Snare

• US 6,641,590 B1
• Filed: 03/06/2001
• Issued: 11/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories)
• Original Assignee: EndoVascular Technologies Incorporated (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Inventors: Shen, Christopher T., LaDuca, Robert, Phonthalasa, Saypin, Palmer, Olin, Voss, Larry
• Primary Examiner(s): TRUONG, KEVIN THAO
• Application Number:
  US09/801,256
• Time in Patent Office: 973 Days
• Field of Search: 606/113, 606/114, 606/127, 606/159, 606/200
• US Class Current: 606/113
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/221 Gripping devices in the form of loops or baskets for gripping calculi or similar types of obstructions surgical snare instruments A61B17/32056
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00526 Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2212 having a closed distal end, e.g. a loop

Abstract

An intravascular snare device for use in capturing debris found in blood vessels. The snare device is fabricated from a tube and includes longitudinally and circumferentially extending members. The snare device specifically embodies structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse.

Claims

1. A method involving a snare device that is capable of being slideably received within a guide catheter that includes a detachable adapter comprising the steps of:

configuring the snare device to capture undesirable material;

withdrawing the snare device to a position adjacent an opening to the guide catheter;

aspirating the guide catheter while withdrawing the snare device into the guide catheter;

maintaining aspirations until the snare device is positioned within the adapter; and

detaching the adapter, with the snare device contained therein, from the guide catheter.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said configuring step further includes positioning the snare device within vasculature of a patient.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of allowing a moment of bleed back from the vasculature and through the guide catheter to flush any loose undesirable material.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said configuring step further includes positioning the snare device within intracranial vasculature of a patient.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said configuring step further includes positioning the snare device distal of a blood clot within intracranial vasculature of a patient.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step of attaching a supplemental adapter to the guide catheter.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of flushing the guide with saline.