Filter/emboli extractor for use in variable sized blood vessels

Abstract

An extraction device for the removal of clots and foreign bodies from vasculature. The extractor device is connected to an elongate mandrel and is located within a longitudinally extending lumen defined by a catheter. A clot or foreign material extracted from a vessel by moving the extraction device and catheter proximally until the clot or foreign material does not perfuse a critical organ.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 212,298, filed Aug. 5, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,179,273, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 599,146, filed Jun. 21, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,139, and is based upon provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 140,131 filed Jun. 21, 1999, entitled “FILTER / EMBOLI EXTRACTOR FOR USE IN VARIABLE SIZED BLOOD VESSELS.”BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to medical devices that are useful in treating thromboembolic disorders and for removal of foreign bodies in the vascular system. [0003] Thromboembolic disorders, such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, peripheral thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and the like, affect many people. These disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. [0004] Thromboembolic events are characterized by an occlusion of a blood vessel. The occlusion is caused by a clot which is viscoel...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides devices and methods for removing clots and foreign bodies from blood vessels. The invention includes an elongate wire, a staged filter / emboli extractor, and a knitted or mesh structure. The invention can be used in all vasculature, including the neurovasculature. The invention can also be used as a temporary arterial or venous filter to capture and remove thromboemboli formed during endovascular procedures. The invention allows for effective removal of clots or foreign bodies from a patient's vasculature."

Problems solved by technology

These disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States.

When an artery is occluded by a clot, tissue ischemia (lack of oxygen and nutrients) develops.

Failure to reestablish blood-flow can lead to the loss of limb, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, stroke or even death.

Occlusion of the venous circulation by thrombi leads to blood stasis which can cause numerous problems.

Additionally, the use of a Fogarty catheter may be problematic due to the possible risk of damaging the interior lining of the vessel as the catheter is being withdrawn.

Balloon angioplasty is appropriate for treating vessel stenosis but is generally not effective for treating acute thromboembolisms.

Unfortunately, thrombolysis typically takes hours to days to be successful.

Additionally, thrombolytic agents can cause hemorrhage and in many patients the agents cannot be used at all.

Another problematic area is the removal of foreign bodies.

The use of such removal devices can be difficult and sometimes unsuccessful.

However, such devices have been found to have structures which are either highly complex or lacking in sufficient retaining structure.

Disadvantages associated with the devices having highly complex structure include difficulty in manufacturability as well as use in conjunction with microcatheter.

Other less complex devices tend to pull through clots due to in part to the lack of experience in using the same or are otherwise inadequate in capturing clots or foreign bodies.

Moreover, systems heretofore disclosed in the art are generally limited by size compatibility and the increase in vessel size as the emboli is drawn out in the distal vascular occlusion location to a more proximal location near the heart.

If the embolectomy device is too large for the vessel it will not deploy correctly to capture the clot or foreign body and if too small in diameter, it cannot capture clots or foreign bodies across the entire cross section of the blood vessel.

Additionally, if the embolectomy device is too small in retaining volume, as the device is retracted, the excess material being removed can spill out and be carried by flow back to occlude another distal vessel.

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