Patent ID: 6929632
Filing Date: 2005-08-16
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of ultrasonically treating an obstruction of a blood vessel, said method comprising the steps of: a) providing an ultrasound catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, said catheter comprising: b) inserting said catheter device, distal end first, into the vasculature 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 in contact with said ultrasound transmission member and out of said distal outflow aperture, thereby removing excess heat from said ultrasound transmission member; e) applying suction to said aspiration lumen to draw matter into said distal aspiration port and through said aspiration lumen of said catheter.