delivery, a stepped transducer configuration, and impedance-matched power delivery.
Fluid-cooled transducer support with guidewire delivery
Claim 1 covers a balloon catheter with an electrode-bearing cylindrical ultrasound transducer and a backing member with attachment points and openings. Balloon fluid passes along the outer electrode and through the openings into the internal space between the backing member and inner electrode to transfer heat away from the transducer. The backing member acts as a fluid barrier and aligns with the guidewire path to permit delivery over a guidewire.
Stepped transducer with fluid-cooled support
Claim 8 covers an electrode-bearing cylindrical transducer with a stepped proximal portion on which the outer electrode is absent. A transducer support structure and backing member define an internal space connected to the balloon interior through openings, allowing fluid to pass along the outer electrode and into the internal space to transfer heat away from the transducer. The backing member’s lumen aligns with the guidewire path.
Impedance-matched cable and transducer
Claim 17 covers a balloon catheter with a stepped, electrode-bearing cylindrical transducer, a support structure with openings, and a backing member defining an internal fluid space. Fluid entering the balloon passes along the outer electrode and into that space. The electrical cable is coupled to the generator and transducer, and its impedance is substantially equal to the transducer impedance to provide more efficient power transfer.
The independent claims cover three related system configurations: a fluid-cooled transducer support that preserves guidewire delivery, a stepped transducer with a fluid path for heat transfer, and a system that matches cable impedance to transducer impedance for more efficient power transfer.
Stated Advantages
Fluid passes through the transducer structure to transfer heat away from the ultrasound transducer.
Substantially equal cable and transducer impedances provide more efficient power transfer from the generator to the ultrasound transducer.
Alignment of the backing member with the catheter guidewire lumen and tip passage permits delivery of the system over a guidewire.
Documented Applications
The system is described for intravascular ultrasound ablation, including treatment of nerve tissue and other tissue targets.
Interested in licensing this patent?