Shockwave catheter system with energy control

摘要

A system that breaks calcium in a liquid includes a catheter including first and second electrodes arranged to receive there-across a high electrical voltage at an initial low current. The high electrical voltage causes an electrical arc to form across the electrodes creating a gas bubble within the liquid, a high current to flow through the electrodes, and a mechanical shock wave. A power source provides the electrodes with the high electrical voltage at the initial current and terminates the high electrical voltage in response to the high current flow through the electrodes.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a catheter including an elongated carrier, a balloon about the carrier in sealed relation thereto, the balloon being arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon, and first and second electrodes within the balloon arranged to receive there-across a high electrical voltage pulse at an initial low current, the high electrical voltage pulse causing an electrical arc to form within the balloon, the electrical arc creating a gas bubble within the liquid, a high current to flow through the first and second electrodes, and a mechanical shock wave within the balloon; and a power source that provides the first and second electrodes with the high electrical voltage pulse at the initial low current, said power source including a sensor for monitoring a parameter that varies during each voltage pulse and wherein the high electrical voltage pulse is terminated when the monitored parameter reaches a predetermined value.