METHOD OF REMOVING OCCLUSIONS USING ULTRASONIC MEDICAL DEVICE OPERATING IN A TRANSVERSE MODE

摘要

A method for removing an occlusion includes the steps of introducing a transverse mode ultrasonic probe (22) into a blood vessel, positioning the probe (22) in proximity to the occlusion, and transmitting ultrasonic energy to the probe, until the occlusion is removed. The probe (22) has a small cross-sectional lumen and is articulable for navigating in a tortuous vessel path. The probe (22) can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion. The probe can also be used with a balloon catheter (91). The probe (22), sheaths (107,108,121), and catheter (91) are provided in a sharps container which has means for affixing and detaching the probe from an ultrasonic medical device (22).