CATHETER WITH IMPROVED SPRAY PATTERN FOR PHARMACO-MECHANICAL THROMBOLYSIS THERAPY

摘要

An improved catheter (28) includes a double spiral configuration of infusion holes (34) around the circumference and along the length (32) of the catheter (28) which provides an improved lateral dispersion of a thrombolytic fluid to more completely and quickly lyse a clot through which the catheter (28) is passing. The double spiral configuration consists of groups or sets of infusion holes (34), typically groups of four. The holes (34) in each set are longitudinally spaced from each other at substantially regular intervals along the length (32) of the catheter (28). Each successive hole in a given group is circumferentially spaced by an angular distance of about 90 DEG around the circumference of the catheter (28) relative to the immediately preceding hole (34). Each group of holes (34) is circumferentially spaced or offset by an angular distance of between 1 DEG and 89 DEG relative to the immediately preceding group of holes (34). Typically, the angular spacing between successive groups of holes is 18 DEG .