Importance

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Abstract

Percutaneous transluminal electromagnetic (EM) catheter angioplasty is performed using radio frequency (RF) or microwave frequency power. The catheter includes a coaxial transmission line terminated at its distal end in an antenna. The antenna includes an extension of the coaxial center conductor past the outer conductor. A treatment includes orienting the catheter in the lumen of a cardiac artery adjacent stenotic plaque, and applying sufficient electric power to cause arcing for electroabrasion of the plaque. Another catheter includes a balloon located at the distal end of the the catheter and surrounding the antenna. In use, the balloon is pressurized so as to apply lumen-expanding force against the plaque. The antenna radiates EM energy, heating and softening the plaque, thereby allowing the plaque to be compressed and the stenotic lumen to have increased patency. In another embodiment, a portion of the interior surface of the balloon is metallized so that, when inflated, the metallized surface of the balloon coacts with the antenna to form a reflector.

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First Claim