System for treating occlusions in body lumens
Inventors
Nguyen, Hoa D. • SAAIBI, Camilo Perez
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12114874-B2
Publication Date
2024-10-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention provides a system for treating an occlusion within a body lumen. The system may comprise an insulated outer sheath; an elongated conductive tube, wherein the insulated outer sheath is circumferentially mounted around the elongated conductive tube; and an insulated wire having a helically coiled portion at a distal end of the insulated wire. The coiled portion includes an exposed distal tip, and a distal portion of the elongated conductive tube is circumferentially mounted around the distal coiled portion of the insulated wire. When a voltage is applied across the insulated wire and the elongated conductive tube, a current is configured to flow from the exposed distal tip of the insulated wire to the elongated conductive tube to generate a plurality of cavitation bubbles. In an alternate embodiment, an elongated central electrode is used in place of the conductive tube.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for treating an occlusion within a body lumen. The system includes an insulated tubular outer sheath and a conductive wire located within the outer sheath near the distal end. The conductive wire includes a circumferentially and continuously applied insulating coating, with a distal end forming a helically coiled portion whose adjacent side surfaces are electrically isolated from each other, and an exposed distal tip forming an electrode at the distal end of the coiled portion.
The system further includes a conductive tube positioned around the conductive wire. The proximal ends of the conductive wire and the conductive tube are connectable to terminals of an electrical pulse generator. When voltage pulses are applied to the conductive tube and conductive wire, a series of cavitation bubbles are created between the electrode of the conductive wire and the conductive tube.
The disclosure refines the electrical pathway by using an insulating tube with multiple holes to create sequential current paths between the conductive wire electrode and the conductive tube. It also specifies that cavitation bubble generation can rotate circumferentially around a periphery of the conductive tube as the coiled portion is worn away, and that electrode wear changes the treatment geometry over time as the distal tip is worn away during use.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim set sets out an occlusion-treatment system with one primary inventive approach comprising a circumferentially insulated helically coiled wire electrode inside an insulated tubular outer sheath and a surrounding conductive tube driven by an electrical pulse generator to create cavitation bubbles. Additional inventive features are described in dependent claims, including sequential current paths, circumferential rotation of bubble generation, and debris trapping.
Insulated helically coiled wire electrode with isolated turns and exposed distal tip
An insulated tubular outer sheath with a conductive wire near the distal end, a circumferentially and continuously applied insulating coating around the conductive wire, the distal end of the coated wire forming a helically coiled portion with adjacent turn side surfaces electrically isolated, and an exposed distal tip forming an electrode at the distal end of the coiled portion.
Surrounding conductive tube pulsed against the electrode to create cavitation bubbles
A conductive tube positioned around the conductive wire, where the proximal ends of the conductive wire and the conductive tube are connectable to terminals of an electrical pulse generator so that, in use, applying voltage pulses to the conductive tube and conductive wire creates a series of cavitation bubbles between the electrode and the conductive tube.
Electrode advancement via distal tip wear during use
A configuration such that as the distal tip of the conductive wire is worn away during use, the electrode moves towards the proximal end of the conductive wire.
Sequential current paths using an insulating tube with multiple holes
An insulating tube between a conductive wire and a conductive tube, where the insulating tube has multiple longitudinally arranged holes that create sequential current paths between the conductive wire electrode and the conductive tube.
Circumferential rotation of cavitation bubble generation with wear
A configuration in which, as a circumferentially coated, coiled conductive wire is worn away, cavitation bubble generation rotates circumferentially around a periphery of a conductive tube.
Debris trapping with a balloon positioned between sheath ends
A balloon placed between the distal and proximal ends of an insulated tubular outer sheath to trap debris.
Overall, the claim set centers on a pulsed conductive tube and insulated helically coiled wire arrangement that generates cavitation bubbles for occlusion treatment, with electrode position changing as the distal tip wears. Dependent features further define sequential current paths via an insulating tube with holes, specify circumferential rotation of bubble generation as wear progresses, and add debris trapping using a balloon.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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