Systems, devices and methods for generating patterns of voltage pulses and electrical arcs between spaced-apart electrode pairs in intravascular lithotripsy

Abstract

A catheter system for treating calcific lesions in a patient is disclosed. The system includes an elongated carrier defining a guidewire passageway and an expandable balloon disposed at a distal region of the carrier. The balloon is configured to receive an inflation fluid and encloses a plurality of electrodes arranged to define at least ten electrode gaps capable of electrical arcing. One or more pulse generators are configured to deliver voltage pulses to the electrodes to generate electrical arcs across multiple electrode gaps, thereby producing pressure waves within the fluid. The pressure waves propagate through the balloon and interact with a calcific lesion. The timing of the voltage pulses and the spacing of the electrodes are selected to cause interference between at least two of the pressure waves, enhancing interaction with the lesion.