Bubble diagnostics

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2003

OSTI ID:875130

Visuri, Steven R ^[1]; Mammini, Beth M ^[2]; Da Silva, Luiz B ^[3]; Celliers, Peter M ^[4]

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1. Livermore, CA
2. Walnut Creek, CA
3. Danville, CA
4. Berkeley, CA

The present invention is intended as a means of diagnosing the presence of a gas bubble and incorporating the information into a feedback system for opto-acoustic thrombolysis. In opto-acoustic thrombolysis, pulsed laser radiation at ultrasonic frequencies is delivered intraluminally down an optical fiber and directed toward a thrombus or otherwise occluded vessel. Dissolution of the occlusion is therefore mediated through ultrasonic action of propagating pressure or shock waves. A vapor bubble in the fluid surrounding the occlusion may form as a result of laser irradiation. This vapor bubble may be used to directly disrupt the occlusion or as a means of producing a pressure wave. It is desirable to detect the formation and follow the lifetime of the vapor bubble. Knowledge of the bubble formation and lifetime yields critical information as to the maximum size of the bubble, density of the absorbed radiation, and properties of the absorbing material. This information can then be used in a feedback system to alter the irradiation conditions.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: The Regents of the University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 6538739
• OSTI ID: 875130
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

bubble
diagnostics
intended
means
diagnosing
presence
gas
incorporating
information
feedback
opto-acoustic
thrombolysis
pulsed
laser
radiation
ultrasonic
frequencies
delivered
intraluminally
optical
fiber
directed
thrombus
otherwise
occluded
vessel
dissolution
occlusion
mediated
action
propagating
pressure
shock
waves
vapor
fluid
surrounding
form
result
irradiation
directly
disrupt
producing
wave
desirable
detect
formation
follow
lifetime
knowledge
yields
critical
maximum
size
density
absorbed
properties
absorbing
material
alter
conditions
optical fiber
laser radiation
pulsed laser
pressure wave
gas bubble
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