Ultrasound-based neuromodulation system
Inventors
Taylor, Kevin • MERINO, Jamie • Chandler, Paul • Raquet, Jacob • Gandionco, Isidro M. • ROTH, Austin R.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10456605-B2
Publication Date
2019-10-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
A neuromodulation system including a catheter has a balloon along its distal end. An ultrasound transducer positioned within an interior of the balloon can be selectively activated to emit acoustic energy radially outwardly, targeting nerve tissue and other portions of the subject anatomy. Targeted nerve tissue can be heated by the application of ultrasonic energy to neuromodulate the tissue. The system may be delivered over a guidewire. A catheter enhances fluid delivery to a distal end of the catheter while reducing an overall diameter of the catheter. The catheter comprises a guidewire lumen that is eccentric relative to a center axis of the catheter.
Core Innovation
The patent describes an intravascular, ultrasound-based ablation system comprising a catheter, a fluid-inflated balloon, a distal tip, and a cylindrical ultrasound transducer positioned within the balloon. Fluid entering the balloon passes along both the inner and outer surfaces of the transducer to transfer heat away from the transducer. The background section is omitted, and the problem being solved is not explicitly described.
The ablation system further includes a backing member extending entirely through the transducer and an insulating member that connects the catheter with the distal tip. The description identifies additional features including a guidewire passage, catheter lumen configurations, a centering assembly, and a stepped transducer portion with a conductive ring. These features provide refinements to transducer alignment, fluid capacity, and electrical loading.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claim identifies one independent claim, claim 1, covering an intravascular, ultrasound-based ablation system defined by four inventive features.
Fluid-inflated balloon and distal tip
A balloon is positioned at a distal end of the catheter, and its interior is in fluid communication with at least one catheter fluid lumen so that the balloon is configured to inflate when fluid is delivered into it. A tip extends distally from the balloon.
Cylindrical ultrasound transducer with fluid cooling
The ultrasound transducer comprises a cylindrical tube with inner and outer surfaces, each comprising an electrode. Its internal space is in fluid communication with the balloon interior so that fluid passes along both surfaces to transfer heat away from the transducer.
Backing member extending through the transducer
A backing member extends a second length that is longer than the first length and extends entirely through the ultrasound transducer.
Insulating member connecting the catheter and tip
An insulating member extends a third length that is longer than the second length, extends from the catheter to the tip, and connects the catheter with the tip. It is positioned within and extends entirely through the backing member, such that the backing member is offset from the distal end of the catheter.
Claim 1 covers the catheter, balloon, and distal tip arrangement; a cylindrical ultrasound transducer cooled by fluid passing along its inner and outer surfaces; and backing and insulating members extending through the transducer and connecting the catheter to the tip.
Stated Advantages
Fluid passes along the inner and outer surfaces of the ultrasound transducer to transfer heat away from it.
A conductive ring provides uniform electrical loading when the transducer is energized.
Documented Applications
The system is for intravascular, ultrasound-based ablation, including delivery of cooling fluid to cool the activated transducer during an ablation procedure.
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