Method of using a catheter for delivery of ultrasonic energy and medicament

摘要

An ultrasound delivery catheter equipped and configured for concurrent delivery of drugs or therapeutic agents. The catheter comprises an elongate pliable catheter body having an ultrasound delivery member or wire extending longitudinally therethrough. A drug/therapeutic agent infusion lumen also extends longitudinally through the body of the catheter and opens distally through one or more outflow apertures at or near the distal end of the catheter body. The drug/therapeutic agent outflow apertures are preferably positioned and configured to cause the drug or therapeutic agent to flow in direction(s) non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The delivery of ultrasound through the catheter, concurrent with infusion of drug or therapeutic agent therethrough, will cause the drug or therapeutic agent to be disseminated or dispersed by the ultrasonic vibration or movement at the distal end of the catheter.