| abstract |
An ultrasonic catheter comprises a catheter body having a resonantly vibrating assembly at its distal end. The resonantly vibrating assembly comprises a tail mass, an interface member, and a spring element which connects the tail mass to the interface member. An interface surface is formed on the interface member and is forwardly disposed at the distal end of the catheter. A longitudinally oscillating driver is disposed between the tail mass and the interface member, and the catheter can be connected to a suitable power supply to induce oscillations in the driver. The driver is typically a piezoelectric device, such as a tubular piezoelectric transducer or a piezoelectric stack. The characteristics of the interface member, spring element, and longitudinally oscillating driver are selected so that the interface member may be resonantly vibrated at an ultrasonic frequency. The catheter is useful for treating luminal conditions, such as vascular clot and plaque. Optionally, a therapeutic agent may be delivered through the catheter simultaneously with the application of ultrasonic energy. |