High pressure protection for jet aspiration catheters

Abstract

Thrombectomy catheter and high-pressure protection system for protecting a catheter shaft from high-pressure jets. An exemplary thrombectomy catheter may include a catheter body (402) including a catheter lumen extending therethrough. A high-pressure fluid supply tube (412) extends through the catheter lumen from a proximal end region of the catheter body toward a distal end region of the catheter body. The high-pressure fluid supply tube is configured to communicate with a fluid source near the proximal end region of the catheter body. The high-pressure fluid supply tube includes jets (418a-c) for emitting jets from the high-pressure fluid supply tube within the catheter lumen. Reinforcing members (500a-c) are positioned within the catheter lumen such that jets emitted from the jets impinge on the reinforcing members.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thrombus removal system, and more particularly to a reinforced catheter shaft for withstanding localized high-pressure jets. [Background technology]

[0002] Thrombectomy is a procedure for removing a blood clot from a patient's vasculature. Mechanical and fluid-based systems can be used to remove the blood clot. In fluid-based systems, a catheter can be used to inject fluid into a treatment area of ​​a blood vessel to remove the blood clot. In some instances, effluent (e.g., fluid and / or blood) containing the removed blood clot can be extracted from the blood vessel through the catheter. Of the known blood clot removal systems and methods, there is a continuing need for alternative configurations of blood clot removal catheters and systems, as well as methods of operating such blood clot removal systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. In a first example, a thrombectomy catheter may include a catheter body extending from a proximal end region to a distal end region and including a catheter lumen extending between the proximal end region and the distal end region, a high-pressure fluid supply tube extending through the catheter lumen from the proximal end region of the catheter body toward the distal end region of the catheter body and configured to communicate with a fluid source near the proximal end region of the catheter body, at least one jet for emitting at least one fluid jet from the high-pressure fluid supply tube within the catheter lumen, a withdrawal inlet disposed along a distal portion of the catheter, and at least one stiffening member disposed within the catheter lumen, wherein the at least one jet emitted from the at least one jet can impinge on the at least one stiffening member.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the at least one reinforcing member may comprise a generally tubular body including a plurality of slots extending through a sidewall of the generally tubular body.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the plurality of slots may each have a length that extends circumferentially around the generally tubular body. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the plurality of slots may be longitudinally spaced along the length of the generally tubular body.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the generally tubular body may include at least one region that is free of the plurality of slots. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one region without multiple slots may be positioned adjacent to at least one jet orifice such that at least one jet impinges upon it.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the at least one reinforcing member may comprise a braided tubular body. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the braided tubular body may include alternating regions of lower pick counts and regions of higher pick counts along the length of the braided tubular body.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the at least one reinforcing member may comprise a tubular collar and wings extending longitudinally from the collar.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the wing portions may be configured to extend less than 270° around the inner circumference of the catheter body. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the at least one reinforcing member may be secured to the catheter body.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the at least one reinforcing member may be secured to the high pressure fluid supply tube. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the at least one reinforcing member may comprise a plurality of reinforcing members axially spaced along the length of the high-pressure fluid supply tube.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the at least one reinforcing member may extend from the proximal end of the high pressure fluid supply tube to the distal end of the high pressure fluid supply tube.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the at least one reinforcing member may include polyimide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), stainless steel, or nitinol.

[0013] In another example, a thrombectomy catheter may include a catheter body extending from a proximal end region to a distal end region and including a catheter lumen extending between the proximal and distal end regions, a high-pressure fluid supply tube extending through the catheter lumen from the proximal end region of the catheter body toward the distal end region of the catheter body and configured to communicate with a fluid source near the proximal end region of the catheter body, a plurality of jets for emitting a plurality of jets from the high-pressure fluid supply tube within the catheter lumen, the plurality of jets being spaced apart along a length of the high-pressure fluid supply tube, a back-in flow inlet disposed along a 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, each reinforcing member being disposed adjacent to a jet, and each reinforcing member of the plurality of reinforcing members may include an impingement location for one of the plurality of jets to impinge on.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the plurality of reinforcing members may be regions of a tubular member that are unslotted, the tubular member including regions having a plurality of slots extending through a sidewall of the tubular member between adjacent ones of the unslotted regions.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the plurality of reinforcing members may be regions of a braided tubular member having a higher pick count, the braided tubular member including regions having a lower pick count between adjacent ones of the regions having a higher pick count.

[0016] In another example, a thrombus removal catheter may include a catheter body extending from a proximal end region to a distal end region and including a catheter lumen extending between the proximal and distal end regions; a high-pressure fluid supply tube extending through the catheter lumen from the proximal end region of the catheter body toward the distal end region of the catheter body and configured to communicate with a fluid source near the proximal end region of the catheter body; a plurality of jets for emitting a plurality of jets from the high-pressure fluid supply tube within the catheter lumen, the plurality of jets being spaced apart along the length of the high-pressure fluid supply tube; a withdrawal inlet positioned along a distal portion of the catheter; and a stiffening member positioned within the catheter lumen, the stiffening member extending along the length of the high-pressure fluid supply tube and comprising a generally tubular body including a plurality of slots and a plurality of regions without slots extending through a sidewall of the generally tubular body.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, in another example, the slot-free regions may be generally aligned with the impingement locations of the jets. The above summary of some exemplary embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The present disclosure can be more fully understood from the following detailed description of various embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary thrombus removal system. [Figure 2] 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of a pump, bubble trap, connecting manifold assembly, and associated fixtures of a pump / catheter assembly for use in the thrombectomy system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a partially exploded side view of a pump, bubble trap, connecting manifold assembly, and associated fixtures of a pump / catheter assembly for use in the thrombectomy system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distal end region of an exemplary thrombectomy catheter. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary reinforcing member. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a side view of the exemplary reinforcing member of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a distal end region of an exemplary thrombectomy catheter including multiple reinforcing members. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a side view of another exemplary reinforcing member. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a top view of the exemplary reinforcing member of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of another exemplary reinforcing member. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of another exemplary reinforcing member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of another exemplary reinforcing member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary elongate shaft for use with a thrombectomy catheter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] While the present disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, details thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] All numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether explicitly stated or not. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term "about" can be expressed as including numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0021] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (eg, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). Although some suitable dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​for various components, features and / or specifications are disclosed, those skilled in the art inspired by this disclosure will understand that the desired dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

[0022] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The detailed description and drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict example embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The illustrated example embodiments are intended as examples only. Selected features of any example embodiment may be incorporated into additional embodiments, unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0024] Thrombectomy catheters and systems can be used to remove thrombus, plaque, lesions, clots, etc. from veins or arteries. To prevent shaft damage, some thrombectomy catheters use a curved jet tube that directs the jet directly backward into the catheter (e.g., parallel to the shaft wall). However, this curved jet tube design can occlude a significant portion of the cross-sectional area of ​​the aspiration lumen, resulting in reduced aspiration rates. Furthermore, this type of jet orientation may require a side port, which not only limits the diameter of the vessel the device can reach but can also increase the presence of hemolysis within the target vessel. Other jet aspiration catheters utilize continuous, high-velocity saline jets to draw fluid or coagulant material into and through the catheter shaft. To achieve high performance, the jet velocity, and therefore the local pressure, is extremely high. Most thin-walled polymer shafts cannot withstand these pressures without additional support. Disclosed herein are various catheter shaft designs or reinforcements that allow the catheter assembly to withstand the localized high pressures created by saline injection while maintaining the necessary flexibility in areas of lower pressure.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary thrombectomy system 10. The thrombectomy system 10 may include a control console or drive unit 12 and a pump / catheter assembly 14. In some examples, the pump / catheter assembly 14 may be a single-use device, such that a new pump / catheter assembly 14 may be used with the drive unit 12 for each medical procedure. Shown on the drive unit 12 are multiple removable panels 16a-16n around and along the drive unit 12 that enclose the internal structure of the drive unit 12. An exemplary 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. Centrally located on the drive unit 12 and aligned with the lower region of panel 16g may be automatically opening doors 18 and 20 that open to expose the interior of the drive unit 12 to provide access to the carriage assembly 22. As discussed further herein, carriage assembly 22, which can house components of pump / catheter assembly 14, is shown accessible by opening closed doors 18 and 20. Drive unit 12 may include a collection basin for collecting fluid leakage from components of pump / catheter assembly 14. For example, removable drip tray 24 is shown positioned on the front of drive unit 12, extending from below carriage assembly 22 toward panel 16a. Other configurations for the collection basin are also contemplated. Drip tray 24 and removable container 26 may collectively support and house an effluent collection bag, such as effluent collection bag 28 of pump / catheter assembly 14. In other examples, drive unit 12 may include a different structure, such as a hook for hanging effluent collection bag 28 or a shelf for placing effluent collection bag 28.If the carriage assembly 22 is movable, a carriage assembly activation switch 30 may be provided on the drive unit 12, such as on panel 16g, to selectively position the carriage assembly 22 inward or outward. A user interface 32 including a memory function may be provided on the drive unit 12, such as on 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 extend through the panels 16e and 16f, from which saline bags can be hung. The drive unit 12 may include a handle 42, multiple wheels 52a-52n, and a wheel-locking brake pedal 54 to assist medical personnel in operating the drive unit 12.

[0026] Pump / catheter assembly 14, which may be a disposable, single-use device, is shown unattached to drive unit 12. Pump / catheter assembly 14 includes a pump 56 and a thrombectomy catheter 58. During use, a portion of pump / catheter assembly 14 may be secured within a portion of drive unit 12. Other components included in the pump / catheter assembly 14 may include a bubble trap 60 attached to the pump 56, a connection manifold assembly 62 connected to the bubble trap 60, an effluent return tube 66 connected between the connection manifold assembly 62 and the thrombectomy catheter 58, a high-pressure fluid supply tube 64 attached between the output of the pump 56 and the thrombectomy catheter 58 and which may be coaxially disposed inside the effluent return tube 66, a transition fixture 69 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 connection manifold assembly 62, and a fluid supply tube 70 having a bag spike 71 connecting a fluid supply bag 72 (e.g., a saline bag) to the connection manifold assembly 62. The fluid supply tube 70 is in fluid communication with the interior of the bubble trap 60 and can provide fluid from the fluid supply bag 72 to the pump 56 and then through the high-pressure fluid supply tube 64 to the thrombectomy catheter 58.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of several components of the pump / catheter assembly 14, generally including the pump 56, the bubble trap 60, the connection manifold assembly 62, and the fixture 140. The pump 56 is centered around a tubular body 112. The components include a base 109 having an upper portion 110 and a lower portion 111 that are disposed around the lower region of the tubular body 112. The top of the upper portion 110 of the base 109 includes an annular surface 117 that closely contacts the capture tab of the carriage assembly 22 to accommodate the pump 56 within the carriage assembly 22. An upper body 114 is disposed around the upper region of the tubular body 112. The base 109 and upper body 114, as well as the connection panel 115, may be molded or constructed in any other suitable manner, for example, to surround most of the tubular body 112. A data plate 113 may be included on the upper body 114 to include a bar code, RFID tag, or other informational indicia for determining the operating parameters of the device.

[0028] The pump 56 may include a hemispherical-shaped pump piston head 116 with a flexible boot 118 connected between and extending between the upper body 114 and the pump piston head 116. In some examples, the geometrically configured lower portion 111 of the base 109 can serve as a mount for one end of the bubble trap 60 (FIG. 3).

[0029] The connection manifold assembly 62 may be secured directly to the other end of the bubble trap 60 and, in some examples, may include a bracket 120 having mounted thereon a vertically oriented tubular manifold 148 having attached thereto or formed thereon a plurality of ports, including a fluid (e.g., saline) inlet port 122, an effluent outlet port 124, a Luer-type effluent return port 126, and / or an auxiliary port 128 and a cap 130. Also shown are connectors 132 and 134 that connect and extend between the connection manifold assembly 62 and the upper portion 110 of the base 109.

[0030] The bubble trap 60 may include two mating halves, one of which, mating half 60a, is shown. A hydrophobic filter 136 may be included in the upper, forward region of bubble trap half 60a. Another hydrophobic filter may be included on a second bubble trap half (not explicitly shown) opposite hydrophobic filter 136 on bubble trap half 60a.

[0031] Fixture 140 and its associated components aid in supporting and connecting effluent return tube 66 to effluent return port 126, and in supporting, passing through, and connecting fluid supply tube 70 to fluid inlet port 122, via connector 142 serially coupled with connecting tube 144. Fixture 140 may include outwardly extending, vertically aligned, opposing tabs 141 a and 141 b that prevent fixture 140 and associated effluent return tube 66, including high-pressure fluid supply tube 64 and fluid supply tube 70, from contacting a roller pump (not explicitly shown) provided with drive unit 12, such as that located within or adjacent to carriage assembly 22.

[0032] 3 is a partially exploded side view of the elements of FIG. 2, showing the relationship of the pump 56, bubble trap 60, connection manifold assembly 62, and fixture 140. Also shown is a vertically oriented tubular manifold 148 secured to bracket 120. The effluent outlet port 124 may be connected to and in fluid communication with the interior of a lower side of tubular manifold 148. The effluent return port 126 may be connected to and in fluid communication with the interior of an upper side of tubular manifold 148. Also connected to tubular manifold 148 are horizontally aligned passage ports 150 and associated connectors 132, each facing the effluent return port 126. The passage port 150 can accommodate the high-pressure fluid supply tube 64, which extends distally through the lumen (not explicitly shown) of the passage port 150, the connector 132, the upper region of the tubular manifold 148, the effluent return port 126, the connector 142, the connecting tube 144, coaxially into the effluent return tube 66, and through the return tube 66 to connect to the thrombectomy catheter 58 ( FIG. 1 ). The proximal end of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 64 includes a high-pressure fitting 152 located near the proximal end of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 64 to facilitate connection of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 64 in fluid communication with the interior of the pump 56. The proximal end of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 64, which is the inlet to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 64, may include a plurality of very small holes (not shown) with a filter at its proximal end. A connector 134, which may have internal and / or external threads, is positioned over and around the high-pressure fluid supply tube 64 distal to the high-pressure fitting 152 and may be threaded into a threaded connection port 154 extending horizontally from the upper portion 110 of the base 109 of the pump 56. The connector 134 may be rotated to thread the high-pressure fitting 152 with a corresponding mating threaded structure on the pump 56. The connector 134 may be used to engage the externally threaded end of the connector 134 and secure the connector 134, and thus the pump 56, to the connection manifold assembly 62 and secure the bubble trap 60 to the pump 56.Additionally, direct connection and fluid communication between pump 56 and bubble trap 60 may be provided by a horizontally oriented pump fluid inlet port 156 that engages a corresponding receptor port 158 ​​and seal 159 inside one end of bubble trap 60. Fluid inlet port 122 located on bracket 120 may extend behind tubular manifold 148 to communicate with the interior of bubble trap 60 for debubbling of the fluid (e.g., saline), thereby making unpressurized fluid (e.g., saline) available to pump 56.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end region 404 of an exemplary thrombus removal catheter 400. The thrombus removal catheter 400 may represent an example of the thrombus removal catheter 58 described above. The thrombus removal catheter 400 may include a tubular member or catheter body 402 extending from a proximal end region (not explicitly shown) configured to remain outside the body to a distal end region 404. The catheter body 402 may represent an example of the effluent return tube 66 of the thrombus removal catheter 58 described above. A lumen 406 may extend from the proximal end region of the catheter body 402 to the distal end region 404. The catheter body 402 may terminate at a distal end of the catheter body 402 with a distally facing distal opening 408. In some examples, the distal opening 408 may lie in a plane extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the catheter body 402. In other examples, the distal opening 408 may lie in a plane extending generally obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the catheter body 402. Generally, the distal opening 408 may be an intake inlet. Although not explicitly shown, the catheter body 402 may include one or more markers (e.g., radiopaque marker bands) disposed along the catheter body 402. Additionally, although not explicitly shown, in some embodiments, the catheter body 402 may include one or more openings extending through its sidewall, if desired.

[0034] The thrombectomy catheter 400 may further include a high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. The high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 may represent an example of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 66 of the thrombectomy catheter 58 described above. The high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 may be disposed within the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402. The high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 may include a supply tube wall 412 defining a lumen or fluid pathway 414 extending therethrough. In at least some examples, the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 may have a closed distal end 416, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the fluid pathway 414 but not exit the distal end. The high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 extends along the length of the catheter body 402, and its distal end 416 may be 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 tube 410 may be in fluid communication with a pump 56 described herein to provide high pressure fluid to a fluid path 414 of the high pressure fluid supply tube 410 .

[0035] A plurality of jets 418a-d (collectively 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 jets 418. The jets 418 may be spaced along the supply tube wall 412 at any desired interval. For example, each of the jets 418 may be equally spaced from an adjacent jet 418 along the length of the supply tube wall 412. In other examples, the jets 418 may be spaced closer together near the distal end of the supply tube wall 412 than near the proximal end of the supply tube wall 412. For example, the spacing between the jets 418 may gradually increase as one moves proximally along the length of the shaft, or the spacing may be configured to increase in a stepped manner. In some examples, some or all of the jets 418 may be axially aligned along the supply tube wall 412. In other examples, one or more of the jets 418 may be circumferentially offset from one another around the supply tube wall 412. Multiple patterns are contemplated, including a spiral pattern, a pattern in which no two jets 418 are located at the same axial position, a regular pattern including two or more jets 418 located at the same axial position, an irregular pattern (some of the jets 418 may or may not be located at the same axial position), etc. The jets 418 may be formed using a suitable method, such as electron discharge machining, etching, cutting (including, e.g., laser cutting), etc. In some examples, one or more of the jets 418 may have a substantially round shape. In other examples, one or more of the jets 418 may have a substantially non-circular shape (e.g., elliptical, polygonal, irregular, etc.). In some examples, the jets 418 may be angled or include a beveled surface.

[0036] At least some of the jets 418a-c may be designed to inject a fluid (e.g., a motive fluid, a liquid, a gas or air, a vapor, a particle-laden fluid, or the like) in a generally proximal direction through the jets 418a-c and into the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402, as depicted by lines 420a-c representing motive jets of fluid ejected in a generally proximal direction from the jets 418a-c. For example, each of the jets 418a-c may be positioned at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the delivery tube wall 412 such that the jets 418a-c are angled proximally. In some embodiments, one or more of the jets 418d may be designed to inject a fluid (e.g., drive fluid, liquid, gas or air, steam, particle-laden fluid, or the like) generally distally through the jets 418d and into the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402, as depicted by line 420d representing the drive jet of fluid ejected generally distally from the jet 418d. For example, the jets 418d may be positioned at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the delivery tube wall 412 such that the jets 418d are angled distally. The distally ejecting jet 418d may be the most distal jet, and the proximally ejecting jets 418a-c are positioned proximal to the distally ejecting jet 418d. The distally ejecting jet 418d can shatter particles as they are drawn into the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402, while the proximally ejecting jets 418a-c can move particles proximally along the catheter body 402.

[0037] In some examples, the jets 418 may be oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412. For example, the proximally facing jets 418a-c may be oriented at an oblique (e.g., acute) angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412 and / or may be oriented 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 contemplated that the distally facing jet 418d may be oriented at an oblique (e.g., obtuse) angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412 and / or may be oriented 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 examples, the jets 418 may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412 (e.g., at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412). The angle may or may not be the same for all jets 418. Injection of a drive fluid through the lumen 414 of the supply tube wall 412 may eject the fluid through the jets 418 (e.g., in a generally proximal direction), resulting in the generation of a suction force.

[0038] In at least some examples, the jets 418 can be understood to be arranged in series. In other words, the jets 418 can be located at various positions along the longitudinal axis of the supply tube wall 412. For example, the jets 418 can be evenly or unevenly spaced along the length of the supply tube wall 412. This allows the jets 418 to be located at axially spaced positions within the catheter body 402 along its length. For example, the jets 418 can be spaced along the entire length of the supply tube wall 412 and the corresponding entire length of the catheter body 402, or along a portion thereof, as desired. In some examples, the jets 418 can be spaced along the length of the supply tube wall 412 at intervals ranging from every 5 inches (12.7 centimeters (cm)) to 15 inches (38.1 cm), or every 6 inches (15.2 cm) to 12 inches (30.5 cm). In other examples, the spacing between the jets 418 may be less than every 5 inches (12.7 cm) or more than every 15 inches (38.1 cm). Thus, the drive fluid ejects from the jets 418, forming jetted drive fluids 420a-d (collectively 420). The jetted drive fluid 420 can reach velocities of 17,150 centimeters per second or more (e.g., more than half the speed of sound). This jetted drive fluid 420 enters the entrained material, where a shear layer between the two causes turbulence, mixing, and momentum transfer. The entrained material enters the distal opening 408 and can then be propelled proximally by the momentum transfer. As the mixture of jetted drive fluid 420 and entrained material moves proximally, the material may sequentially approach multiple jets 418. Upon interaction with the drive fluid 420 ejected from each individual jet 418, momentum is increased in the entrained mixture of materials, allowing the thrombogenic materials to more easily flow proximally through the catheter body 402 for removal. The increased momentum may allow the catheter body 402 to be used without a second opening or outlet (e.g., located proximal to the distal opening 408).Alternatively, some of the captured thrombogenic material can exit the catheter body 402 through a second opening (not shown) located proximal to the distal opening 408, recirculate to the distal opening 408 (e.g., one or more times), and then travel through the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0039] The performance of the thrombectomy catheter 400 and high-pressure fluid delivery tube 410 may be directly related to the velocity of the drive fluid 420 exiting the jet 418 and the local pressure generated by the jet of drive fluid 420. For example, the more powerful the jet of drive fluid 420, the greater the aspiration velocity. It is further contemplated that increasing the velocity may enable the thrombectomy catheter 400 to be used to break up and remove acute, subacute, and / or chronic thrombi. However, increasing the jet force may damage the standard polymer inner liner of the catheter body 402, which may not be robust enough to withstand the local pressure directed radially across the inner diameter of the catheter body 402. It is contemplated that the catheter body 402 may benefit from regions configured to withstand the high-pressure impact of the jet of drive fluid 420 striking the inner wall of the catheter body 402 while maintaining the overall flexibility of the catheter body 402 needed to navigate tortuous anatomy.

[0040] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary reinforcing member 500 that can be used to protect the inner diameter of the catheter body 402 at the high-pressure impingement point of the jet of driving fluid 420. FIG. 5B is a side view of the exemplary reinforcing member 500 of FIG. 5A. Multiple reinforcing members 500 may be spaced along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400 so that the high-pressure jet of driving fluid 420 impinges on the reinforcing member 500 rather than directly on the inner surface of the catheter body 402. For example, a reinforcing member 500 can be positioned at or adjacent to the impingement location of each jet 418. The impingement location may be axially offset from the jet 418 or may be at a similar location longitudinally. In some cases, a single member 500 can cover the impingement locations of two or more jets 418. In other cases, a reinforcing member 500 can cover the impingement location of a single jet 418, such that a separate reinforcing member 500 is associated with each jet 418. As described in more detail herein, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member 500 may be attached or secured to the catheter body 402, while in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 500 may be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid delivery tube 410. The reinforcing member 500 may be formed from 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 500 may be selected to withstand the high-pressure impingement of the jetted drive fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 500 may be heat treated to improve the flexibility of the reinforcing member 500. Alternatively or additionally, portions of the reinforcing member 500 may include laser-cut slots to enhance flexibility.

[0041] The stiffening member 500 may extend from the first end 502 to the second end 504. The stiffening member 500 may have an outer diameter or outer cross-sectional dimension similar to the inner diameter of the catheter body 402. The stiffening member 500 may include a generally tubular collar 506 adjacent the first end 502 and wings 508 extending longitudinally from the tubular collar 506 to the second end 504. The tubular collar 506 and wings 508 may be formed as a single monolithic structure or may be formed as separate components that are later joined together. The tubular collar 506 may define a lumen 510 extending therethrough. The wings 508 may have a generally semi-cylindrical shape with a convex outer surface configured to fit against the inner surface of the catheter body 402 and an opposing concave surface for impact with the high-pressure jet of drive fluid 420. The wing portions 508 may be configured to extend less than 360° along the inner circumference of the catheter body 402. In some cases, the wing portions 508 may be configured to extend 270° or less, 180° or less, 90° or less, etc. along the inner circumference of the catheter body 402. In other examples, the wing portions 508 may extend 360° along the inner circumference of the catheter body 402 such that the entire stiffening member 500 is a generally tubular member. It is contemplated that the arc length and / or length of the wing portions 508 may be determined, at least in part, by the angle of the jets 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the jetted drive fluid 420. For example, jets 418 having an angle closer to 90° may impact a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the catheter body 402 than jets having an angle closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid delivery tube 410. Thus, the closer the angle of the jet 418 is to 90°, the smaller (e.g., in arc length and / or length) the wing portions 508 of the stiffening member 500 may be. Additionally, it is contemplated that the length of the wing portions 508 may be determined to account for variations in the position of the jet 418 and / or bending of the catheter body 402. It is contemplated that the wing portions 508 may take on other shapes as desired.5A and 5B show the wing portions 508 as having generally flat ends 512, in some cases the ends of the wing portions 508 may be curved, oval (almond-shaped), or other regular or irregular shapes to reduce the amount of material present. In some examples, the first end 502 and / or the second end 504 of the reinforcing member 500 may include tapered or beveled edges. For example, it may be desirable for the reinforcing member 500 to minimize features that increase friction and / or turbulence.

[0042] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the distal end region 404 of an exemplary thrombectomy catheter 400 including multiple reinforcing members 500a-c (collectively 500) disposed within the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402. While FIG. 5C shows only the distal end region 404 of the thrombectomy catheter 400, it should be understood that the reinforcing members 500 may be disposed anywhere from the proximal end to the distal end of the thrombectomy catheter 400. In some examples, the distal-most reinforcing member 500c may be aligned or positioned to protect the impingement locations of both the proximally-facing jet 418c and the distally-facing jet 418d. For example, the distal-most reinforcing member 500c may extend distally beyond the distal end 416 of the supply tube wall 412. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, separate stiffening members 500 can be used to provide individual impact protection for each of the proximally facing jets 418c and the distally facing jets 418d. In some embodiments, the stiffening member 500 can be secured to or integrated with the catheter body 402 by placing the stiffening member 500 on a mandrel and reflowing or otherwise forming the catheter body 402 over the stiffening member 500. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening member 500 can be secured directly to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. For example, the stiffening member 500 can be welded, glued, affixed, crimped, etc., directly onto the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 adjacent the jets 418. The assembly of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 and stiffening member 500 can then be inserted into the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0043] It is contemplated that during assembly, the reinforcing member 500 may be oriented to provide impact protection based on the orientation of the jets 418 and the jetted drive fluid 420. For example, when the reinforcing member 500 is positioned adjacent to the proximally facing jets 418a-c, the wings 508 may be positioned to extend proximally from the collar 506, and when the reinforcing member 500 is positioned adjacent to the distally facing jet 418d, the wings 508 may be positioned to extend distally from the collar 506. As seen in FIG. 5C , regions of the catheter body 402 where the jetted drive fluid 420 will not impact the interior surface of the catheter body 402 may be free of the reinforcing member 500. This may help maintain flexibility of the catheter body 402 while preventing or limiting damage to the catheter body 402 that may be caused by the high-pressure impact of the jetted drive fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 500 may be axially offset from each jet 418. In other examples, the stiffening member 500 may be located axially at the same position as each of the jets 418. The axial length of the wing portions 508 may be sufficient to span the length over which the high-pressure jet of drive fluid 420 impinges on the catheter body 402.

[0044] In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 500 may be provided in areas or regions that are not subject to the high pressure impingement of the jetted driving fluid 420. For example, if the thrombectomy catheter 400 requires greater pushability in the proximal region, one or more sections of reinforcing members 500 may be added to that region of the thrombectomy catheter 400 to improve pushability by adding stiffness.

[0045] FIG. 6A is a side view of another exemplary reinforcing member 600 equipped with a high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 that can be used to protect the inner diameter (i.e., lumen surface) of the catheter body 402 (not explicitly shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B ) at high-pressure impingement points. FIG. 6B is a top view of the exemplary reinforcing member 600 of FIG. 6A . Multiple reinforcing members 600 may be spaced apart along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 5C so that the high-pressure jet of driving fluid 420 impinges on the reinforcing member 600 rather than directly on the inner surface of the catheter body 402. For example, a reinforcing member 600 may be positioned adjacent to the impingement location of each jet 418. In some cases, a single member 600 may cover the impingement locations of two or more jets 418. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 600 may be attached or secured to the catheter body 402, while in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 600 may be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. The reinforcing member 600 may be formed from 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 600 may be selected to withstand the high-pressure impingement of the jetted driving 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 enhance flexibility.

[0046] The stiffening member 600 may extend from a first end 602 to a second end 604. The stiffening member 600 may have an outer diameter or outer cross-sectional dimension similar to the inner diameter of the catheter body 402. The stiffening member 600 may include a generally tubular collar 606 adjacent the first end 602 and longitudinally extending wings 608 extending from the tubular collar 606 between the first end 602 and the second end 604. The wings 608 may include a first end region 618 and a second end region 620. The tubular collar 606 may define a lumen 610 extending therethrough. In some examples, the tubular collar 606 may be discontinuous along its circumference. For example, the tubular collar 606 and / or the wings 608 may include openings or holes 612 extending through their wall thickness. The holes 612 may be sized and shaped to cause the jet of drive fluid 420 to impinge on the inner surface of the wing portion 608. However, removing material to form the holes 612 may increase the flexibility of the stiffening member 600. This may help the stiffening member 600 provide the desired high-pressure protection while minimizing the effect of the stiffening member 600 on the overall flexibility of the thrombectomy catheter 400.

[0047] The wing portions 608 may have a generally curved shape with a convex outer surface configured to conform to the inner surface of the catheter body 402 and an opposing concave surface for impact with the high-pressure jet of drive fluid 420. In some examples, the ends 614, 616 of the wing portions 608 may be curved or rounded (e.g., almond-shaped). In other examples, the ends 614, 616 of the wing portions 608 may have other regular or irregular shapes, as desired. In some examples, the first end 602 and / or the second end 604 of the reinforcing member 600 may include tapered or beveled edges. For example, it may be desirable for the reinforcing member 600 to minimize features that increase friction and / or turbulence. The wing portions 608 may be configured to extend less than 360° around the inner circumference of the catheter body 402. In other examples, the wing portions 608 may extend 360° along the inner circumference of the catheter body 402 such that the stiffening member 600 is a generally tubular member. In some cases, the wing portions 608 may be configured to extend 270° or less, 180° or less, 90° or less, etc. along the inner circumference of the catheter body 402. It is contemplated that the arc length and / or length of the wing portions 608 may be determined, at least in part, by the angle of the jets 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the jetted drive fluid 420. For example, jets 418 having an angle closer to 90° may impact a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the catheter body 402 than jets having an angle closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid delivery tube 410. Thus, the closer the angle of the jets 418 to 90°, the smaller (e.g., in arc length and / or length) the wing portions 608 of the stiffening member 600 may be. It is further contemplated that the length of the wing portions 608 may be determined to account for variations in the position of the jet 418 and / or bending of the catheter body 402 .

[0048] While FIG. 6A shows a single reinforcing member 600, it should be understood that any number of reinforcing members 600 may be positioned anywhere from the proximal to the distal end of the thrombectomy catheter 400. In some examples, the wings 608 may be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to protect the catheter body 402 from impact points for both the proximally facing jet 418c and the distally facing jet 418d. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end region 618 of the reinforcing member 600 may be configured to provide impact protection for the distally facing jet 418d, and the second end region 620 of the reinforcing member 600 may be configured to provide impact protection for the proximally facing jet 418c. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, separate reinforcing members 600 may be used to provide impact protection for each of the proximally facing jet 418c and the distally facing jet 418d. It is contemplated that the shape of the wing portions 608 may be sized and / or shaped based on the desired impact protection. For example, if the reinforcing member 600 provides impact protection for only a single jet 418, the wing portions 608 may be smaller than the wing portions 608 of a reinforcing member 600 that provides impact protection for two or more jets 418. It is contemplated that the first end regions 618 of the wing portions 608 may be omitted in a reinforcing member 600 that provides impact protection for only a single jet 418. Alternatively, the second end regions 620 of the wing portions 608 may be omitted in a reinforcing member 600 that provides impact protection for only a single jet 418.

[0049] In some embodiments, the stiffening member 600 may be secured to or integrated with the catheter body 402 by placing the stiffening member 600 on a mandrel and reflowing or otherwise forming the catheter body 402 over the stiffening member 600. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening member 600 may be secured directly to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. For example, the stiffening member 600 may be welded, glued, affixed, crimped, etc. directly onto the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 adjacent the jet 418. The assembly of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 and stiffening member 600 may then be inserted into the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0050] It is contemplated that during assembly, the reinforcing member 600 may be oriented to provide impact protection based on the orientation of the jets 418 and the jetted drive fluid 420. For example, when the reinforcing member 600 is positioned adjacent the proximally facing jet 418c, the second end region 620 of the wing portion 608 may be positioned to extend proximally from the collar 606. In another example, when the reinforcing member 600 is positioned adjacent the proximally facing jet 418c, the first end region 618 of the wing portion 608 may be positioned to extend proximally from the collar 606. It is further contemplated that when the reinforcing member 600 is positioned adjacent the distally facing jet 418d, the second end region 620 of the wing portion 608 may be positioned to extend distally from the collar 606. Alternatively, when reinforcing member 600 is positioned adjacent to a distally facing jet 418d, first end region 618 of wing portion 608 may be positioned to extend distally from collar 606. In some examples, reinforcing member 600 may be axially offset from each jet 418. In other examples, reinforcing member 600 may be axially positioned similarly to each jet 418.

[0051] Although not explicitly shown, regions of the catheter body 402 where the jetted driving fluid 420 does not impinge on the inner surface of the catheter body 402 may be free of the reinforcing member 600. This may help maintain the flexibility of the catheter body 402 while preventing or limiting damage to the catheter body 402 that may be caused by the high-pressure impingement of the jetted driving fluid 420. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 600 may be provided in areas or regions that are free from the pressure impingement of the jetted driving fluid 420. For example, if the thrombectomy catheter 400 requires greater pushing performance in the proximal region, one or more sections of the reinforcing member 600 may be added to that region of the thrombectomy catheter 400 to improve pushing performance by adding stiffness.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a side view of another exemplary reinforcing member 700 with a high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 that can be used to protect the inner diameter (i.e., lumen surface) of the catheter body 402 (not explicitly shown in FIG. 7 ) at high-pressure impingement points. Multiple reinforcing members 700 may be spaced apart along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 5C so that the high-pressure jet of driving fluid 420 impinges on the reinforcing member 700 rather than directly on the inner surface of the catheter body 402. For example, a reinforcing member 700 may be positioned adjacent to the impingement location of each jet 418. In some cases, a single member 700 may cover the impingement locations of two or more jets 418. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 700 may be attached or secured to the catheter body 402, while in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 700 may be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. The reinforcing member 700 may be formed from 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 700 may be selected to withstand the high pressure impingement of the jetted driving fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 700 may be heat treated to improve flexibility.

[0053] The stiffening 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 lumen 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 catheter body 402. The stiffening member 700 may include a plurality of slots 708 cut or otherwise formed in the sidewall 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 by laser cutting. In other examples, 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 that extends circumferentially around the tubular body 706. The slots 708 can be circumferentially and / or longitudinally spaced to provide the desired flexibility. In some examples, the slots 708 may extend helically around the tubular body 706. In some examples, two or more slots 708 may be present at similar longitudinal locations. In some examples, the slots 708 may be equally spaced along the length of the intermediate region 710 of the tubular body 706. In other cases, the slots 708 may be spaced closer together near the first end 702, for example, for additional flexibility, and spaced closer together near the second end 704 for additional strength, although this is not required. In other cases, the slots 708 may be spaced closer together near the second end 704 and spaced farther apart near the first end 702. In an exemplary but non-limiting embodiment, the slot 708 can have a width in the range of about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 millimeters (mm)) to about 0.020 inches (0.508 mm).Each slot 708 may extend about 10 percent, about 20 percent, about 30 percent, about 40 percent, about 50 percent, about 60 percent, about 70 percent, about 80 percent, about 90 percent, or more around the circumference of tubular body 706.

[0054] To provide impact protection against the impact of the high-pressure jet of drive fluid 420, the first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 of the tubular body 706 may be free of slots 708. For example, a slotted intermediate region 710 of the tubular body 706 may provide flexibility to the stiffening member 700, while generally solid, unslotted, first end region 712 and second end region 714 may allow the jet of drive fluid 420 to impact the inner surface of the stiffening member 700 rather than the inner surface of the catheter body 402. While FIG. 7 illustrates the first end region 712 and second end region 714 as being free of slots 708 around the entire circumference, this is not required. In some examples, the slots 708 may be located in the wall of the tubular body 706 generally opposite the area of ​​impact. For example, because the jet of drive fluid 420 is not expected to impinge on the entire inner circumference of the catheter body 402, the first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 need not be free of slots 708 around the entire circumference. 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 jets 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the jet of drive fluid 420. For example, jets 418 having an angle closer to 90° may impinge on a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the catheter body 402 than jets having an angle closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid delivery tube 410. Thus, the closer the angle of the jets 418 to 90°, the smaller (e.g., in arc length and / or length) the first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 of the reinforcing member 700 may be. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the distal jet 418d is closer to 90° than the proximal jet 418c, and therefore the first end region 712 may have a length that is less than the length of the second end region 714. However, this is not required. The first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 may have similar lengths. Alternatively, the first end region 712 may have a length that is greater than the length of the second end region 714.It is further contemplated that the length of the first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 may be determined to account for variations in the position of the jets 418 and / or bending of the catheter body 402 .

[0055] 7 shows a single reinforcing member 700, it should be understood that any number of reinforcing members 700 may be positioned anywhere from the proximal to the distal end of the thrombectomy catheter 400. In some examples, generally solid regions or multiple slot-free regions (e.g., first end region 712 and / or second end region 714) may be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to protect the catheter body 402 from impact locations of both the proximally-facing jet 418c and the distally-facing jet 418d. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end region 712 of the reinforcing member 700 may be configured to provide impact protection for the distally-facing jet 418d, and the second end region 714 of the reinforcing member 700 may be configured to provide impact protection for the proximally-facing jet 418c. It is contemplated that the reinforcing member 700 may extend distally beyond the distal end 416 of the delivery tube wall 412 to provide impact protection for the distally facing jet 418d. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, separate reinforcing members 700 may be used to provide impact protection for each of the proximally facing jet 418c and the distally facing jet 418d. It is contemplated that the positioning of the slots 708 may be arranged based on the desired impact protection. In other words, the region of the tubular body 706 that is devoid of the slots 708 may be selected based on the desired impact protection. For example, if the reinforcing member 700 provides impact protection for only a single jet 418, only one of the first end region 712 or the second end region 714 may be devoid of the slots 708. This may provide the desired impact protection while maintaining the flexibility of the thrombectomy catheter 400.

[0056] In some embodiments, the stiffening member 700 may be secured to or integrated with the catheter body 402 by placing the stiffening member 700 on a mandrel and reflowing or otherwise forming the catheter body 402 over the stiffening member 700. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening member 700 may be secured directly to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. For example, the stiffening member 700 may be welded, glued, affixed, crimped, etc. directly onto the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 adjacent the jet 418. The assembly of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 and stiffening member 700 may then be inserted into the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0057] It is contemplated that during assembly, the reinforcing member 700 may be oriented to provide impact protection based on the orientation of the jets 418 and the jetted driving fluid 420. For example, the first end region 712 and / or the second end region 714 may be oriented to provide the desired protection depending on the orientation of the adjacent jets 418. In some examples, the reinforcing member 700 may be axially offset from the respective jets 418. In other examples, the reinforcing member 700 may be axially positioned similarly to the respective jets 418.

[0058] Although not explicitly shown, regions of the catheter body 402 where the jetted driving fluid 420 does not impinge on the inner surface of the catheter body 402 may be free of the reinforcing member 700. This may help maintain the flexibility of the catheter body 402 while preventing or limiting damage to the catheter body 402 that may be caused by the high-pressure impingement of the jetted driving fluid 420. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing members 700 may be provided in areas or regions that are free from the pressure impingement of the jetted driving fluid 420. For example, if the thrombectomy catheter 400 requires greater pushing performance in the proximal region, one or more sections of the reinforcing member 700 may be added to that region of the thrombectomy catheter 400 to improve pushing performance by adding stiffness.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a side view of another exemplary reinforcing member 800 with a high-pressure fluid delivery tube 410 that can be used to protect the inner diameter (i.e., lumen surface) of the catheter body 402 (not explicitly shown in FIG. 8 ) at the point of high-pressure impingement. The single, monolithic reinforcing member 800 can be configured to extend along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400 so that the high-pressure jet of drive fluid 420 impinges on the reinforcing member 800 rather than directly on the inner surface of the catheter body 402. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 800 can be attached or secured to the catheter body 402, while in other embodiments, the reinforcing member 800 can be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid delivery tube 410. The reinforcing member 800 can be formed from 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 impingement of the jet of drive fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 800 may be heat treated to improve flexibility.

[0060] The stiffening member 800 may have a generally tubular body 806 extending from a first or distal end 802 to a second or proximal end configured to be adjacent the proximal end of the catheter body 402 or proximal to the proximal-most jet 418 of the high-pressure fluid delivery tube 410. The tubular body 806 may define a lumen 810 extending from its first end 802 to its second end. The outer diameter of the tubular body 806 may be similar to the inner diameter of the catheter body 402. The stiffening 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 by laser cutting. In other examples, 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 that extends circumferentially around the tubular body 806. The slots 808 can be positioned circumferentially and / or longitudinally to provide a desired level of flexibility. In some examples, the slots 808 may extend helically around the tubular body 806. In some examples, two or more slots 808 may be present at similar longitudinal locations. In some examples, the slots 808 may be spaced equally apart along the length of the tubular body 806. In other cases, the slots 808 may be spaced closer together near the first end 802, for example, for additional flexibility, and spaced farther apart near the second end for additional strength, although this is not required. In other cases, the slots 808 may be spaced closer together near the second end and spaced farther apart near the first end 802. In an exemplary but non-limiting embodiment, the slots 808 may have a width in the range of about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 millimeters (mm)) to about 0.020 inches (0.508 mm).Each slot 808 may extend about 10 percent, about 20 percent, about 30 percent, about 40 percent, about 50 percent, about 60 percent, about 70 percent, about 80 percent, about 90 percent, or more around the circumference of tubular body 806.

[0061] The tubular body 806 may include multiple regions 812a-d (collectively 812) without slots 808 to provide impact protection against the impact of the high-pressure jet of drive fluid 420. For example, the slots 808 may provide flexibility to the stiffening member 800, while the generally continuous region 812 without slots may allow the jet of drive fluid 420 to impact the inner surface of the stiffening member 800 rather than the inner surface of the catheter body 402. In some examples, the slots 808 may be located in the wall of the tubular body 806 generally opposite the region of impact, as shown in FIG. 8 . For example, because the jet of drive fluid 420 is not expected to impact the entire inner circumference of the catheter body 402, the generally continuous region 812 need not be entirely free of slots 808. However, in some embodiments, the entire circumference of the tubular member 806 adjacent to the generally continuous region 812 may be free of slots 808. The length of the generally continuous region 812 may be determined, at least in part, by the angle of the jets 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the jet of drive fluid 420. For example, jets 418 angled closer to 90° may impact a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the catheter body 402 than jets angled closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid delivery tube 410. Thus, the closer the angle of the jets 418 to 90°, the smaller the generally continuous region 812 of the reinforcing member 800 may be (e.g., the arc length and / or length of the unslotted region). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the distal jet 418d is closer to 90° than the proximal jets 418a-c, and therefore the most distal generally continuous region 812d may have a length that is shorter than the lengths of the more proximal generally continuous regions 812a-c. However, this is not required. Alternatively, the most distal generally contiguous region 812d may have a length greater than the lengths of the more proximal generally contiguous regions 812a-c. In some examples, the length of each generally contiguous region 812 may be approximately the same. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the length of the generally contiguous region 812 may be determined to account for variations in the position of the jets 418 and / or bending of the catheter body 402.

[0062] In some examples, the generally continuous region or regions free of the plurality of slots 808 may be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to protect the catheter body 402 from impact locations of both the proximally facing jet 418c and the distally facing jet 418d. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the distal-most generally continuous region 812d of the reinforcing member 800 may be configured to provide impact protection for the distally facing jet 418d, and the more proximal generally continuous regions 812a-c of the reinforcing member 800 may be configured to provide impact protection for the proximally facing jets 418a-c. It is contemplated that the reinforcing member 800 may extend distally beyond the distal end 416 of the supply tube wall 412 to provide impact protection for the distally facing jet 418d. However, this is not required. It is contemplated that the positioning of the plurality of slots 808 may be arranged based on the desired impact protection. In other words, the areas of tubular body 806 that are free of slots 808 may be selected based on the crash protection desired.

[0063] In some embodiments, the stiffening member 800 may be secured to or integrated with the catheter body 402 by placing the stiffening member 800 on a mandrel and reflowing or otherwise forming the catheter body 402 over the stiffening member 800. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening member 800 may be secured directly to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. For example, the stiffening member 800 may be welded, glued, affixed, crimped, etc. directly onto the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 adjacent the jet 418. The assembly of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 and stiffening member 800 may then be inserted into the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0064] It is contemplated that during assembly, the reinforcing member 800 may be oriented to provide impact protection based on the orientation of the jets 418 and the jetted driving fluid 420. For example, the generally contiguous region 812 may be oriented to provide the desired protection depending on the orientation of adjacent jets 418. In some examples, the generally contiguous region 812 may be axially offset from the respective jets 418. In other examples, the reinforcing member 800 may be axially positioned similarly to the respective jets 418.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a side view of another exemplary stiffening member 900 with a high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 that can be used to protect the inner diameter (i.e., lumen surface) of the catheter body 402 (not explicitly shown in FIG. 9 ) at a high-pressure impingement point. The single length of stiffening member 900 can be configured to extend along the length of the thrombectomy catheter 400 so that the high-pressure jet of drive fluid 420 impinges on the stiffening member 900 rather than directly on the inner surface of the catheter body 402. In some embodiments, the stiffening member 900 can be attached or secured to the catheter body 402, while in other embodiments, the stiffening member 900 can be attached or secured to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. In yet other examples, the stiffening member 900 can be formed as part of the catheter body 402. The stiffening member 900 can be formed from a high-shear-resistant, high-modulus material, 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 impingement of the jetted driving fluid 420. In some examples, the reinforcing member 900 may be heat treated to improve flexibility.

[0066] The reinforcing member 900 may have a generally tubular body 906 extending from a first or distal end 902 to a second proximal end configured to be adjacent the proximal end of the catheter body 402 or proximal to the proximal-most jet 418. The tubular body 906 may define a lumen 910 extending from its first end 902 to its second end. The outer diameter of the tubular body 906 may be similar to the inner diameter of the catheter body 402. The tubular body 906 may have a braided structure fabricated from one or more, or multiple, filaments or struts 908. In some embodiments, the tubular body 906 may be braided or braided with a single filament, which is braided with itself to define open cells 912 between adjacent filament sections. In other embodiments, the tubular body 906 may be braided with multiple filaments that are interwoven with one another to define open cells 912 between adjacent filament sections. The filaments 908 may each be formed from only a single filament or multiple filaments, as desired. It is further contemplated that the filaments 908 may be wires having a generally circular cross-sectional shape or flat ribbons having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. These are merely a few examples, and the filaments 908 may have any desired cross-sectional shape. While the tubular body 906 is illustrated as having a generally woven or braided structure, in some cases the tubular body 906 may be formed from helically wound filaments that form a helically wound coil, with some longitudinal sections being tightly wound with no gaps between adjacent turns and other longitudinal sections being wound with gaps between adjacent turns. The tightly wound sections may alternate with loosely wound sections along the length of the tubular body 906 .

[0067] The properties of the tubular body 906 may be varied by varying the braid density of the filaments 908. For example, the points where the filaments 908 cross over one another to form the braided structure are referred to as "pics" 918, where "pic" is an acronym for "per inch crossings," and the braid density may be measured in "pics per inch" (PPI). A higher PPI is therefore associated with a denser braid. The distance between each pick may be referred to as the "pitch" of the braid. A smaller pitch is therefore associated with a denser braid. It is contemplated that the braid density or tightness of the braid may be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of picks along the length of the tubular body 906. For example, the PPI of the tubular body 906 may be varied to provide multiple impact protection regions 914a-d (collectively 914) and multiple more flexible regions 916a-c (collectively 916). The PPI of the plurality of collision protection regions 914 may be greater than the PPI of the more flexible region 916. In some examples, the pitch of the braid within the collision protection region 914 may be zero or near zero such that longitudinally adjacent picks 918 contact each other and the collision protection region 914 is substantially free of open cells 912. In other examples, the pick count of the collision protection region 914 may be in a range of approximately twice the pick count of the more flexible region 916. In one example, for a filament 908 having a width of approximately 0.003 inches (76.2 micrometers), the flexible region 916 may have a pick count in a range of 67-77 PPI, and the collision protection region 914 may have a pick count in a range of approximately 135-150 PPI. In another example, the flexible region 916 may have a pick count in a range of approximately 47-57 PPI, and the collision protection region 914 may have a pick count in a range of approximately 99-109 PPI. These are just a few examples. It is contemplated that the collision protection region 914 may have more than twice the number of picks as the flexible region 916, or may have less than twice the number of picks as the flexible region 916, if desired. It is contemplated that the number of picks may be based, at least in part, on the width of the filament 908.For example, a wider filament 908 may provide greater coverage than a thinner filament 908 having the same pick count. It is contemplated that the pick count of the impact protection region 914 and / or the pick count of the flexible region 916 may be selected to provide the desired impact protection while also providing a desired level of flexibility along the length of the reinforcement member 900 based on the width of the filament 908. In yet another example, the pick count may also vary based on the braid or weave pattern of the tubular body 906. It is further contemplated that not all of the impact protection regions 914 need have the same pick count. Similarly, not all of the flexible regions 916 need have the same pick count. For example, the flexible region 916 may be gradually more flexible toward the distal end of the reinforcement member 900 to provide additional flexibility at the distal end 902 and additional strength near the proximal end. This is merely one example. In some examples, the flexible region 916 may be annealed or heat treated to provide additional flexibility, if desired.

[0068] When the filament 908 is helically wound to form a coil with no crossing points, the pitch of the filament 908 (e.g., the distance between adjacent turns) may be varied in a similar manner. For example, the collision protection region 914 may have a zero pitch (e.g., adjacent turns touch each other), and the flexible region 916 may have a pitch greater than zero. In some cases, the helically wound coil may be formed from a single filament 908. In other examples, two or more filaments 908 may be used to form the helically wound coil. For example, the helically wound coil may be formed from two, three, four, five, or more filaments 908. It is contemplated that the stiffness of the helically wound coil may increase as the number of filaments forming the coil increases. A helically wound coil formed from a single filament 908 may be more flexible than a coil formed from two or more filaments 908 because a single filament is wound at a more radial angle, whereas the individual filaments of a multi-filament coil may extend at an angle closer to longitudinal than radial, thereby increasing the stiffness of the final coil.

[0069] It is contemplated that the pick count of the collision protection region 914 may be selected so that the collision protection region 914 is dense enough to provide collision protection. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the filaments 908 within the collision protection region 914 to be as close to each other as possible or to have no open cells 912. For example, this may allow the jetted drive fluid 420 to impinge on the inner surface of the stiffening member 900 adjacent to the collision protection region 914 rather than on the inner surface of the catheter body 402. The length of the collision protection region 914 may be determined, at least in part, by the angle of the jet orifices 418 and / or the impact area of ​​the jetted drive fluid 420. For example, jet orifices 418 having an angle closer to 90° may impinge on a smaller area of ​​the inner wall of the catheter body 402 than jet orifices having an angle closer to 0° or 180° relative to the longitudinal axis of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. Thus, the closer the angle of the jet orifices 418 to 90°, the smaller (e.g., shorter) the collision protection region 914 of the stiffening member 900 may be. It is further contemplated that not all of the collision protection regions 914 need have the same length. It is further contemplated that in some embodiments, the length of the flexible regions 916 may be greater than the length of the collision protection regions 914, although this is not required. The length of the flexible regions 916 may be determined, at least in part, by the distance between the jets 418. It is further contemplated that the length of the collision protection regions 914 may be determined to account for variations in the position of the jets 418 and / or bending of the catheter body 402.

[0070] 9 shows an abrupt or step-like transition between the collision protection region 914 and the flexible region 916, this is not required. In some embodiments, a transition region may be located between the collision protection region 914 and the flexible region 916 such that there is a gradual transition between the higher pick count region and the lower pick count region.

[0071] In some examples, the collision protection region 914 may be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to protect the catheter body 402 from collision locations of both the proximally-facing jet 418c and the distally-facing jet 418d. While not explicitly shown, it is contemplated that the reinforcing member 900 may extend distally beyond the distal end 416 of the supply tube wall 412 to provide collision protection for the distally-facing jet 418d. However, this is not required. It is contemplated that the positioning of the collision protection region 914 may be positioned based on the desired collision protection. In other words, the region of the tubular body 906 having a higher pick count may be selected based on the desired collision protection.

[0072] In some embodiments, the stiffening member 900 may be secured to the catheter body 402 by placing the stiffening member 900 on a mandrel and reflowing or otherwise forming the catheter body 402 over the stiffening member 900. Thus, the stiffening member 900 can form the inner surface of the catheter body 402 that defines the lumen 406. Alternatively or additionally, the stiffening member 900 may be secured directly to the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410. For example, the stiffening member 900 may be welded, glued, pasted, crimped, etc., directly onto the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 with the impact protection region 914 adjacent to the jet orifice 418. The assembly of the high-pressure fluid supply tube 410 and stiffening member 900 may then be inserted into the lumen 406 of the catheter body 402.

[0073] It is contemplated that during assembly, the reinforcing member 900 may be oriented to provide crash protection based on the orientation of the jets 418 and the jetted driving fluid 420. For example, the crash protection regions 914 may be oriented to provide the desired protection depending on the orientation of adjacent jets 418. In some examples, the crash protection regions 914 may be axially offset from their respective jets 418. In other examples, the crash protection regions 914 may be axially similarly positioned.

[0074] Although not explicitly shown, in some cases, the crash protection region 914 may be provided as a separate, distinct member similar in form and function to members 500, 600, 700 described herein. For example, multiple high pick count braided members may be provided without intervening flexible regions of lower pick count.

[0075] While the above assembly methods include the reinforcing member 900 as an additional component of the elongate shaft, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member 900 may replace or be incorporated as part of the catheter body 402. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary elongate shaft 950 including the reinforcing member 900. The elongate 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 elongate shaft 950 may include the reinforcing member 900 as an inner layer and may further include an outer plastic or polymer layer 952. This may result in the elongate shaft 950 having a thinner wall 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 may improve the performance of the thrombectomy catheter 400. As shown, the impact protection region 914 forms at least a portion of the interior surface of the elongate shaft 950 such that the jetted drive fluid 420 impacts the impact protection region 914 rather than the outer layer 952. It is further contemplated that reflowing the outer layer 952 over the reinforcing member 900 may allow the outer layer 952 to fill the open cells 912 of the flexible region 914. This may provide a smooth, uniform interior surface of the elongate shaft 950, which may reduce friction and inhibit turbulence.

[0076] Materials that can be used for the various components of the thrombectomy catheters, pump / catheter assemblies, and / or other devices disclosed herein may include those commonly associated with medical devices. For simplicity, the following description will refer to pump / catheter assemblies and their associated components. However, this is not intended to limit the devices and methods described herein, and the description may apply to other similar devices, tubular members, and / or components of tubular members or devices disclosed herein.

[0077] The various components of the devices / systems disclosed herein may comprise metals, metal alloys, polymers (some examples of which are disclosed herein), metal-polymer composites, ceramics, combinations thereof, and the like, or other suitable materials. Some examples of suitable metals and metal alloys include stainless steels such as 304V, 304L, and 316LV stainless steel, mild steel, nickel-titanium alloys such as linear elastic and / or superelastic nitinol, other nickel alloys such as nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N06625 such as INCONEL® 625, UNS: N06022 such as HASTELLOY® C-22®, UNS: N10276 such as HASTELLOY® C276®, other HASTELLOY® alloys, and the like), nickel-copper alloys (e.g., UNS: N04400 such as MONEL® 400, NICKELVAC® 400, NICORROS® 400, and the like), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N04400 such as MONEL® 400, NICKELVAC® 400, NICORROS® 400, and the like), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N04400 such as MP35-N®, and the like), and the like. R30035 and the like), nickel-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS:N10665, such as HASTELLOY® ALLOY B2®), 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 and the like, cobalt-chromium alloys, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS:R30003, such as ELGILOY®, PHYNOX® and the like), platinum strengthened stainless steel, titanium, combinations thereof and the like, or any other suitable material.

[0078] Some examples of suitable polymers are polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyoxymethylene (POM, e.g., DELRIN® available from DuPont), polyether block esters, polyurethanes (e.g., polyurethane 85A), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyether-esters (e.g., ARNITEL® available from DSM Engineering Plastics), ether or ester-based copolymers (e.g., butylene / poly(alkylene ether) phthalates and / or other polyester elastomers such as HYTREL® available from DuPont), polyamides (e.g., DURETHAN® or Elf® available from Bayer), and the like. CRISTAMID® available from Atochem), elastomeric polyamides, block polyamide / ethers, polyether block amides (PEBA, e.g., available under the trade name PEBAX®), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), silicone, polyethylene (PE), MARLEX® high density polyethylene, MARLEX® low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene (e.g., REXELL®), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyparaphenylene terephthalamide (e.g., KEVLAR®), polysulfone, nylon, nylon-12 (e.g., available from EMS American GRILAMID® available from Grilon), perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PFA), ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyolefins, polystyrene, epoxy, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (e.g., SIBS and / or SIBS50A), polycarbonate, ionomer, polyurethane silicone copolymer (e.g., Elast-Eon® from AorTech Biomaterials or ChronoSil® from AdvanSource Biomaterials), biocompatible polymer, other suitable materials, or mixtures, combinations, copolymers, polymer / metal composites, and the like. In some embodiments, the sheath can be blended with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). For example, the mixture can contain up to about 6% LCP.

[0079] In at least some embodiments, some or all of the pump / catheter assembly and its associated components may be doped with, made from, or otherwise include a radiopaque material. A radiopaque material is understood to be a material capable of producing a relatively bright image on a fluoroscopy screen or another imaging technique during a medical procedure. This relatively bright image aids the user in locating the pump / catheter assembly and its associated components. Some examples of radiopaque materials include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloys, polymeric materials loaded with radiopaque fillers, and the like. Additionally, other radiopaque marker bands and / or coils may also be incorporated into the design of the pump / catheter assembly and its associated components to achieve the same results.

[0080] It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent appropriate, the use of any of the features of one illustrative embodiment used in other embodiments. The scope of the disclosure is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. 1. A thrombus removal catheter, comprising: a catheter body extending from a proximal end region to a distal end region and including a catheter lumen extending between the proximal end region and the distal end region; a high-pressure fluid supply tube extending through the catheter lumen from the proximal end region of the catheter body toward the distal end region of the catheter body, the high-pressure fluid supply tube configured to communicate with a fluid source near the proximal end region of the catheter body; at least one jet for emitting at least one jet from the high pressure fluid supply tube within the catheter lumen; an intake inlet disposed along a distal portion of the catheter; at least one reinforcing member disposed within the catheter lumen; Equipped with The at least one jet emitted from the at least one jet orifice impinges on the at least one reinforcing member.

2. The thrombus removal catheter of claim 1 , wherein the at least one stiffening member comprises a generally tubular body including a plurality of slots extending through a sidewall of the generally tubular body.

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

4. The thrombectomy catheter of claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of slots are longitudinally spaced along the length of the generally tubular body.

5. The thrombus removal catheter of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the generally tubular body includes at least one region that is free of the plurality of slots.

6. The thrombus removal catheter of claim 5 , wherein the at least one region without the plurality of slots is positioned adjacent to the at least one jet orifice for impingement of the at least one jet.

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

8. 8. The thrombectomy catheter of claim 7, wherein the braided tubular body includes alternating regions of lower pick counts and regions of higher pick counts along the length of the braided tubular body.

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

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

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

12. The thrombus removal 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 thrombus removal catheter of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one reinforcing member comprises a plurality of reinforcing members axially spaced along the length of the high-pressure fluid delivery tube.

14. The thrombus removal 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 of 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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