Laser-cut clot puller

• US 7,998,165 B2
• Filed: 11/28/2007
• Issued: 08/16/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/12/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings, LLC (Stryker Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Stryker Corporation, Stryker Nv Operations Limited (Stryker Corporation)
• Inventors: Huffmaster, Andrew
• Primary Examiner(s): Milano; Michael J
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, VI X
• Application Number:
  US11/946,106
• Publication Number:
  US 20080119888A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,357 Days
• Field of Search: 606/113, 606/127, 606/200, 606/108, 606/159, 606/198, 623/1.11, 623/1.12, 623/1.15, 604/104
• US Class Current: 606/200
• 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 2017/00867 shape memory effect
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2215 having an open distal end
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/39 Markers, e.g. radio-opaque or breast lesions markers

Abstract

A device for removing blood clots and methods of making and using the same. The clot pulling device may include a first spine, a second spine disposed parallel to the first spine, and a basket disposed between and coupled to the spines. In addition, a pushing member may be coupled to the first spine and extend proximally therefrom.

Claims

1. A method for removing clots from a blood vessel, comprising the steps of:

providing a clot pulling device including a first spine having a proximal end, a second spine disposed parallel to the first spine, a pushing member coupled to the proximal end of the first spine and extending proximally therefrom, and a basket disposed between and coupled to the first and second spines;

providing a catheter having a lumen extending therethrough;

advancing the catheter through a blood vessel to a location adjacent an area of interest;

advancing the clot pulling device through the lumen of the catheter to a position distally of the area of interest;

expanding the basket;

entrapping a clot within the basket;

advancing the catheter through a blood vessel to a location adjacent an area of interest includes disposing the clot pulling device in the lumen and advancing the catheter and the clot pulling device through the blood vessel; and

advancing the clot pulling device through the lumen of the catheter to a position distally of the area of interest includes pushing the clot pulling device in the distal direction with the pushing member.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of advancing the clot pulling device through the lumen of the catheter to a position distally of the area of interest includes advancing the clot pulling device out from a distal end of the catheter.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of expanding the basket includes applying force in the distal direction to the pushing member.