Ultrasound Catheter Apparatus

摘要

Ultrasound catheter devices and methods of the present invention generally provide for ablation and/or disruption of vascular occlusions. An ultrasound transmission member, such as a wire, transmits vibrational energy from an ultrasound transducer to a distal head of the catheter to disrupt vascular occlusions. An absorber member is disposed on or around the ultrasound transmission wire at a location adjacent the sonic connector of the catheter. The absorber member absorbs heat, vibrations, and/or the like from the ultrasound transmission wire at or near the area where the transmission wire is coupled with the sonic connector. The absorptive function typically slows the process of wear and tear on the transmission wire, thus extending the useful life of the ultrasound catheter.

主权项

1. An ultrasound catheter comprising:
a catheter body having at least one lumen; an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen; a sonic connector coupled with a proximal end of the ultrasound transmission member, the sonic connector comprising a distal portion; and an absorber member disposed adjacent the sonic connector and coupled with the ultrasound transmission member.