C-Arm Field Generating Apparatus For Removing Material From Blood Vessel Walls

Abstract

Systems and methods for removing plaque from blood vessels by applying constant or time varying magnetic or electrical fields. In one embodiment a system includes winding configurations positioned about a central axis along which a body region may be placed. Each winding configuration generates a magnetic field in a direction which passes through the body region. A first winding configuration generates a first magnetic field component perpendicular to a second magnetic field component generated by a second winding configuration. In a related method for removing a deposit of plaque from a position along a wall of a blood vessel a magnetic field is applied which has a net direction predominantly orthogonal to the direction of the flow of blood through the vessel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for removing plaque from a blood vessel, comprising:
 first and second components which generate a field;   a C-arm configured to support the components in spaced apart relation while a patient is disposed between the components and along a first axis; and   a chassis supporting the C-arm, wherein the C-arm is moveable about the axis to rotate the components about the first axis.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the components are coils operable to generate a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the components are plates operable to generate an electric field in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the C-arm is mounted on a moveable chassis to provide movement of the components in directions parallel to the first axis.