Opto-Acoustic Transducers Remove Blockages. ICAP Patent Brokerage Announces for Auction Important Patents for Medical Techniques and Devices That Perform Blockage Removal Using Lasers, Ultrasonics, and Fiber Optics

LOS ANGELES, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ICAP Patent Brokerage, a division of ICAP plc and the world's largest intellectual property brokerage firm and organizer of ICAP Ocean Tomo Auctions, is offering for auction licenses to important patents for medical techniques and devices that perform blockage removal using lasers, ultrasonics, and fiber optics from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The lot will be included in the 15th ICAP Ocean Tomo IP Auction on March 29, 2012, at Terranea Resort near Los Angeles, California. 

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Background

In ultrasound angioplasty, an ultrasonic transducer is connected to a catheter for transmitting vibrations to a working tip at its distal end in close proximity to the occlusion. However, there is loss of energy through bends and curves along with heating of the tissue. In laser angioplasty, laser light is directed down an optical fiber to impinge directly on the occluding material to remove it. However, laser angioplasty devices may cause damage or destruction of the surrounding tissues. Improved medical devices are required for thrombolysis and angioplasty.

Key Characteristics & Benefits

This patent portfolio discloses improved devices for removing blockages or clots in vessels.

• The devices include an opto-acoustic transducer located at the end of a fiber optic within a catheter for removal of vascular blockage or other luminal occlusions.
• The optical fiber is used to guide laser pulses to a distal end of the catheter for occlusion removal. A high frequency train of small laser pulses is used as an energy source for a miniature ultrasonic transducer.
• The portfolio also discloses techniques for directing pulses of radiation through optical fibers to generate a shock wave for breaking obstructions such as bubble or clots.
• Techniques are also disclosed for detecting vapor bubble in liquid media by using lasers to generate acoustic signals.

Market Potential
This IP is an important portfolio for manufacturers of medical devices.

Companies who have cited this patent portfolio include:
Allergan, Endovasix Inc., Boston Scientific Scimed, Abbott Laboratories

To learn more about the assets available for sale in this portfolio:
Contact Dean Becker of ICAP Patent Brokerage at 561-309-0011 or [email protected]

About LLNL

Founded in 1952, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory provides solutions to our nation's most important national security challenges through innovative science, engineering and technology. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is managed by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.

About ICAP Patent Brokerage

ICAP Patent Brokerage is a division of ICAP plc and the world's largest intellectual property brokerage and patent auction firm.

About ICAP

ICAP is the world's leading interdealer broker and provider of post trade risk and information services. The Group matches buyers and sellers in the wholesale markets in interest rates, credit, commodities, FX, emerging markets and equity derivatives through voice and electronic networks. Through our post trade risk and information services we help our customers manage and mitigate risks in their portfolios. For more information go to www.icap.com.

SOURCE ICAP Patent Brokerage