Dilatation catheter

Abstract

Abstract A dilatation catheter (1) for reducing or eliminating vascular constrictions or vascular occlusions (2) has at its distal end at least one pressure element (3) and, possibly, also a second pressure element (16) which is spaced apart from the first pressure element (3). The pressure element or pressure elements are used to exert a pressure on the constricted vessel wall in order to force back deposits which are present there and in this way to once again enlarge the inner lumen of the vessel (4). For this purpose the catheter (1) is mounted rotatably and can be connected at the proximal end to a rotational drive mechanism (5). In order to be able to produce inside a vessel (4) a greater circumference or cross-section than is predetermined by the pressure element(s) (3 and/or 16), the catheter (1) has an inner guide channel (6) for a stylet (7) and is flexible near the pressure elements (3 and 16) so that it can be bent or deflected. Near its end (8) projecting in the use position up to or into the pressure elements (3) or the pressure elements (16), the stylet has as a supporting and guiding means a first bend or curve (9) and can in turn be coupled to a rotational drive mechanism (5) and can in this way be driven in rotation, preferably in synchronism with the catheter (1) so that the pressure element or pressure elements are moved not only about their own axis, but at the same time eccentrically in a circular orbit. <IMAGE>

Inventors

• 👤 Peter Dr. Ing. Osypka

Bibliographic Details