Medical system for ultrasonic decomposition of intraluminal clots

Abstract

This document discloses a medical system for ultrasonically dissolving intraluminal clots. The medical system may include a needle configured to be inserted into the lumen of a catheter. The needle may include one or more impedance sensors and one or more ultrasonic transducers or resonant segments of the needle. One or more impedance sensors may be configured to detect impedance changes to identify intraluminal clots in the catheter. One or more ultrasonic transducers may be configured to dissolve the intraluminal clots to restore patency in the catheter, and the resonant segments of the needle may be configured to resonate with an externally applied ultrasonic frequency to dissolve the intraluminal clots and restore patency in the catheter. The medical system may further include a control console, with the needle connected to the control console in an operable state.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 113,074, filed November 12, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and more specifically to a medical system for ultrasonically dissolving intracavitary clots. Background Technology

[0004] Thrombosis (also known as a blood clot) can occur in blood vessels, typically placed in catheters such as peripherally inserted venous catheters (“PIVCs”), peripherally inserted central catheters (“PICCs”), and central venous catheters (“CVCs”). Similar to thrombosis in blood vessels, intraluminal clots can also occur within the lumen of these catheters. Intraluminal clots are usually treated with thrombolytic drugs such as alteplase, a tissue plasminogen activator (“TPA”) produced using recombinant DNA technology. TPA catalyzes the conversion of open clot-bound plasminogen into active plasmin, the primary enzyme responsible for breaking down fibrin in thrombi.

[0005] When treating intraluminal clots to restore catheter patency, clinicians typically use a three-stop stopcock to force-inject TPA solution into the lumen of the catheter proximal to the clot. The method involves aspiration, injection, and waiting. Aspiration involves creating a partial vacuum by drawing fluid from the lumen of the catheter proximal to the clot using a first syringe. Injection involves injecting the TPA solution into the catheter lumen under vacuum using a second syringe. The waiting step involves waiting at least 20 minutes before repeating the above steps to allow the TPA to act on the intraluminal clot. While the three-stop stopcock method can be effective, treating intraluminal clots can take more than an hour or longer, depending on their size, degree of occlusion, and location within the catheter.

[0006] This article discloses a medical system and method for ultrasonic decomposition of intraluminal clots, which improves upon the three-way stopcock method. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This document discloses a medical system for ultrasonically dissolving intraluminal clots. In some embodiments, the medical system includes a core. The core is configured to be inserted into the lumen of a catheter. The core includes one or more impedance sensors and one or more ultrasonic transducers. The one or more impedance sensors are located in the distal portion of the core. The one or more impedance sensors are configured to detect impedance changes to identify intraluminal clots in the catheter. The one or more ultrasonic transducers are embedded in the distal portion of the core. The one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to dissolve the intraluminal clots to restore patency in the catheter.

[0008] In some implementations, one or more ultrasonic transducers form an ultrasonic transducer array embedded along the length of the core needle.

[0009] In some implementations, one or more ultrasonic transducers form a circumferentially embedded array of ultrasonic transducers surrounding the core needle.

[0010] In some implementations, one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to break down intracavitary clots by ultrasonic cavitation of fluid near the clot.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more ultrasonic transducers are further configured to break down the intraluminal clot by ultrasonic oscillation of a thrombolytic drug in a fluid near the intraluminal clot.

[0012] In some implementations, one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to break down intraluminal clots through direct contact between the intraluminal clots and the core needle when the one or more ultrasonic transducers are in operation.

[0013] In some implementations, one or more ultrasound transducers are configured to automatically activate once an intraluminal clot is identified by impedance changes, based on the logic of the needle being connected to the console when the medical system is in an operational state.

[0014] This document also discloses another medical system for ultrasonically breaking down intraluminal clots. In some embodiments, the medical system includes a core and an ultrasound detector. The core is configured to be inserted into the lumen of a catheter. The core includes one or more impedance sensors and a resonant segment of the core. The one or more impedance sensors are located in the distal portion of the core. The one or more impedance sensors are configured to detect impedance changes to identify intraluminal clots in the catheter. The resonant segment of the core is located in the distal portion of the core, distal to the one or more impedance sensors. The resonant segment of the core is configured to resonate with an externally applied ultrasound frequency to break down the intraluminal clots and restore patency in the catheter. The ultrasound detector is configured to apply an ultrasound frequency to the resonant segment of the core.

[0015] In some implementations, the resonant section of the core needle is configured to break down the intracavitary clotting material by ultrasonic cavitation of the fluid near the clotting material when an ultrasonic frequency is applied to it via an ultrasonic detector.

[0016] In some implementations, the resonant section of the catheter needle is further configured to break down the intraluminal clot by ultrasonic oscillations of a thrombolytic drug in the fluid near the intraluminal clot when an ultrasonic frequency is applied to it via an ultrasonic detector.

[0017] In some implementations, the resonant section of the core needle is configured to break down the intracavitary clot through direct contact between the clot and the core needle when an ultrasonic frequency is applied to it via an ultrasonic detector.

[0018] In some implementations, the ultrasound detector is configured to automatically activate once an intraluminal clot is identified by impedance changes, based on logic on a console where the catheter and ultrasound detector are functionally connected when the medical system is in an operational state.

[0019] In some implementations, the ultrasonic detector is further configured to perform ultrasonic imaging of the intraluminal clot for characterization.

[0020] In some implementations, the ultrasound detector is further configured to perform ultrasound imaging of the intraluminal clot to confirm catheter patency after it has been re-established.

[0021] This article also discloses a method for a medical system for ultrasonically dissolving intraluminal clots. The method includes a needle insertion step, a clot identification step, and a clot dissolution step. The needle insertion step involves inserting a needle into the lumen of a catheter. The clot identification step involves identifying intraluminal clots in the catheter by detecting impedance changes using one or more impedance sensors located in the distal portion of the needle. The clot dissolution step involves using ultrasound to dissolve the intraluminal clot, thereby restoring patency in the catheter.

[0022] In some implementations, the clot decomposition step further includes decomposing the clot within the lumen by ultrasonic cavitation of the fluid near the clot within the lumen.

[0023] In some implementations, the clot decomposition step further includes breaking down the clot within the lumen by ultrasonic oscillation of a thrombolytic drug in a fluid near the clot.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further includes a drug injection step. The drug injection step involves injecting the thrombolytic drug into the lumen of the catheter prior to the ultrasonic oscillation of the thrombolytic drug in the fluid near the clot in the lumen during the clot dissolution step.

[0025] In some implementations, the clot decomposition step further includes decomposing the intracavitary clot through direct contact between the intracavitary clot and the core needle when one or more ultrasonic transducers are in operation.

[0026] In some implementations, using ultrasound to break down intraluminal clots includes using ultrasound provided by one or more ultrasound transducers, the one or more ultrasound transducers being formed as an array of ultrasound transducers embedded in the distal portion of the core needle.

[0027] In some implementations, ultrasonic decomposition of intracavitary clots includes applying an ultrasonic frequency to a resonant segment in the distal portion of the core needle using an ultrasonic detector.

[0028] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which describe specific embodiments of these concepts in more detail. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A medical system for ultrasonically breaking down intraluminal clots, according to some implementation schemes, is demonstrated.

[0030] Figure 2 The distal portion of the core needle, including an ultrasonic transducer array, is shown according to some implementation schemes of a medical system.

[0031] Figure 3 The distal portion of another tube needle, comprising another ultrasound transducer array, is shown according to some implementation schemes of a medical system.

[0032] Figure 4 The distal portion of another core needle, including the resonant segment of the core needle, is shown in a medical system according to some implementation schemes.

[0033] Figure 5 The utilization of some implementation schemes is demonstrated. Figure 2 The ultrasonic transducer array of the catheter core is used to break down clots within the lumen to restore patency in the catheter.

[0034] Figure 6 The utilization of some implementation schemes is demonstrated. Figure 4 The resonant section of the catheter needle is used to break down clots within the lumen to restore patency in the catheter.

[0035] Figure 7 A block diagram of a medical system based on some implementation schemes is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Before disclosing certain specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts presented herein. It should also be understood that features of the specific embodiments disclosed herein can be readily separated from the specific embodiments and optionally combined with or substituted for features of any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0037] Regarding the terminology used herein, it should also be understood that the terms are for the purpose of describing certain specific embodiments and do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps within a set of features or a set of steps, and do not provide for a sequence or numerical limitation. For example, the features or steps “first,” “second,” and “third” do not necessarily appear in that order, and a specific embodiment including such features or steps is not necessarily limited to these three features or steps. Labels such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” and “back” are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed position, orientation, or direction. Rather, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative position, orientation, or direction. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0038] For example, the terms "proximal," "proximal portion," or "proximal portion" of a catheter include the portion of the catheter that should be close to the clinician when the catheter is inserted into the patient. Similarly, the term "proximal length" of a catheter includes the length of the catheter that should be close to the clinician when the catheter is inserted into the patient. The term "proximal end" of a catheter includes the distal end of the catheter that should be close to the clinician when the catheter is inserted into the patient. The proximal portion, proximal portion, or proximal length of a catheter may include the proximal end of the catheter; however, the proximal portion, proximal portion, or proximal length of a catheter does not need to include the proximal end of the catheter. That is, unless the context otherwise requires, the proximal portion, proximal portion, or proximal length of a catheter is not the distal portion or distal length of the catheter.

[0039] For example, the terms "distal," "distal portion," or "distal part" of a catheter include a portion of the catheter that should be close to or inside the patient when it is inserted into the patient. Similarly, the term "distal length" of a catheter includes the length of the catheter that should be close to or inside the patient when it is inserted into the patient. The term "distal end" of a catheter includes one end of the catheter that should be close to or inside the patient when it is inserted into the patient. The distal portion, distal part, or distal length of a catheter may include the distal end of the catheter; however, the distal portion, distal part, or distal length of a catheter does not need to include the distal end of the catheter. That is, unless the context otherwise requires, the distal portion, distal part, or distal length of a catheter is not the distal portion or distal length of the catheter.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] As described above, intraluminal clots can occur within the lumen of catheters such as PIVC, PICC, and CVC, and are typically treated using a three-way stopcock with thrombolytic agents such as alteplase. While the three-way stopcock can be effective, treatment of intraluminal clots can take more than an hour or longer due to their size, degree of occlusion, and location within the catheter. This article discloses a medical system and method for ultrasonically dissolving intraluminal clots, which at least improves upon the three-way stopcock method.

[0042] healthcare system

[0043] Figure 1 A medical system 100 for ultrasonically breaking down intraluminal clots is shown according to some implementation schemes.

[0044] As shown, medical system 100 includes a needle 202, 302, or 402 and, in some embodiments, a console 104 connected to the needle 202, 302, or 402 in an operational state of medical system 100. Medical system 100 may also include an ultrasound detector 106, which is functionally connected to console 104 in an operational state of medical system 100. Each of the foregoing components is described in more detail below, beginning with needles 202, 302, and 402.

[0045] Figures 2 to 4 The distal portions of the caliper needles 202, 302, and 402 of the medical system 100 are shown. Figure 2 The distal portion of a catheter 202 of a medical system 100 according to some embodiments is shown, the distal portion including one or more ultrasound transducers 222 optionally in an ultrasound transducer array 208. Figure 3 The distal portion of the needle 302 of a medical system 100 according to some embodiments is shown, the distal portion including one or more ultrasound transducers 222 optionally in another ultrasound transducer array 310. Figure 4 The distal portion of a needle 402 of a medical system 100 according to some embodiments is shown, the distal portion including a resonant segment 412 of the needle 402.

[0046] A core needle 202, 302, or 402 is configured to be inserted into the lumen 514 of catheter 116 to identify any intraluminal clots therein and, if present, to sonicately break down the intraluminal clots. (See also...) Figure 5 andFigure 6 。 )

[0047] The catheter 202, 302, or 402 includes one or more impedance sensors 220 (such as ring electrodes) in an impedance sensor array 218 optionally located in the distal portion of the catheter 202, 302, or 402. The one or more impedance sensors 220 are configured to detect impedance changes for identifying any intraluminal clots in the catheter 116, and the one or more impedance sensors 220 may include any number of impedance sensors required for unipolar or multipolar (e.g., bipolar, quadrupole, etc.) impedance measurements.

[0048] The core needle 202 or 302 includes one or more ultrasonic transducers 222 optionally in an ultrasonic transducer array 208 or 310, the ultrasonic transducer array being embedded in the distal portion of the core needle 202 or 302 distal to one or more impedance sensors 220, the one or more ultrasonic transducers being configured to break down any intraluminal clots in the catheter 116 and restore its patency. Figure 2 One or more ultrasonic transducers 222 are shown in an ultrasonic transducer array 208 formed as embedded along the length of the core needle 202, while Figure 3 One or more ultrasonic transducers 222 are shown in an ultrasonic transducer array 310 formed as a circumferential embedding around a core needle 302. However, the one or more ultrasonic transducers 222 of either core needle 202 or 302 can be in any arrangement required to break down any intraluminal clots in catheter 116. In fact, the one or more ultrasonic transducers 222 can be in ultrasonic transducer array 208 or 310 or in another arrangement required to break down any intraluminal clots in catheter 116 by ultrasonic cavitation of fluid near the intraluminal clot, ultrasonic oscillation of a thrombolytic drug (e.g., alteplase) in fluid near the intraluminal clot, direct contact between the intraluminal clot and core needle 202 or 302 when the one or more ultrasonic transducers 222 are in operation, or a combination thereof.

[0049] As an alternative to the core 202 or 302, which includes one or more ultrasonic transducers 222, the core 402 includes a resonant segment 412 in the distal portion of the core 402, distal to one or more impedance sensors 220. This resonant segment is configured to break up any intraluminal clots in the catheter 116 and restore catheter patency. The resonant segment 412 of the core 402 is configured to resonate with an externally applied ultrasonic frequency to break up any intraluminal clots in the catheter 116. For example, an ultrasonic detector 106 may be configured to apply an ultrasonic frequency to the resonant segment 412 of the core 402. In fact, the resonant section 412 of the core needle 402 can be configured to decompose any intraluminal clot by means of ultrasonic cavitation of the fluid near the intraluminal clot, ultrasonic oscillation of the thrombolytic drug in the fluid near the intraluminal clot, and direct contact between the intraluminal clot and the core needle 402 when an ultrasonic frequency is applied to the resonant section 412 of the core needle 402 via the ultrasonic detector 106.

[0050] Figure 7 A block diagram of a medical system based on some implementation schemes is shown.

[0051] As described above, the medical system 100 includes a core needle 202, 302, or 402, an optional ultrasound detector 106, and, in some embodiments, a console 104 functionally connected thereto to the core needle 202, 302, or 402 and the ultrasound detector 106 (when present) in an operable state. When the ultrasound detector 106 is present and functionally connected to the console 104, the medical system 100 is configured to perform ultrasound imaging on any intraluminal clots in the catheter 116 for characterization. Advantageously, such a medical system can be used to confirm the patency of the catheter 116 by ultrasound imaging after any intraluminal clots in the catheter 116 have been broken up and their patency re-established.

[0052] Console 104 houses and regulates the various components of medical system 100, and it will be understood that console 104 can take any of various forms. Processor 724 and memory 726 (such as random access memory (“RAM”) or non-volatile memory (e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memory [“EEPROM”]) are included in console 104 for controlling the functions of medical system 100 and performing various logical operations or algorithms during operation of medical system 100 according to executable instructions 728 stored in memory 726 for execution by processor 724. For example, console 104 is configured to instantiate one or more processes for identifying or breaking down any intraluminal clots in catheter 116 by means of instructions 728, and to process electrical signals from ultrasound detector 106 into ultrasound images for ultrasound imaging. Digital controller / analog interface 730 is also included in console 104 and communicates with processor 724 and other system components to manage interface connections between ultrasound detector 106 and other system components described herein.

[0053] Console 104 also includes port 732 for connection to additional components such as needles 202, 302, or 402 and optional components 734 including printers, storage media, keyboards, etc. Port 732 may be a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) port, although other types of ports may be used for this connection or any other connection shown or described herein. Power connection 736 is included in console 104 to enable operative connection to an external power supply 738. An internal power supply 740 (e.g., a battery) may also be used in conjunction with or without the external power supply 738. Power management circuitry 742 is included in the digital controller / analog interface 730 of console 104 to regulate power use and distribution.

[0054] A display screen 744 (e.g., a liquid crystal display [“LCD”] screen) is integrated into the console 104 to provide clinicians with a GUI and display information during ultrasound imaging, such as of intraluminal clots obtained by the ultrasound detector 106. Alternatively, the display screen 744 is separate from and communicatively coupled to the console 104. A console button interface 746 and control buttons included on the ultrasound detector 106 can be used by the clinician to immediately recall the desired mode to the display screen 744 for identifying or breaking down any intraluminal clots in the catheter 116.

[0055] The ultrasound detector 106 includes a probe 148 housing an array of ultrasound transducers 750, wherein the ultrasound transducers 750 are piezoelectric transducers or capacitive microprocessor-controlled ultrasound transducers (“CMUT”). The probe 148 is configured to be placed against the patient's skin above the catheter 116. In this way, by means of the ultrasound detector 106 and logic 752, the medical system 100 can characterize any intraluminal clots in the catheter 116 or confirm the patency of the catheter 116 by performing ultrasound imaging. Advantageously, the medical system 100 can be configured to automatically activate one or more ultrasound transducers 222 once any intraluminal clot is identified by impedance changes, based on logic 752 on the console 104.

[0056] The ultrasound detector 106 also includes a button and memory controller 754 for managing button operation and for managing the operation of the ultrasound detector 106. The button and memory controller 754 may include non-volatile memory (e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memory [“EEPROM”]). The button and memory controller 754 is operatively communicateable with a detector interface 756 of the console 104, the detector interface including input / output (“I / O”) components 758 for interface with the ultrasound transducer 750 and button and memory I / O components 760 for interface with the button and memory controller 754.

[0057] method

[0058] Figure 5 The dissolution of intraluminal clots to restore patency in catheter 116 is demonstrated according to some embodiments, wherein one or more ultrasonic transducers 222 are optionally in ultrasonic transducer array 208 or 310 of catheter needle 202 or 302. Figure 6 This demonstrates, according to some implementation schemes, the use of the resonant segment 412 of the core needle 402 to break up intraluminal clots in order to restore patency in the catheter 116.

[0059] The methods described above for using a medical system include methods of using the medical system. For example, a method of using medical system 100 to ultrasonically break down intraluminal clots includes optional needle connection steps, needle insertion steps, clot identification steps, and clot breakdown steps.

[0060] The core connection step, as part of the method, includes functionally connecting cores 202, 302, or 402 to console 104, as shown in... Figure 1 As shown in the figure.

[0061] The needle insertion step includes inserting a needle 202, 302, or 402 into the lumen of a catheter (such as catheter 116), as in the case of needle 202. Figure 5 Neutralization against 402 needlesFigure 6 As shown in the figure.

[0062] The clot identification step includes identifying intraluminal clots in catheter 116 by detecting impedance changes using one or more impedance sensors 220 in the distal portions of the core needles 202, 302, and 402.

[0063] The clot decomposition step includes using ultrasound to decompose the intraluminal clot to restore patency in catheter 116, which may further include: decomposing the intraluminal clot by ultrasonic cavitation of fluid near the intraluminal clot; decomposing the intraluminal clot by ultrasonic oscillation of thrombolytic drugs in fluid near the intraluminal clot; decomposing the intraluminal clot by direct contact between the intraluminal clot and catheter 202, 302 or 402 when one or more ultrasonic transducers 222 are in operation or when the resonant segment 412 of the catheter 402 resonates with the ultrasonic frequency applied by the ultrasonic detector 106; or a combination thereof.

[0064] The method may also include a drug injection step associated with the clot disintegration step, which breaks down the intraluminal clot by ultrasonically agitating a thrombolytic drug in the fluid near the intraluminal clot. The drug injection step involves injecting a thrombolytic drug into the lumen of catheter 116 prior to ultrasonically agitating the thrombolytic drug in the fluid near the intraluminal clot in the clot disintegration step.

[0065] While certain specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while some details of those specific embodiments have been disclosed, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Additional adaptations and / or modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such adaptations and / or modifications are also covered in a broader sense. Therefore, deviations from the specific embodiments disclosed herein are permissible without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein.

Claims

1. A medical system for ultrasonic decomposition of intraluminal clots, characterized in that, include: A core needle configured to be inserted into the lumen of a fluid-containing catheter, the core needle comprising: Multiple impedance sensors configured for insertion into the lumen, the multiple impedance sensors being arranged along the distal portion of the mandrel, the multiple impedance sensors being configured to detect impedance changes between two or more impedance sensors in order to identify intraluminal clots in the catheter, the impedance being defined by the fluid; and One or more ultrasonic transducers, embedded in the distal portion of the catheter needle, are configured to break up intraluminal clots to restore patency in the catheter. The one or more ultrasound transducers are configured to be automatically activated upon detection of the intraluminal clot by the impedance change, according to logic on the console, and the catheter needle is functionally connected to the console in the operable state of the medical system.

2. The medical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more ultrasonic transducers form an ultrasonic transducer array embedded along the length of the core needle.

3. The medical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to break down the intracavitary clotting mass by ultrasonic cavitation of the fluid near the clotting mass.

4. The medical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to break down the intraluminal clot by ultrasonic oscillation of a thrombolytic drug in a fluid near the intraluminal clot.

5. The medical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more ultrasonic transducers are configured to break down the intraluminal clot through direct contact between the intraluminal clot and the core needle while the one or more ultrasonic transducers are operating.

6. The medical system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The one or more ultrasonic transducers form an ultrasonic transducer array circumferentially embedded around the core needle.

7. A medical system for ultrasonic decomposition of intraluminal clots, characterized in that, include: A core needle configured to be inserted into the lumen of a fluid-containing catheter, the core needle comprising: A plurality of impedance sensors configured for insertion into the lumen, the plurality of impedance sensors being arranged along the distal portion of the mandrel, the plurality of impedance sensors being configured to detect impedance changes between two or more impedance sensors to identify intraluminal clots in the catheter, the impedance being defined by the fluid; and The resonant section of the core needle, located in the distal portion of the core needle distal to the plurality of impedance sensors, is configured to resonate with an applied ultrasonic frequency to break up the intraluminal clot and restore patency in the catheter; and An ultrasound detector, disposed outside the cavity, is configured to automatically activate upon detection of a clot within the cavity via impedance changes, according to logic on a control panel, and apply the ultrasound frequency to the resonant segment of the core needle, which is connected to the control panel in an operable state of the medical system.

8. The medical system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The resonant section of the core needle is configured to decompose the intracavitary clotting material by ultrasonic cavitation of the fluid near the clotting material when the ultrasonic frequency is applied to it through the ultrasonic detector.

9. The medical system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The resonant section of the catheter needle is configured to break down the intraluminal clot by ultrasonic oscillation of a thrombolytic drug in the fluid near the intraluminal clot when the ultrasonic frequency is applied to it through the ultrasonic detector.

10. The medical system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The resonant section of the core needle is configured to decompose the intracavitary clot through direct contact between the clot and the core needle when the ultrasonic frequency is applied to it by the ultrasonic detector.

11. The medical system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ultrasonic detector is further configured to perform ultrasonic imaging of the intraluminal mass for characterization.

12. The medical system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The ultrasonic detector is further configured to perform ultrasonic imaging of the intraluminal clot in order to confirm the patency of the catheter after it has been re-established.

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