A
system for delivering pulsatile energy to cardiovascular tissue is provided. Aspects of the
system include: a console
assembly including a
potential source; a manifold
assembly operably connected to an output of the console
assembly, where the manifold assembly includes an oscillator configured to generate pulsed energy from energy transmitted by the
potential source; and a conduit assembly operably connected to the output end of the manifold assembly. The
catheter assembly of the present invention comprises: a connector operably connecting the
catheter assembly to a manifold assembly and configured to convert a first pulsed energy generated by the manifold assembly into a second pulsed energy; a
catheter including a fluid channel operably connected to the output end of the connector and configured to transmit a second
pulse energy; and a cardiac tissue compliant element configured to receive the second
pulse energy transmitted through the fluid passage of the catheter to apply the pulsatile energy to the cardiovascular tissue. Also provided are methods for delivering pulsatile energy to cardiovascular tissue, e.g., deploying the
system such that the heart tissue compliant element of the system is adjacent to the cardiovascular tissue, and engaging the system in such a manner that the heart tissue compliant element delivers energy to the cardiovascular tissue. In addition, provided are separate catheter assemblies as well as kits comprising components of the systems described herein. These systems, assemblies, methods, and kits can be used for a variety of different applications, including
balloon angioplasty applications or other catheter-based therapies or treatments.