Device for traversing vessel occlusions and method of use

Abstract An apparatus, system and method for re-canalization or opening a passage through an occlusion in a blood vessel is provided. The apparatus and method, which are appropriate for both cardiovascular as well as peripheral vessels, use a pulling member and a spring element, for example a compression spring, to oscillate a vibratable member, and the system of the invention includes the apparatus and a control unit to permit the frequency or amplitude of oscillation of the vibratable member to be adjusted. Also provided is a method for oscillating a vibratable member using a pulling member and a spring element. The apparatus and system are useful not only for penetrating a total or partial occlusion, but also to improve deliverability of a catheter through a partially occluded vessel or a tortuous vessel. (Figure 1) 10 40 20 30 A \ Iv =0 T=0 ===0 No load 10 40 20 30 B T=kx V=0 Energy stored 10 40 20 30 C T=0 V 00ola T=0 0~ 0 0vo 10 40 20 30 T=kxv Re-Load