Low-temperature plasma catheter for less-invasive, localized treatment of endocarditis and atherosclerosis

Abstract

Various aspects of the invention relate to methods and devices for treating diseases and conditions including atherosclerosis and endocarditis using low-temperature, non-equilibrium plasmas. A device may be, for example, a catheter that carries electrodes and a dielectric material for generating a localized, non-equilibrium plasma in a bodily fluid such as blood.

1 . A device for administering a non-equilibrium plasma to a subject, comprising:
 a catheter comprising a lumen and an aperture;   a first electrode and a second electrode carried within the lumen of the catheter, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are capable of carrying a voltage of at least 1 kV;   a dielectric material carried within the lumen of the catheter and in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode such that the dielectric material is capable of spatially-orienting a non-equilibrium plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the dielectric material is configured to exit the lumen of the catheter through the aperture;   a first wire connected to the first electrode and a second wire connected to the second electrode, wherein the first wire and second wire are capable of carrying an electric current, and the first wire and second wire are disposed within the lumen of the catheter; and   at least one insulating sheath surrounding the length of the first wire and the second wire.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device lacks a gas line capable of fueling a gas plasma. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the dielectric material comprises a glass or biocompatible polymer. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the dielectric material comprises quartz, polytetrafluoroethylene, sapphire, ruby, garnet, silica, cerium(IV) oxide, yttria-stabilized zirconia, alumina, corundum, silicon carbide, boron nitride, polyurethane, or parylene. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first wire and/or second wire comprises tungsten or platinum. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first wire and/or second wire has a diameter of about 1 μm to about 1 mm.