Flexible tip rheolytic thrombectomy catheter and method of constructing same
First Claim
1. A rheolytic thrombectomy catheter for the removal of thrombus from a body vessel having a high pressure hypo-tube, the end of which is formed into a toroidal loop having a plurality of inwardly directed jets for directing a flow of pressurized fluid to impinge on, and carry, a dislodged thrombus into an exhaust/evacuation tube, the improvement comprising;
- a. rigid tubular shell positioned adjacent said toroidal loop;
b. an aperture in said rigid tubular shell aligned to permit fluid carrying dislodged thrombus to enter a gap proximal to said rigid tubular shell wherein said dislodged thrombus is propelled into the distal end of an axially centered exhaust/evacuation tube; and
,c. a flexible tip member at the distal end of said rigid tubular shell, said flexible tip member having a tip of reduced diameter at the distal end thereof and a reduced diameter shoulder portion positioned within said rigid tubular shell and affixed thereto, whereby the distal end of said flexible tip member follows turns in said vessel and said rigid tubular shell prevents distortion of said toroidal loop as said catheter is inserted into said vessel.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A rheolytic thrombectomy catheter and method of using same to remove thrombus from a body vessel or other body cavity. The rheolytic thrombectomy catheter has a first tube with a distal open end and a second tube aligned within the first tube and having a flexible tip assembly. A tapered and flexible tip follows a guidewire within and along tortuous and difficult vasculature paths to the site of thrombus. The flexible tip assembly, includes a soft flexible tip and also includes a hard plastic shell offering structural integrity and rigid alignment between a toroidal loop and an inner body to prevent lever arm distortion and to maintain spray gap alignment for saline jet flow emanating from the toroidal loop. Saline jets dislodge, entrain, and break thrombus into pieces which are evacuated through the dual lumen tube. A construction method is also included for mounting of the toroidal loop within the hard plastic shell and attachment of the soft tapered and flexible tip with sufficient bond strength to function as intended for use.
190 Citations
19 Claims
-
1. A rheolytic thrombectomy catheter for the removal of thrombus from a body vessel having a high pressure hypo-tube, the end of which is formed into a toroidal loop having a plurality of inwardly directed jets for directing a flow of pressurized fluid to impinge on, and carry, a dislodged thrombus into an exhaust/evacuation tube, the improvement comprising;
-
a. rigid tubular shell positioned adjacent said toroidal loop; b. an aperture in said rigid tubular shell aligned to permit fluid carrying dislodged thrombus to enter a gap proximal to said rigid tubular shell wherein said dislodged thrombus is propelled into the distal end of an axially centered exhaust/evacuation tube; and
,c. a flexible tip member at the distal end of said rigid tubular shell, said flexible tip member having a tip of reduced diameter at the distal end thereof and a reduced diameter shoulder portion positioned within said rigid tubular shell and affixed thereto, whereby the distal end of said flexible tip member follows turns in said vessel and said rigid tubular shell prevents distortion of said toroidal loop as said catheter is inserted into said vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification