Described here are devices and methods for forming shock waves. The devices may comprise an axially extending elongate member. A first electrode pair may comprise a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode pair may be provided on the elongate member and positioned within a conductive fluid. A controller may be coupled to the first electrode pair. The controller may be configured to deliver a series of individual pulses to the first electrode pair, where each pulse creates a shock wave. The controller may cause current to flow through the electrode pair in a first direction for some of the pulses in the series and in a second direction opposite the first direction for the remaining pulses in the series.

A catheter for intravascular lithotripsy including an outer wall, at least one torus balloon mounted on the outer wall, a first lumen extending therein, and at least one energy emitter for emitting energy to break down calcium. The at least one energy emitter is mounted on the balloon and a connector connects the energy emitter to an external energy source, the connector extending through the catheter. The balloon has a passageway for blood flow therethrough.

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.

A system for breaking obstructions in body lumens includes a catheter including an elongated carrier, a balloon about the carrier in sealed relation thereto, the balloon being arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon, and an arc generator including at least one electrode within the balloon that forms a mechanical shock wave within the balloon. The system further includes a power source that provides electrical energy to the arc generator.

Assemblies and methods provide for implantation of multiple medical leads to a defined space within the body, such as the epidural space, through a single entry. A catheter having multiple lumens or alternatively a single oblong lumen may be used. A distal end of the catheter enters the defined space through the single entry such that the distal ends of the multiple lumens or the oblong lumen are present in the defined space. Medical leads are introduced through the multiple lumens or the oblong lumen into the defined space. In some cases, the distal end of the catheter may be deflectable to direct the medical leads within the defined space. In other cases, sheaths may be present within each lumen of the catheter where the sheaths may be extended into the defined space and deflect to direct the medical leads that are being passed through a lumen of the sheaths.

Various devices related to a therapeutic ultrasound device for use during a medical procedure to cauterize tissue are disclosed. The device includes an apparatus for tissue engagement. The apparatus includes a first jaw and a second jaw that each includes a body portion and an ear located adjacent to the body portion. The body portion is configured to receive an acoustic stack and the ear includes a slot configured to receive a first pin. The first and second jaws include an opening located between the body portion and the ear. The opening is configured to receive a second pin such that the first jaw and the second jaw are configured to rotate about the second pin.

Various devices related to a therapeutic ultrasound device for use during a medical procedure to cauterize tissue are disclosed. The high intensity focused ultrasound device can include a transducer for producing high intensity focused ultrasound. The transducer includes a shell configured to receive an acoustic stack. The acoustic stack includes a piezoelectric layer, a matching layer, and a plurality of electrodes. The transducer includes an air-filled pocket formed between the inner surface of the shell and the piezoelectric layer of the acoustic stack, wherein the air-filled pocket is configured to ensure high efficiency of the transducer.

The present invention provides a catheter for treating occlusions in blood vessels. The catheter includes at least one electrode pair positioned inside of a flexible angioplasty balloon at the distal end of the catheter. In some designs, the electrode pairs are arranged in a low-profile or coplanar configuration, reducing the diameter of the distal end of the device and permitting treatment of tight and hard-to-cross occlusions. The flexible angioplasty balloon has an extremely low profile and does need to be folded before insertion of the catheter into the cardiovascular system. During treatment, the balloon can be expanded a relatively small amount sufficient to immerse the electrode pairs in a conductive fluid before generating shock waves across the electrodes to treat the occlusion. The balloon can be made of material having elastomeric properties such that it returns to its original low profile configuration when it is deflated following treatment.

The present disclosure relates to a calculus removing device which is used in the medical field. More particular, the present disclosure relates to a calculus removing device which has a lithotripsy probe capable of simultaneously destructing and removing the calculus formed in the human body regardless of the size of the calculus by optionally using attractivity or electricity through a lithotripsy probe. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a calculus removing device includes a first tube having an interior region; a second tube which is inserted in to the interior region of the first tube so as to move in the interior region; a capture means of which one end is coupled to an end of the second tube, and which is led-in into the interior region of the first tube corresponding to the moving of the second tube, allowing capturing and fixing a calculus; a lithotripsy probe which is inserted into an interior region of the second tube and contacts with the calculus fixed by the capture means, allowing applying an electric shock; and a handle which is coupled to an end of the first tube, and moves the second tube and the lithotripsy probe independently.

A catheter-implemented transducer device for intravascular thrombolysis, is described herein. Such a transducer device includes a catheter defining a longitudinal axis and having opposed proximal and distal ends. At least one ultrasonic transducer arrangement is disposed about the distal end. The ultrasonic transducer arrangement is oriented with acoustic waves propagating parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Optionally, the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is configured as a multi-layer stacked structure of ultrasonic transducer elements. Optionally, the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is a laser ultrasonic transducer arrangement. Optionally, the ultrasonic transducer arrangement is configured to operate in a lateral mode.