Abstract

A hollow member is made from a material such as titanium with properties of vibrating longitudinally. The interior surface of the hollow member is preferably quite smooth. At least one member is disposed on the hollow member and is provided with properties of vibrating longitudinally at an ultrasonic frequency when energized. Preferably a plurality of such vibratory members are disposed around the periphery of the hollow members. The vibratory members may be crystals. The vibratory members are preferably disposed in a socket in the hollow member so that the vibratory members are flush with the hollow member. A hollow catheter made from a pliant material such as a silicone rubber is disposed on the hollow member and the vibratory members and is preferably provided with a substantially smooth inner periphery and a substantially smooth outer periphery along its length. The forward end of the catheter preferably covers the forward end of the hollow member and preferably has a blunt disposition. The hollow member, the vibratory members and the catheter are disposed in an artery and are movable along the artery to emulsify plaque on the interior wall of the artery without damaging the interior wall of the artery. The emulsified plaque is removed as by a vacuum through the hollow member and the catheter.