Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasound catheter system comprising a catheter having at least one ultrasonic element; and a control system configured to generate power parameters to drive the ultrasonic element to generate ultrasonic energy is provided. The control system is configured to provide an ultrasonic pulse with a high pressure gradient with respect to time and/or distance. In another embodiment, a method of enhancing delivery of a therapeutic compound comprising delivering the therapeutic compound to a treatment site in a patient; and exposing the treatment site to an ultrasonic energy generated by an oscillating electrical signal pattern having a rise or fall rate greater than an sinusoidal pattern for the same amplitude and frequency is provided.

Abstract: A method for monitoring clot dissolution in a patient's vasculature is disclosed. After a catheter is positioned at a treatment site in the patient's vasculature, a clot dissolution treatment procedure can be performed at the treatment site. The thermal parameter is measured at the treatment site. The clot dissolution treatment is then modified in response to the measured thermal parameter.

Abstract: A method for monitoring clot dissolution in a patient's vasculature is disclosed. After a catheter is positioned at a treatment site in the patient's vasculature, a clot dissolution treatment procedure can be performed at the treatment site. The thermal parameter is measured at the treatment site. The measured thermal parameter and/or the changes in the measured thermal parameter is then displayed.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasound catheter system comprising a catheter having at least one ultrasonic element; and a control system configured to generate power parameters to drive the ultrasonic element to generate ultrasonic energy is provided. The control system is configured to provide an ultrasonic pulse with a high pressure gradient with respect to time and/or distance. In another embodiment, a method of enhancing delivery of a therapeutic compound comprising delivering the therapeutic compound to a treatment site in a patient; and exposing the treatment site to an ultrasonic energy generated by an oscillating electrical signal pattern having a rise or fall rate greater than an sinusoidal pattern for the same amplitude and frequency is provided.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a clot dissolution treatment in a patient's vasculature comprises positioning a catheter at a treatment site in the patient's vasculature. The method further comprises performing a clot dissolution treatment at the treatment site. The clot dissolution treatment comprises delivering ultrasonic energy and a therapeutic compound from the catheter to the treatment site such that a clot located at the treatment site at least partially dissolves. The method further comprises delivering a thermal measurement signal from a first portion of the catheter to the treatment site during the clot dissolution treatment. The method further comprises receiving the thermal measurement signal at a second portion of the catheter. The method further comprises comparing the delivered thermal measurement signal with the received thermal measurement signal to evaluate a blood flow rate at the treatment site.