Device and method for bridging a neck of an aneurysm

Abstract

A system for removing a thrombus. The system includes an expandable device that maintains axially fixed engagement with the thrombus. The expandable device applies a first force to the thrombus according to surrounding vessel size. The expandable device applies a second force to the thrombus according to an increased vessel size to maintain axially fixed engagement.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 372,778 filed Jul. 17, 2014, which is a National Phase of PCT Patent Application No. PCT / US2013 / 021942 having International filing date of Jan. 17, 2013, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61 / 693,026 filed Aug. 24, 2012, 61 / 679,508 filed Aug. 3, 2012 and 61 / 587,617 filed Jan. 17, 2012. The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein in their entirety.FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Stroke is a leading cause of disability, death and health care expenditure. Most strokes are ischemic (i.e. caused by a decrease in the blood supply to a portion of the brain due to a clot obstructing the flow of blood). A total or hemodynamically significant occlusion of a cerebral artery in an acute ischemic stroke is mostly due to thrombus formation, an embolus, and / or other unwanted matter.[000...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This solution allows for effective and controlled removal of thrombi from blood vessels, even in areas with varying diameters and complex geometries, reducing the risk of thrombus loss and improving clinical outcomes by ensuring consistent engagement force throughout the retrieval process.

Problems solved by technology

Stroke is a leading cause of disability, death and health care expenditure.

When an artery is obstructed by thrombus, tissue ischemia (i.e. lack of oxygen and nutrients) quickly develops.

Drug-based treatments can be used to dissolve the thrombus, but may take hours to take effect.

While often effective, known thrombus-removal devices, systems, and methods suffer from significant limitations.

Even when the correct size device is initially selected to initially secure the thrombus, the device may not be ideal for moving the thrombus into the retrieval catheter, particularly if the retrieval catheter is positioned at a significant distance from a difficult-to-remove thrombus mass, when the vessel varies in size, has one or more bends, and / or has one or more branches between the thrombus and the retrieval catheter.

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