Curved bristle atherectomy device and method

• US 5,702,413 A
• Filed: 01/11/1996
• Issued: 12/30/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Scimed Life Systems Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Scimed Life Systems Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Lafontaine, Daniel M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Buiz, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): MULCARE, NANCY C
• Application Number:
  US08/584,474
• Time in Patent Office: 719 Days
• Field of Search: 606/159, 606/170, 606/191, 606/192, 606/194, 606/70, 604/22, 128/751
• US Class Current: 606/159
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/22 Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on the inside of inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; Calculus removers; Calculus smashing apparatus; Apparatus for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for dilators A61M29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/22031 Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi A61B17/221 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320012 Brushes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/109 having balloons for removing solid matters, e.g. by grasping or scraping plaque, thrombus or other matters that obstruct the flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/00 Catheters; Hollow probes dilators A61M29/00; peritoneal catheters A61M1/285; tracheal tubes A61M16/04; for drainage A61M27/00; for uterus, vagina or rectum A61M31/00 ; for measuring or testing A61B; materials for catheters A61L29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0043 characterised by structural features
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/104 used for angioplasty

Abstract

An medical device with hook like bristles suitable for capturing occlusive material. The device is inserted to a patient'"'"'s vasculature and moved through an area of occlusion in such a way as to dislodge and capture the material causing the occlusion.

Claims

1. A medical device for removing occlusive material and the like from a patient'"'"'s vasculature or body cavities, the device comprising:

an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the

distal end being insertable into the vasculature; and

a plurality of flexible bristles disposed on the distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein the bristles comprise a shape memory material that reversibly changes shape when subjected to a change in temperature beyond a transition temperature and the bristles are adapted to capture occlusive material.

2. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising:

a retractable sheath disposed about the bristles.

3. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising:

an atraumatic tip attached to the distal end of the elongate shaft.

4. A method of removing occlusive material from a patient'"'"'s vasculature, comprising the steps of:

providing an elongate shaft having a distal end and a plurality of shape memory bristles disposed about the distal end;

inserting the elongate shaft into the patient'"'"'s vasculature;

capturing occlusive material in the bristles by moving the shaft through the occlusive material;

removing the elongate shaft and captured occlusive material from the patient'"'"'s vasculature;

washing the occlusive material filled bristles in a liquid having a temperature suitable for changing the bristles from a memorized curved shape to a memorized straight shape; and

cooling the straightened bristles to a temperature suitable for changing the shape memory material from the memorized straight shape to the memorized curved shape.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the shaft includes a retractable sheath thereon, further comprising the step of:

retracting the sheath after inserting the elongate shaft into the patient'"'"'s vasculature thereby allowing occlusive material to be captured in the bristles.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the steps of:

moving the sheath to its distal-most position following occlusive material capture, thereby further trapped occlusive material between the sheath and the bristles.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of:

moving the sheath distally so that the sheath acts as a cutter.

8. The method of claim 4 further comprising the steps of:

washing the occlusive material filled bristles in a liquid having a temperature suitable for changing a shape memory material from a memorized curved shape to a memorized straight shape; and

bending the bristles back into a curved shape without cooling the straightened bristles.

9. A medical device comprising:

an elongate tube having

a proximal end and a distal end,

a first inflation lumen and a second flushing lumen extending therethrough, and

a retractable sheath movably disposed about the elongate tube, the sheath having an interior;

an inflatable balloon attached to the distal end of the elongate tube and in fluid communication with the proximal end of the elongate tube via the first inflation lumen, the inflatable balloon having a smooth exterior suitable for sealing engagement with the distal end of the retractable sheath when the retractable sheath is moved over the balloon and the balloon is inflated;

a plurality of bristles disposed about the distal end of the elongate tube proximal of the balloon; and

an at least one orifice in fluid communication with the second lumen and disposed adjacent the bristles.

10. The medical device of claim 9 further comprising:

a restriction vent disposed about the interior of the sheath.

11. The medical device of claim 9 wherein the elongate shaft has a guide wire lumen.

12. The medical device of claim 9 further comprising:

a stiffening wire disposed within the elongate tube.

13. A method of removing thrombus from a patient'"'"'s vasculature comprising the steps of:

providing a catheter having a distal end, a balloon attached to the distal end, a plurality of bristles disposed about the catheter proximal of the balloon, and a retractable sheath disposed about the catheter;

inserting the catheter, into a patient'"'"'s vasculature;

capturing occlusive material in the bristles;

moving the sheath over the curved bristles;

inflating the balloon, thereby sealing the bristles between the sheath and the catheter;

flushing a lysing fluid from within the catheter, over the bristles, and back out between the catheter and the sheath;

retracting the sheath;

capturing additional occlusive material; and

removing the catheter from the patient'"'"'s body.