Embolectomy catheter

• US 5,769,871 A
• Filed: 03/06/1997
• Issued: 06/23/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David Y. Phelps
• Original Assignee: Louisville Laboratories., Inc.
• Inventors: Mers Kelly, William C., Phelps, David Y.
• Primary Examiner(s): Buiz, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shai, Daphna
• Application Number:
  US08/813,798
• Time in Patent Office: 474 Days
• Field of Search: 606/199, 606/198, 606/159, 606/191, 606/108
• US Class Current: 606/200
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/22031 Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi A61B17/221 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/22032 having inflatable gripping elements balloon catheters A61M25/10
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320725 with radially expandable cutting or abrading elements A61B17/32075 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/22082 after introduction of a substance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/1004 Balloons with folds, e.g. folded or multifolded
• 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 25/10 Balloon catheters A61M25/0125 takes precedence; embolectomy A61B17/22032; retractors A61B17/02; inflatable balloons for placing stents or stent-grafts A61F2/958 ; stomach balloons for treatment of obesity A61F5/0003; oesophagal tubes A61J15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/1002 characterised by balloon shape A61M25/1006, A61M25/1009 take precedence

Abstract

The present invention comprises an embolectomy catheter for the removal of an embolus within a vessel of a patient, including a catheter shaft having a distal end with a diametrically adjustable hinged compartment thereat. The catheter shaft has a proximal end with a handle attached thereon. A longitudinally displaceable cannula is connected to the distal end of the catheter shaft and to a slidable tab in the handle, to permit controlled adjustment of the diametric size of the hinged compartment arranged adjacent the distal end of the catheter when the slidable tab is moved relative to the handle, to allow a physician to open the compartment to any desired size relative to a patient'"'"'s vessel. The compartment may then be pulled through the vessel via a pull on the handle, to collect any embolus therewithin.

Claims

1. A method for performing an embolectomy procedure so as to remove an embolus from the vessel of a patient, comprising the steps of:

threading a distal end of an embolectomy catheter directly into the vessel of the patient or onto a guide wire which has been placed in the vessel of the patient beyond the site of the embolus, said embolectomy catheter having a hinged compartment on its distal end, wherin the hinged compartment includes annular bands connected by a hinge, an annular medicament supply channel extending between a proximal and said distal ends of said catheter, said embolectomy catheter having a handle on its proximal end with a hinged compartment diameter adjustment member slidably arranged therein;

positioning an adjustment means in said handle, so as to adjust the diameter of said hinged compartment to be compatible with the diameter of the vessel being treated;

withdrawing said catheter from the vessel by pulling longitudinally on said handle, to effect capture and removal of said embolus from the vessel by said diametrically expanded hinged compartment; and

simultaneously injecting a medicament in a luer fitting in said handle so as to be transmitted through said annular medicament supply channel in said catheter and out a distal orifice thereof and into said vessel being treated.

2. The method for performing an embolectomy procedure as recited in claim 1, incliding the steps of:

arranging a barrel to be disposed radially about the proximal end of said handle;

securing a spring between said adjustment means and said barrel, so as to be able to meter and control the tension being applied to said hingedly adjustable compartment, when said handle is pulled proximately by pulling proximately on said barrel.

3. The method for performing an embolectomy procedure as recited in claim 2, including the step of:

applying a series of indicators on said handle so as to permit said tension to be viewed as a displacement of said barrel and said adjustment means relative to said indicators.