Embolectomy catheter
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A catheter comprising:
- a flexible tubular nondistensible catheter body having first and second ends;
an elastomeric nonwoven foam catheter tip attached to and extending outwardly from the catheter body at the first end;
a retractable flexible stylet extending through said catheter body and being attached to said catheter tip;
wherein operation of said stylet at said second end of the catheter body deforms said elastomeric foam catheter tip at said first end of the catheter body.
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Abstract
An improved embolectomy catheter, includes a catheter body, an elastomeric foam catheter tip attached at one end of the catheter body, and actuator means for elastically deforming the catheter tip. The catheter tip deforms longitudinally and radially in response to activation of the actuation means. The catheter tip may be formed of any type of sterile elastomeric foam, which may be easily compressed and restored to its original shape upon decompression.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A catheter comprising:
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a flexible tubular nondistensible catheter body having first and second ends; an elastomeric nonwoven foam catheter tip attached to and extending outwardly from the catheter body at the first end; a retractable flexible stylet extending through said catheter body and being attached to said catheter tip; wherein operation of said stylet at said second end of the catheter body deforms said elastomeric foam catheter tip at said first end of the catheter body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for removing an embolus, thrombus, or other clot from a blood vessel, comprising the steps of:
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creating an opening into the blood vessel; inserting through the opening and into the blood vessel a catheter including a tubular catheter body, a catheter tip formed of a nonwoven foam material, and an actuator for deforming the catheter tip between an expanded state and a compressed state; advancing the catheter tip beyond the clot in the vessel; manipulating the actuator to place the catheter tip in the expanded state; moving the catheter tip toward the opening, the foam material in the tip having a tendency to compress upon engaging the clot; and during the moving step, resisting compression of the catheter tip with elastomeric forces created by the foam material, to avoid high pressures damaging to the blood vessel. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification