Described herein are low-profile electrodes for use with an angioplasty shockwave catheter. A low-profile electrode assembly may have an inner electrode, an insulating layer disposed over the inner electrode such that an opening in the insulating layer is aligned with the inner electrode, and an outer electrode sheath disposed over the insulating layer such that an opening in the outer electrode sheath is coaxially aligned with the opening in the insulating layer. This layered configuration allows for the generation of shockwaves that propagate outward from the side of the catheter. In some variations, the electrode assembly has a second inner electrode, and the insulating layer and outer electrode may each have a second opening that are coaxially aligned with the second inner electrode. An angioplasty shockwave catheter may have a plurality of such low-profile electrode assemblies along its length to break up calcified plaques along a length of a vessel.

An intravascular lithotripsy catheter system for use in providing an energy wave a force to a thrombus or lesion within a vasculature, the catheter system including a catheter that extends from a proximal end to a distal end with a saline delivery lumen open from the distal end of the catheter for creating a controlled volume or bolus of saline at a distal region of the catheter, at least one pair of electrodes provided within the distal region of the controlled volume that are connectable with a high voltage pulse generator to create a spark across the electrode pair when inflated with a saline solution, and an optical fiber extending from the proximal end of the catheter distally to a position within the balloon for observing an optical phenomenon within the balloon when detectable light energy is generated by the optical phenomenon. Preferably, the optical fiber is connected with a photosensor at the proximal end of the catheter. Methods of using such a catheter system are also contemplated.

Various embodiments of the systems, methods and devices are provided for breaking up calcified lesions in an anatomical conduit. More specifically, an electrical arc is generated between two spaced-apart electrodes disposed within a fluid-filled balloon, creating a subsonic pressure wave. In some embodiments, the electrodes comprise a plurality of points or extensions that allow the electrical arc to form at any one of the plurality of points to, among other things, extend the electrode life.

The present invention provides a catheter for treating an occlusion in a body lumen. The catheter includes an elongated tube, a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair each configured to generate shock waves. The catheter also includes a flexible polymer enclosure that is fillable with conductive fluid and wrapped circumferentially around at least a portion of the elongated tube such that it surrounds the first and second electrode pairs. The first and second electrode pairs can be arranged relative to one another to promote interference between shock waves generated at the electrode pairs when voltage is delivered across the electrodes of each pair. Electrode pairs can be longitudinally adjacent (spaced a relatively small longitudinal distance apart), longitudinally aligned (at the same longitudinal location), circumferentially offset (offset about the circumference of the catheter), circumferentially aligned (at the same circumferential location), or any combination of any of the above.

Described herein is a shock wave device for the treatment of vascular occlusions. The shock wave device includes an outer covering and an inner member inner connected at a distal end of the device. First and second conductive wires extend along the length of the device within the volume between the outer covering and the inner member. A conductive emitter band circumscribes the ends of the first and second wires to form a first spark gap between the end of the first wire and the emitter band and a second spark gap between the end of the second wire and the emitter band. When the volume is filled with conductive fluid and a high voltage pulse is applied across the first and second wires, first and second shock waves can be initiated from the first and second spark gaps.

A catheter that fits within a blood vessel wall includes electrodes aligned along a longitudinal axis of the catheter that produce unfocused shock waves that propagate radially toward the blood vessel wall for treatment.

A catheter that fits within a blood vessel wall includes electrodes aligned along a longitudinal axis of the catheter that produce unfocused shock waves that propagate radially toward the blood vessel wall for treatment.

Various embodiments of the systems, methods, and devices are provided for controlled operation of an intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) system for breaking up calcified lesions in an anatomical conduit. More specifically, control arrangements are disclosed concerning managing and/or providing electrical energy to generate an electrical arc between a set of spaced-apart electrodes disposed within a fluid-fillable member, wherein the IVL system may be powered by an AC power source and/or a DC power source.

The invention provides a device for generating shock waves. The device may comprise an elongated tube and a conductive sheath circumferentially mounted around the elongated tube. The device may further comprise first and second insulated wires extending along the outer surface of the elongated tube. A portion of the first insulated wire is removed to form a first inner electrode, which is adjacent to a first side edge of the conductive sheath. A portion of the second insulated wire is removed to form a second inner electrode, which is adjacent to a second side edge of the conductive sheath. Responsive to a high voltage being applied across the first inner electrode and the second inner electrode, a first shock wave is created across the first side edge and the first inner electrode, and a second shock wave is created across the second side edge and the second inner electrode.

A system, device and method for removing occlusive material from a bodily lumen comprising a catheter with a distally mounted and fluid-fillable litho-cushion in operative connection with at least one forward-focusing reflector. The catheter comprises a lumen with an electrode pair housing disposed in watertight engagement with the lumen at or near the distal end of the lumen, the electrode pair housing comprising at least one electrode pair. The at least one electrode pair is in wired communication with a pulse generator, wherein the electrode pair is configured to generate an electrical arc between the electrodes of the electrode pair with subsequent generation of a shock wave. The shock wave is directed distally out of the catheter lumen and focused forward and distally away from the catheter lumen by the at least one reflector toward the targeted occlusive material.