Material removal device having improved material capture efficiency and methods of use

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved atherectomy catheter having means for directing particles generated by a cutting element into a collection chamber. Methods of directing the cut material from a blood vessel lumen into a collection chamber are also provided.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 285,768, filed Dec. 11, 2009, entitled “Material Removal Device Having Improved Material Capture Efficiency and Methods of Use”, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to catheters used to remove material from a site in a body lumen. More particularly, this invention pertains to catheters capable of capturing the material removed from the site.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease of the vascular system whereby atheroma is deposited on the inner walls of blood vessels. Over time atheromatous deposits can become large enough to reduce or occlude blood flow through the vessels, leading to symptoms of low blood flow such as pain in the legs (on walking or at rest), skin ulcer, angina (at rest or exertional), and other symptoms. To treat this disease and improve or resolve these sy...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Over time atheromatous deposits can become large enough to reduce or occlude blood flow through the vessels, leading to symptoms of low blood flow such as pain in the legs (on walking or at rest), skin ulcer, angina (at rest or exertional), and other symptoms.

The atheroma deposits can be displaced by diametrically expanding the vessel by inflating balloons, expanding stents, and other methods, however these methods undesirably tear and stretch the vessel, causing scar formation in a high percentage of patients.

The deposits can be pulverized using lasers and other methods however pulverization alone of atheromatous material allows microemboli to flow downstream and lodge in distal vascular beds, further compromising blood flow to the tissue affected by the disease.

One problem that occurs when removing material from a blood vessel is that material fragments may be created by the removal means, in some cases by a cutter, and such fragments may be left in the body where they can embolize and cause problems.

Some catheters are designed to remove material from the body by directing material particles into a collection chamber however these collection efforts are not always 100% effective.

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