Intravascular catheter

Abstract

The present invention is entitled "Intravascular Catheter". The present invention provides an intravascular catheter comprising a distal porous cuff segment having a plurality of unobstructed openings defined radially outward from an annular inflation chamber, wherein the distal porous cuff segment is non-rotatable. The catheter further comprises a tubular body disposed proximal of the distal porous cuff segment, the tubular body having a sidewall extending from a proximal end to the distal porous cuff segment and an internal lumen defined axially therethrough. The sidewall of the tubular body has an inflation supply channel extending in a direction parallel to an axial direction of the intravascular catheter.

Description

BACKGROUND TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to intravascular catheters, and in particular to intravascular catheters for capturing and removing thrombus or clot or other material that obstructs flow through a blood vessel.

[0002] Related Art

[0003] Acute ischemic stroke is primarily caused by a thrombotic or embolic occlusion (e.g., blockage) in an artery of the brain. The occlusion is often caused by a blood clot released from another part of the body that travels in an antegrade direction (in the direction of normal blood flow) through the blood vessel and eventually becomes lodged in an artery of the nerve and blood vessel at which it blocks blood flow to an area of the brain.

[0004] A procedure known as thrombectomy can be used to remove a thrombus, obstruction, blockage, or clot lodged in a blood vessel using a mechanical retrieval device. During a thrombectomy procedure or treatment, a physician or interventionalist introduces a guidewire and microcatheter together through the vasculature endovascularly, usually in an artery located in the groin or arm, or directly through the carotid artery. The guidewire and microcatheter are advanced together to a position proximal to the target clot, blockage, or obstruction. The guidewire is then advanced through the clot, followed by the microcatheter. While in a compressed state, a mechanical thrombectomy device can be directed through the lumen of the microcatheter to the target site. Upon exiting the microcatheter, the mechanical thrombectomy device typically automatically expands to its initial enlarged state. The mechanical thrombectomy device is typically made of a self-expanding biocompatible material such as nickel titanium. Aspiration through the catheter can accompany or be used in place of the mechanical retrieval device to remove the clot.

[0005] During the removal of the occlusion, it is preferable to have the distal end or tip of the catheter as close as possible to the outside or surface of the thrombus, obstruction, occlusion, or clot. To enhance the steerability of the catheter through the tortuous vasculature passageway, while reducing trauma to the tissue of the inner wall of the blood vessel, it is desirable to minimize the friction between the catheter and the inner wall of the blood vessel (i.e., low friction). Typically, the friction is reduced by applying a hydrophilic coating or other lubricious coating such as silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to the outer surface of the catheter. However, the use of such low friction coatings can have one or more associated drawbacks, such as ease of spreading to undesirable areas and / or undesirable degradation / decomposition of downstream particles. A low friction surface on the inner surface of the distal portion of the catheter would also be desirable to minimize the shear forces on the clot as it is being ingested by the catheter. Furthermore, it can be desirable to have the diameter of the distal tip or end of the clot removal catheter expand / extend to optimize complete clot ingestion, resulting in a higher first pass successful recanalization rate. Simply expanding or extending the distal tip can increase the stiffness of the catheter, thereby undesirably impeding the flexibility that is beneficial during navigation in the blood vessel to the target site. Thus, it is desirable to develop an improved intravascular catheter that overcomes these aforementioned drawbacks. SUMMARY

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a low friction intravascular catheter wherein the friction between the distal portion / segment / tip / end of the catheter and the inner wall of the blood vessel is minimized such that the catheter easily navigates through the tortuous passageway of the blood vessel to the orientation of the face of the clot.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an intravascular catheter having a distal segment that is capable of extending / expanding when positioned in close proximity to the clot to optimize complete clot ingestion, resulting in a higher first pass successful recanalization rate and minimizing the incidence of distal embolization, yet retains its flexibility by keeping the distal segment in a non-extended / non-expanded state when navigating through the tortuous passageway to the target clot.

[0008] Yet another possible aspect of the present invention relates to an intravascular catheter wherein at least a portion of the distal segment of the catheter is capable of expanding / extending to increase the diameter in order to physically contact and form a seal with the inner wall of the blood vessel, thereby preventing blood flow through the inner wall of the blood vessel.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to assisting in the propulsion of the catheter through the vasculature by directing a fluid jet in a retrograde direction through the apertures in the distal porous cuff segment / tip of the catheter.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention relates to reducing the coefficient of friction of the inner surface of the distal porous cuff segment / tip of the catheter.

[0011] The present invention relates to an intravascular catheter comprising a distal porous cuff segment having a plurality of unobstructed openings defined radially outward from an annular inflation chamber, wherein the distal porous cuff segment is non-rotatable. The catheter further comprises a tubular body disposed proximal of the distal porous cuff segment, the tubular body having a sidewall extending from a proximal end to the distal porous cuff segment and an internal lumen defined axially therethrough. The sidewall of the tubular body has an inflation supply channel extending in a direction parallel to an axial direction of the intravascular catheter.

[0012] Further, the present invention also relates to a method of using an intravascular catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end. The intravascular catheter comprises a distal porous cuff segment having a plurality of unobstructed openings defined radially outward from an annular inflation chamber, wherein the distal porous cuff segment is non-rotatable. The intravascular catheter further has a tubular body disposed proximal of the distal porous cuff segment, the tubular body having a sidewall extending from a proximal end to the distal porous cuff segment and an internal lumen defined axially therethrough. The sidewall of the tubular body has an inflation supply channel extending in a direction parallel to an axial direction of the intravascular catheter. The method of the present invention comprises the step of generating a fluid jet of a cuff by injecting pressurized fluid into the inflation supply channel to minimize friction between an outer surface of the intravascular catheter and an inner wall of a blood vessel upon navigating the intravascular catheter such that the distal end is in proximity to a clot in the blood vessel, the fluid jet being expelled from the plurality of openings defined in the distal porous cuff segment of the tubular body and into the blood vessel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The above-mentioned and other features of the present invention will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a blood vessel showing a distal porous cuff segment / tip of an intravascular catheter of the present invention disposed in close proximity to a target clot;

[0015] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a blood vessel showing a distal porous cuff segment / tip of an intravascular catheter of the present invention disposed in close proximity to a target clot; Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of an intravascular catheter of the present invention of

[0016] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of the intravascular catheter of Figure 2 taken along line II(A)-II(A) through the distal porous cuff segment / tip;

[0017] Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the intravascular catheter of Figure 2

[0018] Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the intravascular catheter of Figure 2

[0019] Figure 2D is a radial cross-sectional view of the proximal side of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end, showing an alternative configuration of the tubular body of the intravascular catheter of the present invention having a single-walled sidewall, similar to the configuration of Figure 2B but with a plurality of axial inflation supply channels defined in the single-walled sidewall;

[0020] Figure 3A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end of the intravascular catheter of the present invention, showing fluid being expelled radially outwardly through openings in fluid communication with the annular inflation chamber, wherein the openings are arranged non-perpendicularly (i.e., relative to the distal end of the axial direction of the catheter, arranged at an oblique angle facing the proximal end of the catheter);

[0021] Figure 3B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end of the intravascular catheter of the present invention, showing fluid being expelled radially outwardly through openings in fluid communication with the annular inflation chamber, wherein the openings are arranged non-perpendicularly (i.e., relative to the distal end of the axial direction of the catheter, arranged at an oblique angle facing the distal end of the catheter);

[0022] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end of the intravascular catheter of the present invention, showing fluid being expelled radially outwardly and radially inwardly through openings in fluid communication with the annular inflation chamber;

[0023] Figure 5A shows one configuration of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end of the intravascular catheter of the present invention in an enlarged / extended bulging state;

[0024] Figure 5B shows the distal porous cuff segment of the intravascular catheter of the present invention in a non-enlarged / non-extended state; Figure 5A

[0025] Figure 5C is a cross-sectional view of the tubular body proximal of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end taken along line V(C)-V(C) of Figure 5B showing a single radial segment inflation supply channel defined in a single-walled of the tubular body of the intravascular catheter; ​​​

[0026] Figure 6A Longitudinal section view of the distal fenestrated collar segment / tip of another configuration of the intravascular catheter of the present application in an expanded state forming a conical funnel, illustrating the internal connecting rib disposed in the annular inflation chamber;

[0027] Figure 6B is a side view of the distal fenestrated collar segment / tip of the intravascular catheter of the present application in a non-expanded state; Figure 6A

[0028] Figure 7 is a side view of another configuration of the intravascular catheter of the present application, wherein the tubular body proximal of the distal fenestrated collar segment / tip is configured as two concentric walls radially spaced a predetermined distance from each other to define an annular inflation supply passage between the two concentric walls;

[0029] Figure 7A is a section view of the intravascular catheter of the present application taken along line VII(A)-VII(A) through the distal fenestrated collar segment / tip; Figure 7

[0030] Figure 7B is a section view of the intravascular catheter of the present application taken along line VII(B)-VII(B) through the tubular body proximal of the distal fenestrated collar segment / tip; and Figure 7

[0031] Figure 7C is a section view of the intravascular catheter of the present application taken along line VII(C)-VII(C), including the distal fenestrated collar segment / tip of the intravascular catheter. Figure 7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The terms "distal" or "proximal" are used in the following description in relation to orientation or direction relative to a treating physician or medical interventionist. "Distal" or "distally" is an orientation away from or in a direction away from the physician or interventionist. "Proximal" or "proximally" or "proximate" is an orientation toward or in a direction toward the physician or medical interventionist. The terms "obstruction," "clot," or "blockage" are used interchangeably.

[0033] Figure 1 ​​​​A partial axial cross-sectional view through a blood vessel 102 having a clot, occlusion, thrombus, or obstruction 150 lodged therein is shown. An intravascular catheter 100 of the present invention is advanced proximate to the clot 150, the intravascular catheter having an interior central lumen 105 defined axially therethrough from a proximal end to an opposite distal end thereof. The distal and proximal ends of the interior central lumen 105 are open and dimensioned to receive a captured clot therethrough during removal. An ancillary device (e.g., a guidewire, delivery wire, mechanical thrombectomy device, receiving catheter, etc.) can be advanced through the interior central lumen 105 in a distal direction. A biocompatible fluid, preferably saline, can be injected under pressure exclusively via one or more inflation supply channels defined in the tubular body of the catheter and disposed radially outward of the interior central lumen 105.

[0034] Figure 2 A side view of a distal portion of a first embodiment of an intravascular catheter of the present invention is shown, the intravascular catheter including a distal porous cuff segment / terminal end 127 and a tubular body (i.e., the remaining portion of the intravascular catheter disposed proximal of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end). In this first embodiment, the sidewall 115 of the tubular body is configured as a single wall comprising a single layer or a laminate / composite of multiple layers (e.g., a liner, braid, polymeric jacket, and / or coating). If a single inflation supply channel 120 is formed or defined (e.g., molded) in the single wall sidewall 115, the single inflation supply channel extends parallel to the axial direction of the catheter. Figure 2B A cross-sectional view taken along line II(B) - II(B) in Figure 2 of the tubular body of the catheter proximal of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end 127. In Figure 2B only a single axial inflation channel 120 in the single wall sidewall is shown, whereas Figure 2D An alternative design of the single wall sidewall 115 of the tubular body of the catheter is shown in which three axial inflation supply channels 120 are defined, each axially inflation channel being radially equidistantly spaced from one another. The number of axial inflation supply channels 120 in the one or more axial inflation supply channels 120 and the diameter and arrangement of such axial inflation supply channels in the single wall sidewall of the tubular body of the catheter can be modified as desired. It is also contemplated that radial cross-sectional inflation supply channels can be formed in the single wall of the tubular body of the intravascular catheter of the present invention, as shown in Figure 5C Double wall tubular body configurations are also possible in which the inflation supply channels are defined by the space between the two walls of the double wall catheter, as shown in Figure 7 to Figure 7C and detailed below.

[0035] The distal segment of the intravascular catheter 100 serves as a fixed (non-rotating relative to the remaining tubular body proximal to the distal segment) distal porous hoop segment / terminus 127, having an annular expansion chamber 122 in fluid communication with one or more expansion supply channels (axial or radial) 120. Figure 2A As clearly shown, a plurality of openings 125 are defined in a distal porous hoop segment / end 127 arranged radially outward from the annular expansion chamber 122. Preferably, the openings 125 are arranged 360 degrees in the distal porous hoop segment / end 127. Figure 2C An exemplary axial cross-sectional view shows an annular expansion chamber 122 of a distal porous hoop segment / terminus 127 in fluid communication with a single axial expansion supply channel 120 of the tubular body, and a plurality of openings 125 defined radially outward and in fluid communication with the annular expansion chamber 122. Under pressure, biocompatible fluid (e.g., saline) discharged from the openings 125 defined in the distal porous hoop segment / terminus 127 is dispensed via one or more axial expansion supply channels 120, forming a “hoop,” “cloud,” “pillow,” or “pool” of fluid jet around the distal segment of the catheter’s outer periphery. This minimizes friction with the vessel wall, minimizes damage to surrounding tissues, and aids navigation, allowing the distal end or tip of the catheter to be advanced close to the clot surface. The “hoop” of fluid jet formed by the expanding fluid is injected at a pressure sufficient to create a fluid boundary between the outer surface of the catheter and the inner wall of the vessel to minimize friction between the outer surface of the catheter and the inner wall of the vessel without degrading or breaking down the clot. The arrangement of the openings 125 in the distal porous clamp segment / terminus 127 of the conduit ensures that the clot is not degraded or broken down by the fluid jet. During fluid discharge from the openings 125, the distal porous clamp segment / terminus 127 remains stationary, fixed, or non-rotating relative to the tubular body of the conduit proximal to the distal porous clamp segment / terminus. The radial openings 125 in the distal porous clamp segment / terminus 127 of the conduit are specifically designed as discharge ports for fluid to pass through the conduit. Fluid and / or material outside the conduit is never introduced into the conduit internally via the radial openings 125. In other words, once fluid is discharged through the radial openings 125, it will not circulate back through any radial opening (the same radial opening or any other radial opening along the side of the conduit). Furthermore, all radial openings along the side of the conduit remain unobstructed and there is no covering extending over the openings externally.

[0036] exist Figure 7 In the alternative configuration shown, the tubular body proximal to the distal porous clamp segment / terminus of the catheter of the present invention may have a double-walled sidewall structure, instead of Figure 2 The single-walled structure shown. Figure 7A and Figure 7BThe figures shown are taken along lines VII(A)-VII(A) (through the distal porous hoop segment / end) and VII(B)-VII(B) (through the tubular body proximal to the distal porous hoop segment / end), respectively. Figure 7 The double-walled conduit structure. The double-walled sidewall structure of the tubular body proximal to the distal porous hoop segment / terminal 127. Figure 7B As shown, it includes an inner wall 113 disposed radially inside the outer wall 114, the inner wall being spaced apart from the outer wall by a predetermined distance to form an annular, radial, circular, ring-shaped, or circumferential expansion supply channel 120' between the inner and outer walls. The inner wall 113 and the outer wall 114 are preferably concentric, as shown in the diagram. Figure 7B As shown, but it can also be arranged eccentrically in other ways. Again, multiple openings 125 are radially defined outward from the annular expansion chamber 122 of the distal porous hoop segment / end 127. Figure 7A ).

[0037] In the double-walled tubular body structure of the intravascular catheter of the present invention (e.g.) Figure 7B As shown, when an annular expansion supply channel 120' is formed between the walls, the introduced fluid is distributed substantially equally as a fluid jet from the opening 125 at the distal porous hoop segment / end. Meanwhile, one or more axial expansion channels 120 are formed in the single wall of the tubular body of the conduit. Figure 2B or Figure 2D In the case of [the specific case], the introduced fluid is not equally distributed from the openings 125 at the distal porous clamp segment / end. That is, fluid can be distributed at a faster rate from the openings 125 closest to the proximal end of the conduit, relative to those openings 125 closest to the opposite distal end of the conduit. The diameter of the openings 125 can be varied to distribute fluid substantially equally from those openings 125.

[0038] refer to Figure 2C The radially outwardly defined openings 125 in the distal porous clamp segment / end 127 may be arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the conduit. These openings 125 in the distal porous clamp segment / end may alternatively be arranged at a non-perpendicular angle (i.e., an inclined angle). Figure 3A In the exemplary axial cross-sectional view shown through the distal porous hoop segment / end, the opening 125 in the distal porous hoop segment / end is defined radially outward non-vertically (i.e. at an angle toward the proximal end of the catheter), such that the formed fluid jet pushes / advances the catheter forward in the distal direction to help manipulate the catheter through the blood vessel to the desired location. Figure 3B This illustrates yet another non-perpendicular (i.e., at an angle toward the distal end of the conduit) arrangement of the radially outwardly defined opening 125 in the distal porous hoop segment / end. The opening is arranged to face distally ( Figure 3B) additional fluid is supplied to the space between the catheter and the clot, which forms a "pool" or "cloud" of fluid to surround the clot and enter the catheter tip under the action of suction. This fluid can also serve to reduce friction between the clot and the catheter. Additionally, the openings need not all be conformal, as some openings can be disposed perpendicularly relative to the axial direction of the catheter, while other openings can be disposed non-perpendicularly (i.e., at an oblique angle facing proximally and / or distally).

[0039] In Figure 2C , the openings 125 are defined radially outwardly from the annular inflation chamber 122 in the distal porous cuff segment / end 127 to facilitate advancement of the catheter through the blood vessel to the target site. It is also contemplated that the openings 125 can also be defined radially inwardly from the annular inflation chamber 122 in the distal porous cuff segment / end 127 to facilitate suction or ingestion of captured clot into the catheter during suction. Figure 4 The distal porous cuff segment / end is shown in which the perpendicularly disposed openings 125 are defined from the annular inflation chamber 122 both radially inwardly and radially outwardly. Thus, the openings 125 can be defined radially inwardly and / or radially outwardly from the annular inflation chamber 122 in the distal porous cuff segment / end 127 and in any desired arrangement of such openings (e.g., perpendicular, non-perpendicular / oblique angle). The angles of arrangement between the openings need not be the same.

[0040] As an alternative to using a separate conventional inflatable balloon component that is joined, connected, attached, or welded to the outer surface of the catheter to occlude blood flow, the annular inflation chamber 122 of the distal porous cuff segment / end 127 of the intravascular catheter of the present invention can accomplish this goal without occluding, isolating, or covering any of the radial openings 125. Specifically, if the pressure and / or volume of fluid introduced into the annular inflation chamber 122 exceeds the rate at which it can be dispensed through the radial openings 125, the pressure and volume of fluid introduced into the annular inflation chamber 122 increases / accumulates, thereby altering the outer profile of the distal porous cuff segment / end 127 (i.e., a super-inflated state). In Figure 5A to Figure 5CIn one configuration shown, the outer wall of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end 127 is made of a compliant material. Within the annular inflation chamber 122, other than at the distal end of the annular inflation chamber 122, the inner and outer radial walls, which are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other, are not in any way fixed, joined, or tethered to each other (i.e., the annular inflation chamber does not have any internal connecting ribs). Thus, as the pressure and volume of fluid injected / introduced into the annular inflation chamber 122 increases / accumulates, the compliant outer wall bulges radially outward. If sufficient pressure is increased / accumulated in the annular inflation chamber 122, the stretched or enlarged diameter of the outer wall of the distal porous cuff segment will physically contact and seal against the inner wall of the blood vessel, thereby stopping blood flow through the inner wall of the blood vessel. Because the annular inflation chamber 122 does not have any internal connecting ribs, inflation with high pressure fluid forms a radially outward bulging profile of the outer wall of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end 127 (similar to an inflated balloon) relative to the profile of the inner wall.

[0041] The distal porous cuff segment / terminal end 127 can alternatively be configured such that when fluid is injected into the annular inflation chamber 122 at a pressure and volume greater than the pressure and volume that can be dispensed through the opening 125, the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end expands outward to form a conical funnel shape, rather than a bulging outer profile. An axial cross-sectional view of the distal cuff segment / terminal end of the catheter having an expanded conical funnel shape in an enlarged / stretched state is shown in Figure 6A , while its non-enlarged / non-stretched state is shown in Figure 6B . The maximum diameter of the expanded conical funnel-shaped distal porous cuff segment / terminal end exists at the distal-most end, with the opposite proximal end having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the remaining tubular body of the catheter proximal to the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end. In the non-expanded state, the diameter (both inner and outer) of the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end is substantially equal to the diameter (both inner and outer) of the remaining tubular body segment of the catheter proximal to the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end. The distal porous cuff segment / terminal end expanding into a conical funnel shape is achieved by internally disposing a plurality of connecting ribs 130 within the annular inflation chamber 122 itself (similar to the connecting ribs of an air bed). Due to the internal connecting ribs 130, as the volume and pressure of fluid in the annular inflation chamber 122 increases (rather than the outer wall bulging out like a balloon), the inner and outer walls remain substantially equidistant from each other while the distal porous cuff segment / terminal end 127 expands into a conical funnel shape. Advantageously, this alternative conical funnel shape configuration serves the dual purpose of both occluding blood flow and enlarging the distal end diameter, thereby optimizing complete clot uptake into the catheter.

[0042] The convex or expanded conical funnel resulting from the introduction of the high pressure fluid into the annular inflation chamber of the distal porous collar segment / tip of the intravascular catheter of the present invention advantageously causes itself to automatically contract without the need to apply suction or negative pressure (which is required for conventional balloons that seal to the outer surface of the catheter). Thus, there is no need to apply suction or negative pressure to contract the outer profile of the distal porous collar segment / tip. That is, the cessation or reduction of the pressure of the fluid injected into the annular inflation chamber 122 causes the pressurized fluid therein to naturally and automatically self-contract via the openings 125 and contract / reduce the diameter of the outer profile of the distal porous collar segment / tip until equilibrium pressure is achieved outside the catheter and inside the annular inflation chamber 122.

[0043] In operation, to facilitate maneuverability when the intravascular catheter is navigated through the blood vessel to a site proximate the target clot, a biocompatible fluid, preferably saline, is injected under positive pressure through one or more inflation channels 120, 120' defined in the sidewall of the tubular body of the intravascular catheter of the present invention. The pressurized fluid enters the annular inflation chamber 122 and is expelled (as a fluid jet) through the plurality of openings 125 defined radially outwardly and / or radially inwardly from the annular inflation chamber 122 of the distal porous collar segment / tip 127. The "collar", "cloud" or "pillow" of fluid jet formed from the openings of the distal porous collar segment / tip of the intravascular catheter of the present invention minimizes friction and reduces the risk of causing irritation or trauma to the surrounding tissue. Due to the low friction "collar", "cloud" or "pillow" formed by the fluid jet, the distal end of the intravascular catheter can be maneuvered close to the face or surface of the clot. If the openings are defined radially inwardly from the annular inflation chamber 122 in the distal porous collar segment / tip, the fluid jet formed from the openings in the inner central lumen 105 assists in the intact uptake of the clot into the catheter.

[0044] Once the distal end of the catheter is positioned proximal to the clot, a vacuum (e.g., negative pressure) can be applied to the inner central lumen 105 to aspirate the clot into the catheter via suction. To optimize the complete and full uptake of the clot, the diameter of the distal end of the catheter is preferably larger than the diameter of the clot. However, during navigation of tortuous passageways, an extended or enlarged diameter is undesirable. Thus, when advanced to the target site proximal to the clot within the blood vessel, the intravascular catheter of the present invention has a distal porous cuff segment / end of normal (non-enlarged / non-extended) outer diameter dimension. Once properly positioned, the same inflation channel used to introduce the biocompatible fluid under pressure can also be used to transition the outer profile of the distal porous cuff segment of the catheter from a first state having a non-enlarged / non-extended diameter to a second state having an enlarged / extended diameter to more easily accommodate the clot therein, thereby optimizing the complete uptake of the clot. If a portion of the outer surface of the distal porous cuff segment is in physical contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel when in the enlarged / extended state, thereby forming a seal between a portion of the outer surface of the distal porous cuff segment and the inner wall of the blood vessel, an additional beneficial effect of occluding blood flow in the blood vessel can be achieved.

[0045] The "cuff", "cloud", or "pillow" of fluid jet formed around the distal porous cuff segment / end of the intravascular catheter of the present invention reduces the surface friction of the catheter with the inner wall surface of the blood vessel during delivery to the target site. Thus, in some applications, the intravascular catheter of the present invention can completely eliminate the need for applying a low-friction lubricious coating to the outer surface of the catheter. However, it is contemplated and within the scope of the present invention that the catheter of the present invention also employs a low-friction coating.

[0046] Thus, while there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the application as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the systems / apparatuses and methods illustrated, can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and / or steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the application. Moreover, many of the details, functions and operations described herein are implemented or supported by a software program, which includes a computer program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executable by a digital central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor. The computer program product and / or computer program can be in source code format, object code format, or in any other format suitable for use in the implementation and / or practice of the subject technology. The software can further be operative or enabled to run in the system using software installed internally or externally. It is to be understood that the software can be an application program operative within a browser or other application. Further, it is to be understood that where the software is in the form of a computer program product, that is to say, in the form of a physical organization of material (e.g. magnetic, optical or other storage medium), the software would take any number of physical forms compatible with the nature of the software program including, for example, soft disks, compact disks, tapes, magnetic disks or tapes, hard disk drives, solid state memory devices, etc. It is to be further understood that, where the software is in the form of a computer program product, the software can be in a compressed or uncompressed form.

[0047] Each published patent, pending patent application, publication, journal article, book or any other reference cited herein is each hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. An intravascular catheter having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, comprising: a distal porous collar segment having a plurality of unobstructed openings defined radially outward from an annular inflation chamber; the distal porous collar segment is non-rotatable; and a tubular body disposed proximally of the distal porous collar segment, the tubular body having a sidewall extending from a proximal end to the distal porous collar segment and an internal lumen defined axially therethrough; the sidewall of the tubular body having an inflation supply channel extending in a direction parallel to an axial direction of the intravascular catheter; wherein dispensing of a biocompatible fluid under pressure via the inflation supply channel out of the openings defined in the distal porous collar segment forms a collar of fluid jets around a distal segment of an outer periphery of the intravascular catheter.

2. The intravascular catheter of claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the tubular body is a single wall comprising a single layer or a laminate of multiple layers; and the inflation supply channel is molded in the single wall.

3. The intravascular catheter of claim 1, wherein the sidewall comprises two walls including an inner wall and an outer wall; and the inflation supply channel is an annular inflation supply channel defined between the two walls radially spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

4. The intravascular catheter of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of openings in the distal porous collar segment are arranged perpendicular to an axial direction of the intravascular catheter.

5. The intravascular catheter of claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of openings in the distal porous collar segment are arranged at a non-perpendicular angle to an axial direction of the intravascular catheter; wherein the non-perpendicular angle is a tilt angle toward the proximal end of the intravascular catheter or a tilt angle toward the distal end of the intravascular catheter.

6. The intravascular catheter of claim 1, wherein the distal porous collar segment has a plurality of openings defined radially inwardly in fluid communication between the annular inflation chamber and the internal lumen.

7. The intravascular catheter of claim 1, wherein the annular inflation chamber is free of internal connecting ribs; and in an over-inflated state, at least a portion of an outer surface of the distal porous collar segment is capable of bulging radially outwardly.

8. The intravascular catheter of claim 1, wherein the annular inflation chamber has a plurality of internal connecting ribs; and in an over-inflated state, the distal porous collar segment expands to form a conical funnel.

9. The intravascular catheter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings remain externally uncovered.

Images