Device for traversing vessel occlusions and method of use

摘要

An apparatus, system and method for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. The apparatus and method, which are appropriate for both cardiovascular as well as peripheral vessels, use a pulling member and a spring element, for example a compression spring, to oscillate a vibratable member, and the system of the invention includes the apparatus and a control unit to permit the frequency or amplitude of oscillation of the vibratable member to be adjusted. Also provided is a method for oscillating a vibratable member using a pulling member and a spring element. The apparatus and system are useful not only for penetrating a total or partial occlusion, but also to improve deliverability of a catheter through a partially occluded vessel or a tortuous vessel.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
a catheter, having a proximal end and a distal end; a spring element having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of said spring element being affixed to said distal end of said catheter; a pulling member located within said catheter, said pulling member having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end of said pulling member affixed to a distal component, thereby operably connected to said distal end of said spring element; a vibratable member; and a vibrational energy source located external of said catheter and operably connected to said proximal end of said pulling member, wherein said vibrational energy source is adapted to generate at least one oscillation in said vibratable member via said pulling member and said spring element by pulling and releasing said pulling member.