Intravascular lithotripsy catheters with laterally movable and positionable emitters

Abstract

A shock wave catheter for performing intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) is provided. The catheter includes an elongated tube having a central longitudinal axis, an enclosure sealed to the distal end of the elongated tube, and an adjustable emitter assembly disposed within the enclosure. The emitter assembly includes at least one laterally moveable or positionable shock wave generating emitter that, in a first configuration, is closer to the central longitudinal axis of the catheter, and, in a second configuration, is farther from the central longitudinal axis than in the first position. Various embodiments include support structures for the emitters, multiple balloons for positioning the emitters, helical ribbons, angled emitter ports, and other exemplary features for moving and/or positioning the emitters. Systems and methods for treating lesions in a body lumen are also provided herein.