Expandable lumen device and method of use
DCFirst Claim
1. A method for retrieving material from tubular structures within the human body comprising the steps of:
- a) inserting a guide wire into the tubular structure;
b) guiding a catheter featuring an expandable lumen opening along the guide wire proximate to the material;
c) expanding the lumen opening to a size sufficient to permit the material to be received in the lumen; and
d) moving the material into the lumen opening.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for removing undesirable material from a tubular structure within the human body features a cylindrical body with a lumen therethrough. The distal portion of the body is divided into a number of flexible members. An inflatable cuff is attached to the flexible members. When the cuff is inflated, the members flex radially outwardly so that the distal opening of the lumen is expanded. An inflation tube is used to inflate and deflate the cuff by means of a syringe. An elastomeric membrane sleeve surrounds the flexible members so that the latter are contracted towards their original position when the cuff is deflated. The sleeve also prevents material from escaping between the flexible members when the cuff is inflated.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for retrieving material from tubular structures within the human body comprising the steps of:
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a) inserting a guide wire into the tubular structure; b) guiding a catheter featuring an expandable lumen opening along the guide wire proximate to the material; c) expanding the lumen opening to a size sufficient to permit the material to be received in the lumen; and d) moving the material into the lumen opening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for retrieving material from tubular structures within the human body comprising the steps of:
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a) inserting a guide wire into the tubular structure; b) guiding a catheter featuring a tip with an expandable lumen opening along the guide wire to a position proximate to the material; c) expanding the lumen opening so that a circumferential occlusive seal is formed between the catheter tip and an inner surface of the tubular structure; and d) receiving the material in the lumen opening due at least in part to a reversed flow in the tubular structure proximate to the catheter tip as a result of step c). - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification