Catheter for aspiration, fragmentation and removal of removable material from a hollow body

Abstract

The invention relates to a catheter (51) for aspiration, fragmentation and removal of removable material from a blood vessel. The catheter (51) comprises a flexible tube (52), a flexible helical conveying screw (62) inside the flexible tube (52), a stop element (82) for providing an abutment for a distal end (64) of the flexible helical conveying screw (62). The stop element (82) is arranged spaced apart from a distal end of the catheter (51) so as to define a distal region (56) of the catheter (51) extending from the stop element (82) in a direction towards the distal end of the catheter (51), the distal region being free of rotating elements inside. An aspiration opening (74) for aspiration of the removable material into the flexible tube (52) is arranged in the distal region (56) of the catheter (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a catheter for aspirating, disrupting and removing removable material, in particular thrombi and emboli, from hollow bodies, in particular blood vessels. Background Art

[0002] Such catheters are particularly used to treat vascular obstructive diseases by aspirating, fragmenting, and removing emboli and thrombi. The catheter is introduced into an artery or vein and, preferably under X-ray monitoring, advanced to the stenosis or blockage to be treated. A fragmentation tool, rotatably driven by a rotary drive, is located at the distal (front) end of the catheter.

[0003] In the case of these catheters, a distinction should generally be made based on two different areas of use.

[0004] A) Atherectomy: Atherectomy typically removes hard deposits that have been attached to the blood vessel walls for many years.

[0005] B) Thrombectomy, which removes a blood clot that has accumulated at the site of the stenosis and caused the blockage of the blood vessel (embolism).

[0006] For example, the rotary catheter for plaque resection disclosed in EP 0 267 539 B1 has a generally ellipsoidal cutter as a cutting tool, the surface of which is provided with an abrasive material and which is driven by a rotary drive arranged at the proximal end of the catheter via a flexible drive shaft at a speed of up to 160,000 rpm. The cutter is connected to the flexible drive shaft. The drive shaft extends in a tubular sheath that serves as a tube of the catheter. A guide wire introduced into the blood vessel before the catheter is introduced is advanced to the area to be treated or slightly beyond the area and serves as a guide for the cutter and the drive shaft and extends through the drive shaft.

[0007] With these known rotating catheters, the risk cannot be excluded that the vessel wall will be damaged and in some cases even perforated, in particular in sharp bends of the vessel.

[0008] US Pat. No. 5,226,909 A discloses another atherectomy catheter having a sleeve-like or helical cutting element on its working head that is drivable by a rotary drive and / or movable in an axial direction. The opening of the working head is pressed against deposits adhered to the vessel wall by means of a laterally inflatable balloon. These deposits are then pulverized by rotation or axial advancement of the cutting element and collected in a chamber.

[0009] A disadvantage of this known solution is that the chamber must be emptied from time to time by withdrawing the conduit. Continuous removal of comminuted deposited material is not supported.

[0010] US 5,873,882 A describes a rotary catheter for atherectomy, the working head of which comprises a fixed stator connected to a tube, and a rotor. The rotor is capable of rotating relative to the stator by means of a high-speed transmission / drive screw. The stator and the rotor both have windows at their peripheries, which can overlap. Due to the shearing between the cutting edge on the rotor and the opposite cutting edge on the opening of the stator, the part that extends into or is sucked into the opening is crushed. The rotor can surround the stator on the outside ("outer rotor") or can be arranged inside the stator ("inner rotor").

[0011] A catheter having an inner rotor and an outer rotor with cutting edges operating about the catheter axis can agitate blood and obstructive material so that blood flow from proximal to distal can flush out particles that could re-create obstructions and blood flow problems in other areas of the blood circulation, particularly in small vessels.

[0012] US2006 / 0206133 A1 discloses a removal device for removing tumor tissue from a patient's body. The removal device comprises an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue removal member extending from the proximal end of the elongated member in the direction of the distal end of the elongated member within the elongated member. The tissue removal member has a distal end spaced apart from the distal end of the elongated member, thereby defining a distal region of the removal device, the distal region extending from the distal end of the tissue removal member in the direction toward the distal end of the elongated member, and the distal region having no rotating elements within the distal region. The tissue removal member is provided with a helically extending conveying surface and can be rotated by a drive device. A suction opening for suction is provided in the distal region of the removal device.

[0013] A disadvantage of this known solution is that the rigid elongated member and the rigid removal member cannot be used as a catheter in an artery or vein due to their rigidity. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the previously described solutions and to provide a catheter, in particular a catheter for atherectomy, which operates in an atraumatic manner and can aspirate and disrupt thrombi and emboli in a blood vessel and continuously transport them out of the vessel through the tube of the catheter, thereby minimizing the risk of damaging the vessel wall. However, the advantages of the known systems, in particular those of the system according to US Pat. No. 5,873,882 A, are to be retained.

[0015] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are set forth in the drawing, the description and the dependent claims.

[0016] According to the invention, a catheter for aspirating, fragmenting and removing removable material, in particular thrombi and emboli, from a hollow body, in particular from a blood vessel, comprises:

[0017] - a flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end,

[0018] a flexible helical conveying screw extending within the flexible tube from a proximal end of the flexible tube in the direction of a distal end of the flexible tube and having a distal end, wherein the flexible helical conveying screw is provided with a helically extending conveying surface and is rotatable by a drive means,

[0019] a stop element for providing an abutment for the distal end of the flexible helical delivery screw, wherein the stop element is arranged spaced apart from the distal end of the catheter so as to define a distal region of the catheter, the distal region extending from the stop element in a direction towards the distal end of the catheter, the distal region being free of rotational elements in the interior,

[0020] - at least one suction opening for sucking the removable material into the interior of the flexible tube, wherein the at least one suction opening is provided in a distal region of the catheter.

[0021] With such a catheter, no shearing, cutting or rotating elements are exposed to the vessel wall during any treatment phase. The stopper element prevents the flexible spiral conveying screw from entering the at least one suction opening during use, thereby preventing the flexible spiral conveying screw from being exposed to the vessel wall. In particular, during the introduction of the catheter and / or during use in a blood vessel or vein, the distal end of the flexible spiral conveying screw cannot extend from the flexible tube. The flexible spiral conveying screw is a flexible element and can also be stretched longitudinally. For example, axial force and stretching may be generated due to a blockage or kink in the flexible tube. This may cause the flexible spiral conveying screw to extend (screw out) in the direction of the distal end of the flexible tube. In this case as well, the stopper prevents the flexible spiral conveying screw from entering the at least one suction opening during use.

[0022] The stopper element also prevents the blood vessel wall from contacting the flexible helical delivery screw.The rotation of the flexible helical delivery screw generates negative pressure and continuously draws in material and continuously delivers the material to the outside of the patient's body.

[0023] The catheter comprises at least one or more suction openings for suction. The number and size of the suction openings may be related to the safety and performance of the catheter.

[0024] The flexible helical conveying screw may have an internal support element, such as a wire or a tube.The internal support element may be attached to the flexible helical conveying screw.

[0025] The stopper element may be connected to the flexible tube directly or via another device such as a connecting tube. The connecting tube may be flexible for its intended use. The connecting tube is preferably designed or manufactured from a kink-resistant material or is internally supported so as not to kink during use.

[0026] Preferably, the stopper element has a distal end and a proximal end, and the stopper element has a sleeve-like shape with a first inner diameter and a front opening, the front opening having at least one circumferential surface and at least partially at least one abutment surface for abutting the distal end of the flexible spiral conveying screw. Thus, a shearing effect is generated between the distal end of the flexible spiral conveying screw and the at least one abutment surface of the stopper element, so as to cut the material ready for conveying. By this shearing effect, the size of the particles is further reduced and the conveying of the already broken material is facilitated. Upon entering the at least one suction opening, the removable material will be crushed into particles. However, by this shearing effect, the size of the particles is further reduced and the conveying is facilitated.

[0027] As another preferred alternative, the stopper element has a distal end and a proximal end, and has a sleeve-like shape with a first inner diameter and a front opening, the front opening having at least a second inner diameter and at least one circumferential surface, wherein the at least second inner diameter is smaller than the first inner diameter. The removed material will enter the catheter through the front opening, thereby - according to the Venturi effect - causing additional strain in the aspirated material and thus facilitating the fragmentation of the aspirated material, which is then removed to the outside of the body by the flexible spiral conveying screw. In other words, an axial variation in the lumen area, which axial variation results from the difference between the lumen area of ​​the stopper and the lumen area of ​​the distal region of the catheter and / or the lumen area of ​​the flexible tube. This axial variation generates a pressure gradient, which, from a fluid dynamics point of view, causes additional strain in the obstructing material and facilitates the cutting process.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one circumferential surface of the front opening of the stop element is conical, in particular tapering in the direction of the proximal end of the stop element, thereby enhancing the Venturi effect.

[0029] Preferably, the stopper element includes an additional abutment element for providing an abutment for the distal end of the flexible helical conveying screw, thereby improving the shearing effect at the distal end of the flexible helical conveying screw. Additionally or alternatively, the additional abutment element can reduce friction at the distal end of the flexible helical conveying screw, which leads to lower temperature levels in this area and longer-term usability of the catheter. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the flexible helical conveying screw can be increased, which ensures faster conveying of the crushed material and thus reduces the duration of the process.

[0030] In particular, the additional abutment element is arranged inside the stopper element, whereby the above-mentioned effect can be achieved in an easy constructional manner.

[0031] Preferably, the stop element comprises a material that is at least partially radiopaque, whereby a user can easily use the catheter during a surgical procedure. The stop element may be made of different materials or a combination of different materials. Furthermore, the material may vary along the stop element so that the stop element is atraumatic. Some examples of materials for the stop element are metals such as stainless steel, or polymers such as, as a non-exhaustive list: polyamide, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).If the material chosen is not radiopaque for any particular reason, it will be mixed with a radiopaque material or will have a radiopaque marker.

[0032] Preferably, the catheter end parts in the distal area that at least partially limits described conduit are set, wherein said catheter end parts comprise said at least one suction opening and wherein said catheter end parts are connected to the distal end of described flexible tube.This catheter end parts can be called as the head of head parts or described conduit, can be formed according to required functional requirement.For example, described catheter end parts is a section of described flexible tube, and wherein said at least one suction opening is arranged at this section.Alternatively, described catheter end parts are the independent parts made of the material different from the material of described flexible tube alternatively.Select the material of such catheter end parts according to corresponding requirement.

[0033] Preferably, the catheter end piece comprises at least two suction openings, thereby ensuring removal of material even if one of the suction openings is blocked by aspirated material.

[0034] In particular, the at least two suction openings are arranged opposite each other, thereby ensuring good removal.By this embodiment, removal also takes place in case the catheter end piece is placed inside an obstruction during use of the catheter.

[0035] Preferably, the catheter end piece comprises at least one suction opening at the distal end of the catheter end piece, thereby ensuring that material is also removed from the distal end.

[0036] Preferably, the stop element is an abutment surface provided inside the catheter end piece, whereby an embodiment with a simple construction can be achieved.

[0037] Preferably, the catheter end piece comprises a guide wire opening for passing the guide wire through the catheter end piece, thereby ensuring correct guidance of the catheter inside the hollow body.

[0038] Preferably, the guidewire opening of the catheter end piece is arranged at least partially inside the at least one suction opening, thereby ensuring correct guidance of the catheter inside the hollow body.

[0039] Preferably, the catheter end piece comprises a connecting section for connecting the catheter end piece to the flexible tube, whereby an easy connection between a separate catheter end piece and the flexible tube can be achieved.

[0040] The conduit end piece can be directly connected to or connected to the flexible tube by another device such as a connecting tube. The connecting tube can be flexible for the intended use. The connecting tube is preferably designed or manufactured from kink-resistant material or is supported internally so that it will not kink during use. Instead of fixing the stopper element to the flexible tube, the stopper element can be directly connected to or connected to the conduit end piece by another device.

[0041] Preferably, the catheter end piece comprises at least partially a radiopaque material, whereby a user can easily handle the catheter during a surgical procedure. The catheter end piece may be made of different materials or a combination of different materials. Furthermore, the material may vary along the catheter end piece so that the catheter end piece is atraumatic. Some examples of materials for the catheter end piece are metals such as stainless steel, or polymers, such as, for example, polyamide, and polyetheretherketone (PEEK).If the material chosen is not radiopaque for any particular reason, it will be mixed with a radiopaque material or will have a radiopaque marker band.

[0042] Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The list of reference numerals and the technical content of the claims and drawings of this disclosure are part of this disclosure. These drawings are described coherently and comprehensively. The same reference numerals represent the same parts, and reference numerals with different symbols indicate functionally identical or similar parts.

[0044] in:

[0045] Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a catheter of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 Based on Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view of the distal end of the catheter;

[0047] Figure 3 A perspective view of a first embodiment of a stopper element;

[0048] Figure 4 Based on Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a stopper element;

[0049] Figure 5 A perspective view of a second embodiment of a stopper element;

[0050] Figure 6 Based on Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of a stopper element;

[0051] Figure 7 A perspective view of a third embodiment of a stopper element;

[0052] Figure 8 Based on Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of a stopper element;

[0053] Figure 9 A perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a stopper element;

[0054] Figure 10 Based on Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of a stopper element;

[0055] Figure 11 is a partial side view of the distal end of the catheter;

[0056] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a catheter end fitting element;

[0057] Figure 13 Based on Figure 12 a cross-sectional view of a catheter end member element;

[0058] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a catheter end fitting element;

[0059] Figure 15 A perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a stopper element;

[0060] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a catheter end fitting element;

[0061] Figure 17 Based on Figure 16 a cross-sectional view of a catheter end member element;

[0062] Figure 18 is a partial side view of the distal end of the catheter;

[0063] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a catheter end fitting element;

[0064] Figure 20 Based on Figure 19 a cross-sectional view of a catheter end member element;

[0065] Figure 21 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a catheter end fitting element;

[0066] Figure 22 Based on Figure 21 a cross-sectional view of a catheter end member element;

[0067] Figure 23 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a catheter end fitting element; and

[0068] Figure 24 Based on Figure 23 A cross-sectional view of a catheter end fitting component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A catheter 51 is shown for aspirating, disrupting and removing removable material, in particular thrombi and emboli, from hollow bodies, in particular from blood vessels.

[0070] The catheter 51 comprises a flexible tube 52 having a proximal end 53 and a distal end 54 .

[0071] Inside the flexible tube 52, a flexible helical transport screw 62 is arranged, which extends from the proximal end 53 of the flexible tube in the direction of the distal end of the flexible tube 52. The flexible helical transport screw 62 has a distal end 64. The flexible helical transport screw 62 is further provided with a helically extending transport surface 65. The proximal end of the flexible helical transport screw 62 is connected to the motor serving as the drive means 41 and can be rotated by the motor.

[0072] A catheter end piece 72 is provided which defines a portion of the distal region 56 of the catheter 51. The catheter end piece 72 comprises a suction opening 74. The catheter end piece 72 is connected to the distal end 54 of the flexible tube 52.

[0073] A stopper element 82 for providing an abutment for the distal end 64 of the flexible helical delivery screw 62 is provided spaced apart from the distal end of the catheter 51, thereby defining a distal region 56 of the catheter 51 extending from the stopper element 82 in a direction towards the distal end of the catheter 51. This distal region 56 of the catheter 51 does not have any rotating elements inside.

[0074] A guide wire 76 extends through the catheter 51 for guiding the catheter 51 within the blood vessel. The guide wire 76 can provide support for the flexible helical delivery screw 62 within the flexible tube 52.

[0075] For the guidance of the catheter, a guide wire is not explicitly required. In an alternative embodiment, the catheter is guided by other means, for example, a pull wire used to control the direction of the end piece.

[0076] In use, the catheter 51 is introduced into a blood vessel, for example, with its distal end first, for removal of a thrombus (blocking material). The drive device 41 is actuated, thereby proximally driving the flexible helical delivery screw 62. The rotating flexible helical delivery screw 62 generates negative pressure, which causes the blocking material in the suction region to be drawn toward the suction opening 74. The negative pressure is generated by the high-speed rotation of the flexible helical delivery screw 62 within the flexible tube 52. The blocking material is drawn into the interior of the catheter 51 through the suction opening 74 provided in the distal region 56 of the catheter 51.

[0077] The sucked material will then enter the flexible tube 52 from the distal side of the stopper element 82. The sucked material will enter through the stopper element 82. When passing through the stopper element 82, the instantaneous change in flow pressure causes additional strain in the sucked material according to the Venturi effect, and thus helps to break up the sucked material.

[0078] Next, the drawn material will be mechanically broken up between the proximal edge or surface of the stopper element 82 and the distal end 64 of the rotating flexible auger screw 62 .

[0079] The shredded material is then conveyed to the outside of the body through the lumen of the flexible tube 52 by the rotating flexible auger screw 62 .

[0080] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The stopper element 82 is shown in more detail. The stopper element 82 has a distal end 83 and a proximal end 88. The stopper element 82 has a sleeve-like shape with a first inner diameter D1 and a front opening 84 with a circumferential surface 85. The distal end 83 of the stopper element 82 includes a rounded edge 86, which produces a favorable flow behavior in this area.

[0081] The front opening 84 has a second inner diameter D2 , wherein the second inner diameter D2 is smaller than the first inner diameter D1 .

[0082] The stopper element 82 further comprises an abutment surface 87 for abutting the distal end 64 of the flexible helical conveying screw 62. The abutment surface 87 is provided inside the stopper element 82.

[0083] The stopper element 82 may comprise an at least partially radiopaque material.

[0084] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The stop element 92 is shown. The stop element 92 also has a sleeve-like shape. The front opening 94 has two circumferential surfaces 95 and 96. The first circumferential surface 95 is cylindrical. The second circumferential surface 96 is conical and gradually narrows in the direction of the proximal end 98 of the stop element 92. The embodiment of the front opening 94 advantageously influences the flow behavior in the lumen of the stop element 92. The stop element 92 also includes an abutment surface 97 arranged on the interior, which is intended to abut the distal end of a flexible spiral conveying screw (not shown).

[0085] Figure 7 and Figure 8Stop element 102 is shown. Stop element 102 also has a sleeve-like shape. Front opening 104 is provided with three circumferential surfaces 105, 106, and 109. First circumferential surface 105 is cylindrical. Second circumferential surface 106 is conical and tapers gradually toward proximal end 108 of stop element 102. Third circumferential surface 109 is also conical and tapers gradually toward proximal end 108 of stop element 102. The length L1 of second circumferential surface 106 along longitudinal axis 110 of stop element 102 is greater than the length L2 of third circumferential surface 109 along longitudinal axis 110 of stop element 102. By selecting the respective lengths and / or respective inner diameters of circumferential surfaces 105, 106, or 109, the flow behavior in the lumen of stop element 102 can be influenced as desired.

[0086] The stopper element 102 further comprises an internally arranged abutment surface 107 for abutting the distal end of a flexible helical conveying screw (not shown).

[0087] Figure 9 and Figure 10 A stop element 112 is shown, which in its embodiment is essentially the same as that described with regard to the Figure 5 and Figure 6 The stopper element 92 is similar to the one described. However, inside the stopper element 112, an additional abutment element 116 is arranged for providing an abutment for the distal end of the flexible helical conveying screw (not shown). Advantageously, said additional abutment element 116 is made of a low-friction and / or wear-resistant material, such as, as a non-exhaustive list, Polyamide or hard metal with low-friction coating.

[0088] Figure 15 The stopper element 162 is shown as having a sleeve-like shape. A front opening 164 is provided with two intersecting rods 165 and 166. This divides the front opening 164 into four openings, each of equal size. At the intersection of the rods 165 and 166, a material reinforcement 167 is provided, which ensures sufficient stability even with the small dimensions of the rods 165 and 166.

[0089] If a guide wire is provided which extends within the stop element 162 , the material reinforcement 167 may be provided with a corresponding opening (not shown) for passing the guide wire through.

[0090] Figure 11 A catheter 121 is shown, which is connected to the Figure 1 and Figure 21 is similar to the catheter 51 of FIG. Compared to the catheter 51, a separate guidewire lumen 126 is provided at least partially along the flexible tube 122 of the catheter 121. Thus, a large lumen is provided within the flexible tube 122 for transporting the fragmented material to the outside of the body. This ensures that the catheter 121 is guided within the blood vessel.

[0091] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Shown is a catheter end piece 142, which is connected to the distal end of the flexible tube 132. On the proximal end 148 of the catheter end piece 142, an abutment surface 147 is provided for abutting the distal end of a flexible auger screw (not shown). The catheter end piece 142 defines the distal region of the catheter 131. The catheter end piece 142 includes two suction openings 144. The two suction openings 144 are arranged opposite each other.

[0092] The catheter tip piece 142 may comprise an at least partially radiopaque material.

[0093] like Figure 14 The catheter end member 152 shown in FIG. 1 is primarily similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The described catheter end piece 142 is similar. However, an annular element 156 is provided which provides four suction openings 154 and 155 which are arranged opposite one another, but two of which are different in size and form.

[0094] Figure 16 and Figure 17 A catheter end piece 172 is shown which is substantially similar in embodiment to that described with reference to FIG. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The depicted catheter tip piece 142 is similar. However, in addition to the two aspiration openings 174, the catheter tip piece 172 also includes a guidewire opening 176 for passing a guidewire (not shown).

[0095] Figures 18 to 20 A catheter end piece 192 is shown, which is substantially similar in embodiment to that described with reference to FIG. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The described catheter end piece 142 is similar. However, in addition to the two aspiration openings 194, the catheter end piece 192 also includes a front aspiration opening for providing another opening 196 for passing a guide wire (not shown), thereby also providing a corresponding area for aspirating obstructing material at the proximal end of the catheter.

[0096] Furthermore, the catheter end piece 192 comprises, in its proximal direction, a connecting section 198 for connecting the catheter end piece 192 to the flexible tube 182. The catheter end piece 192 is further provided with a tube abutment surface 199, against which the distal end of the flexible tube 182 abuts when the connecting section 198 of the catheter end piece 192 is fully introduced into the flexible tube 182.

[0097] Inside the catheter end piece 192 , an abutment surface 197 is provided for abutting the distal end of the flexible helical delivery screw 184 .

[0098] Figures 21 to 22 The catheter end piece 202 is shown having a sleeve-like shape and a radially extending front section 212. Adjacent to the front section 212 is a connecting section 218 extending to the proximal end of the catheter end piece 202, which is used to connect the catheter end piece 202 to the flexible tube of the catheter. The catheter end piece 202 is further provided with a tube abutment surface 214, against which the distal end of the flexible tube abuts when the connecting section 218 of the catheter end piece 202 is fully introduced into the flexible tube. The front section 212 extends radially over the outer surface of the connecting section 218.

[0099] The catheter end piece 202 comprises a front opening, wherein in the center of the front opening is arranged a guide wire sleeve 208 forming a guide wire opening 205. The guide wire sleeve 208 is held in place by two rods 206. Between the guide wire sleeve 208 and the inner circumferential surface of the front opening, two suction openings 204 are provided.

[0100] Inside the catheter end piece 202, an abutment surface 217 is provided for abutting the distal end of a flexible helical delivery screw (not shown).

[0101] Figures 23 to 24 A catheter end piece 222 is shown, which has a sleeve-like shape and a collar section 232 at its distal end. Adjacent to the collar section 232 is a connection section 238 extending to the proximal end of the catheter end piece 222, which is used to connect the catheter end piece 222 to the flexible tube of the catheter. The catheter end piece 222 is further provided with a tube abutment surface 234, against which the distal end of the flexible tube abuts when the connection section 238 of the catheter end piece 222 is fully introduced into the flexible tube. The collar section 232 extends radially over the outer surface of the connection section 238.

[0102] The catheter end piece 222 comprises a front opening in which a guide wire sleeve 228 is arranged at the center thereof, forming a guide wire opening 225. The guide wire sleeve 228 is held in place by a rod 226. Between the guide wire sleeve 228 and the inner circumferential surface of the front opening, a suction opening 224 is provided.

[0103] Inside the catheter end piece 222, an abutment surface 237 is provided for abutting the distal end of a flexible helical delivery screw (not shown).

[0104] Reference Signs List 41. Drive device (motor) 51 Catheter

[0105] 52 flexible pipe

[0106] Proximal end of 53 52

[0107] 54 52 distal end

[0108] Distal area of ​​56 51

[0109] 62 Flexible spiral conveyor screw Distal end of 64 62

[0110] 65 62 conveying surface

[0111] 72 Catheter end fittings

[0112] 74 Suction opening

[0113] 76 Guide Wire

[0114] 82 stopper element

[0115] 83 82 distal end

[0116] 84 front opening

[0117] 85 Circumferential surface

[0118] 86 Edge

[0119] 87 contact surface Proximal end of 88 82 D1 First inner diameter D2 Second inner diameter

[0120] 92 stopper element

[0121] 94 front opening

[0122] 95 First circumferential surface

[0123] 96 Second circumferential surface

[0124] 97 contact surface

[0125] 98 92 proximal end

[0126] 102 stopper element

[0127] 104 front opening

[0128] 105 First circumferential surface

[0129] 106 Second circumferential surface

[0130] 107 Contact surface

[0131] 108 102 proximal end

[0132] 109 Third circumferential surface

[0133] 110 Length axis

[0134] 112 stopper element

[0135] 116 Additional abutment elements

[0136] 117 contact surface

[0137] 121 Catheter

[0138] 122 flexible pipe

[0139] 126 Guidewire Lumen

[0140] 131 Catheter

[0141] 132 Flexible pipe

[0142] 142 Catheter end fittings

[0143] 144 Suction opening

[0144] 147 contact surface

[0145] Proximal end of 148 142

[0146] 152 Catheter end fittings

[0147] 154 Suction opening

[0148] 155 Suction opening

[0149] 156 Ring Element

[0150] 162 stopper element

[0151] 164 front opening

[0152] 165 strokes

[0153] 166 strokes

[0154] 167 Material reinforcement

[0155] 172 Catheter end fittings

[0156] 174 Suction opening

[0157] 176 Guidewire opening

[0158] 182 flexible pipe

[0159] 184 Flexible spiral conveyor screw

[0160] 192 Catheter end fittings

[0161] 194 Suction opening

[0162] 196 Guidewire opening

[0163] 197 contact surface

[0164] Connecting section of 198 and 192

[0165] 199 tube abutment surface

[0166] 202 Catheter end fittings

[0167] 204 Suction opening

[0168] 205 Guide wire opening

[0169] 206 strokes

[0170] 208 Guide Wire Sleeve

[0171] 212 anterior section

[0172] 214 tube abutment surface

[0173] 217 contact surface

[0174] 218 202 connecting section

[0175] 222 Catheter end fittings

[0176] 224 Suction opening

[0177] 225 Guidewire opening

[0178] 226 strokes

[0179] 228 Guide Wire Sleeve

[0180] 232 collar section

[0181] 234 tube abutment surface

[0182] 237 contact surface

[0183] 238 202 connecting section

Claims

1. A catheter for aspirating, crushing, and removing removable material from a hollow body, the catheter comprising: a flexible tube (52; 122; 132; 182), the flexible tube (52; 122; 132; 182) having a proximal end (53) and a distal end (54), a flexible helical conveying screw (62; 184) extending inside the flexible tube (52; 122; 132; 182) from a proximal end (53) of the flexible tube (52; 122; 132; 182) in the direction of a distal end (54) of the flexible tube (52; 122; 132; 182) and having a distal end (64), wherein the flexible helical conveying screw (62; 184) is provided with a helically extending conveying surface (65) and can be rotated by a drive means (41), a stop element (82; 92; 102; 112; 162) for providing an abutment for the distal end (64) of the flexible helical conveying screw (62; 184), wherein the stop element (82; 92; 102; 112; 162) is arranged to be spaced apart from the distal end of the catheter (51; 121) so as to define a distal region (56) of the catheter (51; 121), the distal region extending from the distal end (83) of the stop element (82; 92; 102; 112; 162) in a direction towards the distal end of the catheter (51; 121), the distal region being free of rotational elements in the interior thereof, At least one suction opening (74; 144; 154; 174; 194; 204; 224) for sucking the removable material into the interior of the flexible tube (52; 122; 132; 182), wherein the at least one suction opening (74; 144; 154; 174; 194; 204; 224) is arranged in a distal region (56) of the catheter (51; 121).

2. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein The stop element (82; 92; 102; 112; 162) has the distal end (83) and the proximal end (88; 98; 108), and the stop element (82; 92; 102; 112; 162) has a sleeve-like shape with a first inner diameter and a front opening (84; 94; 104; 164), the front opening having at least one circumferential surface (85; 95, 96; 105, 106, 109) and at least partially having at least one abutment surface (87; 97; 107; 117), the at least one abutment surface being used to abut the distal end (64) of the flexible spiral conveying screw (62; 184).

3. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein The stop element (82; 92; 102; 112) has the distal end (83) and the proximal end (88; 98; 108), and the stop element (82; 92; 102; 112) has a sleeve-like shape with a first inner diameter (D1) and a front opening (84; 94; 104), the front opening having at least a second inner diameter (D2) and at least one circumferential surface (85; 95, 96; 105, 106, 109), wherein the at least second inner diameter (D2) is smaller than the first inner diameter (D1).

4. The catheter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that At least one circumferential surface (96; 106, 109) of the front opening (94; 104) of the stopper element (92; 102; 112) is conical.

5. The catheter according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The stopper element (112) comprises an additional abutment element (116) for providing an abutment for the distal end (64) of the flexible helical conveying screw (62; 184).

6. The catheter according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The stopper element (82; 92; 102; 112; 162) comprises an at least partially radiopaque material.

7. The catheter according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A catheter end part (142; 152; 172; 192; 202; 222) is provided, which at least partially defines the distal region of the catheter, wherein the catheter end part (142; 152; 172; 192; 202; 222) includes at least one suction opening (144; 154, 155; 174; 194; 204; 224), and wherein the catheter end part (142; 152; 172; 192; 202; 222) is connected to the distal end of the flexible tube (132; 182).

8. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein The catheter end piece (142; 152; 172; 192; 202) comprises at least two suction openings (144; 154, 155; 174; 194; 204).

9. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein The catheter end piece (192; 202; 222) includes at least one suction opening (204; 224) at a distal end of the catheter end piece (192; 202; 222).

10. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein The stopper element is an abutment surface (197; 217; 237) disposed inside the catheter end piece (192; 202; 222).

11. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein The catheter end piece (172; 192; 202; 222) includes a guide wire opening (176; 196; 205; 225) for passing a guide wire through the catheter end piece (172; 192; 202; 222).

12. The catheter according to claim 11, wherein The guidewire opening (196; 205; 225) of the catheter end piece (192; 202) is at least partially arranged inside the at least one suction opening (194; 204; 224).

13. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein The catheter end piece (192; 202; 222) includes a connecting section (198; 238) for connecting the catheter end piece (192; 202; 222) to the flexible tube (182).

14. The catheter according to claim 7, wherein The catheter tip piece (142; 152; 172; 192; 202; 222) comprises an at least partially radiopaque material.

15. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein The hollow body is a blood vessel.

16. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein The removable material is a thrombus.

17. The catheter according to claim 1, wherein The removable material is a plug.

18. The catheter according to claim 4, wherein The at least one circumferential surface (96; 106, 109) tapers in the direction of a proximal end (98; 108) of the stop element (92; 102; 112).

19. The catheter according to claim 5, wherein The additional abutment element (116) is arranged inside the stopper element (112).

20. The catheter according to claim 8, wherein The at least two suction openings (144; 154, 155; 174; 194) are arranged opposite each other.

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