US6283935B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonic device for providing reversible tissue damage to heart muscle
Assignee: Hearten Medical Inc
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Filing: 1998-09-30
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Granted: 2001-09-04
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Expires: 2018-09-30
Abstract
Abstract An ultrasonic medical or surgical device creates holes in heart tissue utilizing an ultrasonic needle or probe. The ultrasonic needle is inserted into heart tissue and activated to cause cavitation of fluid surrounding the needle. The cavitation heats the surrounding tissue and causes reversible tissue damage. The ultrasonic device consists of a transducer, a needle, and a regulator. The device can be a hand held device for external application or may be a catheter device for performing a minimally invasive procedure. A temperature sensor may be positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of the heart tissue in which the needle has bee inserted.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael D. Laufer
- 👤 Bruce D. Stambaugh
- 👤 Hien V. Nguyen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 08:08
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; A61B17/320068; A61B2017/00017; A61B2017/00022; A61B2017/00084; A61B17/00234; A61B2017/00238; A61B2017/00243; A61B2017/00247; A61B17/22; A61B17/22004; A61B2017/22005; A61B2017/22007; A61B2017/22008; A61B18/00; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00345; A61B2018/00351; A61B2018/00392
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
An ultrasonic device for treating ischemia and angina, the device comprising: a needle; an ultrasonic generator for delivering ultrasonic energy to the needle; a temperature sensor positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of heart tissue in which the needle has been inserted; and a catheter configured to be passed from an access port to the interior of the heart through the vasculature, wherein the needle is positioned at a distal end of the catheter, the needle is movable within the catheter from a retracted position in which the needle is positioned within a lumen of the catheter to an extended position in which the needle penetrates the heart tissue.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
An ultrasonic device for treating ischemia and angina, the device comprising: a needle; an ultrasonic generator for delivering ultrasonic energy to the needle; a temperature sensor positioned on the needle for sensing a temperature of heart tissue in which the needle has been inserted; and a catheter configured to be passed from an access port to the interior of the heart through the vasculature, wherein the needle is positioned at a distal end of the catheter, the needle is movable within the catheter from a retracted position in which the needle is positioned within a lumen of the catheter to an extended position in which the needle penetrates the heart tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , wherein the needle has a diameter of 2 mm or less.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic generator is a transducer including a piezoelectric crystal for generating an ultrasonic vibration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , further comprising a regulator connected to the ultrasonic generator and the temperature sensor for controlling the temperature of the heart tissue as sensed by the sensor to not exceed 60° C.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , wherein the needle is provided with a distal tip angled between 5° and 90° from an axis of the needle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The ultrasonic device of claim 5 , wherein the needle is provided with a distal tip angled between 30° and 60° from an axis of the needle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-09-03 | 2005-03-05 | 2005-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-09-03 | 2009-03-05 | 2009-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-09-03 | 2013-03-05 | 2013-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |