Ultrasonic Catheter Assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to an ultrasonic catheter assembly. More specifically, the catheter assembly includes a catheter and one or more piezoelectric or echogenic components. The catheter has a side wall that extends from a proximal end and a distal end that defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Thus, the lumen is configured to deliver a treatment fluid from the proximal end to the distal end. In addition, the piezoelectric component(s) are configured with the side wall of the catheter and/or embedded at least partially within the side wall of the catheter. As such, the piezoelectric component(s) are configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter, e.g. when activated by a stimulator assembly.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic catheter assembly, the method comprising:
 providing a catheter having a side wall that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, the side wall defining an inner surface that forms a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the lumen configured to deliver a treatment fluid from the proximal end to the distal end;   placing one or more echogenic components onto the distal end of the catheter; and   heating the distal end of the catheter until a portion of the distal end melts and cures over the one or more echogenic components, wherein the portion of the distal end that melts over the one or more echogenic components shields the echogenic components from a patient.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more echogenic components comprise a plurality of discontinuities configured to enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the discontinuities comprises at least one or more of the following: etchings, indentations, grooves, notches, recesses, threads, or protrusions. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more echogenic components comprise at least one of a catheter tip or a catheter band. 
     
     
         14 . A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic catheter assembly, the method comprising:
 providing a catheter having a side wall that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, the side wall defining an inner surface that forms a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the lumen configured to deliver a treatment fluid from the proximal end to the distal end; and,   securing one or more piezoelectric components with the distal end of the catheter, wherein the one or more piezoelectric components enhance ultrasonic imaging of the catheter.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the one or more piezoelectric components contact at least a portion of the inner surface of the catheter. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein securing one or more piezoelectric components with the distal end of the catheter further comprises inserting the one or more piezoelectric components within the distal end of the catheter such that the piezoelectric components contacts the inner surface of the side wall of the catheter. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein securing one or more piezoelectric components with the distal end of the catheter further comprises embedding one or more piezoelectric components into the side wall of the catheter at the distal end, wherein the one or more piezoelectric components comprise at least one of a catheter tip, a catheter plug, a plurality of piezoelectric elements, or a catheter band. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein embedding the one or more piezoelectric components into the side wall of the catheter at the distal end further comprises placing the one or more piezoelectric components onto the distal end of the catheter and heating the distal end until a portion of the distal end melts and cures over the one or more piezoelectric components, wherein the portion of the distal end that melts over the one or more piezoelectric components shields the piezoelectric components from a patient. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein securing one or more piezoelectric components with the distal end of the catheter further comprises applying at least one of a graphene coating or one or more graphene strips to the inner surface of the side wall of the catheter. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising activating, via a stimulator assembly, the one or more piezoelectric components when the catheter is inserted into a patient.