SHOCK WAVE GUIDE WIRE

摘要

A guide wire, for use, for example, in guiding an elongated catheter through an artery or vein of a mammalian body having a stenosis and/or an occlusion therein, includes an elongated conductor having a longitudinal dimension, a proximal end and a distal end. The guide wire further includes an insulator overlying the elongated conductor. The insulator exposes a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the elongated conductor to form an electrode. The elongated conductor is arranged to be connected to a source of high voltage pulses to cause electrical arcs at the electrode that in turn form steam bubbles and shock waves to break the stenosis and/or open the occlusion and permit the guide wire to pass there through. Other embodiments are directed to a system including the guide wire and a method of using the guide wire.

主权项

1. A guide wire, for use in guiding an elongated catheter through an artery or vein of a mammalian body having a stenosis and/or an occlusion therein, the guide wire comprising:
an elongated conductor having a longitudinal dimension, a proximal end and a distal end; and an insulator overlying the elongated conductor, the insulator exposing a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the elongated conductor to form an electrode, the elongated conductor being arranged to be connected to a source of high voltage pulses to cause electrical arcs at the electrode that in turn form steam bubbles and shock waves to break the stenosis and/or open the occlusion and permit the guide wire to pass there through.