Catheter with ultrasound-controllable porous membrane

摘要

A catheter system for delivering ultrasonic energy and a therapeutic compound to a treatment site within a patient's vasculature comprises a tubular body having an energy delivery section. The catheter system further comprises a fluid delivery lumen extending at least partially through the tubular body. The catheter system further comprises a semi-permeable membrane positioned along a portion of the fluid delivery lumen. The membrane has an increased porosity when exposed to ultrasonic energy. The catheter system further comprises an inner core configured for insertion into the tubular body. The inner core comprises an elongate electrical conductor having a plurality of flattened regions. Each flattened region has a first flat side and a second flat side opposite the first flat side. The inner core further comprises a plurality of ultrasound radiating members mounted in pairs to the flattened regions of the elongate electrical conductor. A first ultrasound radiating member is mounted to the first flat side of the elongate electrical conductor, and a second ultrasound radiating member is mounted to the second flat side of the elongate electrical conductor. The inner core further comprises wiring such that a voltage can be applied from the elongate electrical conductor across the first and second ultrasound radiating members allowing the first and second ultrasound radiating members to be driven simultaneously.