Patent ID: 6454757
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
A method of treating an obstruction of a tubular anatomical passageway of the urogenital tract, said method comprising the steps of:a) providing an ultrasound catheter having a proximal end, and a distal end, said catheter comprising: i. an elongate flexible catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally therethrough; ii. a distal head member at least partially inserted into the distal end of the lumen of the catheter body, said distal head member having a lateral surface and a frontal surface and a plurality of fluid passageways and fluid outflow apertures formed at spaced locations about the lateral surface of said distal head member and positioned to expel fluid in outward directions generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said catheter body; iii. at least one ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through said catheter body, and coupleable to an ultrasound source, said ultrasound transmission member having a distal end which is in contact with the distal head member; iv. at least one fluid infusion lumen extending longitudinally through said catheter body in fluid communication with said fluid passageways; b) inserting said catheter, distal end first, into the urogenital tract and advancing said catheter to a point where the distal end of said catheter is adjacent the obstruction to be treated; c) coupling said ultrasound transmission member to an ultrasound source and utilizing said ultrasound source to pass ultrasound through said ultrasound transmission member to the distal end of said catheter; d) infusing a liquid infusate through said infusion lumen, through said fluid passageways and out of said fluid outflow aperture.