Methods and devices for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel

• US 6,730,104 B1
• Filed: 06/29/2000
• Issued: 05/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stryker Corporation
• Original Assignee: Concentric Medical, Inc. (Stryker Corporation)
• Inventors: Gia, Son, Sepetka, Ivan, Dieck, Martin
• Primary Examiner(s): TRUONG, KEVIN THAO
• Application Number:
  US09/605,143
• Time in Patent Office: 1,405 Days
• Field of Search: 606/108, 606/113, 606/114, 606/127, 606/159, 606/200, 606/191, 604/22
• US Class Current: 606/159
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/22031 Gripping instruments, e.g. forceps, for removing or smashing calculi A61B17/221 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/221 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 18/1492 having a flexible, catheter-like structure, e.g. for heart ablation A61B18/1477 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/22034 for gripping the obstruction or the tissue part from inside
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2212 having a closed distal end, e.g. a loop
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2215 having an open distal end
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2217 single wire changing shape to a gripping configuration
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00214 Expandable means emitting energy, e.g. by elements carried thereon
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00898 Alarms or notifications created in response to an abnormal condition
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/016 made from wire-like elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/018 made from tubes or sheets of material, e.g. by etching or laser-cutting
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0091 helically-coiled or spirally-coiled, i.e. having a 2-D spiral cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0068 Static characteristics of the catheter tip, e.g. shape, atraumatic tip, curved tip or tip structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0074 Dynamic characteristics of the catheter tip, e.g. openable, closable, expandable or deformable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/008 Strength or flexibility characteristics of the catheter tip
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0082 Catheter tip comprising a tool

Abstract

The devices and methods of the invention are directed to various aspects of removing obstructions in a blood vessel. A power source may be provided to facilitate advancement of the device and engagement with the obstruction. The obstruction removal device may have alternating large and small sections or may have one or more loops. In another aspect, the obstruction removal device may have alternating sections wound with filament and substantially exposed sections.

Claims

1. A method of removing an obstruction, comprising the steps of:

providing an obstruction removing device, the obstruction removing device having an element movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position, the element being contained within a lumen in a delivery device in the collapsed position;

advancing the delivery device through the patient'"'"'s vascular system to an obstruction in a vessel;

expanding at least part of the engaging element toward the expanded position;

coupling the engaging element to a supply of power;

moving the engaging element into contact with the obstruction;

supplying power to the element when the engaging element is in contact with the obstruction, wherein the power supplied to the engaging element causes the obstruction to be at least partially adhered to the engaging element; and

removing the obstruction from the blood vessel with the engaging element while the obstruction is at least partially adhered to the engaging element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the coupling step is carried out with the supply of power producing an electrical charge at the engaging element.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

the coupling step is carried out with the supply of power producing a negative charge during the moving step.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein:

the coupling step is carried out with the supply of power producing a positive charge during the supplying step.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the coupling step is carried out with the supply of power being an RF generator.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the providing step is carried out with the engaging element being naturally biased toward the expanded position.