Vascular spasm relaxation device

Abstract

A spasmolytic device for increasing vasodilation of blood vessels includes a modulation member, a support structure, a stimulation circuit, and a conductive path. The modulation member includes at least one electrode, and the support structure supports the modulation member within a blood vessel. The conductive path extends along the support structure and electrically connects the stimulation circuit and the modulation member, and the spasmolytic device has a stand-alone configuration.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 Technical Field Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to neural, cardiac, and / or peripheral vasospasm relief devices. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Background Vascular spasm is a reaction of vascular smooth muscle cells to different stimuli such as temperature changes, injuries, inefficient metabolism, trauma, poisoning, and contact of a catheter with the inner lumen of a blood vessel. 【0003】 Catheter-induced spasm is known as a complication during catheter procedures that can cause delays during intervention procedures and thrombus formation during intracranial or other procedures. 【0004】 For example, vasospasm that occurs during medical treatment due to events considered to be related to traumatic and / or other diseases can cause restrictions in blood flow and make subsequent diagnosis or treatment difficult. 【0005】 Common methods for dealing with the phenomenon of vasospasm in clinical interventions are to use (separately or in combination) intra-arterial lidocaine injection, intra-arterial nicardipine injection, warm compression, angioplasty balloons (and similar ones). 【Summary of the Invention】 【0006】 Summary Aspects of the present disclosure relate, according to embodiments thereof, to a spasm relief device. More specifically, without being limited thereto, aspects of the present disclosure relate, according to embodiments thereof, to a spasm relief device configured to pass an obstacle of a vascular occlusion caused by spasm by inducing an electrical signal in a target blood vessel in spasm. 【0007】 The spasm-relieving device and method of the present disclosure enable the recanalization of difficult-to-pass spastic blood vessels and can minimize damage to the surrounding vascular tissue. Advantageously, the spasm-relieving device of the present disclosure uses electrical impulses to stimulate the endothelial layer in order to release nitric oxide (NO) molecules to the smooth muscle of the blood vessel and activate the relaxation mechanism. Thereby, the use of drugs or angioplasty devices or dilation devices can be avoided and / or such use can be reduced, and thus the risk of perforating the blood vessel wall or cutting the blood vessel wall can be reduced. 【0008】 According to aspects of certain embodiments, an invention for vascular spasm relaxation is provided by a device including a proximal hub, a device shaft, and a tip. By applying slight pressure to a button located on the connection hub by the user, energy and a regulation circuit located in the proximal hub can activate the device to perform its function. The control button can activate the regulation circuit to induce an electric current in the target tissue. 【0009】 The introduction of the impulse can be possible by a monopolar effect or a bipolar effect. A cathode set or an anode set of separate electrodes can be controlled by the operating mode regardless of the state of the most recent activation. The operating mode can be selected by the operator pressing a power button or by a program sequence. The electrical regulation circuit can, in some cases, be capable of discharging a current in the range of about 0.1 microampere to about 100 milliamperes. 【0010】 The electrodes can be exposed at the operating part of the device, mainly at the distal end. The number of electrodes can vary from 1 to about 100. The distribution of electrodes on the tip and the shaft can vary between an axial pattern and a radial pattern, or can be a combination of these. The power bank of the described invention can accommodate an amount of energy sufficient to effect a medical intervention, for example, a total energy amount up to about 1000 microAh. The power bank can be configured to supply a potential of about 75 v in some cases. The hollow member can be designed to send the generated impulse to the tip of the device through a conductive element contained within the shaft. The shaft can be manufactured from a combination of metal and plastic or any equivalent used in the field of medical device manufacturing methods and standards. 【0011】 The shaft can be designed for flexibility to provide navigation traceability and pushability in vascular tissue in a safe manner. The diameter of the shaft can vary parallel or tapered in the range from about 0.1 mm to about 30 mm. The length can vary in the range from about 3 cm to about 300 cm. The tip can, in some cases, include exposed electrodes capable of inducing the generated signal into spastic tissue. The non-invasive tip can be designed to move forward and backward within the blood vessel, avoiding perforating the blood vessel or cutting the blood vessel, substantially without compromising safety. 【0012】 Further aspects of the present invention are illustrated below. 【0013】 1. A vasospasm-relieving device for passing through an obstacle of vascular occlusion, comprising a push-button mechanism, a power bank, and a connection hub facilitating an electrical circuit configured for selective power transfer, a long flexible strain-relieving member configured such that the bending moment acting on the joint of the hub connected to the hollow member gradually spreads to avoid entanglement of the hollow member, a hollow member that is elongated and includes a main portion and a distal portion, the hollow member being configured to send an electric current to the tip, The tip, which is the distal end of a hollow member that promotes an exposed electrode wire-connected to an electrical circuit located in a connection hub, and is configured for the advancement and retraction of a non-invasive device within a blood vessel lumen and for the introduction of an electric current to a portion in contact with blood vessel tissue and its vicinity comprising The tip is configured to relieve vasospasm by inducing an electric current based on the need for intervention when affecting smooth muscle cells by an electrically stimulated endothelium of a blood vessel that activates the secretory action of NO molecules that cause relaxation of smooth muscle cells, a vasospasm-relieving device. 【0014】 2. A vasospasm-relieving device for passing through an obstacle of blood vessel occlusion, a connection hub that promotes a push button mechanism, a power bank, and an electrical circuit configured for selective power transfer, a long member composed of a solid material or a coaxial assembly of at least two members or members attached in an elongated tangential direction, including a main portion and a distal portion, and configured to send an electric current to the tip, The tip, which is the distal end of a long member that promotes an exposed electrode wire-connected to an electrical circuit located in a connection hub, and is configured for the advancement and retraction of a non-invasive device within a blood vessel lumen and for the introduction of an electric current to a portion in contact with blood vessel tissue and its vicinity comprising The tip is configured to relieve vasospasm by inducing an electric current based on the need for intervention when affecting smooth muscle cells by an electrically stimulated endothelium of a blood vessel that activates the secretory action of NO molecules that cause relaxation of smooth muscle cells, a vasospasm-relieving device. 【0015】 3. A vasospasm-relieving device for passing through an obstacle of blood vessel occlusion, a connection hub that promotes a push button mechanism, a power bank, and an electrical circuit configured for selective power transfer, a long flexible strain-relieving member configured such that the bending moment acting on the joint of the hub connected to the hollow member gradually spreads to avoid entanglement of the hollow member A hollow member that is a single lumen or multiple lumens or partially multiple lumens, or is coaxially elongated and includes a main portion and a distal portion, and is configured to send an electric current to the tip, A balloon applied to the distal portion of the hollow member, which is flexible or semi-flexible or non-flexible, inflated with a liquid or gas, and covered with a conductive metal or plastic material and an exposed electrode, A tip that is the distal end of the hollow member that facilitates an exposed electrode wire-connected to an electrical circuit located at the connection hub, and is configured for the advancement and retraction of a non-invasive device within the blood vessel lumen and the introduction of an electric current to a portion in contact with the blood vessel tissue and its vicinity, Comprising, The tip is configured to relieve vasospasm by inducing an electric current based on the need for intervention when affecting smooth muscle cells by an electrically stimulated endothelial layer of a blood vessel that activates the secretory action of NO molecules that cause relaxation of smooth muscle cells, a vasospasm-relieving device. 【0016】 4. The above-mentioned hollow member is formed from metal and plastic for the flexibility required for effective blood vessel navigation and includes an axially conductive material capable of sending an electrical signal from the hub to the device, the vasospasm-relieving device of Aspects 1-3. 【0017】 5. The diameter of the above-mentioned hollow member is parallel or tapered in the range of 0.1 mm to 30 mm, and the length can be in the range of 3 cm to 300 cm, the vasospasm-relieving device of Aspect 4. 【0018】 6. The above-mentioned tip protrudes distally from the distal end of the distal portion, the vasospasm-relieving device of Aspect 4. 【0019】 7. The number of the above-mentioned exposed electrodes is at least one, the vasospasm-relieving device of Aspects 1-6. 【0020】 8. The above-mentioned exposed electrodes are distributed axially or radially or in combination thereof, the vasospasm-relieving device of Aspect 7. 【0021】 9. The electrical circuit, regardless of the last operation, is a vasospasm-relieving device according to aspect 8 that regulates single discharges, paired discharges, and grouped discharges through the electrodes. 【0022】 10. The electrical circuit, regardless of the most recent operation, is a vasospasm-relieving device according to aspect 8 that regulates the polarity of the cathode or anode of each electrode. 【0023】 11. The functions of the polarity and single discharges or paired discharges or grouped discharges can be regulated by pressing a button or by a program sequence, in a vasospasm-relieving device according to aspects 8-10. 【0024】 12. The power button promotes an ergonomic design and enables the user to selectively and on-demand induce an electrical signal to the device tip, in a vasospasm-relieving device according to aspect 11. 【0025】 13. The power bank is attached to the electrical circuit and accumulates an amount of energy sufficient to complete an intervention procedure while being properly used, in a vasospasm-relieving device according to aspect 11. 【0026】 14. The power bank supplies a potential up to 5V, in a vasospasm-relieving device according to aspect 11. 【0027】 15. The power bank accumulates electrical energy with a total amount up to 1000 mAh, in a vasospasm-relieving device according to aspect 11. 【0028】 16. The electrical circuit is supplied with energy from the power bank, the electrical circuit is activated by a power button, and is wire-connected to the tip, in a vasospasm-relieving device according to aspect 11. 【0029】 17. The electrical circuit regulates a discharge current in the range of 0.1 microampere to 100 milliamperes, in a vasospasm-relieving device according to aspect 16. 【0030】 18. The distal end of the hollow member changes to a tip, promoting that the non-traumatic distal end can safely advance and retreat within vascular tissue without perforating the blood vessel wall or cutting the blood vessel wall. The diameter of the non-traumatic distal end can be parallel or tapered within the range of 0.1 mm to 30 mm. 【0031】 Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may or may not include some or all of the above advantages. One or more other technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures, description, and claims contained in this application. Further, although specific advantages are listed above, various embodiments may or may not include some or all of the listed advantages. 【0032】 Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. As used herein, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 【Brief Description of the Drawings】 【0033】 Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Together with the drawings, this description will make it clear to those skilled in the art how the embodiments can be implemented. The figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to show the structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a basic understanding of the present disclosure. For clarity, some of the elements shown in the figures are not to scale. 【0034】 【Figure 1A】 FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of a vasospasm-relieving device configured to increase vasodilation of a blood vessel occlusion according to an embodiment. 【Figure 1B】Figure 1B is a schematic side view of the proximal end of the spasm-relieving device of Figure 1A according to an embodiment. 【Figure 1C】 Figure 1C is a schematic side view of the distal end of the spasm-relieving device of Figure 1A according to an embodiment. 【Figure 2A】 Figure 2A is a schematic plan view of a vasospasm-relieving device configured to increase vasodilation of a vascular occlusion according to an embodiment. 【Figure 2B】 Figure 2B is a schematic side view of the proximal end of the spasm-relieving device of Figure 2A according to an embodiment. 【Figure 2C】 Figure 2C is a schematic side view of the distal end of the spasm-relieving device of Figure 2A according to an embodiment. 【Figure 3A】 Figure 3A is a schematic plan view of a vasospasm-relieving device configured to increase vasodilation of a vascular occlusion according to an embodiment. 【Figure 3B】 Figure 3B is a schematic side view of the proximal end of the spasm-relieving device of Figure 3A according to an embodiment. 【Figure 3C】 Figure 3C is a schematic side view of the distal end of the spasm-relieving device of Figure 3A according to an embodiment. 【Figure 4A-4C】 Figures 4A through 4C are schematic diagrams of a stimulation circuit of an embodiment of a spasm-relieving device of the present invention. 【Figure 5】 Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a modulation member and a conductive path of a spasm-relieving device according to various embodiments of the present invention. 【Figure 6】 Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a possible use of a modulation member and a conductive path substantially similar to those of Figure 5 in forming a wave impulse for increasing vasodilation in a blood vessel. 【Figure 7】 Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a wave impulse that can be generated by at least one embodiment of a spasm-relieving device of the present invention. 【Figure 8-10】 Figures 8 through 10 are schematic diagrams of exemplary conventional intervention devices or instruments that can be implemented to include various aspects of an embodiment of a spasm-relieving device of the present invention. 【Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0035】 Detailed Description The principles, uses, and implementations of the teachings in this specification can be better understood by referring to the accompanying descriptions and figures. By reviewing the descriptions and figures in this specification, those skilled in the art can implement the teachings in this specification without undue effort or experimentation. 【0036】 In the descriptions and claims of this application, the terms "comprising" and "having" and their forms are not limited to the elements in the lists to which the terms may be related. 【0037】 In the descriptions and claims of this application, (for example, when A and B are elements, method steps, claim limitations, etc.) the expression "at least one of A and B" is synonymous with "only A, only B, or both A and B". In particular, the expressions "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "one or more of A and B", and "one or more of A or B" are interchangeable with each other. 【0038】 As used in this specification, the term "about" can be used to specify a value of a quantity or parameter (e.g., the length of an element) within a continuous range of values near (including that value) the given (described) value. According to one embodiment, "about" can specify that the value of the parameter is between 80% and 120% of the given value. For example, the description "the length of the element is equal to about 1 m" is synonymous with the description "the length of the element is between 0.8 m and 1.2 m". According to one embodiment, "about" can specify that it is between 90% and 110% of the given value. According to one embodiment, "about" can specify that it is between 95% and 105% of the given value. 【0039】 As used in this specification, according to one embodiment, the terms "substantially" and "about" may be interchangeable with each other. 【0040】 For the sake of simplicity, in some of the figures, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (having orthogonal axes x, y, and z) is introduced. It should be noted that the orientation of the coordinate system with respect to the object depicted can vary from figure to figure. Further, a circular symbol with a black dot in the center can be used to represent an axis directed "towards the viewer from the plane of the paper", and a circular symbol with an "x" in the center can be used to represent an axis directed "from the viewer into the plane of the paper". 【0041】 Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electrical stimulation that can be applied directly to certain nerves that control, for example, vasodilation. This can be done by applying electrical impulses to these nerves via an invasive procedure such as implanting an electrode near the target nerve in order to, for example, promote relaxation of smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel wall and cause vasodilation. 【0042】 FIG. 7 shows an arbitrary example of a rectangular wave impulse that can be used to increase vasodilation according to various embodiments of the present invention. This rectangular wave has an amplitude of about 64 millivolts, a frequency of about 16 Hz, and a pulse width of about 2 milliseconds, and can be generated by an embodiment of a spasmolytic device in which the electrode distance is about 10 millimeters. 【0043】 In one broad aspect of the present disclosure, at least some embodiments of the spasmolytic device of the present invention, such as those exemplified herein, can have a stand-alone configuration. That is, embodiments of such stand-alone devices can be designed to be operable in an independent manner for the purpose of vasospasm relief without substantially requiring external connection or additional equipment. In other words, such a stand-alone configuration is defined as being substantially self-sufficient and can be designed to perform its intended function without substantially relying on other external devices or systems. 【0044】 Looking at FIG. 4A, an embodiment of the stimulation circuit 111 that may be suitable for promoting the stand-alone operation mode of the vasospasm-relieving device can be understood to include a pulse generator 1, an optional amplifier 2, a battery 3, and a power supply 4. A power button 5 provided on such a stand-alone type spasm-relieving device can be used to activate the stimulation circuit 111 and supply power to the stimulation circuit 111. 【0045】 FIGS. 4B and 4C show various embodiments of the stimulation circuit 111. 【0046】 In FIG. 4B, an embodiment of the stimulation circuit 111 having a battery 3, a power supply 4, and a pulse generator 1 is shown. In this example, the battery 3 supplies an input voltage Vin to the power supply 4, and as a result, the power supply 4 outputs an output voltage Vs towards the pulse generator. 【0047】 In FIG. 4C, an embodiment of the stimulation circuit 111 including an optional amplifier 2 is shown. Here, the battery 3 supplies an input voltage Vin to the power supply 4, and as a result, the power supply 4 outputs an output voltage Vs towards the pulse generator and the amplifier 2. 【0048】 The amplifier 2 in various embodiments can be any one of a voltage amplifier, a current amplifier, or a combined voltage and current amplifier. By using the amplifier 2, the output wave impulse transmitted towards the target area in the body where vasodilation is promoted can have a higher voltage amplitude and / or power than that supplied only from the signal generator. 【0049】 In a non-limiting example, the pulse generator 1 can be the LMC555 or MIC1555 / 57 version of the 555 timer integrated circuit manufactured by Texas Instruments. The amplifier 2 can be the LM4916 or LM2621MM / NOPB power amplifier manufactured by Texas Instruments. The battery 3 can be the SR421SW model of the silver oxide button battery from Seiko Instruments. The power supply 4 can be the TPS61098 synchronous boost converter with an integrated LDO, a low input voltage, and a 4.3V output voltage. The power button 5 can be used to activate / deactivate the ultra-small SMT tactile switch of the TL3305 series from E-Switch, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stein Industries. 【0050】 A vasospasm-relieving device including such a stimulation circuit 111 can be arranged to send an electrical signal along the conductive path 6 towards the modulation member 7 of a device having one or more electrodes. The one or more electrodes can be supported by the support structure 8 of the device within a blood vessel that constricts (see blood vessel 99 in FIG. 6). 【0051】 By stimulating the modulation member 7, vasodilation of such blood vessels can occur by expanding or relaxing the blood vessels, resulting in an increase in their diameters. As a result, an increase in blood flow and a decrease in vascular resistance are promoted. 【0052】 In a broad aspect of the present invention, in addition to having a functional role as a transmission path for electrical signals to and from the modulation member 7, the conductive path 6 of various embodiments of the vasospasm-relieving device can also be configured to have a functional role as a structural component for increasing the structural stability of the device, and particularly its support structure 8. 【0053】 In one embodiment, such dual functionality can be achieved by forming the conductive path 6 as a braided structural element in which one or more conductive wires can be woven or intertwined, perhaps with other non-conductive strands. 【0054】 Such a braid can be in any of the ways of passing one wire / line over two and under two, passing two wires / lines over two and under two, or passing one wire / line over one and under one. 【0055】 Presumably, such a braided conductive path 6 can be housed within an insulating material to avoid substantial interference with other components such as the electrodes of the device. In addition to or instead of this, each conductive wire within the braid can be housed within an insulating material. 【0056】 In the enlarged portions in FIGS. 1B and 2C, two examples of a conductive path 6 having such two functions are shown. In the enlarged portion of FIG. 1B, the conductive path is shown as being woven or intertwined with conductive wires 61, 62 of opposite polarities. 【0057】 Here, this braided conductive path is disposed within the peripheral formation between the inner layer 81 and the outer layer 82 of the support structure 8, and presumably these layers can be insulating materials. The inner layer 81 can form the outer peripheral edge of the inner lumen of the microcatheter type intervention device seen in FIG. 1. 【0058】 Referring to FIG. 5, a schematic diagram is provided that illustrates various ways in which the electrodes of the modulation member 7 can be electrically connected to the electrical wires (whether braided or not) of the conductive path 6. 【0059】 In this figure, a support structure 8 of a vasospasm relief device including a modulation member 7 having optionally six electrodes is shown. For illustrative purposes only, the electrodes are shown with different widths to assist in distinguishing between different sets of electrodes depending on their use (i.e., use as an anode or a cathode) within the device. 【0060】 In this example, the conductive wire of the conductive path is shown using "dotted lines", and as shown, a single wire 61 that functions as a "shared part" (either the "plus" or "minus" pole) is connected to all the electrodes of one of the electrode sets (i.e., the "wide" ones), and in this example, each of the electrodes of the other set of electrodes (i.e., the "narrow" ones) is connected to a dedicated wire 62 of the opposite pole. 【0061】 In this example, the entire four electrical wires can be used in the conductive path 6 to connect between the stimulation circuit 111 and the modulation member 7. 【0062】 In certain embodiments, the minimum number of conductive lines of the conductive path can be calculated by the following formula. 【Number】 【0063】 Pay attention to FIG. 6, which shows an optional example of supplying a wave impulse to increase vasodilation in a blood vessel by using an embodiment of a vasospasm-relieving device having a modulation member 7 and a conductive path 6 generally similar to that shown in FIG. 5. 【0064】 The upper part of FIG. 6 shows an example of the distal region of a vasospasm-relieving device 900 of an arbitrary configuration as shown in FIG. 3, which is located within the blood vessel 99, and the three lower figures show the modulation member 7 and the conductive path 6 of FIG. 5 during three stages of activation. 【0065】 A single wire 61 (either the positive or negative pole) is here connected to all the electrodes of the "wide" electrode "set", and a dedicated wire 62 of a predetermined opposite pole is connected to each of the electrodes of the "narrow" second electrode "set". 【0066】 According to certain embodiments of the present invention, by selectively controlling only one of the dedicated wires 62 that are each connected to a predetermined pole of the power supply of the device, only one electrode pair can be controlled each time to generate a wave impulse at a predetermined axial position along the blood vessel (like a "wave pattern" that moves). 【0067】 As shown from top to bottom in FIG. 6, an optional example can be seen of generating a wave impulse that starts closer to the proximal side of this portion of the blood vessel and gradually moves distally. Such a waveform moving distally can, in some cases, assist in propagating the dilation of the blood vessel in the direction of its distal side (presumably the downstream side). 【0068】 FIG. 1A schematically shows an optional example of an embodiment of a vasospasm relaxation device 100 for increasing vasodilation of a blood vessel. The vasospasm relaxation device 100 includes a proximal connection hub 101 and a support structure 8 in the form of a strain relief portion 102 and a hollow member 103 in this example, and the support structure 8 is elongated and connected to the hub 101. 【0069】 In this example, the proximal end of the hollow member 103 may optionally be supported by the hub via the strain relief portion 102 to provide flexibility that facilitates bending between the hollow member 103 and the hub 101 to avoid or limit entanglement. 【0070】 The distal end of the hollow member 103 extends towards a tip 104 of the device that can be configured to provide a non-invasive distal end of the device. According to certain embodiments, the hollow member 103 can be formed from metal and / or plastic for flexibility and effective blood vessel navigation. 【0071】 Looking further at FIG. 1B, the hub 101 can include a catheter connection interface 114 and a stimulation circuit 111 connected and / or embedded within the hub. Although shown here as being associated with the hub, it should be noted that in various embodiments of the present invention, other locations within the device may equally be considered for housing the stimulation circuit 111. 【0072】 By coupling (e.g., embedding) the stimulation circuit 111 to the hub, embodiments of the vasospasm relief device 100 can function in a stand-alone mode. In other embodiments (not shown), the stimulation circuit 111 may be external to the device, resulting in an embodiment of a non-stand-alone mode vasospasm relief device. 【0073】 As shown in FIG. 1B, the vasospasm relief device 100 includes a conductive path 6 that extends along the support structure 8 of the device to transmit an electrical signal from the hub 101 towards a modulation member 7 that may be positioned along the support structure, and perhaps also includes an adjacent tip 104. 【0074】 As disclosed herein, the modulation member 7 can be embodied as a plurality of electrodes (see, e.g., electrode 77 in FIG. 1C), and the conductive path 6 can be suitable for transmitting an electrical signal towards one or more of the electrodes of the modulation member, perhaps without substantial interference with other electrodes of the device. 【0075】 According to an embodiment, the diameter of the hollow member 103 can range from about 0.3 mm to about 30 mm. The hollow member 103 can generally extend in a parallel or tapered form. The length of the hollow member 103 can range from about 3 cm to about 300 cm. 【0076】 As shown in FIG. 1B, in this example, the hub may include a power button 5. This promotes an ergonomic design, enabling the user of the device to selectively and on-demand activate the components of the stimulation circuit 111 and direct an electrical signal towards the modulation member 7. The battery 3 included in the stimulation circuit 111 may be suitable for storing an amount of energy sufficient to complete a vasodilation treatment. 【0077】 In one example, the battery 3 may provide a potential up to about 5V and may store a total electrical energy of up to about 1000 mAh. The components of the stimulation circuit 111 powered by the battery 3 and activated by the button 5 may be arranged to conduct current to the electrodes within the modulation member 7, separately to each electrode, to pairs of electrodes, or to groups of electrodes. The type of vasodilation operation to be activated may be selected by the button 5 or by a programmed procedure. In certain cases, the stimulation circuit 111 may be arranged to regulate a discharge current in the range from about 0.1 microampere to about 100 milliamperes. 【0078】 FIG. 1C is a schematic side view of the distal end of the spasm-relieving device of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment. The distal end of the hollow member 103 changes to a tip 104, thus facilitating the safe advancement of the atraumatic distal end 142 into the vascular tissue without perforating or cutting the vessel wall. The diameter of the atraumatic distal end 142 may be parallel or tapered in the range from about 0.3 mm to about 30 mm. 【0079】 In this example, the modulation member 7 includes electrodes 77 that are exposed at the portion of the tip 104 and enable the conduction of current to adjacent or contacting tissue. The number of exposed electrodes on the hollow member 103 and the tip 104 may range from 1 to 100. The electrodes 77 may be distributed axially or (as shown here) radially or in such a combination in the support structure 8. 【0080】 As shown in FIGS. 1A through 1C, the vasospasm relief device 100 is embodied as a so-called microcatheter type intervention device. However, as shown in the embodiments described below, embodiments of the vasospasm relief device of the present disclosure can be implemented in various other conventional intervention devices or instruments such as guidewires, balloon catheters, stent retrievers (etc.). In addition, embodiments of the vasospasm relief device are not necessarily limited to existing types of intervention devices and can also be incorporated into dedicated intervention devices adjusted for vasodilation. 【0081】 Looking at FIGS. 8 through 10, examples can be seen of implementing various aspects of embodiments of the vasospasm relief device in conventional intervention devices or instruments. 【0082】 In FIGS. 8A and 8B, a stent retriever type intervention device implemented to include a hub having a stimulation circuit 111 according to various embodiments of the present invention can be seen. In this example, the plurality of electrodes 77 forming the modulation member 7 can be shown as being optionally formed at the intersections of the struts of the mesh. The mesh is adapted to grasp and remove thrombus in the occluded artery. 【0083】 Part or all of the struts can be used as conductive wires 61, 62 for transmitting an electrical signal from the stimulation circuit 111 towards the modulation member 7 in order to supply a wave impulse aimed at increasing vasodilation within the blood vessel being treated. 【0084】 In FIG. 9, the distal region of a balloon type intervention device provided with electrodes 77 embedded or formed on the inflatable balloon can be seen, at which position the modulation member 7 of the device is at least partially formed. 【0085】 The conductive wires 61, 62 that send electrical signals from the stimulation circuit 111 (as seen in FIG. 8A) can be shown here as extending along the catheter shaft toward the proximal side of the electrode 77 in order to communicate an electrical signal toward the modulation member 7 for supplying a wave impulse aimed at increasing vasodilation within the blood vessel being treated. 【0086】 FIG. 10 shows an example of the distal side of an embolization protection device typically introduced into a blood vessel being treated to capture and remove potentially dangerous debris. 【0087】 Here, the electrode 77 forming the modulation member 7 of the device can be shown as optionally formed on the proximal side of the protection device that is typically most likely to come into contact with the most widely treated blood vessels. 【0088】 (As seen in FIG. 8A) The conductive wires 61, 62 that send electrical signals from the stimulation circuit 111 can also be shown here as extending along the catheter shaft toward the electrode in order to communicate an electrical signal toward the modulation member 7 for supplying a wave impulse aimed at increasing vasodilation within the blood vessel being treated. 【0089】 FIG. 2A schematically shows another optional example of an embodiment of a vasospasm relief device 200 for increasing vasodilation of a blood vessel. The vasospasm relief device 200 includes a connection hub 201 and a support structure 8 embodied here as a longitudinal member 203 such as a guide wire. The support structure 8 is elongated and attached to the hub 201. The distal end of the longitudinal member 203 in this example turns into a tip 204, facilitating a non-traumatic distal end. According to an embodiment, the longitudinal member 203 is formed from metal and / or plastic for the flexibility required for effective blood vessel navigation. 【0090】 Also, as shown, the vasospasm relaxation device 200 allows for the transmission of an electrical signal along the support structure 8 from the stimulation circuit 111 connected to the hub 201 towards the modulation member 7 located along the support structure 8, and includes a conductive path 6 (see what is shown by the white "dotted" line in FIG. 2B), likely adjacent to the tip 204 of the device (see FIG. 2C). 【0091】 Signals directed to specific electrodes of the modulation member 7 can likely be achieved without substantial interference to other electrodes of the modulation member 7. According to an embodiment, the diameter of the longitudinal member 203 can be parallel or tapered in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 30 mm, and the length can be in the range of about 3 cm to about 300 cm. 【0092】 FIG. 2B is, according to an embodiment, a schematic side view of the proximal end of the spasm relaxation device of FIG. 2A. The hub 201 includes a catheter connection interface 214, a power button 5, and a stimulation circuit 111. The power button 5 can be designed to facilitate an ergonomic design and enables the user of the device to selectively and on-demand induce an electrical signal to the modulation member 7. 【0093】 In principle, the parameters of the components of the stimulation circuit 111 in this example and other examples provided in this specification can generally be similar to those of the above-described embodiments. Further, the stimulation circuit 111 can be embedded within the above-described hubs of various embodiments to provide a stand-alone type configuration as already described above for various vasospasm relaxation devices, or can be external to the device and separate from the device to provide an embodiment of a non-stand-alone type device. 【0094】 FIG. 2C is a schematic side view of the distal end of the spasmolytic device of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment. The distal end of the longitudinal member 203 changes to a tip 204, which facilitates the non-traumatic distal end 242 to safely advance into the vascular tissue without perforating or cutting the vascular wall. The diameter of the non-traumatic distal end 242 can be parallel or tapered, or twisted, or woven in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 30 mm. 【0095】 The electrode 77 of the modulation member 7 of the device 200 may be exposed at a portion of the tip 204 so as to enable induction of current to adjacent or contacting tissue. The number of exposed electrodes along the support structure 8 and / or the tip 204 can range from 1 to 100. The electrodes 77 can be distributed axially or radially or in combination along the support structure 8 and / or the tip 204. 【0096】 FIG. 3A schematically shows yet another optional example of an embodiment of a vasospasmolytic device 300 for increasing vasodilation of a blood vessel. The vasospasmolytic device 300 includes a connection hub 301 and a support structure 8 which in this example is an optional form of a strain relief portion 302 and a hollow member 303, the support structure 8 being elongated and coupled to the hub 301. The proximal end of the hollow member 303 in this example may be optionally supported by the hub by the strain relief portion 302 to provide flexibility to facilitate bending between the hollow member 303 and the hub 301 to avoid or limit entanglement. 【0097】 The distal end of the hollow member 303 extends towards a tip 304 of the device which can be configured to provide a non-traumatic distal end of the device. As shown in FIG. 3C, in this example, the vasospasmolytic device 300 can be shown as embodied as a balloon catheter device including an inflation balloon 305 which in this example is provided along its support structure 8 on its hollow member 303 and connected to the inner lumen of the hollow member to enable balloon inflation. According to an embodiment, the hollow member 303 is formed from metal and / or plastic for the flexibility required for effective vascular navigation. 【0098】 As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the vasospasm relief device 300 includes a conductive path 6 that enables transmission of an electrical signal from a stimulation circuit 111 within a hub 301 to a modulation member 7 of the device that includes electrodes located along a support structure 8 and perhaps adjacent to an outer surface of a tip 304 or balloon 305 of the device. The signal can perhaps be sent towards a particular electrode without interference to the remaining other electrodes. According to one embodiment, the diameter of the hollow member 303 can be parallel or tapered in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 30 mm, and the length can be in the range of about 3 cm to about 300 cm. 【0099】 In FIG. 3B, a schematic side view of the proximal end of the vasospasm relief device of FIG. 3A according to one embodiment is provided. The hub 301 of the device includes a catheter connection interface 314, a power button 5, and a stimulation circuit 111 as described above. 【0100】 The power button 5 can be designed to facilitate the ergonomic design of the device and enables the user to selectively and on-demand direct an electrical signal to the modulation member 7.

Claims

[Claim 1] A spasm relief device for increasing vasodilation of blood vessels, It comprises a modulation member, a support structure, a stimulation circuit, and a conductive path, The modulation member includes at least one electrode, The support structure is suitable for supporting the modulation member, The conductive path extends along the support structure and electrically connects the stimulation circuit and the modulation member. The conductive path is formed as a braided structural element having a substantially cylindrical forming portion that surrounds the internal lumen of the device. A device to relieve seizures. [Claim 2] The convulsion relief device has a standalone configuration, The aforementioned stimulation circuit is formed inside the hub or is part of the hub at the proximal side of the interventional device. The stimulation circuit includes a pulse generator, a battery, and a power supply. The convulsion relief device according to claim 1. [Claim 3] The spasm relief device according to claim 2, wherein the stimulation circuit further includes an amplifier. [Claim 4] The spasm relief device according to claim 3, wherein the amplifier is one of a voltage amplifier, a current amplifier, or a combined voltage and current amplifier. [Claim 5] The spasm relief device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive path also functions as a structural component for increasing the structural stability of the support structure. [Claim 6] The spasm relief device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the braided structural element is formed by one of the following methods: passing one wire over two and under two; passing two wires over two and under two; or passing one wire over one and under one. [Claim 7] The convulsion relief device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the conductive path includes one or more conductive wires that are interwoven or entangled. [Claim 8] The spasm relief device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the braided structural element is formed between an inner layer and an outer layer, and the inner layer surrounds the inner lumen. [Claim 9] The spasm relief device according to claim 8, wherein the inner layer and the outer layer are formed from an electrically insulating material. [Claim 10] The spasm relief device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the modulation member includes a plurality of electrodes. [Claim 11] The convulsion relief device according to claim 10, wherein the conductive path includes a plurality of electrical wires. [Claim 12] The spasm relief device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of electrodes of the modulation member are divided into two sets of electrodes, all electrodes of one set are connected to a single electrical wire of the conductive path, and each electrode of the other set is connected to a separate electrical wire of the conductive path. [Claim 13] The spasm relief device according to claim 12, wherein each of the sets includes a plurality of electrodes. [Claim 14] The distal end thereof is adjacent to a medical device for performing medical procedures within a blood vessel, The at least one electrode is formed at least partially on or together with the medical device. The support structure extends to the medical device and the modulation member. A convulsion relief device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [Claim 15] The spasm relief device according to claim 14, wherein the medical device is one of an inflatable balloon, a stent retriever, an embolism protection device, and similar devices.

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