Scimed Life Systems, Inc.

Kenneth R Larson

Roger Noel Hastings

Daniel M Lafontaine

Michael Berman

Steven S Hackett

Arnold W Thornton

Darlene A Thometz

Scott P Thome

John W Humphrey

Richard R Prather

Paul T Feld

An in vivo source of mechanical energy is provided in close proximity to its load. In the disclosed embodiments, the mechanical energy source is a miniaturized motor (&ldquo;micromotor&rdquo;) and the load is a miniaturized perfusion pump located at the distal end of a transluminal catheter. The motor is powerful enough to provide the electrical energy needed by the perfusion pump to fluid, and yet small enough to fit inside a body vessel. A position sensor may be provided for automatically controlling the motor's driving current so that it is corresponds to the applied load. An embodiment of the perfusion pump is also provided in which an external energy source is used. Another embodiment is provided wherein a balloon/pump/miniaturized-motor configuration is provided on a distal end of a catheter.

Micro-motor actuated therapeutic device

An in vivo source of mechanical energy is provided in close proximity to its load. In the disclosed embodiments, the mechanical energy source is a miniaturized motor ('micromotor') and the load is a miniaturized perfusion pump located at the distal end of a transluminal catheter. The motor is powerful enough to provide the electrical energy needed by the perfusion pump to fluid, and yet small enough to fit inside a body vessel. A position sensor may be provided for automatically controlling the motor's driving current so that it is corresponds to the applied load. An embodiment of the perfusion pump is also provided in which an external energy source is used. Another embodiment is provided wherein a balloon/pump/miniaturized-motor configuration is provided on a distal end of a catheter.

Method of using an in vivo mechanical energy source

An intravascular device for measuring blood pressure and flow is disclosed, which includes an elongate shaft having a pressure transducer and a flow transducer connected to its distal end. The pressure transducer may be a ferrofluid-type pressure transducer and the flow transducer may be an anemometer-type flow transducer. Measurement circuitry is also disclosed which provides a means for simultaneous measurement of both blood pressure and blood flow parameters. A sensor shield may be employed to isolate radial blood flow which is indicative of turbulent blood flow. An alternative blood flow measurement device is also disclosed which utilizes a thin metal film anemometer to measure flow in a vascular lumen.

Intravascular pressure and flow sensor

In vivo mechanical energy source

In vivo mechanical energy source and perfusion pump

The present invention is a device and method for controlling longitudinal movement of a tube relative to a shaft slidably disposed within the tube, especially in the catheterization of a patient. An operative segment on the shaft cooperates with an ancillary tool to create a coupling force field between the shaft and the tool. The tube can then be moved over the shaft while the coupling force field operates through the tube to restrict the movement of the shaft. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft is a guide wire and the tube is a catheter with a lumen for slidably receiving the guide wire, while the coupling force field is created magnetically. In one embodiment, the operative segment is borne on a short guide wire extension which is selectively securable to a standard guide wire.

Magnetic medical shaft movement control device and method

The present invention is a device and method for controlling longitudinal movement of a tube relative to a shaft slidably disposed within the tube, especially in the catheterization of a patient. An operative segment on the shaft cooperates with an ancillary tool to create a coupling force field between the shaft and the tool. The tube can then be moved over the shaft while the coupling force field operates through the tube to restrict the movement of the shaft. In preferred embodiment, the shaft is a guide wire and the tube is a catheter with a lumen for slidably receiving the guide wire, while the coupling force field is created magnetically. In one embodiment, the operative segment is borne on a short guide wire extension which is selectively securable to a standard guide wire.

Growing community of inventors

Bloomington, MN, United States of America

Kenneth R Larson