FlowCardia

The innovative FlowCardia System consists of reusable electronics (Generator and Transducer) and the single use CROSSER Catheter. The CROSSER Catheter is connected to the electronics by attaching the proximal hub of the CROSSER to the distal end of the Transducer. The Generator converts AC line power into high frequency current. This current is then delivered to piezoelectric crystals contained within the transducer resulting in crystal expansion and contraction. The Transducer horn amplifies the rapid crystal expansion and contraction propagating high frequency mechanical vibration down a Nitinol core wire to the tip of the CROSSER Catheter at approximately 20kHz or 20,000 cycles per second. This vibrational energy provides mechanical impact which aids in the recanalization of an occluded artery.

The FlowCardia Generator converts AC power into high frequency current. The affixed Transducer then converts the current into vibrational energy.

Generator Features:

• Mounts conveniently to standard I.V. pole
• No Settings or adjustments required
• Foot switch activated
• Emits audible tone when activated

The single-use, Rapid Exchange CROSSER Catheter is attached to the Transducer and delivered over standard guidewires to the CTO. When the CROSSER Catheter is activated using the foot switch of the Generator, the Nitinol core wire transmits the vibrational energy to the metal tip of the Catheter. The high frequency mechanical vibration facilitates guidewire passage of the CTO and allows for subsequent balloon angioplasty, debulking, and/or stent placement.

The tip of the CROSSER Catheter mechanically vibrates against the face of the CTO at 20,000 cycles per second (20kHz) at a stroke depth of approximately 20 microns. This high frequency, low amplitude longitudinal stroke pulverizes the CTO by mechanical impact, creating a channel through the CTO.

To read more on this topic, please see:
Ultrasound Angioplasty. Boston: Kluwer Academic, 1996. 229-240.