David C Lu

US Patent:

47966220, Jan 10, 1989

Filed:

Mar 6, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/026540

Inventors:

David Y. Lu - Rockville MD
Robert L. Bowman - Bethesda MD

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health
and Human Services - Washington DC

International Classification:

A61B 1736

US Classification:

1283031

Abstract:

A catalytic thermal tip double catheter provides an alternative energy source for thermal angioplasty without the expense and technical support required for laser or electrical thermal angioplastic devices. The catalytic thermal tip catheter utilizes heat generated by the reactive of a stoichiometric ratio of oxygen and hydrogen gases catalyzed by a small piece of palladium sponge situated in a chamber adjacent to and enclosed by the metallic tip of the catheter, the vapors formed in the chamber generated being evacuated by a vacuum applied to an inner tube. Gas flow regulates catalytic thermal tip temperature which is monitored by a thermocouple positioned within the chamber. Vacuum and gas flow are controlled by an automatic or manual controller which is in direct communication with the temperature monitor.