MXPA99002096A - Annular catheter - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention is a catheter (10), including (a) an element (12);(b) an adjustable ring (14) attached to the element (12) such that at least a portion of the element (12) is substantially within the adjustable ring (14), the adjustable ring (14) having at least a first diameter and at least a second diameter, and the adjustable ring (14) being magnetizable;and (c) a magnetization unit (20, 22) located near a portion of the element, the magnetization unit (20, 22) determining when the adjustable ring (14) has the first diameter and when the adjustable ring (14) has the second diameter.

Description

"ANNULAR CATHETER well known within the art to dilate narrow or occluded blood vessels. Several classes * of the balloon catheters are known, all of them have a balloon located at one end of an elastomeric tube w and * operate by the same general principles. First, the catheter with the empty flexible balloon is inserted into the occluded or narrowed blood vessel using a wire guide. Then, the ball that can be ellipsoidal or spherical, P11? 9 / 99MX is inflated and becomes stiff as a result of the application of pressurized water inside the catheter. As the balloon becomes stiff, it will forcefully expand the occluded or narrowed blood vessel, fracture fat deposits or cholesterol in the blood vessels in the walls of the blood vessels, and push them to the side. This dilation stretches and frequently tears the tissue fibers in the walls of the blood vessels. By releasing the internal pressure inside the balloon, it returns to its original diameter while the walls of the vessel remain laterally displaced and open to blood flow. Then, the catheter and the balloon are removed at the end of the blood vessel. An important factor of safety is the speed of dilatation of the blood vessels. A slower rate of dilation is much safer since tissue fibers are less susceptible to breakage and complications such as rupture of blood vessels are less likely to occur. Therefore, a lower expansion speed is preferred. Unfortunately, all these balloon catheters have a major disadvantage, in essence, they block blood flow through the blood vessel when the balloon is inflated and becomes rigid. This blockade deprives the tissues fed with blood by the vessels P1159 / 99MX and, therefore, deprive them of oxygen and nutrients during the period in which the balloon is inflated. This loss is particularly dangerous for sensitive tissues that can not tolerate an interruption in blood supply. In addition, this interruption can frequently cause significant discomfort for the patient, who may feel a heart attack. In an attempt to solve this problem, an infusion balloon catheter has been developed for use in the blood vessel that they supply to sensitive tissues. This catheter has openings in its wall before and after the balloon, connected by small tubes that pass through the inside of the balloon, so that blood can flow through the catheter. Unfortunately, these openings only allow a small portion of blood to flow through the catheter, causing the blood flow to be slow and the patient's discomfort still present, so even when using an infusion balloon, the Catheterization must be done very quickly to avoid damage to sensitive tissues, and extremely sensitive tissues such as those in the brain can not tolerate such a significant reduction in blood flow, "so the blood vessels that feed the brain do not can be catheterized, therefore, the perfusion catheter does not solve P1159 / 99MX "adequate problems of balloon catheters, such as the need for rapid dilatation of blood vessels." However, as mentioned before, rapid dilatation of blood vessels is not convenient. serious complications, such as rupture of the blood vessels, and paradoxically, these serious complications must be risked during catheterization to avoid low blood flow through the blood vessels. * Thus, there is a great need "recognized, and it would be highly advantageous to have a catheter 'that' can forcefully expand an occluded or narrowed blood vessel without an essential reduction in blood flow through the vessel, so that the Dilation may occur relatively slowly when the blood vessel is feeding a highly sensitive organ such as the brain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a catheter is provided which includes: (a) an element for transferring a magnetic force; (b) an adjustable ring coupled to the element such that at least a portion of the element is essentially within P1159 / 99MX - of the adjustable ring, the adjustable ring has, at least a first diameter and at least a second diameter ^ and the adjustable ring is magnetizable; and (c) a magnetization unit located near a portion of the element, the magnetization unit regulates the magnetic force '' transferred by the element to determine when the adjustable ring has the first diameter and when the adjustable ring has the second diameter. Preferably, the element is a ring formed of magnetizable metal, and the magnetization unit includes an induction coil wound substantially around at least a portion of the rod, such that when the current passes through the Inductive coil in one direction, the rod transfers the magnetic force with a polarity direction, and when the current passes through the induction coil in an opposite direction, the rod transfers the magnetic force with an opposite polarity. Alternatively and preferred, the element is a rod formed of a magnetizable metal, and the magnetization unit includes a permanent magnet, the distance of the magnet towards the rod determines the magnetic force. Also, preferably the adjustable ring is magnetizable by a magnetic unit and the shape of the magnetic unit is selected from the group comprising particles, thin metal foils and X, P1159 / 99MX wind an induction coil essentially around at least a portion of the rod. Alternatively and preferably, the magnetization unit "is formed of a permanent magnet." In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a repair catheter is provided to repair a wall of the biological conduit, which includes: (a) an element for transferring a magnetic force, (b) a stent, at least a portion of the element is essentially within the stent, the stent has at least a first diameter and at least a second diameter, the stent is magnetizable and the stent contains an activatable adhesive, and (c) a magnetization unit located near a portion of the element, the magnetization unit regulates the magnetic force transferred by the element to determine when the stent has the first diameter and "when the stent has the second diameter, the activatable adhesive is activated when the stent has the second diameter of such a way that the stent becomes essentially "rigid." In another embodiment of the present invention, a suction catheter is provided for the removal of a reservoir from the biological conduit, the biological conduit has a wall, the suction catheter includes: (a) a rod for transferring a magnetic force , the rod is P1159 / 99IX ",, -, • * * - adjustable in accordance with the present invention, Figure 3 is a view of a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the induction coil extends" along the length of '' "* ~ essentially the majority of an element; '* Figure 4 is a view of a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the induction coil is replaced by a permanent permanent magnet; a view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the features of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 or 3 and 4 are combined: Figure 6 is a view of a catheter and suction device in accordance with the present invention: Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are views of a stent for use with the present invention; Figures 8A and 8B are views of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which the diameter of the ring is controlled by an external magnet; - "Figure 9 is a view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which an induction coil extends along the ring or rings; "Figure 10 is a view of a seventh P1159 / 99MX embodiment of the present invention, in which the diameter of the ring is controlled by the insertion and removal of a magnetizable rod.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is a catheter that can be used to forcefully dilate, and therefore clean, occluded or narrowed blood vessels. Specifically, the catheter includes an adjustable ring whose diameter is controlled by the application of a magnetic field. The adjustable ring is capable of expanding while allowing essentially no blood flow through the catheter. Preferably, the catheter is also used to apply a stent to a wall of the blood vessel to effect a repair of the wall. Also, preferably, the catheter includes a suction pump to remove deposits in the walls of the occluded or narrowed blood vessels. Although, both the aforementioned description and the following descriptions specifically describe a catheter for use with blood vessels, it should be understood that it is only for clarity and that the catheter can be inserted into any biological conduit that includes, but is not limited to, limiting to gastrointestinal tracts, urinary conduits, vesicle and P1159 / 99MX passages of the lung. It should be noted that US Pat. No. 5,089,006 to Stiles (hereinafter referred to as Stiles) discloses a biological conduit coating and the installation of a catheter that can use a magnetic field during the installation of the coating. However, the catheter discovered by Stiles is different from that of the present invention in a variety of ways. First, the Stiles catheter is intended solely for the installation of the liner, while the catheter of the present invention can also be used to forcefully dilate a biological duct and then be removed. Secondly, the adjustable ring of the present invention can be expanded and contracted to a variable diameter, while the Stiles coating is only intended to expand to a predetermined diameter. Finally, the stent of the present invention includes an activatable adhesive, whereas the Stiles coating does not contain it. The principles and operation of a catheter in accordance with the present invention can be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. Now, with reference to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a catheter according to the present P11S9 / 99MX invention. Catheter 10 has an element 12 for transferring a magnetic force, preferably in the form of a rod, preferably made of a magnetizable metal, more preferably a soft metal. Hereinafter, the term magnetizable is defined either as permanent or temporarily capable of transferring a magnetic force. Preferably, the P ". ' The element 12 also includes a ring coupled to the element 12, through which a wire guide (not shown) can be screwed in. In a portion 13 of the element 12, there is an adjustable ring 14, shown in partial section in the Figure 1 (see also Figure 2A below for a full view.) From here on, the term ring includes both an annular ring and a cross section of a cylinder.

"" Ring can have one of three alternative forms. In "The first, the ring can be a coil, formed, of . preference of a strip or independent wire wound in helical form. In the second, alternatively and preferably, the ring may be an open tissue structure. In the third, alternatively and more preferred, the ring is essentially continuous, such that the ring is an independent piece of material without a beginning or end. Adjustable ring 14 is magnetizable. The adjustable ring 14 preferably has at least one, and more preferably, a plurality of P1159 / 99MX support ribs 16 attached to the adjustable ring 14. The ribs 16 act to harden the adjustable ring 14. The adjustable ring 14 is coupled to the element 12, preferably by at least, and more preferably a plurality of fibers 18 Hereinafter the term coupled is defined as connected to, or integrally formed with. Preferably, the fibers 18 are made of a strong, synthetic material such as a polyamide. In another portion of the element 12 there is an induction coil 20. The induction coil 20, essentially wraps around the element 12, and preferably is coupled with a rheostat 22. The rheostat 22 regulates the flow of electricity from a source of electricity (not shown) through the induction coil 20.

Preferably, a switch 23 is used to determine the direction of the flow of electricity. When electricity is allowed to flow through the induction coil 20, the element 12 is magnetized. The polarity of the element 12 depends on the direction of flow of the electricity through the induction coil 20. Preferably, the induction coil 20 together with the rheostat 22, form a magnetization unit for regulating the magnetic force transferred by the element 12. More preferably, the electricity flowing through the induction coil 20 is an alternating current, in such a way that P1159 / 99MX address, flow can be changed, although the direct comment can also be used as an alternative. Figures 2A and 2B are views of an adjustable ring 5. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of an adjustable ring 14. The ribs 16 can be seen located around the adjustable ring 14. Figure 2B shows a cross section of the ring adjustable 14 through the 0 line BB. A cross section of a portion of the wall 24 of the adjustable ring 14 can be observed. Preferably, the adjustable ring 14 is magnetized as follows. Coupled to the wall 24, and preferably embedded in the wall 24, there is at least 5 one, and preferably a plurality of magnetic units 26. If there is more than one magnetic unit 26, at least a portion of these magnetic units 26 is arranged with the same pole 28 with a view towards the interior of the adjustable ring 0, 14. The pole * 28 has a fixed polarity, which can be north or south. * f However, the polarity of the portion 13 of item 12 is alternate. In this way, depending on the direction of the current through - ^ the induction coil 20, the pole 28 has alternatively the polarity identical or opposite to the portion 13 of the element 12. Each magnetic unit 26 can be in the form of material, such as metal P1159jj'99MX thin section of metal sheet attached to wall 24 or embedded within wall 24, or both. If the powder is used, preferably each unit 26 is arranged vertically relative to the element 12. / _-, the present invention can be operated in the following manner: The catheter 10 is inserted into a , a patient's blood vessel through a regular catheter guide (not shown). Hereinafter, the term subject refers to an inferior human or animal X 1 inside of which the catheter can be inserted 10. tr • > 't, ^ * t During this part of the procedure, the current does not '• flows * through "the induction coil 20, or alternatively passes through the induction coil 20 in a direction that causes the 'portion I3 of element 12 has a polarity opposite ^ to p'olo 28 of each magnetic unit 26. Of this , way, * the portion 13 attracts the pole 28. It should be noted that although the element 12 is not magnetized by the induction coil 20 when the current through the "the induction coil 20 is essentially zero (it is" / ', "ie, does not flow), since the element 12 is made of n magnetizable metal, the element 12 or more specifically the portion 13 of the element 12, even so P1Í59 / 99MX attracts the pole 28. At this point, the adjustable ring 14 collapses (not shown) and therefore has a diameter small enough to allow insertion of the adjustable ring 14 into the blood vessel, essentially without the adjustable ring 14 makes contact with the walls of the blood vessel. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the induction coil 20 remains essentially outside the patient's body (not shown). When the catheter 10, and more specifically the adjustable ring 14 is located in the section of the blood vessel to be dilated, the rheostat 22 allows the flow of electricity through the induction coil 20"in a direction that causes the element 12 magnetizes with the opposite polarity to the previous polarity of the element 12, or alternatively allows the electricity to begin to flow through the induction coil 20, so that the pole 28 of each magnetic unit 26 has the polarity identical to the portion 13 of the element 12. Now, each magnetic unit 26, and therefore the wall 24, are repelled away from the element 12. Now, the adjustable ring 14 expands to have a larger second diameter, forces the blood vessel to expand (not shown) The rate of expansion of the adjustable ring 14, and therefore, the dilation of the blood vessels is controlled by the flow of P1159 / 99MX electricity through the induction coil 20. This flow also controls the expansion limit of the adjustable ring 14, since increasing the current also increases the repulsion between each magnetic unit 26 and the element 12. This increase in the repulsion increases the diameter of the adjustable ring 14. The maximum diameter of the adjustable ring 14 is preferably determined partially by the length of the fibers 18, which couple the adjustable ring 14 with the element 12. The fibers 18 act to maintain the position of the adjustable ring 14 relative to the element 12. During dilation of the adjustable ring 14, it should be noted that the blood flow through the blood vessel remains essentially unchanged by the catheter 10. This is because the adjustable ring 14 is in essence, hollow, so that only the element 12 presents an obstruction in the blood flow. In this way, the feeding of blood and therefore of oxygen and nutrients, for the tissue fed by the blood vessel is not substantially affected. In addition, because the blood flow is essentially unaffected, the rate of dilatation of the blood vessel may be relatively slow, which allows the fibers of the walls of the vessel to narrow slowly, rather than tearing them as with the catheter. of the ball After the blood vessel dilates, the P1159 / 99 X flow of current through the induction coil 20 is reversed or stopped again by the resistor 22. The portion 13 of the element 12 now has the polarity opposite the pole 28 of each magnetic unit 26. In this way, the portion 13 attracts the pole 28. The wall 24 of the adjustable ring 14 is attracted towards the element 12, which causes the adjustable ring 14 to collapse back towards its first diameter. Now, catheter 10 can be safely removed from the subject's body. It should be noted that the adjustable ring 14 is preferably capable of having a variable number of diameters, instead of only the two diameters described herein for purposes of illustration. As noted above, the adjustable ring 14, preferably has at least one, and of. reference a plurality of support ribs 16 coupled to the adjustable ring 14. The ribs 16 prevent it from bending the adjustable ring 14, or its edges, when the current through the induction coil 20 is such that the wall 24 is attracted towards the element 12. Preferably, the ribs 16 are formed of material that is not affected by the magnetic field, so as not to alter the expansion of the adjustable ring 14. The catheter 10 as illustrated in Figures 1, 2A and 2B, It can be assembled as follows. First, the induction coil 20 is wound substantially around the element 12. Preferably, after P11S9 / 99MX that the induction coil 20 is connected to the rheostat 22, which eventually is connected to a source of electricity (not shown). The rheostat 22 does not need to be connected to the electricity source until the catheter 10 is to be operated. The adjustable ring 14 is then made of a flexible and magnetizable material, preferably when coupling, and more preferably when embedding at least one, and preferably a plurality of magnetic units 26 of flexible material. The poles 28 of the magnetic units 26 should be oriented as described above, so that at least a portion of the magnetic units 26 have the same pole 28 facing the inside of the adjustable ring 14, if there is more than one unit magnetic 26. Preferably at least one, and preferably a plurality of support ribs 16 is coupled to the adjustable ring 14. Finally, the adjustable ring 14 engages the portion 13 of the element 12, preferably at least one and more preferably a plurality of fibers 18. Figure 3 is a view of a second embodiment of the present invention. In this mode, subject to one exception, catheter 30 is very similar to catheter 10 of Figure 1. An induction coil 32 of catheter 30 extends along substantially a majority of element 12 and forms a loop or tie. Also, the induction coil 32 of P1159 / 99MX preferably extends substantially within the body of the subject during normal operation. Preferably, the induction coil 32 extends from a portion of the element 12 essentially close to the adjustable ring 14, and more preferably, extends within the adjustable ring 14. The catheter 30 has an operation mode similar to that of the catheter 10 of *. {Figure 1. The catheter 30 is also assembled in a similar manner, except that the induction coil 32 is placed on the element 12 so that it extends along essentially the majority of the element 12. and then back along the element 12, preferably extending within the body of the subject during normal operation Figure 4 is a view of a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the induction coil is replaced by a magnet In this embodiment, again a catheter 34 is similar to catheter 10 of Figure 1, but with one exception: Catheter 34 does not have an induction coil, instead there is a permanent magnet 36 located in a portion of the element 12. A sleeve 38, preferably extends thereafter from the permanent magnet 36 along the element 12. The degree of expansion, and therefore the diameter of the adjustable ring 14 is controlled by the resistance of the mán 36"permanent. At least one magnet 36 P1159 / 99MX permanent, and preferably the permanent magnet 36 and the sleeve 38 form a magnetization unit for the catheter 34. The magnetization of the element 12 is controlled by placing the magnetization unit relative to the element 12, such so that when the magnetization unit is close to the element 12, it is magnetized; and when the magnetization unit is not close to the element 12, it does not magnetize. The catheter 34 is assembled in an essentially similar manner as the catheter 10, except that the induction coil 20 is not wound around the element 12 and the rheostat 22 is not used. Instead, "a sleeve 38 is coupled to the magnet. 36. The sleeve 38 then slides over the element 12, so that the element 12 is substantially inside the sleeve 38. Figure 5 is a view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the particularities of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 or 3 and 4. A catheter 40 has either an induction coil 42, similar to catheter 10 of Figure 1 or alternatively similar to catheter 30 of Figure 3, depending on the length of the coil induction 42, like a permanent magnet 44 shown in partial section, similar to catheter 34 of Figure 4. A sleeve 46 extends P1159 / 99MX from the permanent magnet 44 along the element 12. When the current flows through the induction coil 42 in one direction, the magnetization of the element 12 in the polarity of the permanent magnet 44 is increased and the adjustable ring 14 it expands. When the current flows or does not flow through the induction coil 42 (, in the opposite direction, the magnetization of the element 12 has the opposite polarity of the permanent magnet 44 and the adjustable ring 14 collapses (not shown). , at least the permanent magnet 44 and the induction coil 42, and preferably the permanent magnet 44 and the sleeve 46, and the induction coil 42 and the rheostat 22, form a magnetization unit for the catheter 34. The catheter 40 is assembled in a manner essentially similar to catheters 10 and 34. The catheter 40 is assembled as the catheter 10. Then, the sleeve 46 is coupled to the permanent magnet 44. The sleeve 46 is then slid over the element 12, so as The element 12 is essentially within the sleeve 46. Preferably, the element 12 in any of the embodiments of Figures 1-6 is hollow, and also preferably, the element 12 and the adjustable ring 14 are both coated with a ma which rejects adhesion by blood, cholesterol and v P1159 / 99 X other tissue components. More preferably, the material is polytetrafluoroethylene. Alternatively and preferred, instead of being made of a magnetizable metal, the element 12 is made of a material that is permanently magnetic. In this case, the magnetization of the element 12 will be neutralized by the induction coil 20 or 42, depending on which mode is convenient. Figure 6 is a view of a catheter with a suction device in accordance with the present invention. The catheter 10 is shown with a suction device 48, which may, for example, be a pump. Preferably, in this embodiment the element 12 is hollow, although alternatively, the element 12 can be essentially solid with an extra hollow tube 49 present as shown. In the first case, the element 12 is only a suction element, while in the second case, the element 12 and the tube 49 together form the suction element. Also preferably, the suction member includes at least one, and preferably, a plurality of suction tubes 50 connected to the suction member. The opening of each suction tube 50 should be placed on or near at least one, and preferably near a plurality of openings 53 of the adjustable ring, which allows the suction device 48 to exert a vacuum force through the adjustable ring 14. The P1159 / 99MX catheter 10 can be used with the induction coil 20 or alternatively, with the induction coil 32. The catheter 10 is operated in a manner similar to that described above for Figure 1, at least until the adjustable ring 14 is in the position inside the blood vessel. After the adjustable ring 14 is in the desired position within the blood vessel, the adjustable ring 14 expands at least once, which causes the blood vessel to be stretched in a forced manner. Now, the force exerted by the suction device 48 through the suction tube 50 can remove at least a portion of the reservoir or reservoirs in the wall of the blood vessel. Preferably, the adjustable ring 14 expands and contracts rapidly and repeatedly in order to efficiently loosen these deposits from the walls of the blood vessels. This is achieved by using an alternating current through the oscillation controller 51, so that the adjustable ring 14 can oscillate. In this configuration, the diameter, force and frequency of oscillation can be controlled for greater efficiency. An additional advantage of this configuration is that the deposits are not left in the wall of the blood vessel and any dislodged remains do not remain in the blood vessel. The probability of an embolism occurring can be substantially reduced in a P1159 / 99MX potential when removing the remains. Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are views of a stent for repairing a damaged wall of the blood vessel, which is intended for use with the present invention. The stent 52 alone is shown in Figure 7A, and reference should be made to Figures 2A, 2B and 6 for the operation description of the stent 52. The stent 52 is made of flexible material and preferably is essentially continuous, of such that the stent 52 is an independent piece of material without beginning or end. The stent 52 has a wall 54. The wall 54 can have one of two different configurations, shown in Figures 7B and 7C. Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the stent 52 along the line AA, showing the preferred features of a cell 56 and a cell 58. Each cell 56, of which there is preferably a plurality, contains a component "A" of an adhesive. Each cell 58, of which a plurality is again preferred, contains a component "B" of an adhesive. Neither component "A" nor component "B" alone have any adhesive qualities. However, when component A and component B are mixed, the adhesive is activated. The mixing is carried out when the walls of the cells 56 and 58 are broken and the adjustable ring 14 oscillates, during the following procedure.

P1159 / 99MX The stent 52 is placed on the adjustable ring 14 so that the adjustable ring 14 is essentially within the stent 52 (not shown) and the stent 52 expands when the adjustable ring 14 expands. Then, the catheter 10 is placed in the portion of the blood vessel to be repaired, by a method essentially similar to that described for catheter 10 of Figure 6. Once the catheter 10 is in place, the adjustable ring 14 and by extension the stent 52 expands by reversing the direction of the current flowing through the induction coil 20 or alternatively by allowing the current to start to flow through the induction coil 20, so that the element 12 now repeats the adjustable ring 14. The expansion of the stent 52 causes cells 56 and 58 to break, so that the "A" and "B" components can make contact. As the stent 52 oscillates or expands and contracts rhythmically, by oscillating the adjustable ring 14, the adhesive components "A" and "B" are mixed, and the adhesive is activated. The adhesive causes the stent 52 to become rigid and to remain in an extended state of the stent 52. After the adhesive is cured, the current can be turned off, or the current flow direction reversed, and the catheter it is extracted from the subject. The stent 52 remains inside the blood vessel because the stent 52 is held in the P1159 / 99MX expanded state in relation to the diameter of the blood vessel (not shown). Figure 7C shows the same cross-sectional view of the wall 54, except that the structure of the wall 54 has changed. Now, the wall 54 includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of magnetic units 60, so that the Stent 52 is magnetized. Each magnetic unit 60 is coupled to the wall 54, and preferably is embedded to the wall 54. If there is more than one magnetic unit 60, at least a portion of the magnetic units 60 is arranged with the same pole 28 of face towards the interior of the stent 52. Each magnetic unit 60 may be in the form of material, such as magnetizable metal, which causes the stent 52 to be magnetized including, but not limited to, powder either by coating the wall 54 or embedded within the wall 54, or both, or chip or a thin section of metal sheet coupled to the wall 54 or embedded therein, or both. If the powder is used, preferably each magnetic unit 60 is arranged vertically relative to the element 12. In this embodiment, the operation of the stent 52 is similar to that described above, except that since the stent 52 is magnetizable directly, the magnetic force acts directly on the stent 52, without the adjustable ring 14. In addition, the stent 52 P1159 / 99MX also includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of fibers (not shown) similar to the fiber 18. Each fiber couples the stent 52 with the element 12, until the stent 52 reaches its place and the adhesive. At this point, each fiber is cut so that the catheter 10 can be removed from the subject, leaving behind the stent 52. Although the operation of the stent 52 has been described using the catheter 10 of Figure 6, it should be understood that the catheters shown in Figures 1, 3, 5 or 8-10 can also be used with the stent 52, if the electric current flowing through the induction coil is alternating current. If the alternating current is used, any of these catheters in combination with the stent 52 can be described as a repair catheter. Figures 8A and 8B are views of a catheter in which the diameter of the ring is controlled by an external magnet. Figure 8A shows the catheter 10 with an element 62. The element 62 is made of an essentially non-magnetizable material. The adjustable ring 14 is substantially similar to that shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, the magnetic force controlling the diameter of the adjustable ring 14 is now supplied outside the body of the subject 64, as shown in Figure 8B. Subject 64 is shown schematically. At least one, and of P1159 / 99MX preferably a plurality of magnetization units 66 are essentially located near the subject 64. Each magnetization unit 66 is formed of an induction coil 68 and a conductor 70, preferably with at least one resistor 72. The coil induction 68 may be a single wire, or alternatively and preferably, the induction coil 68 is a plurality of separate wires. In the latter case, each wire of the induction coil 68 may be connected together with only one wire directly connected to the rheostat 72. Alternatively and preferably, each wire of the induction coil 68 may be directly connected to each plurality of rheostats 72. , so that the flow of electricity, and therefore, the magnetic force can be regulated in an essentially separate manner for each magnetization unit 66. The induction coil 68 is wound essentially around the conductor 70 and then preferably, is coupled with the rheostat 72. The rheostat 72 regulates the flow of electricity from a source of electricity 73 through the induction coil 68. A switch (not shown) is preferably used to determine the direction of the flow of electricity. Also preferably, an oscillation controller 75 is used to allow the adjustable ring 14 to expand and contract rapidly and repeatedly in order P1159 / 99MX of loosening the deposits in a more efficient way of blood vessel walls. However, the alternating current must be used with the oscillation controller 75. __In this configuration, the diameter, force and frequency of oscillation can be controlled for greater efficiency. When electricity is allowed to flow through the induction coil 68, the conductor 70 is magnetized. The polarity of the conductor 70 depends on the direction of flow of the electricity through the induction coil 68. The electricity flowing through the induction coil 68 is preferably alternating current so that the direction of flow is can change, although direct current can also be used as described for the catheter of Figures 1 and 2. The operation of catheter 10, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B is essentially similar to that of the catheter of the Figures 1 and 2, with one exception. Since the magnetic power is now supplied outside the subject 64, and the element 62 is made of essentially non-magnetizable material, the diameter of the adjustable ring 14 is now controlled either by allowing electricity to flow through the induction coil 68, or alternatively by changing the direction of the electricity flowing through the induction coil 68. In the first case, when the P1159 / 99MX electricity _ flows through the induction coil 68, the adjustable ring 14 expands and when electricity does not flow through the induction coil 68, the adjustable ring collapses. In the second case, when the electricity flows essentially in one direction, the adjustable ring 14 has a first diameter and when the electricity flows essentially in an opposite direction, the adjustable ring 14 has a second diameter. For example, in the first direction, the driver 70 taps the adjustable ring 14, so that the adjustable ring 14 expands. Then in the second direction, the driver 70 repels the adjustable ring 14, so that the adjustable ring 14 contracts. Preferably, a plurality of magnetization units 66 are disposed relatively uniformly around the subject 64, so that the magnetic force is evenly distributed around the subject 64. Figure 9 is a view of a catheter in which each induction coil It extends along each adjustable ring. Figure 9 shows the catheter 10 which is substantially similar to the catheter shown "in last Figures 1 and 2, except that the structure of an adjustable ring 72 is different, preferably there are a plurality of adjustable rings 72. Each adjustable ring 72 is made of metal P1159 / 99MX magnetizable and is preferably divided into at least two sections 74, and more preferably into more than two sections 74. Each section 74 has an induction coil 76 wound essentially around the section 74. Preferably, the induction coil 76 is coupled to the rheostat 78. The rheostat 78 regulates the flow of electricity from a source of electricity (not shown) through the induction coil 76. A switch (not shown) is preferably used to determine the direction of electricity flow. The induction coil 76 and the adjustable ring 72 together form a magnetizing unit 80, preferably with the rheostat 78. When electricity is allowed to flow through the induction coil 76, each adjustable ring 72 is magnetized. The polarity of each part 74 of each adjustable ring 72 depends on the actual flow of electricity through the induction coil 76, or alternatively and preferably, through the direction of flow of electricity through the induction coil 76. Preferably, the electricity flowing through the induction coil 76 is alternating current, so that the direction of flow can be changed, although direct current can also be used. The operation of catheter 10 as illustrated in Figure 9 is essentially similar to that of the catheter P1159 / 99 X Figures 1 and 2, with one exception. Now, the diameter of the adjustable ring 72 is controlled either by the actual flow of electricity through the induction coil 76, or alternatively and preferably by the direction of electricity flowing through the induction coil 76. In the first case, when the electricity flows through the induction coil 76, the adjustable ring 72 expands, and when electricity does not flow through the induction coil 76, the adjustable ring 72 collapses. In the second case, when the electricity flows essentially in one direction, the adjustable ring 72 has a first diameter and when the electricity flows essentially in an opposite direction, the adjustable ring 72 has a second diameter. For example, in the first direction, the adjustable ring 72 is repelled from the element 12, so that the adjustable ring 72 expands. Then, in the second direction, the adjustable ring 72 is attracted to the element 12, so that the adjustable ring 72 contracts. A particular advantage of this configuration is that a plurality of adjustable ring 72 can be located along the element 12, but they are controlled individually, so that each adjustable ring 72 can have a different diameter. In addition, the horizontal location of P1159 / 99MX each adjustable ring 72 can be adjusted with respect to another adjustable ring 72, by controlling the polarity of the rings 72 on one edge so that both adjustable rings 72 repel each other. Figure 10 shows a catheter in which the magnetic force is controlled by the relative position of an inserted magnetic element. A catheter 80 has an element 82. The element 82 includes a substantially non-magnetizable cover 84 and a magnetic rod 86. The catheter 80 also has an adjustable ring 14. The operation of the catheter 80 is as follows. When the catheter 80 is inserted into a blood vessel (not shown), the adjustable ring 14 has a first diameter. At the appropriate location within the blood vessel, the rod 86 is removed, which causes the adjustable ring 14 to expand to a second, substantially larger diameter (not shown). Alternatively and preferably, the rod 86 is not present within the cover 84 when the catheter 80 is inserted into the blood vessel. Next, the rod 86 is inserted into the cover 84 at the appropriate location within the blood vessel, which causes the adjustable ring 14 to expand. The proper performance of the adjustable ring 14 relative to the location of the rod 86 depends on the correct position of the poles of the different magnets, as described above.

P1159 / 99MX While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it can be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention can be made.

P1159 / 99 X

Claims (12)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, is claimed as "property contained in the following CLAIMS: 1. A catheter consisting of: (a) an element (b) at least one adjustable ring coupled to the element such that at least a portion of the element is substantially within at least one adjustable ring, at least the adjustable ring has at least one first diameter and at least one second diameter, and at least one adjustable ring is magnetizable, and (c) a magnetization unit located near a portion of at least one adjustable ring, the magnetization unit determines when at least one adjustable ring has the first diameter and when at least one adjustable ring has the second diameter 2. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the magnetization unit includes an induction coil wound essentially around at least one adjustable ring. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the magnetization unit includes an induction coil wound essentially around a P1159 / 99MX driver. The catheter of claim 1, wherein at least one adjustable ring has the particularity of a plurality of sections and a diameter of each of the sections can be adjusted separately. 5. The catheter of claim 1, wherein the element has the feature of a magnetic rod, the location of the rod relative to at least one adjustable ring that essentially determines the diameter of at least one usable ring. 6. The catheter of claim 1, further comprising a stent, at least a portion of at least one adjustable ring is substantially within the stent, the stent has at least one first diameter and at least one second diameter , the stent can be magnetized and the stervt contains activatable adhesive, the activatable adhesive is activated when the stent has the second diameter in such a way that the stent becomes essentially rigid. The catheter of claim 1, wherein at least one adjustable ring is a stent, the stent contains activatable adhesive, the activatable adhesive is activated when the stent has the second diameter such that the stent becomes rigid. 8. A method to catheterize a duct Biological P1159 / 99MX of a subject, the biological conduit has a wall, the method comprises the steps of: (a) inserting the catheter of claim 1 into the biological conduit of the subject with at least one adjustable catheter ring having the first diameter in such a way that at least one adjustable ring essentially does not contact the wall of the biological conduit; (b) causing at least one of the adjustable rings to have the second diameter, the second diameter is in essence, greater than the first diameter; and (c) contacting the wall of the biological conduit with at least one adjustable ring having the second diameter. The method of claim 8, wherein the wall of the biological conduit is contacted more than once with at least one adjustable ring. The method of claim 8, further comprising the steps of: (d) causing at least one adjustable ring to substantially return to having the first diameter; and (e) extract the catheter from the biological conduit. 11. The method of claim 8, in P1159 / 99MX where the catheter further comprises a plurality of adjustable rings and each of the adjustable rings has a diameter essentially different from the other adjustable rings. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the element has the particularity of a magnetic rod, the location of the rod relative to at least one adjustable ring determines, r -x. in essence, the diameter of at least one usable ring. P1159 / 99MX