Expandable emboli filter and thrombectomy device

Abstract

Expandable emboli filter and thrombectomy devices adapted for use with microcatheters to remove debris from blood vessels. The devices embody expanded profiles that span the entirety of various sized target vessels and thus are particularly effective in the engagement of debris found in vessels.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to filtering and thrombectomy devices and systems which can be used to capture embolic material or thrombi found in blood vessels. The filtering devices and systems of the present invention are particularly useful when performing balloon angioplasty, stenting procedures, laser angioplasty or atherectomy in critical vessels where the release of embolic debris into the bloodstream can occlude the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain or other vital organs, which can cause devastating consequences to the patient. The thrombectomy devices are suited for the removal of thrombus in a variety of vessels. While the embolic filtering and thrombectomy devices and systems of the present invention are particularly useful in the cerebral vasculature and neurovasculature, the inventions can be used in conjunction with any vascular interventional procedure in which there is an embolic risk. [0002] A variety of non-surgical ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is directed toward expandable devices for repairing blood vessels. The expandable devices are particularly suited for removing emboli or

Problems solved by technology

However, there is one common problem which can become associated with all of these types of procedures, namely, the potential release of embolic debris into the bloodstream that can occlude distal vasculature and cause significant health problems to the patient.

Additionally, while complete vaporization of plaque is the intended goal during a laser angioplasty procedure, quite often particles are not fully vaporized and thus enter the bloodstream.

When any of the above-described procedures are performed in the vessels supplying blood to the brain, the release of emboli into the circulatory system can be extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal to the patient.

Naturally occurring debris can also be highly dangerous to a patient.

Debris that is carried by the bloodstream to distal vessels of the brain can cause these cerebral vessels to occlude, resulting in a stroke, and in some cases, death.

Therefore, although cerebral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty has been performed in the past, the number of procedures performed has been limited due to the justifiable fear of causing an embolic stroke should embolic debris enter the bloodstream and block vital downstream blood passages.

However, it is often difficult to control the size of the fragments which are formed, and the potential risk of vessel occlusion still exists, making such a procedure in the carotid arteries a high-risk proposition.

However, as mentioned above, there have been complications with such systems since the vacuum catheter may not always remove all of the embolic material from the bloodstream, and a powerful suction could injure the patient's vasculature or remove more blood than is sa

Images