High pressure protection for jet suction conduits

Abstract

Thrombectomy catheters and high pressure protection systems for protecting catheter shafts from high pressure fluid ejection are disclosed. An illustrative thrombectomy catheter may include a catheter body (402) including a catheter lumen extending therethrough. A high pressure fluid supply tube (412) extends from the catheter body proximal end region through the catheter lumen toward the catheter body distal end region. The high pressure fluid supply tube is configured to communicate with a fluid source near a proximal end region of the catheter body. The high pressure fluid supply tube includes injection holes (418a-c) for ejecting a fluid jet from the high pressure fluid supply tube within the conduit lumen. A reinforcing member (500a-c) is disposed within the conduit lumen such that a fluid jet ejected from the ejection orifice impinges on the reinforcing member.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 440,249, filed January 20, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to thrombectomy systems. More specifically, this invention relates to a reinforced catheter shaft for withstanding localized high-pressure fluid jets. Background Technology

[0004] Thrombectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove blood clots from a patient's vascular system. Mechanical and fluid-based systems can be used to remove blood clots. In the case of using a fluid-based system, an infusion fluid can be injected into the treatment area of ​​the blood vessel through a catheter to remove the blood clot. In some cases, effluent (e.g., infusion fluid and / or blood) including the removed blood clot can be extracted from the blood vessel through a catheter. Among the known thrombectomy systems and methods, there is a continuous need to provide alternative configurations of thrombectomy catheters and systems, as well as methods for operating such thrombectomy systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides design, materials, manufacturing methods, and alternatives for use in medical devices.

[0006] In a first example, a thrombectomy catheter may include a catheter body extending from a proximal region to a distal region and including a catheter lumen extending between the proximal and distal regions; a high-pressure fluid supply tube extending from the proximal region of the catheter body through the catheter lumen toward the distal region of the catheter body, the high-pressure fluid supply tube being configured to communicate with a fluid source near the proximal region of the catheter body; at least one jet orifice for ejecting at least one fluid jet from the high-pressure fluid supply tube within the catheter lumen; a suction inlet orifice positioned along the distal portion of the catheter; and at least one reinforcing member disposed within the catheter lumen. The at least one fluid jet ejected from the at least one jet orifice may impinge on the at least one reinforcing member.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, at least one reinforcing member may include a generally tubular body comprising a plurality of slots extending through the sidewalls of the generally tubular body.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, the multiple slots may each have a length extending circumferentially around the generally tubular body.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, for any of the above examples, the multiple slots may be longitudinally spaced around the length of the generally tubular body.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, the generally tubular body may include at least one region without multiple slots.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, at least one region without multiple slots may be located near at least one injection hole so that at least one fluid jet impacts the region.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, at least one reinforcing member may comprise a braided tubular body.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, the braided tubular body may include alternating regions of lower and higher interlacing points along the length of the braided tubular body.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, at least one reinforcing member may include a tubular collar and a wing extending longitudinally from the collar.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, for any of the above examples, the wing may be configured to extend less than 270° around the inner circumference of the duct body.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, for any of the above examples, at least one reinforcing member may be fixed to the conduit body.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, for any of the above examples, at least one reinforcing member may be fixed to the high-pressure fluid supply pipe.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, at least one reinforcing member may comprise a plurality of reinforcing members spaced axially along the length of the high-pressure fluid supply pipe.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, for any of the above examples, at least one reinforcing member may extend from the proximal end of the high-pressure fluid supply pipe to the distal end of the high-pressure fluid supply pipe.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, at least one reinforcing member may comprise polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), stainless steel, or nitinol.

[0021] In another example, a thrombectomy catheter may include a catheter body extending from a proximal region to a distal region and including a catheter lumen extending between the proximal and distal regions; a high-pressure fluid supply tube extending from the proximal region of the catheter body through the catheter lumen toward the distal region of the catheter body, the high-pressure fluid supply tube being configured to communicate with a fluid source near the proximal region of the catheter body; a plurality of jet holes for ejecting multiple fluid jets from the high-pressure fluid supply tube within the catheter lumen, the plurality of jet holes being spaced apart along the length of the high-pressure fluid supply tube; a suction inlet orifice positioned along the distal portion of the catheter; and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed within the catheter lumen, the plurality of reinforcing members being spaced apart along the length of the catheter lumen and each reinforcing member being positioned near the jet holes. Each of the plurality of reinforcing members may include an impact position for causing one of the multiple fluid jets to impact it.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, the plurality of reinforcing members may be slotless regions of a tubular member, and the tubular member includes regions having a plurality of slots extending through the sidewalls of the tubular member between adjacent slotless regions.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, in another example, the plurality of reinforcing members may be regions of a braided tubular member having a higher number of interlacing points, and the braided tubular member includes regions with a lower number of interlacing points between adjacent regions having a higher number of interlacing points.

[0024] In another example, a thrombectomy catheter may include a catheter body extending from a proximal region to a distal region and including a catheter lumen extending between the proximal and distal regions; a high-pressure fluid supply tube extending from the proximal region of the catheter body through the catheter lumen toward the distal region of the catheter body, the high-pressure fluid supply tube being configured to communicate with a fluid source near the proximal region of the catheter body; a plurality of jet holes for ejecting multiple fluid jets from the high-pressure fluid supply tube within the catheter lumen, the plurality of jet holes being spaced apart along the length of the high-pressure fluid supply tube; a suction inlet located along the distal portion of the catheter; and a reinforcing member disposed within the catheter lumen, the reinforcing member extending along the length of the high-pressure fluid supply tube and including a generally tubular body, the generally tubular body including a plurality of slots extending through the sidewalls of the generally tubular body and a plurality of slotless regions.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, in another example, for any of the above examples, multiple slotless regions may be roughly aligned with the impact points of multiple fluid jets.

[0026] The above overview of some example embodiments is not intended to describe every disclosed embodiment or implementation of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The invention can be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description of various embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the thrombectomy system;

[0029] Figure 2 It is used for Figure 1 Partial exploded perspective view of the pump, bubble trap, connecting manifold assembly, and associated fixation device of the pump / catheter assembly in a thrombectomy system.

[0030] Figure 3 It is used for Figure 1 A partially exploded side view of the pump, bubble trap, connecting manifold assembly, and associated fixation device of the pump / catheter assembly in a thrombectomy system.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal region of the illustrative thrombectomy catheter;

[0032] Figure 5A It is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the reinforcing components;

[0033] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A side view of the illustrative reinforcing component;

[0034] Figure 5C It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal region of an illustrative thrombectomy catheter, including multiple reinforcing members;

[0035] Figure 6A This is a side view of another illustrative reinforcing component;

[0036] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A top view of the illustrative reinforcing component;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a side view of another illustrative reinforcing component;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a side view of another illustrative reinforcing component;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a side view of another illustrative reinforcing component; and

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative slender axis used with a thrombectomy catheter.

[0041] While the invention is adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, its specific details have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to limit its aspects to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] All numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether or not explicitly stated otherwise. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the stated value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may indicate a number that includes rounding to the nearest significant figure.

[0043] A description of a range of numbers represented by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0044] While some suitable dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​for various components, characteristics and / or specifications are disclosed, those skilled in the art to whom this invention relates will understand that desired dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​can be derived from those explicitly disclosed.

[0045] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless otherwise expressly indicated. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used in the sense of including “and / or” unless otherwise expressly indicated.

[0046] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings have the same numbering. The detailed description and the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The depicted illustrative embodiments are merely exemplary. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, selected features of any illustrative embodiment may be incorporated into additional embodiments.

[0047] Thrombectomy catheters and systems can be used to remove thrombi, plaques, lesions, clots, etc., from veins or arteries. Some thrombectomy catheters use jet tubes that are bent in a way that directs the jet directly backward into the catheter (e.g., parallel to the shaft wall) to prevent shaft damage. However, this bent jet tube design can obstruct a large portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the aspiration lumen, which may consequently reduce the aspiration rate. Furthermore, this type of jet orientation may require side ports, which can limit the diameter of vessels the device can reach and increase the occurrence of hemolysis in the target vessel. Other jet aspiration catheters utilize a series of high-speed saline jets to entrain fluid or clot material into and through the shaft of the catheter. To achieve high performance, the jet velocity and therefore the local pressure are extremely high. Most thin-walled polymer shafts cannot withstand these pressures without additional support. This paper discloses various catheter shaft designs or reinforcements that allow the catheter assembly to withstand the localized high pressure created by the saline jet while maintaining the necessary flexibility in lower-pressure areas.

[0048] Figure 1This is a perspective view of an illustrative thrombectomy system 10. The thrombectomy system 10 may include a console or drive unit 12 and a pump / catheter assembly 14. In some cases, the pump / catheter assembly 14 may be a single-use device, wherein a new pump / catheter assembly 14 may be used with the drive unit 12 for each medical procedure. A plurality of removable panels 16a-16n are shown surrounding and along the drive unit 12, enclosing the internal structure of the drive unit 12. An illustrative drive unit 12 is described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,935,077 entitled “Thrombectomy Catheter Deployment System,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Automatically opening doors 18 and 20 are located at the center of the drive unit 12 and aligned with the lower region of the panels 16g; these doors 18 and 20 open to expose the interior of the drive unit 12 to provide access to the bracket assembly 22. As further discussed herein, the bracket assembly 22, which can accommodate components of the pump / conduit assembly 14, is shown as accessible via doors 18 and 20 that can be opened and closed. The drive unit 12 may include a collection basin for collecting fluid leaks from components of the pump / conduit assembly 14. For example, a removable drip tray 24 is shown located at the front of the drive unit 12, extending from below the bracket assembly 22 toward panel 16a. Other configurations of the collection basin are also contemplated. The drip tray 24 and the removable container 26 may together support and accommodate an effluent collection bag, such as the effluent collection bag 28 of the pump / conduit assembly 14. In other cases, the drive unit 12 may include different configurations, such as hooks for suspending the effluent collection bag 28 therefrom, or shelves for placing the effluent collection bag 28 on it. With the bracket assembly 22 movable, the drive unit 12 may be provided with a bracket assembly activation switch 30, such as located on panel 16g, to selectively position the bracket assembly 22 inward or outward. The drive unit 12 may include a user interface 32 with storage functions, such as located in the upper region of the drive unit 12 between the upper regions of the upper side panels 16e and 16f. Saline bag hooks 34 and 36 may extend through the panels 16e and 16f to suspend the saline bag therefrom. The drive unit 12 may include a handle 42, a plurality of wheels 52a-52n, and a brake pedal 54 for wheel locking to assist medical personnel in operating the drive unit 12.

[0049] The pump / catheter assembly 14, which may be a disposable, single-use device, is shown not attached to the drive unit 12. The pump / catheter assembly 14 includes a pump 56 and a thrombectomy catheter 58. During use, a portion of the pump / catheter assembly 14 may be secured within a portion of the drive unit 12. Other components included in the pump / catheter assembly 14 may include a bubble trap 60 attached to the pump 56, a connecting manifold assembly 62 connected to the bubble trap 60, an effluent return tube 66 connecting the connecting manifold assembly 62 and the thrombectomy catheter 58, a high-pressure fluid supply tube 64 (which may be coaxially arranged inside the effluent return tube 66) attached between the output of the pump 56 and the thrombectomy catheter 58, a conversion and fixation device 69 located between the distal end of the effluent return tube 66 and the proximal end of the thrombectomy catheter 58, an effluent waste tube 68 connecting the effluent collection bag 28 to the connecting manifold assembly 62, and a fluid supply tube 70 having a bag pin 71 for connecting a fluid supply bag 72 (e.g., a saline bag) to the connecting manifold assembly 62. The fluid supply tube 70 may be in fluid communication with the interior of the bubble trap 60 to provide fluid from the fluid supply bag 72 to the pump 56 and subsequently to the thrombectomy catheter 58 via the high-pressure fluid supply tube 64.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a partially exploded perspective view of several components of the pump / conduit assembly 14, which generally includes a pump 56, a bubble trap 60, a connecting manifold assembly 62, and a fixing device 140. The pump 56 is centered on a tubular body 112. Components are located around the lower region of the tubular body 112 and include a base 109 having an upper portion 110 and a lower portion 111, both positioned around the lower region of the tubular body 112. An annular surface 117 is included at the top of the upper portion 110 of the base 109 for close contact with engaging lugs of the bracket assembly 22 to contain the pump 56 within the bracket assembly 22. A top body 114 is positioned around the upper region of the tubular body 112. The base 109, top body 114, and connecting panel 115 may be molded or otherwise suitably constructed to, for example, surround a larger portion of the tubular body 112. The top body 114 may also include a data board 113 for displaying barcodes, RFID tags or other information to determine the operating parameters of the device.

[0051] Pump 56 may include a hemispherical pump piston head 116 having a flexible protective shield 118 connected to and extending between the top body 14 and the pump piston head 116. In some cases, the lower portion 111 of the geometry of the base 109 may serve as a mounting base for one end of the bubble trap 60.

[0052] The connecting manifold assembly 62 can be directly attached to the other end of the bubble trap 60, and in some cases may include a support 120 to which a vertically oriented tubular manifold 148 is attached. The vertically oriented tubular manifold 148 has multiple ports attached to or formed therethrough, including a fluid (e.g., saline) inlet port 122, an effluent outlet port 124, a Luer-type effluent return port 126, and / or auxiliary ports 128 and a cap 130. Connectors 132 and 134 are also shown, extending connectably between the connecting manifold assembly 62 and the upper portion 110 of the base 109.

[0053] The bubble trap 60 may include mating halves, one of which, 60a, is shown. A hydrophobic filter 136 may be included in the upper forward region of the bubble trap half 60a. A second bubble trap half (not explicitly shown) may include another hydrophobic filter, which is opposite to the hydrophobic filter 136 on the bubble trap half 60a.

[0054] The retaining device 140 and its associated components assist in the support and connection of the effluent return pipe 66 to the effluent return port 126 via a connector 142 continuously combined with the connecting pipe 144, and also assist in the support, passage, and connection of the fluid supply pipe 70 to the fluid inlet port 122. The retaining device 140 may include outwardly extending, vertically aligned and opposing lugs 141a and 141b, which prevent the retaining device 140 and the associated effluent return pipe 66, including the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 64 and the fluid supply pipe 70, from contacting the roller pump (not explicitly shown) provided by the drive unit 12, such as that located in or adjacent to the bracket assembly 22.

[0055] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partially exploded side view of the components shows the relationship between the pump 56, the bubble trap 60, the connecting manifold assembly 62, and the mounting device 140. A vertically oriented tubular manifold 148 fixed to a bracket 120 is also shown. An effluent outlet port 124 can be connected to and fluidly communicated with the lower interior of the tubular manifold 148. An effluent return port 126 can be connected to and fluidly communicated with the upper interior of the tubular manifold 148. A horizontally aligned passage port 150 and an associated connector 132 (each opposite the effluent return port 126) are also connected to the tubular manifold 148. The access port 150 can accommodate a high-pressure fluid supply tube 64, which extends distally through a cavity of the access port 150 (not explicitly shown), connector 132, upper region of the tubular manifold 148, effluent return port 126, connector 142, and connecting tube 144, and enters and passes coaxially through the effluent return tube 66 to connect to the thrombectomy catheter 58. Figure 1The proximal end of the high-pressure fluid supply line 64 includes a high-pressure fitting 152 located near the proximal end of the high-pressure fluid supply line 64 to facilitate fluid communication between the high-pressure fluid supply line 64 and the interior of the pump 56. The proximal end of the high-pressure fluid supply line 64 (which is the inlet to the high-pressure fluid supply line 64) may include a plurality of very small orifices (not shown) which include filters at their proximal ends. A connector 134, which may have internal and / or external threads, may be aligned above and around the high-pressure fluid supply line 64 located distal to the high-pressure fitting 152 and threadedly engages a threaded connection port 154 extending horizontally from the upper portion 110 of the base 109 of the pump 56. The connector 134 is rotatable to thread-engage the corresponding mating threaded structure provided on the high-pressure fitting 152 and the pump 56. The connector 132 may be used to engage the external threaded end of the connector 134 to secure the connector 134 and thus the pump 56 to the connection manifold assembly 62, and to provide fixation of the bubble trap 60 to the pump 56. Furthermore, direct connection and fluid communication between pump 56 and bubble trap 60 can be provided by a horizontally oriented pump fluid inlet port 156, which engages the interior of the corresponding receiver port 158 ​​and seal 159 to one end of bubble trap 60. A fluid inlet port 122 located on support 120 can extend behind tubular manifold 148 to communicate with the interior of bubble trap 60 to defoam fluid (e.g., saline), thereby making unpressurized fluid (e.g., saline) available to pump 56.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the distal region 404 of an illustrative thrombectomy catheter 400. The thrombectomy catheter 400 may be an illustrative example of the thrombectomy catheter 58 described above. The thrombectomy catheter 400 may include a tubular member or catheter body 402 extending from a proximal region (not explicitly shown) configured to be held outside the body to the distal region 404. The catheter body 402 may be an illustrative example of the effluent return tube 66 of the thrombectomy catheter 58 described above. A lumen 406 may extend from the proximal region of the catheter body 402 to the distal region 404. The catheter body 402 may terminate at a distally facing distal opening 408 located at the distal end of the catheter body 402. In some cases, the distal opening 408 may be located in a plane extending generally orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the catheter body 402. In other cases, the distal opening 408 may be located in a plane extending generally obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the catheter body 402. Typically, the distal opening 408 may be a suction inlet port. Although not explicitly shown, the catheter body 402 may include one or more markings (e.g., radiopaque marking strips) disposed along the catheter body 402. Furthermore, although not explicitly shown, in some embodiments, the catheter body 402 may include one or more openings extending through its sidewalls, if desired.

[0057] The thrombectomy catheter 400 may also include a high-pressure fluid supply line 410. The high-pressure fluid supply line 410 may be an illustrative example of the high-pressure fluid supply line 66 of the aforementioned thrombectomy catheter 58. The high-pressure fluid supply line 410 may be disposed within a lumen 406 of the catheter body 402. The high-pressure fluid supply line 410 may include a supply line wall 412 defining a lumen or fluid path 414 extending therethrough. In at least some cases, the high-pressure fluid supply line 410 may have a closed distal end 416. Thus, fluid may be able to pass through the fluid path 414 but will not exit from the distal end. The high-pressure fluid supply line 410 may extend along the length of the catheter body 402, wherein the distal end 416 is located within the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402 proximal to a distal opening 408 at the distal end of the catheter body 402. The proximal end of the high-pressure fluid supply line 410 may be in fluid communication with the pump 56 described herein to provide high-pressure fluid to the fluid path 414 of the high-pressure fluid supply line 410.

[0058] Multiple injection holes 418a-d (collectively referred to as 418) may be defined along the supply tube wall 412. For example, the supply tube wall 412 may include two, three, four, five, six or more injection holes 418. The injection holes 418 may be spaced apart along the supply tube wall 412 at any desired interval. For example, each of the injection holes 418 may be equidistant from adjacent injection holes 418 along the length of the supply tube wall 412. In other cases, the injection holes 418 may be arranged such that the spacing between adjacent injection holes 418 near the distal end of the supply tube wall 412 is closer than the spacing between adjacent injection holes 418 near the proximal end of the supply tube wall 412. For example, the spacing between the holes 418 may gradually increase as it moves proximally along the length of the axis, or the spacing may increase in a stepped manner. In some cases, some or all of the injection holes 418 may be axially aligned along the supply tube wall 412. In other cases, one or more of the injection holes 418 may be circumferentially offset from each other around the supply tube wall 412. Various patterns are conceivable, including spiral patterns, patterns where no two jet holes 418 are located at the same axial position, regular patterns including two or more jet holes 418 located at the same axial position, and irregular patterns (where some of the jet holes 418 may or may not be located at the same axial position). The jet holes 418 can be formed using suitable methods such as electrical discharge machining, etching, cutting (e.g., including laser cutting). In some cases, one or more of the jet holes 418 may have a generally circular shape. In other cases, one or more of the jet holes 418 may have a generally non-circular shape (e.g., elliptical, polygonal, irregular, etc.). In some cases, the jet holes 418 may be beveled or otherwise include beveled surfaces.

[0059] At least some of the injection holes 418a-c can be designed to deliver fluid (e.g., kinetic fluid, liquid, gas, or air, steam, fluid containing particles, etc.) through the injection holes 418a-c and into the cavity 406 of the conduit body 402 in a generally proximal direction, as depicted by lines 420a-c, which represent kinetic jet fluid projecting generally proximally from the injection holes 418a-c. For example, each of the injection holes 418d can be arranged at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply pipe wall 412, such that the injection holes 418a-c are angled in the proximal direction. In some embodiments, one or more of the injection holes 418d may be designed to deliver fluid (e.g., kinetic fluid, liquid, gas, or air, steam, fluid containing particles, etc.) through the injection holes 418d and into the cavity 406 of the conduit body 402 in a generally distal direction as depicted by line 420d, which represents a kinetic jet fluid projecting generally distally from the injection holes 418d. For example, the injection holes 418d may be arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the supply pipe wall 412, such that the injection holes 418d are angled in the distal direction. The distally projecting injection hole 418d may be the most distal injection hole, wherein the proximally projecting injection holes 418a-c are positioned proximal to the distally projecting injection holes 418d. The distally protruding jet orifice 418d can break up particles when they are drawn into the cavity 406 of the conduit body 402, while the proximally protruding jet orifices 418a-c can move particles proximal along the conduit body 402.

[0060] In some cases, the injection orifice 418 may be oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412. For example, proximal-oriented injection orifices 418a-c may be oriented at an angle (e.g., an acute angle) relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412 and / or at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412. It is conceivable that distal-oriented injection orifice 418d may be oriented at an angle (e.g., an obtuse angle) relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412 and / or at an angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412. In other cases, the injection orifice 418 may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412 (e.g., at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412). The angles of all injection orifices 418 may be the same or different. Injecting kinetic fluid through the cavity 414 of the supply tube wall 412 may cause fluid to be ejected through the injection hole 418 (e.g., generally in a proximal direction) and generate a suction force.

[0061] In at least some cases, the jet holes 418 can be understood as being arranged in series. In other words, the jet holes 418 can be arranged at various locations along the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412. For example, the jet holes 418 can be spaced evenly or unevenly along the length of the supply tube wall 412. This allows the jet holes 418 to be positioned within the conduit body 402 and at locations axially spaced along its length. For example, as needed, the jet holes 418 can be spaced along the entire length of the supply tube wall 412 and correspondingly along the entire length or a portion thereof of the conduit body 402. In some examples, the jet holes 418 can be spaced along the length of the supply tube wall 412 at intervals ranging from 5 inches (12.7 cm) to 15 inches (38.1 cm) or from 6 inches (15.2 cm) to 12 inches (30.5 cm). In other cases, the spacing between the jet holes 418 can be less than 5 inches (12.7 cm) or greater than 15 inches (38.1 cm). Therefore, the kinetic fluid exits through the ejection orifice 418, forming ejected kinetic fluids 420a-d (collectively referred to as 420). The ejected kinetic fluids 420 can reach velocities of 17,150 cm / s or higher (e.g., half the speed of sound or higher). This ejected kinetic fluid 420 enters the entrained material, where a shear layer between the two causes turbulence, mixing, and momentum transfer. The entrained material can enter the distal opening 408 and can then be proximal via momentum transfer. As the mixture of ejected kinetic fluid 420 and entrained material migrates proximally, the material can successively approach multiple ejection orifices 418. Upon interaction with the ejected kinetic fluid 420 from each individual ejection orifice 418, the momentum in the entrained material mixture can increase, and the thrombus-forming material can flow more easily proximally through the catheter body 402 for removal. This increase in momentum can allow the catheter body 402 to be used without a second or outflow orifice (e.g., located proximal to the distal opening 408). Alternatively, some of the trapped thrombus material may exit through a second hole (not shown) located proximal to the distal opening 408, recirculate to the distal opening 408 (e.g., once or multiple times), and then move through the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0062] The performance of the thrombectomy catheter 400 and the high-pressure fluid supply tubing 410 can be directly related to the velocity of the kinetic fluid 420 exiting from the jet orifice 418 and the local pressure created by the jetting kinetic fluid 420. For example, the stronger the jetting kinetic fluid 420, the higher the aspiration rate. It is also conceivable that increased velocity could allow the thrombectomy catheter 400 to break down and remove acute, subacute, and / or chronic clots. However, increased jetting force may damage the standard polymer liner of the catheter body 402, which may not be strong enough to withstand the local pressure distributed radially along the inner diameter of the catheter body 402. It is conceivable that the catheter body 402 may benefit from areas configured to withstand the high-pressure impact of the jetting kinetic fluid 420 against the inner wall of the catheter body 402, while maintaining the overall flexibility of the catheter body 402 required for travel through tortuous anatomy.

[0063] Figure 5A This is a perspective view of an illustrative reinforcing member 500 that can be used to protect the inner diameter of the conduit body 402 at the point where it is impacted by the high pressure of the jetted kinetic fluid 420. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A side view of an illustrative reinforcing member 500. Multiple reinforcing members 500 may be spaced apart along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400 such that the high-pressure jet of kinetic fluid 420 impinges on the reinforcing member 500 rather than directly impacting the inner surface of the catheter body 402. For example, the reinforcing member 500 may be positioned at or near the impact location of each jet orifice 418. The impact location may be axially offset from orifice 418 or located in a similar longitudinal position. In some cases, a single member 500 may cover the impact location of more than one jet orifice 418. In other cases, the reinforcing member 500 may cover the impact location of a single jet orifice 418, such that a single reinforcing member 500 is associated with each jet orifice 418. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 500 may be attached or secured to the catheter body 402, and in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 500 may be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410, as will be described in more detail herein. The reinforcing member 500 may be formed of a high-modulus material with high shear resistance, such as, but not limited to, polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), other high-performance plastics, stainless steel, nitinol, other metals, etc. It is conceivable that the material of the reinforcing member 500 may be selected to withstand the high-pressure impact of the jetting kinetic fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 500 may be heat-treated to improve its flexibility. Alternatively or additionally, portions of the reinforcing member 500 may include laser-cut slots to increase flexibility.

[0064] The reinforcing member 500 may extend from the first end 502 to the second end 504. The reinforcing member 500 may have an outer diameter or outer cross-sectional dimension similar to the inner diameter of the conduit body 402. The reinforcing member 500 may include a generally tubular collar 506 near the first end 502 and a longitudinally extending wing 508 extending longitudinally from the tubular collar 506 to the second end 504. The tubular collar 506 and the wing 508 may be formed as a single integral structure or may be formed as separate components subsequently joined together. The tubular collar 506 may define a cavity 510 extending therethrough. The wing 508 may have a generally semi-cylindrical shape, having a convex outer surface configured to conform to the inner surface of the conduit body 402, and an opposing concave surface for impact by a high-pressure jet of kinetic fluid 420. The wing 508 may be configured to extend less than 360° around the inner circumference of the conduit body 402. In some cases, the wing 508 may be configured to extend 270° or less, 180° or less, 90° or less, etc., around the inner circumference of the conduit body 402. In other examples, the wing 508 may extend 360° around the inner circumference of the conduit body 402, such that the entire reinforcing member 500 is a generally tubular member. It is conceivable that the arc length and / or length of the wing 508 may be determined at least in part by the angle of the injection orifice 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the ejected kinetic fluid 420. For example, an injection orifice 418 with an angle closer to 90° may impact a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the conduit body 402 compared to an injection orifice with an angle closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410. Therefore, the closer the angle of the injection orifice 418 is to 90°, the smaller the wing 508 of the reinforcing member 500 can be (e.g., arc length and / or length). It is also conceivable that the length of the wing 508 can take into account the variability of the position of the injection port 418 and / or the bends in the duct body 402. It is also conceivable that the wing 508 can adopt other shapes as needed. Although Figure 5A and Figure 5B The wing 508 is shown as an end 512 with a generally planar shape, but in some cases, the end of the wing 508 may be curved, elliptical (almond-shaped), or other regular or irregular shapes to reduce the amount of material present. In some examples, the first and / or second ends 502, 504 of the reinforcing member 500 may include tapered or beveled edges. For example, it may be necessary for the reinforcing member 500 to minimize features that increase friction and / or turbulence.

[0065] Figure 5C It is a cross-sectional view of the distal region 404 of an illustrative thrombectomy catheter 400, including multiple reinforcing members 500a-c (collectively referred to as 500) arranged within the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402. Although Figure 5COnly the distal region 404 of the thrombectomy catheter 400 is shown, but it should be understood that the reinforcing member 500 can be positioned anywhere from the proximal to the distal end of the thrombectomy catheter 400. In some examples, the distal reinforcing member 500c can be aligned or positioned to protect both the proximal-facing jet orifice 418c and the distal-facing jet orifice 418d from impact sites. For example, the distal reinforcing member 500c can extend distally beyond the distal end 416 of the supply tube wall 412. However, this is not necessary. In some embodiments, a single reinforcing member 500 can be used to individually provide impact protection to each of the proximal-facing jet orifice 418c and the distal-facing jet orifice 418d. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 500 can be secured to or otherwise coupled to the catheter body 402 by positioning the reinforcing member 500 on a mandrel and backflowing or otherwise forming the catheter body 402 above the reinforcing member 500. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcing member 500 can be directly attached to the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410. For example, the reinforcing member 500 can be directly welded, glued, adhered, crimped, etc., to the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410 adjacent to the injection port 418. The high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410 and the reinforcing member 500 assembly can then be inserted into the cavity 406 of the conduit body 402.

[0066] It is conceivable that, during assembly, the reinforcing member 500 can be oriented to provide impact protection based on the orientation of the injection port 418 and the injected kinetic fluid 420. For example, when the reinforcing member 500 is positioned near the proximal-oriented injection ports 418a-c, the wing 508 can be positioned to extend proximally from the collar 506, while when the reinforcing member 500 is positioned near the distal-oriented injection port 418d, the wing 508 can be positioned to extend distally from the collar 506. Figure 5C As can be seen, areas of the conduit body 402 that do not impact the inner surface of the conduit body 402 due to the ejected kinetic fluid 420 may be without the reinforcing member 500. This helps maintain the flexibility of the conduit body 402 while also preventing or limiting damage to the conduit body 402 that may be caused by the high-pressure impact of the ejected kinetic fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 500 may be axially offset from the corresponding injection port 418. In other examples, the reinforcing member 500 may be located in a position similar to the axial direction of the corresponding injection port 418. The axial length of the wing 508 may be sufficient to span the impact length of the high-pressure ejected kinetic fluid 420 on the conduit body 402.

[0067] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 500 may be provided in areas not subjected to high-pressure impact from the jet kinetic fluid 420. For example, if the thrombectomy catheter 400 requires greater maneuverability in the proximal region, segments of one or more reinforcing members 500 may be added to that region of the thrombectomy catheter 400 to improve maneuverability by increasing stiffness.

[0068] Figure 6A This is a side view of another illustrative reinforcing member 600, together with the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410, which can be used to protect the conduit body 402 (not shown) at the point of high-pressure impact. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The inner diameter (i.e., cavity surface) is clearly shown in the diagram. Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A top view illustrating the reinforcing member 600. Multiple reinforcing members 600 may be spaced apart along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400, such that the high-pressure jet of kinetic fluid 420 impinges on the reinforcing member 600 rather than directly impacting the inner surface of the catheter body 402, in a manner similar to... Figure 5C Similar to the illustration. For example, the reinforcing member 600 may be positioned near the impact location of each jet orifice 418. In some cases, a single member 600 may cover the impact location of more than one jet orifice 418. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 600 may be attached or secured to the conduit body 402, and in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 600 may be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410. The reinforcing member 600 may be formed of a high-modulus material with high shear resistance, such as, but not limited to, polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), other high-performance plastics, stainless steel, nitinol, other metals, etc. It is conceivable that the material of the reinforcing member 600 may be selected to withstand the high-pressure impact of the jetted kinetic fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 600 may be heat-treated to improve flexibility. Alternatively or additionally, portions of the reinforcing member 600 may include laser-cut slots to increase flexibility.

[0069] The reinforcing member 600 may extend from a first end 602 to a second end 604. The reinforcing member 600 may have an outer diameter or outer cross-sectional dimension similar to the inner diameter of the conduit body 402. The reinforcing member 600 may include a generally tubular collar 606 near the first end 602 and a wing 608 extending longitudinally from the tubular collar 606 and between the first end 602 and the second end 604. The wing 608 may include a first end region 618 and a second end region 620. The tubular collar 606 may define a cavity 610 extending therethrough. In some examples, the tubular collar 606 may be discontinuous around its circumference. For example, the tubular collar 606 and / or the wing 608 may include an opening or hole 612 extending through its wall thickness. The size and shape of the hole 612 may be configured such that the jetted kinetic fluid 420 impinges on the inner surface of the wing 608. However, removing material to form the hole 612 may increase the flexibility of the reinforcing member 600. This helps the reinforcing member 600 provide the necessary high-pressure protection while minimizing the impact of the reinforcing member 600 on the overall flexibility of the thrombectomy catheter 400.

[0070] The wing 608 may have a generally curved shape, having a convex outer surface configured to conform to the inner surface of the conduit body 402, and an opposing concave surface for impact by the high-pressure jet of kinetic fluid 420. In some examples, the ends 614, 616 of the wing 608 may be curved or rounded (e.g., having an almond-shaped shape). In other examples, the ends 614, 616 of the wing 608 may adopt other regular or irregular shapes as needed. In some examples, the first and / or second ends 602, 604 of the reinforcing member 600 may include tapered or beveled edges. For example, it may be necessary for the reinforcing member 600 to minimize features that increase friction and / or turbulence. The wing 608 may be configured to extend less than 360° around the inner circumference of the conduit body 402. In other examples, the wing 608 may extend 360° around the inner circumference of the conduit body 402, such that the reinforcing member 600 is a generally tubular member. In some cases, the wing 608 may be configured to extend around the inner circumference of the conduit body 402 by 270° or less, 180° or less, 90° or less, etc. It is conceivable that the arc length and / or length of the wing 608 may be determined at least in part by the angle of the injection orifice 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the ejected kinetic fluid 420. For example, an injection orifice 418 with an angle closer to 90° may impact a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the conduit body 402 compared to an injection orifice with an angle closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410. Therefore, the closer the angle of the injection orifice 418 is to 90°, the smaller the wing 608 of the reinforcing member 600 may be (e.g., arc length and / or length). It is also conceivable that the length of the wing 608 may account for variability in the position of the injection orifice 418 and / or bends in the conduit body 402.

[0071] Although Figure 6A A single reinforcing member 600 is shown, but it should be understood that any number of reinforcing members 600 can be positioned anywhere from the proximal to the distal end of the thrombectomy catheter 400. In some examples, the wing 608 may be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to protect the catheter body 402 from the impact positions of both the proximal-facing jet orifice 418c and the distal-facing jet orifice 418d. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first end region 618 of the reinforcing member 600 may be configured to provide impact protection to the distally oriented jet orifice 418d, while a second end region 620 of the reinforcing member 600 may be configured to provide impact protection to the proximal-oriented jet orifice 418c. However, this is not necessary. In some embodiments, a single reinforcing member 600 may be used to provide impact protection to each of the proximal-facing jet orifice 418c and the distal-facing jet orifice 418d. It is contemplated that the shape of the wing 608 may be sized and / or shaped based on the desired impact protection. For example, when the reinforcing member 600 provides impact protection for only a single injection hole 418, the wing 608 may be smaller than the wing 608 of the reinforcing member 600 providing impact protection for two or more injection holes 418. It is conceivable that the first end region 618 of the wing 608 may be omitted for the reinforcing member 600 providing impact protection for only a single injection hole 418. Alternatively, the second end region 620 of the wing 608 may be omitted for the reinforcing member 600 providing impact protection for only a single injection hole 418.

[0072] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 600 may be secured to or otherwise coupled to the catheter body 402 by positioning the reinforcing member 600 on a mandrel and backflowing or otherwise forming the catheter body 402. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcing member 600 may be directly secured to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410. For example, the reinforcing member 600 may be directly welded, glued, adhered, crimped, etc., to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410 adjacent to the injection port 418. The high-pressure fluid supply line 410 and the reinforcing member 600 assembly may then be inserted into the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0073] It is conceivable that, during assembly, the reinforcing member 600 may be oriented to provide impact protection based on the orientation of the injection port 418 and the injected kinetic fluid 420. For example, when the reinforcing member 600 is positioned near the proximal-oriented injection port 418c, the second end region 620 of the wing 608 may be positioned to extend proximally from the collar 606. In other examples, when the reinforcing member 600 is positioned near the proximal-oriented injection port 418c, the first end region 618 of the wing 608 may be positioned to extend proximally from the collar 606. It is also conceivable that when the reinforcing member 600 is positioned near the distal-oriented injection port 418d, the second end region 620 of the wing 608 may be positioned to extend distally from the collar 606. Alternatively, when the reinforcing member 600 is positioned near the distal-oriented injection port 418d, the first end region 618 of the wing 608 may be positioned to extend distally from the collar 606. In some examples, the reinforcing member 600 may be axially offset from the corresponding injection hole 418. In other examples, the reinforcing member 600 may be located at a position similar to that of the corresponding injection hole 418 axially.

[0074] Although not explicitly shown, areas of the catheter body 402 where the jetting kinetic fluid 420 does not impact the inner surface of the catheter body 402 may be without the reinforcing member 600. This helps maintain the flexibility of the catheter body 402 while also preventing or limiting damage to the catheter body 402 that may be caused by the high-pressure impact of the jetting kinetic fluid 420. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 600 may be disposed in areas or zones where there is no pressure impact from the jetting kinetic fluid 420. For example, if greater maneuverability is required in the proximal region of the thrombectomy catheter 400, segments of one or more reinforcing members 600 may be added to that region of the thrombectomy catheter 400 to improve maneuverability by increasing stiffness.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a side view of another illustrative reinforcing member 700, together with the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410, which can be used to protect the conduit body 402 (not shown) at the point of high-pressure impact. Figure 7 The inner diameter (i.e., the lumen surface) is clearly shown in the diagram. Multiple reinforcing members 700 may be spaced apart along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400, such that the high-pressure jet of kinetic fluid 420 impacts the reinforcing members 700 rather than directly impacting the inner surface of the catheter body 402, in a manner similar to... Figure 5CSimilar to the illustration. For example, the reinforcing member 700 may be positioned near the impact location of each jet orifice 418. In some cases, a single member 700 may cover the impact location of more than one jet orifice 418. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 700 may be attached or secured to the conduit body 402, and in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 700 may be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410. The reinforcing member 700 may be formed of a high-modulus material with high shear resistance, such as, but not limited to, polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), other high-performance plastics, stainless steel, nitinol, other metals, etc. It is conceivable that the material of the reinforcing member 700 may be selected to withstand the high-pressure impact of the jetted kinetic fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 700 may be heat-treated to improve flexibility.

[0076] The reinforcing member 700 may have a generally tubular body 706 extending from a first end 702 to a second end 704. The tubular body 706 may define a cavity 716 extending from the first end 702 to the second end 704. The outer diameter of the tubular body 706 may be similar to the inner diameter of the conduit body 402. The reinforcing member 700 may include a plurality of slots 708 cut or otherwise formed in the sidewalls of the tubular body 706. The plurality of slots 708 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the slots 708 are formed via laser cutting. In other cases, the slots 708 may be formed by sawing, grinding, or any other known cutting or grinding mechanism. The slots 708 may be sized and / or positioned to provide a desired level of flexibility. In some examples, the slots 708 have a length extending circumferentially around the tubular body 706. The slots 708 may be arranged circumferentially and / or longitudinally to provide the desired flexibility. In some cases, the slots 708 may extend helically around the tubular body 706. In some examples, more than one slot 708 may exist in a similar longitudinal location. In some cases, the slots 708 may be equidistant along the length of the central region 710 of the tubular body 706. In other cases, for example, the slots 708 may be more closely spaced together near the first end 702 for additional flexibility and more spaced apart near the second end 704 for additional strength, although this is not necessary. In other cases, the slots 708 may be more closely spaced together near the second end 704 and more spaced apart near the first end 702. In illustrative but non-limiting embodiments, the slots 708 may have a width ranging from about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 mm) to about 0.020 inches (0.508 mm). Each slot 708 may extend about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or more percent of the circumference of the tubular body 706.

[0077] The first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 of the tubular body 706 may lack the groove 708 to provide impact protection against the impact of the high-pressure jet of kinetic fluid 420. For example, the slotted intermediate region 710 of the tubular body 706 can provide flexibility to the reinforcing member 700, while the generally solid first end region 712 and the second end region 714 without the slot can allow the jet of kinetic fluid 420 to impact the inner surface of the reinforcing member 700, rather than the inner surface of the conduit body 402. Although Figure 7 The entire circumference of the first and second end regions 712, 714 is shown without the slot 708, but this is not necessary. In some examples, the slot 708 may be provided in the wall of the tubular body 706, which is substantially opposite to the impact area. For example, the entire circumference of the first and / or second end regions 712, 714 does not necessarily lack the slot 708 because the expected jet of kinetic fluid 420 will not impact the entire inner circumference of the conduit body 402. The length of the first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 may be determined at least in part by the angle of the jet orifice 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the jet of kinetic fluid 420. For example, a jet orifice 418 with an angle closer to 90° may impact a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the conduit body 402 compared to a jet orifice with an angle closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410. Therefore, the closer the angle of the injection orifice 418 is to 90°, the smaller the first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 of the reinforcing member 700 can be (e.g., arc length and / or length). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the distal injection orifice 418d is closer to 90° than that of the proximal injection orifice 418c, and therefore the length of the first end region 712 can be less than the length of the second end region 714. However, this is not necessary. The first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 can have similar lengths. Alternatively, the length of the first end region 712 can be greater than the length of the second end region 714. It is also conceivable that the lengths of the first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 can take into account the variability of the position of the injection orifice 418 and / or the bends in the conduit body 402.

[0078] Although Figure 7A single reinforcing member 700 is shown, but it should be understood that any number of reinforcing members 700 can be positioned anywhere from the proximal to the distal end of the thrombectomy catheter 400. In some examples, no generally solid region or multiple regions (e.g., a first end region 712 and / or a second end region 714) of multiple slots can be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to protect the catheter body 402 from the impact positions of both the proximal-facing jet orifice 418c and the distal-facing jet orifice 418d. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end region 712 of the reinforcing member 700 can be configured to provide impact protection for the distally oriented jet orifice 418d, while the second end region 714 of the reinforcing member 700 can be configured to provide impact protection for the proximal-oriented jet orifice 418c. It is conceivable that the reinforcing member 700 can extend distally beyond the distal end 416 of the supply tube wall 412 to provide impact protection for the distally oriented jet orifice 418d. However, this is not necessary. In some embodiments, a separate reinforcing member 700 may be used to provide impact protection to each of the proximal-facing injection port 418c and the distal-facing injection port 418d. It is conceivable that the positioning of the plurality of slots 708 can be arranged based on the desired impact protection. In other words, the regions of the tubular body 706 without the plurality of slots 708 can be selected based on the desired impact protection. For example, when the reinforcing member 700 provides impact protection for only a single injection port 418, only one of the first end region 712 or the second end region 714 may be without the plurality of slots. This can provide the desired impact protection while maintaining the flexibility of the vascular resection catheter 400.

[0079] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 700 may be secured to or otherwise coupled to the catheter body 402 by positioning the reinforcing member 700 on a mandrel and backflowing over the reinforcing member 700 or otherwise forming the catheter body 402. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcing member 700 may be directly secured to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410. For example, the reinforcing member 700 may be directly welded, glued, adhered, crimped, etc., to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410 adjacent to the injection port 418. The high-pressure fluid supply line 410 and the reinforcing member 700 assembly may then be inserted into the cavity 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0080] It is conceivable that, during assembly, the reinforcing member 700 can be oriented to provide impact protection based on the orientation of the injection orifice 418 and the ejected kinetic fluid 420. For example, the first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 can be oriented to provide the desired protection based on the orientation of the adjacent injection orifice 418. In some examples, the reinforcing member 700 can be axially offset from the corresponding injection orifice 418. In other examples, the reinforcing member 700 can be located at a position similar to the axial orientation of the corresponding injection orifice 418.

[0081] Although not explicitly shown, areas of the catheter body 402 where the jetting kinetic fluid 420 does not impact the inner surface of the catheter body 402 may be without the reinforcing member 700. This helps maintain the flexibility of the catheter body 402 while also preventing or limiting damage to the catheter body 402 that may be caused by the high-pressure impact of the jetting kinetic fluid 420. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 700 may be disposed in areas or zones where there is no pressure impact from the jetting kinetic fluid 420. For example, if greater maneuverability is required in the proximal region of the thrombectomy catheter 400, segments of one or more reinforcing members 700 may be added to that region of the thrombectomy catheter 400 to improve maneuverability by increasing stiffness.

[0082] Figure 8 This is a side view of another illustrative reinforcing member 800, together with the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410, which can be used to protect the conduit body 402 (not shown) at the point of high-pressure impact. Figure 8 The inner diameter (i.e., lumen surface) of the catheter body 402 is explicitly shown in the diagram. A single integral reinforcing member 800 can be configured to extend along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400 such that the high-pressure jet of kinetic fluid 420 impinges on the reinforcing member 800 rather than directly impacting the inner surface of the catheter body 402. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 800 may be attached or secured to the catheter body 402, and in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 800 may be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. The reinforcing member 800 can be formed of a high-modulus material with high shear resistance, such as, but not limited to, polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), other high-performance plastics, stainless steel, nitinol, other metals, etc. It is contemplated that the material of the reinforcing member 800 can be selected to withstand the high-pressure impact of the jet of kinetic fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 800 may be heat-treated to improve flexibility.

[0083] The reinforcing member 800 may have a generally tubular body 806 extending from a first or distal end 802 to a second or proximal end, the second or proximal end being configured adjacent to the proximal end of the conduit body 402 or proximal to the injection port 418 on the nearest side of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. The tubular body 806 may define a cavity 810 extending from its first end 802 to the second end. The outer diameter of the tubular body 806 may be similar to the inner diameter of the conduit body 402. The reinforcing member 800 may include a plurality of slots 808 cut or otherwise formed in the tubular body 806. The plurality of slots 808 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the slots 808 are formed via laser cutting. In other cases, the slots 808 may be formed by sawing, grinding, or any other known cutting or grinding mechanism. The slots 808 may be sized and / or positioned to provide a desired level of flexibility. In some examples, the slots 808 have a length extending circumferentially around the tubular body 806. The slot 808 may be arranged circumferentially and / or longitudinally to provide the desired flexibility. In some cases, the slot 808 may extend helically around the tubular body 806. In some examples, more than one slot 808 may be present in similar longitudinal locations. In some cases, the slots 808 may be equidistantly spaced along the length of the tubular body 806. In other cases, for example, the slots 808 may be more closely spaced together near the first end 802 to gain additional flexibility and more spaced apart near the second end to gain additional strength, although this is not necessary. In other cases, the slots 808 may be more closely spaced together near the second end and more spaced apart near the first end 802. In illustrative but non-limiting embodiments, the slot 808 may have a width ranging from about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 mm) to about 0.020 inches (0.508 mm). Each slot 808 may extend around the circumference of the tubular body 806 by approximately 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more.

[0084] The tubular body 806 may include multiple regions 812a-d (collectively referred to as 812) without slots 808 to provide impact protection against impact from the high-pressure jetted kinetic fluid 420. For example, slots 808 may provide flexibility to the reinforcing member 800, while the generally solid regions 812 without slots may allow the jetted kinetic fluid 420 to impact the inner surface of the reinforcing member 800, rather than the inner surface of the conduit body 402. In some examples, slots 808 may be provided in the wall of the tubular body 806 generally opposite the impact area, such as... Figure 8As shown. For example, since the intended jet of kinetic fluid 420 will not impact the entire inner circumference of the conduit body 402, the entire circumference of the generally solid region 812 is not necessarily without the slot 808. However, in some embodiments, the entire circumference of the tubular member 806 adjacent to the generally solid region 812 may be without the slot 808. The length of the generally solid region 812 may be determined at least in part by the angle of the jet orifice 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the jet of kinetic fluid 420. For example, a jet orifice 418 with an angle closer to 90° may impact a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the conduit body 402 compared to a jet orifice with an angle closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410. Therefore, the closer the angle of the jet orifice 418 is to 90°, the smaller the generally solid region 812 of the reinforcing member 800 may be (e.g., the arc length and / or length of the area without the slot). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the distal injection orifice 418d is closer to 90° than that of the proximal injection orifices 418a-c, and therefore the length of the most distal approximately solid region 812d can be less than the length of the more proximal approximately solid regions 812a-c. However, this is not necessary. Alternatively, the length of the most distal approximately solid region 812d can be greater than the length of the more proximal approximately solid regions 812a-c. In some examples, the length of each approximately solid region 812 can be approximately the same. It is also conceivable that the length of the approximately solid region 812 can account for variability in the position of the injection orifice 418 and / or bends in the conduit body 402.

[0085] In some examples, a generally solid region or area without multiple slots can be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to protect the conduit body 402 from the impact positions of both the proximal-facing injection port 418c and the distal-facing injection port 418d. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the distally most distal generally solid region 812d of the reinforcing member 800 can be configured to provide impact protection to the distally oriented injection port 418d, while the more proximal generally solid regions 812a-c of the reinforcing member 800 can be configured to provide impact protection to the proximal-oriented injection ports 418a-c. It is contemplated that the reinforcing member 800 can extend distally beyond the distal end 416 of the supply tube wall 412 to provide impact protection to the distally oriented injection port 418d. However, this is not necessary. It is contemplated that the positioning of the multiple slots 808 can be arranged based on the desired impact protection. In other words, the area of ​​the tubular body 806 without multiple slots 808 can be selected based on the desired impact protection.

[0086] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 800 may be secured to or otherwise coupled to the conduit body 402 by positioning the reinforcing member 800 on a mandrel and backflowing over the reinforcing member 800 or otherwise forming the conduit body 402. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcing member 800 may be directly secured to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410. For example, the reinforcing member 800 may be directly welded, glued, adhered, crimped, etc., to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410 adjacent to the injection port 418. The high-pressure fluid supply line 410 and the reinforcing member 800 assembly may then be inserted into the cavity 406 of the conduit body 402.

[0087] It is conceivable that, during assembly, the reinforcing member 800 can be oriented to provide impact protection based on the orientation of the injection orifice 418 and the ejected kinetic fluid 420. For example, the generally solid region 812 can be oriented to provide the required protection based on the orientation of the adjacent injection orifice 418. In some examples, the generally solid region 812 can be axially offset from the corresponding injection orifice 418. In other examples, the reinforcing member 800 can be located at a position similar to the axial orientation of the corresponding injection orifice 418.

[0088] Figure 9 This is a side view of another illustrative reinforcing member 900, together with the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410, which can be used to protect the conduit body 402 (not shown) at the point of high-pressure impact. Figure 9 The inner diameter (i.e., lumen surface) of the catheter body 402 is explicitly shown in the diagram. A single length of reinforcing member 900 can be configured to extend along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400 such that the high-pressure jet of kinetic fluid 420 impinges on the reinforcing member 900 rather than directly impacting the inner surface of the catheter body 402. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 900 may be attached or secured to the catheter body 402, and in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 900 may be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. In other examples, the reinforcing member 900 may be formed as part of the catheter body 402. The reinforcing member 900 may be formed of a high-modulus material with high shear resistance, such as, but not limited to, polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), other high-performance plastics, stainless steel, nitinol, other metals, etc. It is contemplated that the material of the reinforcing member 900 may be selected to withstand the high-pressure impact of the jet of kinetic fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 900 may be heat-treated to improve flexibility.

[0089] The reinforcing member 900 may have a generally tubular body 906 extending from a first or distal end 902 to a second or proximal end, the second or proximal end being configured adjacent to the proximal end of the conduit body 402 or proximal to the injection orifice 418 on the nearest side. The tubular body 906 may define a cavity 910 extending from its first end 902 to the second end. The outer diameter of the tubular body 906 may be similar to the inner diameter of the conduit body 402. The tubular body 906 may have a braided structure made of one or more filaments or struts 908. In some embodiments, the tubular body 906 may be knitted or braided from a single filament and define an opening 912 between adjacent filament segments. In other embodiments, the tubular body 906 may be braided from a plurality of interwoven filaments and define an opening 912 between adjacent filament segments. The filaments 908 may, as needed, each be formed from only one filament or from multiple filaments. It is also conceivable that the filament 908 may be a wire with a generally circular cross-sectional shape, or it may be a flat strip with a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. These are just some examples; the filament 908 can take any desired cross-sectional shape. Although the tubular body 906 is shown as having a generally woven or braided structure, in some cases, the tubular body 906 may be formed of helically wound filaments forming helically wound coils, some of which have longitudinal segments tightly wound with no gaps between adjacent windings, and other longitudinal segments openly wound with gaps between adjacent windings. The tightly wound segments may alternate with the openly wound segments along the length of the tubular body 906.

[0090] The properties of the tubular body 906 can be altered by changing the weave density of the filaments 908. For example, the points where the filaments 908 forming the braided structure intersect each other are called “interlacing points” 918, where “interlacing point (pic)” is an abbreviation for “number of intersections per inch,” and the weave density can be measured in “pics per inch” (PPI). Therefore, a higher PPI is associated with a denser weave. The distance between each interlacing point can be called the weave “pitch.” Therefore, a smaller pitch is associated with a denser weave. It is conceivable that the weave density or tightness can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of interlacing points along the length of the tubular body 906. For example, the PPI of the tubular body 906 can be varied to provide multiple impact protection regions 914a-d (collectively referred to as 914) and multiple more flexible regions 916a-c (collectively referred to as 916). The PPI of the multiple impact protection regions 914 can be greater than the PPI of the more flexible regions 916. In some examples, the weave pitch in the impact protection region 914 can be zero or approximately zero, such that longitudinally adjacent weave points 918 are in contact with each other, and the impact protection region 914 is essentially free of openings 912. In other examples, the number of weave points in the impact protection region 914 can be approximately twice the number of weave points in the more flexible region 916. In one illustrative example, for a filament 908 with a width of approximately 0.003 inches (76.2 micrometers), the number of weave points in the flexible region 916 can be in the range of 67-77 PPI, while the number of weave points in the impact protection region 914 can be in the range of approximately 135-150. In another example, the number of weave points in the flexible region 916 can be in the range of approximately 47-57 PPI, and the number of weave points in the impact protection region 914 can be in the range of approximately 99-109 PPI. These are just a few examples. It is conceivable that, as needed, the number of interlacing points in the impact protection region 914 may be greater than twice, or less than twice, the number of interlacing points in the flexible region 916. It is conceivable that the number of interlacing points may be at least partially based on the width of the filaments 908. For example, a wider filament 908 may provide more coverage than a thinner filament 908 with the same number of interlacing points. It is conceivable that the number of interlacing points in the impact protection region 914 and / or the flexible region 916 may be selected to provide the desired impact protection, and that the required level of flexibility may be provided along the length of the reinforcing member 900 based on the width of the filaments 908. In yet another example, the number of interlacing points may also be based on variations in the braided or woven pattern of the tubular body 906. It is also conceivable that not all impact protection regions 914 need to have the same number of interlacing points. Similarly, not all flexible regions 916 need to have the same number of interlacing points.For example, the flexible region 916 may gradually become more flexible toward the distal end of the reinforcing member 900 to provide additional flexibility at the distal end 902 and additional strength near the proximal end. This is just one example. In some examples, the flexible region 916 may be annealed or heat-treated to provide additional flexibility, if needed.

[0091] When the filaments 908 are spirally wound to form a coil without intersections, the pitch of the filaments 908 (e.g., the distance between adjacent windings) can vary in a similar manner. For example, the impact protection region 914 can have zero pitch (e.g., adjacent windings are in contact with each other), and the flexible region 916 can have a pitch greater than zero. In some cases, the spirally wound coil can be formed from a single filament 908. In other examples, more than one filament 908 can be used to form the spirally wound coil. For example, the spirally wound coil can be formed from two, three, four, five, or more filaments 908. It is conceivable that the stiffness of the spirally wound coil can increase with the increase in the number of filaments forming the coil. A spirally wound coil formed from a single filament 908 can be more flexible than a coil formed from two or more filaments 908 because the winding of a single filament is more radial, while the individual filaments of a multi-filament coil can extend more longitudinally rather than radially, thereby increasing the stiffness of the final coil.

[0092] It is conceivable that the number of interlacing points in the impact protection region 914 can be selected such that the impact protection region 914 is sufficiently dense to provide impact protection. In some embodiments, it may be necessary for the filaments 908 in the impact protection region 914 to be as close to each other as possible, or for there to be no openings 912. For example, this may allow the jetting kinetic fluid 420 to impact the inner surface of the reinforcing member 900 adjacent to the impact protection region 914, rather than the inner surface of the conduit body 402. The length of the impact protection region 914 may be determined at least in part by the angle of the jetting orifice 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the jetting kinetic fluid 420. For example, a jetting orifice 418 with an angle closer to 90° may impact a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the conduit body 402 compared to a jetting orifice with an angle closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid supply pipe 410. Therefore, the closer the angle of the jetting orifice 418 is to 90°, the smaller (e.g., the shorter) the impact protection region 914 of the reinforcing member 900 can be. It is conceivable that not all impact protection regions 914 need to have the same length. It is also conceivable that in some embodiments, the length of the flexible region 916 may be greater than the length of the impact protection region 914; however, this is not necessary. The length of the flexible region 916 may be determined at least in part by the distance between the injection holes 418. It is also conceivable that the length of the impact protection region 914 may take into account the variability of the position of the injection holes 418 and / or the bends in the conduit body 402.

[0093] Although Figure 9 A sudden or stepped transition between the impact protection region 914 and the flexible region 916 is shown, but this is not required. In some embodiments, the transition region may be located between the impact protection region 914 and the flexible region 916, such that there is a gradual transition between regions with a higher number of interlacing points and regions with a lower number of interlacing points.

[0094] In some examples, the impact protection region 914 may be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to protect the conduit body 402 from the impact positions of both the proximal-facing injection port 418c and the distal-facing injection port 418d. It is contemplated that, although not explicitly shown, the reinforcing member 900 may extend distally beyond the distal end 416 of the supply tube wall 412 to provide impact protection for the distally oriented injection port 418d. However, this is not necessary. It is contemplated that the positioning of the impact protection region 914 may be arranged based on the desired impact protection. In other words, the region of the tubular body 906 including a higher number of interlacing points may be selected based on the desired impact protection.

[0095] In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 900 can be secured to the catheter body 402 by positioning the reinforcing member 900 on a mandrel and backflowing above the reinforcing member 900 or otherwise forming the catheter body 402. Thus, the reinforcing member 900 can form the inner surface of the catheter body 402 defining a cavity 406. Alternatively or additionally, the reinforcing member 900 can be directly secured to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410. For example, the reinforcing member 900 can be directly welded, glued, adhered, crimped, etc., to the high-pressure fluid supply line 410 adjacent to the injection port 418, wherein the impact protection region 914 is adjacent to the injection port 418. The high-pressure fluid supply line 410 and the reinforcing member 900 assembly can then be inserted into the cavity 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0096] It is conceivable that, during assembly, the reinforcing member 900 can be oriented to provide impact protection based on the orientation of the injection holes 418 and the ejected kinetic fluid 420. For example, the impact protection region 914 can be oriented to provide the desired protection based on the orientation of the adjacent injection holes 418. In some examples, the impact protection region 914 can be axially offset from the adjacent injection holes 418. In other examples, the impact protection region 914 can be located at a similar axial position.

[0097] Although not explicitly shown, in some cases, the impact protection region 914 may be provided as a separate and distinct component, similar in form and function to components 500, 600, and 700 described herein. For example, multiple woven components with a high number of interlacing points may be provided, without a flexible region with a lower number of interlacing points in between.

[0098] Although a reinforcing member 900 is provided in addition to the elongated shaft in the above assembly method, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member 900 may replace a portion of the catheter body 402 or be incorporated as part of the catheter body 402. Figure 10This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative elongated shaft 950 including a reinforcing member 900. The elongated shaft 950 may be similar in form and function to the catheter body 402 described herein. However, the reinforcing member 900 may replace the reinforcing layer of the catheter body 402 (if so provided). For example, the elongated shaft 950 may include the reinforcing member 900 as an inner layer and may also include an outer plastic or polymer layer 952. This can result in the elongated shaft 950 having thinner walls than a typical three-layer shaft (e.g., an inner polymer liner, a support member, and an outer layer). Furthermore, a two-layer device may have a larger inner diameter, which can improve the performance of the thrombectomy catheter 400. As can be seen, an impact protection region 914 forms at least a portion of the inner surface of the elongated shaft 950, such that the jetted kinetic fluid 420 impacts the impact protection region 914 instead of the outer layer 952. It is also contemplated that allowing the outer layer 952 to flow back over the reinforcing member 900 may allow the outer layer 952 to fill the opening 912 of the flexible region 914. This provides a smooth, uniform inner surface for the slender shaft 950, which reduces friction and limits turbulence.

[0099] Materials that can be used for various components of thrombectomy catheters, pump / catheter assemblies, and / or other devices disclosed herein may include those commonly associated with medical devices. For simplicity, the following discussion refers to pump / catheter assemblies and their associated components. However, this is not intended to limit the devices and methods described herein, as the discussion can be applied to other similar devices, tubular components, and / or components of the tubular components or devices disclosed herein.

[0100] The various components of the devices / systems disclosed herein may include metals, metal alloys, polymers (some examples of which are disclosed herein), metal-polymer composites, ceramics, combinations thereof, and other suitable materials. Some examples of suitable metals and metal alloys include stainless steels such as 304V, 304L, and 316LV stainless steels; low-carbon steels; nickel-titanium alloys such as linear elastic and / or hyperelastic nickel-titanium alloys; other nickel alloys such as nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS:N06625, such as…). 625, UNS:N06022, such as UNS:N10276, such as other Alloys, etc.), nickel-copper alloys (e.g., UNS:N04400, such as...) 400, 400, 400, etc.), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R30035, such as...) (etc.), nickel-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS:N10665, such as...) ALLOY Other nickel-chromium alloys, other nickel-molybdenum alloys, other nickel-cobalt alloys, other nickel-iron alloys, other nickel-copper alloys, other nickel-tungsten or tungsten alloys, etc.; cobalt-chromium alloys; cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R30003, such as...). (etc.); platinum-rich stainless steel; titanium; combinations thereof; etc.; or any other suitable material.

[0101] Some examples of suitable polymers may include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and polyoxyethylene (POM), for example, commercially available from DuPont. Polyether block esters, polyurethanes (e.g., polyurethane 85A), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyether esters (e.g., commercially available from DSM Engineering Plastics) ), ether- or ester-based copolymers (e.g., butyl phthalate / poly(hydrocarbon ether) and / or other polyester elastomers, such as those commercially available from DuPont) ), polyamide (e.g., available from Bayer) Or it can be purchased from Elf Atochem. ), elastomer polyamide, block polyamide / ether, polyether block amide (PEBA, for example, can be traded as...) Commercially available), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), silicone resin, polyethylene (PE) High-density polyethylene, Low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene (e.g., Polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene ether (PPO), poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (e.g., Polysulfone, nylon, nylon-12 (such as those available from EMS American Grilon) Perfluoropropyl vinyl ether (PFA), ethylene-vinyl alcohol, polyolefins, polystyrene, epoxy resins, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (e.g., SIBS and / or SIBS A), polycarbonate, ionomers, biocompatible polymers, other suitable materials or mixtures, combinations, copolymers, polymer / metal composites, etc. In some embodiments, the sheath may be mixed with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). For example, the mixture can contain up to about 6 percent LCP.

[0102] In at least some embodiments, the pump / catheter assembly and its associated components may also be partially or entirely doped with, made of, or otherwise incorporated into a radiopaque material. A radiopaque material should be understood as a material capable of producing a relatively bright image on a fluorescent screen or using another imaging technique during medical procedures. This relatively bright image helps the user of the pump / catheter assembly and its associated components to determine their location. Some examples of radiopaque materials may include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloys, polymer materials loaded with radiopaque fillers, etc. Additionally, other radiopaque marking strips and / or coils may also be incorporated into the design of the pump / catheter assembly and its associated components to achieve the same result.

[0103] It should be understood that the present invention is illustrative in many respects. Changes may be made in details, particularly in the arrangement of shapes, dimensions, and steps, without departing from the scope of the invention. To the appropriate extent, this may include the use of any of the features of an example embodiment used in other embodiments. The scope of the invention is, of course, defined by the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thrombectomy catheter, comprising: A catheter body extending from a proximal region to a distal region and including a catheter lumen extending between the proximal and distal regions; A high-pressure fluid supply tube extends from the proximal region of the catheter body through the catheter lumen toward the distal region of the catheter body, the high-pressure fluid supply tube being configured to communicate with a fluid source near the proximal region of the catheter body; At least one injection hole for ejecting at least one fluid jet from the high-pressure fluid supply pipe within the conduit lumen; A suction inlet located along the distal portion of the conduit; as well as At least one reinforcing member disposed within the catheter lumen; The at least one jet of fluid ejected from the at least one injection hole impacts the at least one reinforcing member.

2. The thrombectomy catheter of claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a generally tubular body, the generally tubular body including a plurality of slots extending through the sidewalls of the generally tubular body.

3. The thrombectomy catheter of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of slots has a length extending circumferentially around the generally tubular body.

4. The thrombectomy catheter according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the plurality of slots are longitudinally spaced around the length of the generally tubular body.

5. The thrombectomy catheter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the generally tubular body includes at least one region without the plurality of slots.

6. The thrombectomy catheter of claim 5, wherein the at least one region without the plurality of slots is positioned near the at least one jet orifice so that the at least one fluid jet impinges on the region.

7. The thrombectomy catheter of claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a braided tubular body.

8. The thrombectomy catheter of claim 7, wherein the braided tubular body comprises alternating regions of lower and higher interlacing points along its length.

9. The thrombectomy catheter of claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a tubular collar and a wing extending longitudinally from the collar.

10. The thrombectomy catheter of claim 9, wherein the wing is configured to extend less than 270° around the inner circumference of the catheter body.

11. The thrombectomy catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is fixed to the catheter body.

12. The thrombectomy catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is fixed to the high-pressure fluid supply tube.

13. The thrombectomy catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a plurality of reinforcing members spaced apart along the length axially of the high-pressure fluid supply tube.

14. The thrombectomy catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 11 to 12, wherein the at least one reinforcing member extends from the proximal end of the high-pressure fluid supply tube to the distal end of the high-pressure fluid supply tube.

15. The thrombectomy catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), stainless steel, or nitinol.

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