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Spiral balloon catheter

  • US 8,079,978 B2
  • Filed: 06/24/2010
  • Issued: 12/20/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for removing particulate matter from a body passage in a patient in need of such treatment, comprising the steps of:

  • a) providing a catheter fitted with a compliant balloon and an aspiration element, said balloon having a non-helical shape and surrounding said catheter in a non-spiral manner in its deflated state, wherein said balloon is constructed such that it is capable of adopting a spiral or helical conformation upon inflation based upon an intrinsic ability of the balloon;

    b) introducing said catheter into a peripheral blood vessel and advancing same until said balloon is located in the region of the particulate matter to be removed;

    c) inflating said balloon such that it adopts the spiral or helical conformation, thereby causing said particulate matter to enter a spiral channel thus formed in the external surface of the balloon, and to become squeezed and elongated between said balloon and said blood vessel wall;

    d) aspirating said squeezed particulate matter into said aspiration element, wherein said aspiration may be performed continuously or intermittently;

    e) optionally partially or completely deflating the balloon and re-locating the catheter such that said balloon becomes located in another region of particulate matter to be removed, and repeating steps (c) and (d);

    f) completely deflating the balloon and withdrawing the catheter from the patient'"'"'s vasculature.

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