Abstract: A medical system includes a sheath and an acoustic reflective element that is capable of amplifying acoustic energy. Methods of using a medical system are also provided herein.

Abstract: A medical system includes a sheath and an acoustic reflective element that is capable of amplifying acoustic energy. Methods of using a medical system are also provided herein.

Abstract: A medical system includes a sheath and an acoustic reflective element that is capable of amplifying acoustic energy. Methods of using a medical system are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for an ultrasonic medical device operating in a torsional mode and a transverse mode. An ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic medical device is placed in communication with a biological material. An ultrasonic energy source is activated to produce an electrical signal that drives a transducer to produce a torsional vibration of the ultrasonic probe. The torsional vibration produces a component of force in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe, thereby exciting a transverse vibration along the longitudinal axis causing the ultrasonic probe to undergo both a torsional vibration and a transverse vibration. The torsional vibration and the transverse vibration cause cavitation in a medium surrounding the ultrasonic probe to ablate the biological material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for an ultrasonic medical device operating in a torsional mode and a transverse mode. An ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic medical device is placed in communication with a biological material. An ultrasonic energy source is activated to produce an electrical signal that drives a transducer to produce a torsional vibration of the ultrasonic probe. The torsional vibration produces a component of force in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe, thereby exciting a transverse vibration along the longitudinal axis causing the ultrasonic probe to undergo both a torsional vibration and a transverse vibration. The torsional vibration and the transverse vibration cause cavitation in a medium surrounding the ultrasonic probe to ablate the biological material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an ultrasonic medical device with a variable frequency drive for ablating a biological material comprises an ultrasonic probe having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a transducer that drives the ultrasonic probe over a variable frequency range, creating a transverse ultrasonic vibration along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe; a coupling engaging the proximal end of the ultrasonic probe to a distal end of the transducer; and an ultrasonic energy source engaged to the transducer that produces an ultrasonic energy, wherein driving the ultrasonic probe over the variable frequency range allows for the ultrasonic energy to propagate around a bend of the ultrasonic probe to ablate the biological material in communication with the ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: A transverse mode ultrasonic probe is provided which creates a cavitation area along its longitudinal length, increasing the working surface of the probe. Accessory sheaths are also provided for use with the probe to enable a user to select from features most suited to an individual medical procedure. The sheaths provide acoustic enhancing and aspiration enhancing properties, and/or can be used as surgical tools or as medical access devices, protecting tissue from physical contact with the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical device comprises an ultrasonic vibration generator that generates vibration along its longitudinal axis. The ultrasonic vibration is transmitted through an ultrasonic coupler and a series of transformer sections that amplify the ultrasonic vibration. A flexible member is coupled to the distal end of the transformer sections, and is thus supplied with a longitudinal vibration at its base by the transformer sections. The flexible member is designed so that it converts the longitudinal vibration into a standing wave that runs along the length of the flexible member. The standing wave produces a series of nodes and anti-nodes along the length of the flexible member. Each of the anti-nodes produces cavitation in fluids in contact with the probe. The cavitation of the fluids causes destruction of adjacent tissue. In this manner, the entire length of the flexible member becomes a working surface that may be utilized for destroying tissue.

Abstract: A method for removing an occlusion is provided comprising introducing a transverse mode ultrasonic probe into a blood vessel, positioning the probe in proximity to the occlusion, and transmitting ultrasonic energy to the probe, until the occlusion is removed. The probe has a small cross-sectional lumen and is articulable for navigating in a tortuous vessel path. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion. The probe can also be used with a balloon catheter. The probe, sheaths, and catheter can be provided in a sharps container which further provides a means of affixing and detaching the probe from an ultrasonic medical device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an ultrasonic medical device with a variable frequency drive for ablating a biological material comprises an ultrasonic probe having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a transducer that drives the ultrasonic probe over a variable frequency range, creating a transverse ultrasonic vibration along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe; a coupling engaging the proximal end of the ultrasonic probe to a distal end of the transducer; and an ultrasonic energy source engaged to the transducer that produces an ultrasonic energy, wherein driving the ultrasonic probe over the variable frequency range allows for the ultrasonic energy to propagate around a bend of the ultrasonic probe to ablate the biological material in communication with the ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for using an ultrasonic medical device to reinforce bone. An ultrasonic medical device ablates a marrow in a bone to create a channel in the bone for injection of a bone supporting compound to reinforce and strengthen the bone. An ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic medical device is inserted through an introducer and into the bone to engage the marrow. An ultrasonic energy source is activated to provide an ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic probe to ablate the marrow. The ultrasonic probe is moved within the bone to ablate the marrow in the bone and create the channel in the bone. A bone supporting compound is injected into the channel to reinforce the bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for an ultrasonic medical device to treat urolithiasis and ablate a stone. The ultrasonic medical device comprises an ultrasonic probe having a wire body with a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween and a plurality of tines extending from the distal end of the wire body. The ultrasonic medical device includes a sheath capable of surrounding the wire body and the plurality of tines. The ultrasonic probe is inserted into the sheath and the ultrasonic probe is moved until the plurality of tines surround at least a portion of an outer surface of the stone. An ultrasonic energy source engaged to the ultrasonic probe supplies an ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic probe to produce a transverse ultrasonic vibration along at least a portion of the ultrasonic probe to ablate the stone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for an ultrasonic probe capable of bending, flexing and deflecting with the aid of a balloon to remove a biological material. An ultrasonic medical device includes a balloon catheter, a balloon that is supported by the balloon catheter, an inflation lumen located along a longitudinal axis of the balloon catheter and an ultrasonic probe located along an outside surface of the balloon catheter wherein the ultrasonic probe engages an outer surface of the balloon. The ultrasonic probe is inserted through at least one engaging mechanism on an outside surface of the balloon catheter. The inflated balloon causes the ultrasonic probe to bend, allowing the ultrasonic probe to move along a bend in a vasculature and increase a surface area of the ultrasonic probe in communication with the biological material for ablation.

Abstract: A conveyor system for a powder paint spray booth including spaced continuous parallel first and second moving belts supported by a plurality of spaced rollers enclosed within a sealed housing and a powder paint collector located below the powder paint spray booth which receives powder paint from between the sealed housings. The continuous belts are formed of stainless steel each having a width of less than ten inches and grating is provided between the housings permitting personnel to walk over the conveyor system without damaging the stainless steel belts. The collector system includes a V-shape baffle having an apex located between the conveyor housings directing powder paint into collectors on opposed'sides of the conveyor units.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for an ultrasonic medical device operating in a torsional mode and a transverse mode. An ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic medical device is placed in communication with a biological material. An ultrasonic energy source is activated to produce an electrical signal that drives a transducer to produce a torsional vibration of the ultrasonic probe. The torsional vibration produces a component of force in a transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe, thereby exciting a transverse vibration along the longitudinal axis causing the ultrasonic probe to undergo both a torsional vibration and a transverse vibration. The torsional vibration and the transverse vibration cause cavitation in a medium surrounding the ultrasonic probe to ablate the biological material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for an ultrasonic medical device operating in a torsional mode to treat a biological material. An ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic medical device is placed in communication with the biological material. An ultrasonic energy source is activated to produce an electrical signal that drives a transducer to produce a torsional vibration of the ultrasonic probe. The torsional vibration produces a rotation and a counterrotation along the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe that creates a plurality of torsional nodes and a plurality of torsional anti-nodes along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe resulting in cavitation along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe comprising a radially asymmetric cross section that ablates the biological material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using an ultrasonic medical device to treat chronic total occlusions comprises an ultrasonic probe, a transducer, a coupling engaging a proximal end of the ultrasonic probe to a distal end of the transducer and an ultrasonic energy source engaged to the transducer. The ultrasonic probe is inserted into a vasculature and placed in communication with the chronic total occlusion. The ultrasonic energy source produces an ultrasonic energy that is transmitted to the transducer, where the transducer creates a transverse ultrasonic vibration along the ultrasonic probe. The transverse ultrasonic vibration creates a plurality of transverse nodes and a plurality of transverse anti-nodes along the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe, creating cavitation along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe to ablate the chronic total occlusion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using an ultrasonic medical device to treat coronary thrombus bearing lesions comprises an ultrasonic probe, a transducer, a coupling engaging a proximal end of the ultrasonic probe to a distal end of the transducer and an ultrasonic energy source engaged to the transducer. The ultrasonic probe is inserted into a vasculature in communication with the coronary thrombus bearing lesion. The ultrasonic energy source produces energy that is transmitted to the transducer, which generates a transverse ultrasonic vibration along the ultrasonic probe. The transverse ultrasonic vibration creates a plurality of transverse nodes and a plurality of transverse anti-nodes along the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe, creating cavitation along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe to ablate the coronary thrombus bearing lesion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an ultrasonic medical device having an ultrasonic probe with a small proximal end to facilitate over the ultrasonic probe exchanges in a time efficient manner. The ultrasonic probe is inserted into a vasculature and moved to a treatment site of an occlusion. A coupling engaging the ultrasonic probe to a transducer is disengaged to expose a small diameter at the proximal end of the ultrasonic probe. A vascular intervention device is placed over the small diameter at the proximal end and moved along a longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe while the ultrasonic probe remains in an approximately fixed position in the vasculature. In a preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic probe acts a guidewire for over the ultrasonic probe exchanges of various vascular intervention devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for an ultrasonic medical device having a flexible material engaging an ultrasonic probe. The flexible material surrounds a portion of a longitudinal axis of an ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic medical device. The flexible material may extend beyond a probe tip. The flexible material cushions a tip of the ultrasonic probe and reduces the stresses on the ultrasonic probe as the ultrasonic probe is navigated within the vasculature. The ultrasonic probe may be shaped to increase a radial span of the ultrasonic medical device. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the flexible material comprises a polymer material. Additionally, the flexible material may have a high radiopacity.