US 12,446,961 B2
System and method for pressure monitoring within a catheter system
Christopher A. Cook, Laguna Niguel, CA (US); and Eric Schultheis, San Clemente, CA (US)
Assigned to BOLT MEDICAL, INC., Carlsbad, CA (US)
Filed by Bolt Medical, Inc., Carlsbad, CA (US)
Filed on Jan. 21, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/154,453.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/985,452, filed on Mar. 5, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/972,268, filed on Feb. 10, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2021/0244473 A1, Aug. 12, 2021
Int. Cl. A61B 18/24 (2006.01); A61M 25/01 (2006.01); A61M 25/10 (2013.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01); A61B 18/00 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 18/245 (2013.01) [A61M 25/0136 (2013.01); A61M 25/10 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00154 (2013.01); A61B 2018/0022 (2013.01); A61B 2018/00369 (2013.01); A61M 2205/3317 (2013.01); A61M 2205/3331 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A catheter system for disrupting calcification at a treatment site within or adjacent to a vessel wall or heart valve, the catheter system comprising:
an energy source that generates energy, the energy source including one of (i) a laser and (ii) a high voltage energy source that provides pulses of high voltage;
a balloon that is positionable substantially adjacent to the treatment site, the balloon having a balloon wall that defines a balloon interior, the balloon interior being configured to receive a balloon fluid;
an energy guide that is configured to receive energy from the energy source, the energy guide guiding the energy into the balloon interior, the energy guide including one of (iii) an optical fiber and (iv) an electrode pair having spaced apart electrodes that extend into the balloon interior;
a pressure sensor that is configured to sense a balloon pressure of the balloon fluid within the balloon interior;
a handle assembly that is coupled to the balloon, the handle assembly being positioned spaced apart from the balloon, the handle assembly being usable by a user to operate the catheter system, the pressure sensor being positioned within the handle assembly; and
a tubular member that allows fluid communication between the balloon interior and the pressure sensor, the tubular member transmitting the balloon pressure of the balloon fluid within the balloon interior directly to the pressure sensor, the balloon fluid being directed through the tubular member to inflate the balloon.