Mechanical pump for removal of fragmented matter and methods of manufacture and use
First Claim
1. A circulation catheter comprising:
- a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween, the lumen forming a distal opening at the distal end of the catheter body;
a macerator at the distal end of the catheter body, wherein the macerator is self-expandable;
an expansible cage surrounding the macerator;
an impeller rotatably disposed in the lumen of the catheter body to aspirate materials generated by the macerator from the distal end to the proximal end of the catheter body; and
a clearing element disposed at the distal opening of the catheter body between the macerator and the impeller to prevent the materials from accumulating at the distal opening.
7 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Material transport catheters and methods for their use rely on rotation of an impeller within a catheter body and a clearing element for preventing buildup of materials at the opening of the catheter body. The impeller preferably comprises an inner tube or shaft having a helical rotor formed over an outer surface thereof. The clearing element may comprise a free end of a structure near the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting clot, wherein the free end of the structure extends into the distal opening of the catheter body to break up materials as the impeller is rotated. Alternatively, the clearing element may comprise a cutting member disposed at the distal opening of the catheter body.
165 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A circulation catheter comprising:
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a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween, the lumen forming a distal opening at the distal end of the catheter body; a macerator at the distal end of the catheter body, wherein the macerator is self-expandable; an expansible cage surrounding the macerator; an impeller rotatably disposed in the lumen of the catheter body to aspirate materials generated by the macerator from the distal end to the proximal end of the catheter body; and a clearing element disposed at the distal opening of the catheter body between the macerator and the impeller to prevent the materials from accumulating at the distal opening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification