Device for retrieving occlusions within a patient's body ducts

The apparatus addresses the challenge of removing occlusions from body conduits by employing a cylindrical body with diagonal cell structures, enhancing capture and removal efficiency through increased stiffness and structural irregularity.

JP7691477B2Active Publication Date: 2025-06-11HIGHWAY 1 MEDICAL INC
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023203303
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2018-02-02
Filing Date
2023-11-30
Publication Date
2025-06-11
Estimated Expiration
2039-01-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing retrieval devices struggle to effectively capture and remove occlusions from body conduits, particularly in tortuous paths with tightly curved regions, leading to potential disengagement of occlusions during removal.

Method used

The apparatus features a cylindrical body with a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in diagonal rows around the longitudinal axis, enhancing the device's ability to capture and remove occlusions by providing increased longitudinal stiffness and irregularity in structure.

Benefits of technology

The enhanced design improves the device's ability to capture occlusions and maintain them during removal through tortuous paths, reducing the risk of occlusion disengagement and facilitating effective occlusion removal.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007691477000001
    Figure 0007691477000001
  • Figure 0007691477000002
    Figure 0007691477000002
  • Figure 0007691477000003
    Figure 0007691477000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a device which captures and removes an obstruction in a bodily duct of a patient.SOLUTION: A device includes a cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body comprises a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in diagonal rows around the longitudinal axis. At least some of closed cell structures have substantially the same shape and size. According to some implementations, at least some of the closed cell structures of substantially the same shape and size occupy a same circumferential location in the cylindrical body and are longitudinally separated from one another by no less than two, three, four or more diagonal rows of closed cell structures. According to other implementations, the closed cell structures include diagonally extending struts having at least a curve portion and a straight portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application is related to and claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 887,173, filed on February 2, 2018.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for retrieving occlusions from body conduits.

Background Art

[0003] Occlusions within a patient's body conduits, if left in place, can lead to chronic health problems and even death.

[0004] Examples of such occlusions include emboli located within a patient's blood vessels. An embolus can be a blood clot (thrombus), a fat globule (fat embolus), or a foreign object. An embolus can cause partial or total occlusion of blood flow within an affected blood vessel, such as a blood vessel in the patient's neurovascular structure. The capture and removal of such occlusions can prevent the occurrence of a stroke or at least partially reverse the effects of a stroke.

[0005] Urinary tract occlusions are another example where an occlusion blocks the flow of urine through its normal pathway, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The occlusion can be total or partial, and if not removed, can lead to kidney damage, kidney stones, and infections.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Disclosed herein is an apparatus for capturing and removing occlusions from a patient's body conduits.

[0007] According to some embodiments, there is provided an apparatus for retrieving an occlusion within a conduit of a patient's body, the apparatus including a cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of cell structures of substantially the same size and shape arranged in a diagonal array around the longitudinal axis. According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of cell structures includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts having a proximal end and a distal end. According to some embodiments, the proximal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the second strut, the distal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fourth strut, the distal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut, the proximal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fifth strut, the distal end of the second strut is connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut, and the proximal end of the fourth strut is connected to the distal end of the sixth strut. According to some embodiments, the proximal end and the distal end of the fifth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are in a first circumferential position, the proximal end and the distal end of the sixth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are in a second circumferential position, and the second circumferential position is spaced from the first circumferential position. According to some embodiments, when the retrieval device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, at least a first portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is curved and at least a second portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is linear.

[0008] According to other embodiments, each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being located between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, and when the device is longitudinally cut and laid flat on a surface, the first end portion and the second end portion are curved and the intermediate portion is linear.

[0009] According to other embodiments, an apparatus is provided for capturing and removing obstructions within a conduit of a patient's body, the apparatus including a cylinder having a circumference and a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of closed cell structures disposed in a plurality of diagonal rows disposed around the longitudinal axis. At least some of the plurality of closed cell structures are substantially the same shape and size, and at least some of the closed cell structures of substantially the same shape and size occupy the same circumferential position within the cylinder and are longitudinally spaced from each other by at least two, three, four, or more diagonal rows of the closed cell structures.

[0010] These and other advantages and features will become apparent in view of the drawings and detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

[0012]

Figure 2A

[0013]

Figure 2B

[0014]

Figure 2C-D

[0015]

Figure 2E

[0016]

Figure 3A

[0017]

Figure 3B

[0018]

Figure 4

[0019]

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an occlusion recovery system 10 according to one implementation. The recovery system includes a self-expanding recovery device 12 that includes a cylindrical body such as that shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, having a proximal end 14 coupled to the distal end 18 of an elongated wire 16 via a plurality of antennas 15. Each of the plurality of antennas 15 is connected at its proximal end to the distal end 18 of the elongated wire 16 and at its distal end to the proximal end 14 of the cylindrical body. As will be described in more detail below, according to some implementations, the proximal end of the cylindrical body is coupled to the distal end of the elongated wire by a single antenna that extends proximally from the side of the cylindrical body.

[0021] In an example of retrieving an embolism from a blood vessel in a patient's neurovascular structure, according to some embodiments, during use, the self-expanding retrieval device is attached to the distal end portion of a delivery catheter (not shown) and delivered to the site of the embolism together with the delivery catheter. According to some embodiments, the distal end portion of the delivery catheter is positioned across the embolism and then withdrawn proximally to deploy the retrieval device into the embolism. According to other embodiments, the distal end portion of the delivery catheter carrying the retrieval device is positioned distal to the embolism and then withdrawn proximally to deploy the retrieval device at a position distal to the embolism. In such a case, the embolism is captured by retracting the retrieval device 12 proximally within the embolism. This is accomplished by the clinician pulling on the proximal end portion 17 of the elongate wire 14 that is outside the patient.

[0022] Continuing with the example of a neurovascular occlusion, when the embolism is at least partially captured within the retrieval device 12, the retrieval device and the delivery catheter are withdrawn proximally, either alone or together, to achieve removal of the occlusion from the patient. According to some embodiments, the retrieval device 12 is at least partially withdrawn into the lumen of the delivery catheter during the removal process.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the retrieval device 12 has a length of from about 10 millimeters to about 100 millimeters, and the elongate wire 14 has a length of from about 150 centimeters to about 250 centimeters.

[0024] As described in more detail below, the anatomical structure of a particular body conduit has tightly curved regions and is tortuous. A problem with many existing retrieval devices is that as the retrieval device is manipulated through this tortuous path, the captured occlusion has a tendency to disengage from the retrieval device. The retrieval devices disclosed herein include features that enhance their ability to capture an occlusion and more effectively remove the occlusion from the patient through a tortuous path that includes tightly curved turns.

[0025] Figures 2A and 3A each show an exemplary recovery device 20 and 60. Figures 2B and 3B each show the recovery devices 20 and 60 when the recovery device is cut along a line parallel to its longitudinal axis and placed flat on the surface. Each of the recovery devices 20 and 60 includes a cylindrical body 21 and 61 having a central longitudinal axis 22 and 62, respectively. Each of the cylindrical bodies 20 and 60 consists of a plurality of closed cell structures 24 and 64 disposed around its longitudinal axis. Figures 2A and 3A represent, for example, a detection device for a cutting configuration typically resulting from laser cutting of a metal cylindrical tube made of a nickel-titanium alloy. However, it is important to note that other manufacturing methods may be used to construct the recovery devices disclosed herein.

[0026] In the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the recovery device 20 includes 12 diagonally arranged rows of cell structures R1 - R12 and has a central body portion 25 extending between rows R3 - R11. According to some implementations, the cell structures forming the central body portion 25 are substantially the same size and shape. According to some implementations, each row of cell structures in the central body portion 25 includes four cell structures that together surround the longitudinal axis 22 of the cylindrical body 21.

[0027] In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the recovery device 60 includes eight diagonally arranged rows of cell structures R1 - R8 and has a central body portion 65 extending between R2 - R7. According to some implementations, the cell structures forming the central body portion 65 are substantially the same size and shape. According to some implementations, each row of cell structures in the central body portion 65 includes three cell structures that together surround the longitudinal axis 62 of the cylindrical body 61.

[0028] Recovery devices having less than 8 rows of cell structures, more than 12 rows of cell structures, and more than 4 cell structures in a given row are also contemplated.

[0029] As described above in the discussion of FIG. 1, the cylindrical portion of the recovery device 12 is coupled to the distal end of the elongate wire 16 via the use of one or more antennas 15 that extend proximally from the proximal end 14 of the cylinder.

[0030] In the implementations of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the recovery device 20 is linear and includes three antennas 28a, 28b, and 28c arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 of the cylinder 21 in a cut-like configuration, as shown in FIG. 2A. After the recovery device 20 is formed and polished, tabs or loops 29a-c that may be located at the proximal most ends of the antennas 28a-c are removed. The antennas 28a-c are then connected to the distal end of the elongate member 16 as disclosed above in connection with the description of FIG. 1. That is, the proximal ends of the antennas 28a-c converge at a common area that is attached to the distal end 18 of the elongate wire 16. By that convergence, the antennas 28a-c are caused to have a partially closed proximal end as the recovery device 20 has. According to other implementations, the recovery device 20 includes a single antenna. For example, according to some implementations, the recovery device 20 includes a single antenna that extends from the side of the cylinder 61 such that the proximal end of the recovery device is fully open.

[0031] In the implementations of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the recovery device 60 is linear and includes two antennas 68a and 68b arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 62 of the cylinder 61 in a cut-like configuration. After the recovery device 60 is cut and polished, the proximal ends of the antennas 68a-b, which may include tabs 69a and b, are connected to the distal end of the elongate member 16 as disclosed above in connection with the description of FIG. 1. That is, the proximal ends of the antennas 68a-c converge at a common area that is attached to the distal end 18 of the elongate wire 16. By that convergence, the antennas 28a and b are caused to have a partially closed proximal end as the recovery device 20 has. According to other implementations, the recovery device 60 includes three or more antennas. For example, according to some implementations, the recovery device 60 includes a single antenna that extends from the side of the cylinder such that the proximal end of the recovery device is fully open.

[0032] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2A and 3A, the distal ends of the retrieval devices 20 and 60 each include open distal ends 26 and 66, respectively. According to other embodiments, the distal end of the retrieval device may be partially closed, for example, by joining the most distal end segments 27 and 67 of the device. In the examples of FIGS. 2A and 3A, according to some embodiments, the most distal end segments 27 and 67 include features where radiopaque element markers may be attached.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the cylinder 21 of the retrieval device 20 has a length of about 30 millimeters and an expanded outer diameter of about 5 millimeters. According to some embodiments, the cylinder of the retrieval device 60 has a length of about 20 millimeters and an expanded outer diameter of about 3 millimeters.

[0034] Regarding the capture of occlusions (e.g., plugs) in stent-like retrieval devices similar to those disclosed herein, as a result of the frequency with which the longitudinal and circumferential positions of similar (e.g., same size and shape) cell structures are repeated, the effectiveness of occlusion capture is impaired in current state-of-the-art retrieval devices. To address this issue, according to some embodiments, similar cell structures in the retrieval devices 20 and 60 that occupy the same circumferential position are spaced apart by only two or more diagonal rows. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, similar cell structures that occupy the same circumferential position are spaced apart by four or more diagonal rows. The advantage of these configurations is to end a greater degree of irregularity in the structure of the retrieval device along its length that enhances its ability to capture occlusions. This is the result of the occlusion being exposed to more different geometric shapes along the length of the retrieval device, reducing slippage and improving the incorporation of the occlusion into the retrieval device.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2B, similar cell structures A1 and A2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 25 of the cylindrical body 21. Cell structure A1 is in the diagonal row R4, cell structure A2 is in the diagonal row R9, and there are four intervening rows R5 to R8 separating cell structures A1 and A2. Similarly, similar cell structures B1 and B2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 25 of the cylindrical body 21. Cell structure B1 is in the diagonal row R6, cell structure B2 is in the diagonal row R11, and there are four intervening rows R7 to R10 separating cell structures B1 and B2. Further, similar cell structures C1 and C2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 25 of the cylindrical body 21. Cell structure C1 is in the diagonal row R3, cell structure C2 is in the diagonal row R8, and there are four intervening rows R4 to R7 separating cell structures C1 and C2. According to other implementations, similar cell structures occupying the same circumferential position are separated only by three or more intervening diagonal rows of cell structures.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3B, cell structures A1 and A2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 65 of the cylindrical body 61. Cell structure A1 is in the diagonal row R2, cell structure A2 is in the diagonal row R7, and there are four intervening rows R3 to R6 separating cell structures A1 and A2. Similarly, similar cell structures B1 and B2 occupy the same circumferential position in the central body portion 65 of the cylindrical body 61. Cell structure B1 is in the diagonal row R3, cell structure B2 is in the diagonal row R8, and there are four intervening rows R4 to R7 separating cell structures B1 and B2. According to other implementations, similar cell structures occupying the same circumferential position are separated only by three or more intervening diagonal rows of cell structures.

[0037] FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of columns R3 to R5 located in the central body portion 25 of the recovery device 20 where the cell structure A1 is in column R4. The configuration of the cell structure A1 represents at least a majority of the cell structures within the recovery device 20. The cell structure A1 includes a first strut 1, a second strut 2, a third strut 3, a fourth strut 4, a fifth strut 5, and a sixth strut 6, and each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first strut 1 is connected to the proximal end of the second strut 2 at a first longitudinal position L1, the distal end of the third strut 3 is connected to the distal end of the fourth strut 4 at a second longitudinal position L2 distal to the first longitudinal position L1, the distal end of the first strut 1 is connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut 5 at a third longitudinal position L3 located between the first longitudinal position L1 and the second longitudinal position L2, the proximal end of the third strut 3 is connected to the distal end of the fifth strut 5 at a fourth longitudinal position L4 located between the second longitudinal position L2 and the third longitudinal position L3, the distal end of the second strut 2 is connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut 6 at a fifth longitudinal position L5 located between the second longitudinal position L2 and the third longitudinal position L3, and the proximal end of the fourth strut 4 is connected to the distal end of the sixth strut 6 at a sixth longitudinal position L6 located between the second longitudinal position L2 and the fifth longitudinal position L5.

[0038] As best seen in FIGS. 2B and 3B, among the plurality of cell structures in the recovery devices 20 and 60, adjacent cell structures share at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts with each other, and the adjacent cell structures are offset from each other in the longitudinal and circumferential directions.

[0039] In the implementation form of FIG. 2C, when the cylindrical body 21 of the recovery device 20 is cut in the longitudinal direction and placed flat on the surface, the third and fourth longitudinal positions L3 and L4 are longitudinally aligned with each other (that is, the straight line drawn between the longitudinal positions L3 and L4 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 of the cylindrical body 21), and are at a common first circumferential position. The fifth and sixth longitudinal positions L5 and L6 are longitudinally aligned with each other (that is, the straight line drawn between the longitudinal positions L5 and L6 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 22 of the cylindrical body 21), and are at a common second circumferential position. The second circumferential position is spaced from the first circumferential position.

[0040] According to some implementation forms, when the cylindrical body 21 of the recovery device 20 is cut in the longitudinal direction and placed flat on the surface, at least one of the fifth strut 5 and the sixth strut 6 is linear. According to other implementation forms, each of the fifth strut 5 and the sixth strut 6 is linear, as shown in FIG. 2C. The advantage that one or both of the fifth and sixth struts are linear is that it advantageously imparts to the recovery device 20 a greater rigidity along its length than would exist if the struts were curved.

[0041] According to some implementation forms, the fourth longitudinal position L4 and the fifth longitudinal position L5 are not circumferentially aligned with each other, as shown in FIG. 2C. According to other implementation forms, the fourth longitudinal position L4 and the fifth longitudinal position L5 are circumferentially aligned with each other. The circumferential alignment of the fourth and fifth longitudinal positions aligns the distal end of the fifth strut 5 with the proximal end of the sixth strut 6 circumferentially, creating a longitudinally continuous linear section within the cell structure A1, which, despite being circumferentially offset, aids in providing a zone of increased rigidity to the recovery device.

[0042] As described above, a problem associated with removing an occlusion captured through a tortuous path from a patient is that when a retrieval device carrying the occlusion encounters and conforms to a tightly packed bend, the occlusion is likely to become at least partially disengaged from the retrieval device. The advantage of providing a retrieval device with enhanced longitudinal stiffness is that it enables the retrieval device to at least partially straighten the bends through which it passes during the occlusion removal process. This reduces the risk of the occlusion becoming disengaged from the retrieval device as it is carried across the bend.

[0043] Another advantage of providing a zone of enhanced longitudinal stiffness within the retrieval device is that it reduces the risk of the retrieval device bending in procedures where the retrieval device needs to be pushed through a delivery catheter and / or through a conduit in the patient's body.

[0044] According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2D, when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, one or more or all of the first strut 1, the second strut 2, the third strut 3, and the fourth strut 4 have a curved proximal end portion, a curved distal end portion, and a linear portion located between the curved proximal end portion and the curved distal end portion. According to some embodiments, the linear portion is located in the central portion of the strut. The curved proximal and distal end portions 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b of the struts 1-4 contribute to providing a smooth transition between the connected struts of the cell structure and also provide the degree of flexibility required for the retrieval device 20 to enable it to move within the patient's anatomical structure. The linear portions 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c of the struts 1-4 increase the longitudinal rigidity of the retrieval device 20 and provide the retrieval device with the ability to at least partially straighten the bends it passes through during the occlusion removal process. As described above, since it is carried across tightly packed bends, the risk of the occlusion being removed from the retrieval device is reduced. Another advantage of the intermediate portion being linear is that it reduces the risk of the retrieval device bending (compared to a completely curved strut) in procedures where the retrieval device needs to be pushed through a delivery catheter and / or through a conduit in the patient's body.

[0045] According to some embodiments, one or more or all of the struts 1-4 include one or more linear portions that cumulatively occupy 20% to 80% of the total length of each strut. According to other embodiments, one or more or all of the struts 1-4 include one or more linear portions that cumulatively occupy 30% to 70% of the total length of each strut. According to some embodiments, one or more or all of the struts 1-4 include a single continuous linear portion that occupies 20% to 80% of the total length of each strut. According to other embodiments, one or more or all of the struts 1-4 include a single continuous linear portion that occupies 30% to 70% of the total length of each strut.

[0046] As described above, according to some embodiments, the cylindrical body 21 of the recovery device 20 has a length of about 30 millimeters and an expanded outer diameter of about 5 millimeters. Referring to FIG. 2E, according to some embodiments, the cell structure in the central body portion 25 of the recovery device 20 has a cell height H of about 4.3 millimeters to about 4.6 millimeters, a cell length L1 of about 4.6 millimeters to about 4.8 millimeters, a circumferential offset CO of about 0.7 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, a longitudinal offset LO of about 0.7 millimeters to about 0.9 millimeters, and a strut width W of about 0.07 millimeters to about 0.08 millimeters, and the struts 5 and 6 have a length L2 of about 0.9 millimeters to about 1.0 millimeters.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the cylindrical body 61 of the recovery device 60 has a length of about 20 millimeters and an expanded outer diameter of about 3 millimeters. Referring to FIG. 2E, according to some embodiments, the cell structure in the central body portion 65 of the recovery device 60 has a cell height H of about 3.7 millimeters to about 3.95 millimeters, a cell length L1 of about 4.9 millimeters to about 5.5 millimeters, a circumferential offset CO of about 0.7 millimeters to about 0.8 millimeters, a longitudinal offset LO of about 1.15 millimeters to about 1.25 millimeters, and a strut width W of about 0.07 millimeters to about 0.08 millimeters, and the struts 5 and 6 have a length L2 of about 0.9 millimeters to about 1.0 millimeters.

[0048] As described above, the recovery devices 20 and 60 may be connected to the distal end of the elongated wire 16 by one or more antennas extending proximally from the proximal ends of the cylindrical bodies 21 and 61, respectively. According to some implementations of the cutting-like configuration of the recovery devices 20 and 60, the one or more antennas are linear and aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, and at least one of the antennas is longitudinally aligned with at least one proximal and distal end of at least one of the fifth struts 5 and / or at least one proximal and distal end of at least one of the sixth struts 6. That is, the line extending between and across at least one linear antenna of the fifth and sixth struts and the proximal and distal ends is linear and disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the recovery device. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, each of the antennas 28a and 28b is longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth and sixth struts of the cell structure in the central body portion 25 of the recovery device 20. The advantage of such a configuration is to reduce the risk of the recovery device bending when pushed by the elongated wire 16.

[0049] The clinician performing the treatment may sometimes find it important to make the retrieval device visible during the occlusion removal procedure and ensure that it is properly positioned before the device is deployed. For this reason, according to some embodiments, the retrieval device 20 includes a radiopaque wire or ribbon 35 that meanders between the inside and outside of the cylindrical body 21 in a pattern that preferably extends along a substantial portion of the length of the cylindrical body 21, as shown in FIG. 4. According to some embodiments, at least some of the struts of the retrieval device include a retention feature 36 through which the radiopaque wire or ribbon 35 passes for meandering through the cylindrical body 21 of the retrieval device 20, as shown in FIG. 5. According to some embodiments, the retention feature 36 is formed during a laser cutting operation used to construct the struts of the retrieval device. As described above, according to some embodiments, the retrieval device is configured to form the struts of the device by laser cutting a cylindrical metal tube. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the retention feature 36 includes two L-shaped members 37 separated by a gap 38 through which the radiopaque wire or ribbon 35 passes when assembled onto the strut.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the radiopaque wire or ribbon 35 is assembled to the retrieval device when the retrieval device is in a fully expanded state and thus does not affect the outward radial force of the retrieval device during its use. Further, according to other embodiments, the radiopaque wire or ribbon 35 is assembled to the retrieval device so as not to affect the flexural rigidity of the retrieval device.

[0051] The above disclosure includes many specific details, but these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of what is claimed or what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular exemplary implementations. The specific features described herein in the context of separate implementations may be implemented in combination in a single implementation. In contrast, the various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented separately or in any suitable combination of several implementations or in any suitable subcombination. Further, features may function as a particular combination and may be described above as being claimed first, but one or more features from the claimed combination may, in some cases, be deleted from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or a variation of a subcombination. Variations, modifications, and improvements to the described examples and implementations, as well as other implementations, may be made based on what is disclosed.

[0052] The following clauses disclose additional implementations without limitation, where each clause represents an implementation. Further implementations are represented by one or more of the implementations of one or more groups of clauses having one or more implementations of another group or groups of clauses. Clauses of Groups A - C are provided.

[0053] Group A Clauses

[0054] Clause 1. An apparatus for capturing and removing an occlusion within a conduit of a patient's body, the apparatus comprising a cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of closed cell structures arranged in a plurality of diagonal rows disposed around the longitudinal axis, at least some of the plurality of closed cell structures being substantially the same shape and size, at least some of the closed cell structures of substantially the same shape and size occupying the same circumferential position within the cylindrical body, and only two or more diagonal rows of the closed cell structures being longitudinally spaced apart from each other, the apparatus including the cylindrical body.

[0055] Clause 2. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein a plurality of closed cell structures occupying the same circumferential position are longitudinally spaced apart by only three or more diagonal rows of closed cell structures.

[0056] Clause 3. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein a plurality of closed cell structures occupy the same circumferential position and are longitudinally spaced apart by only four or more diagonal rows of closed cell structures.

[0057] Clause 4. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein each of the plurality of cell structures includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first strut being connected to the proximal end of the second strut, the distal end of the third strut being connected to the distal end of the fourth strut, the distal end of the first strut being connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut, the proximal end of the third strut being connected to the distal end of the fifth strut, the distal end of the second strut being connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut, and the proximal end of the fourth strut being connected to the distal end of the sixth strut.

[0058] Clause 5. The apparatus according to clause 4, wherein the proximal and distal ends of the fifth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are in a first circumferential position, the proximal and distal ends of the sixth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are in a second circumferential position, and the second circumferential position is spaced from the first circumferential position.

[0059] Clause 6. The apparatus according to clause 5, wherein at least one of the fifth and sixth struts is linear when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface.

[0060] Clause 7. The apparatus according to clause 5, wherein each of the fifth and sixth struts is linear when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface.

[0061] Clause 8. The proximal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, and the proximal end of the fourth strut is connected to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position, the apparatus according to clause 5.

[0062] Clause 9. The apparatus according to clause 8, wherein the fourth longitudinal position and the fifth longitudinal position are circumferentially aligned.

[0063] Clause 10. Further comprising a first antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, a cylindrical body being connected to the distal end of the first antenna of the apparatus, and when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a part of the first antenna is linear and at least a part is longitudinally aligned with at least one of the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth struts and / or at least one of the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the sixth struts, the apparatus according to clause 5.

[0064] Clause 11. Further comprising a first antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, a cylindrical body being connected to the distal end of the first antenna of the apparatus, and when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a part of the first antenna is linear and at least a part is longitudinally aligned with at least one of at least one of the fifth struts and / or at least one of the sixth struts, the apparatus according to clause 7.

[0065] Clause 12. The apparatus according to clause 10, further comprising a second antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a portion of the second antenna is linear, and at least a portion of the second antenna is longitudinally aligned with at least one proximal end and at least one distal end of the fifth strut and / or at least one proximal end and at least one distal end of the sixth strut.

[0066] Clause 13. The apparatus according to clause 10, further comprising a second antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a portion of the second antenna is linear, and at least a portion is longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth strut or at least one of the sixth strut.

[0067] Clause 14. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the cylindrical body has an open distal end.

[0068] Clause 15. The apparatus according to clause 10, further comprising an elongated wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first antenna is connected to the distal end of the elongated wire.

[0069] Clause 16. The apparatus according to clause 11, further comprising an elongated wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first antenna is connected to the distal end of the elongated wire.

[0070] Clause 17. The apparatus according to clause 5, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is curved.

[0071] Clause 18. The apparatus according to clause 17, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is linear.

[0072] Clause 19. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being located between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, and when the device is cut longitudinally and placed flat on a surface, the first end portion and the second end portion are curved and the intermediate portion is straight, the device according to clause 5.

[0073] Clause 20. Among the plurality of cell structures, adjacent cell structures share at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth struts with each other, and the adjacent cell structures are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction, the device according to clause 4.

[0074] Clause 21. Further comprising a second antenna and a third antenna, each of the second and third antennas having a proximal end and a distal end, and the distal ends of the first, second, and third antennas being connected to the cylindrical body at different circumferential positions from each other, the device according to clause 10.

[0075] Clause 22. Further comprising an elongated wire connected to the proximal end of each of the first, second, and third antennas, the device according to clause 21.

[0076] Clause 23. The first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are not longitudinally aligned with each other, the device according to clause 8.

[0077] Clause 24. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being located between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, and when the device is cut longitudinally and placed flat on a surface, the first and second end portions are curved and the intermediate portion is straight, and the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are not longitudinally aligned with each other, the device according to clause 23.

[0078] Clause 25. The intermediate portion of one or more or all of the first, second, third, and fourth struts occupies 20% to 80% of the total length of each strut, the device according to clause 19.

[0079] Clause 26. The device according to Clause 19, wherein one or more or all of the intermediate portions of the first, second, third, and fourth struts each occupy 30% to 70% of the total length of each strut.

[0080] Group B Clauses

[0081] Clause 1. A device for capturing an occlusion in a conduit of a patient's body, the device comprising a cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of cell structures of the same size and shape arranged in an oblique row around the longitudinal axis, the plurality of cell structures each including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body including the proximal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the second strut, the distal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fourth strut, the distal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut, the proximal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fifth strut, the distal end of the second strut is connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut, the proximal end of the fourth strut is connected to the distal end of the sixth strut, the proximal and distal ends of the fifth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are in a first circumferential position, the proximal and distal ends of the sixth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are in a second circumferential position, the second circumferential position is spaced from the first circumferential position, and when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a first portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is curved and at least a second portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is straight, the device.

[0082] Clause 2. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion is located between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, and when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, the intermediate portion is linear and the first and second end portions are curved.

[0083] Clause 3. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least one of the first and sixth struts is linear.

[0084] Clause 4. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, each of the first and sixth struts is linear.

[0085] Clause 5. The apparatus according to clause 2, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least one of the fifth and sixth struts is linear.

[0086] Clause 6. The apparatus according to clause 2, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, each of the fifth and sixth struts is linear.

[0087] Clause 7. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein a first cell structure among a plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a virtual longitudinal straight line joining the fifth or sixth strut of the first and second cell structures intersects at least two intervening cell structures.

[0088] Clause 8. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein a first cell structure among a plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a virtual longitudinal straight line joining the fifth or sixth strut of the first and second cell structures intersects at least three intervening cell structures.

[0089] Clause 9. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein a first cell structure among a plurality of cell structures is aligned longitudinally with a second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a virtual longitudinal straight line that joins the fifth strut or the sixth strut of the first and second cell structures intersects at least two intervening cell structures.

[0090] Clause 10. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein a first cell structure among a plurality of cell structures is aligned longitudinally with a second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a virtual longitudinal straight line that joins the fifth strut or the sixth strut of the first and second cell structures intersects at least three intervening cell structures.

[0091] Clause 11. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein a first cell structure among a plurality of cell structures is aligned longitudinally with a second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a virtual longitudinal straight line that joins the fifth strut or the sixth strut of the first and second cell structures intersects at least four intervening cell structures.

[0092] Clause 12. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein at least a part of the plurality of cell structures occupy the same circumferential position and are longitudinally spaced apart only by two or more diagonal rows.

[0093] Clause 13. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein at least a part of the plurality of cell structures occupy the same circumferential position and are longitudinally spaced apart only by three or more diagonal rows.

[0094] Clause 14. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein at least a part of the plurality of cell structures occupy the same circumferential position and are longitudinally spaced apart only by four or more diagonal rows.

[0095] Clause 15. The apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the distal end of the fifth strut and the proximal end of the sixth strut are circumferentially aligned.

[0096] Clause 16. The proximal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the second strut at the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut at the third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fifth strut at the fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut at the fifth longitudinal position, and the proximal end of the fourth strut is connected to the distal end of the sixth strut in the sixth longitudinal direction, the device according to Clause 1.

[0097] Clause 17. The device according to Clause 16, wherein the fourth longitudinal position and the fifth longitudinal position are circumferentially aligned.

[0098] Clause 18. The device according to Clause 16, wherein the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are not longitudinally aligned.

[0099] Clause 19. Further comprising a first antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body being connected to the distal end of the device of the first antenna, and when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on the surface, at least a part of the first antenna is linear and at least a part is longitudinally aligned with at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the fifth strut and / or at least one of the proximal end and the distal end of the sixth strut, the device according to Clause 1.

[0100] Clause 20. The device according to Clause 19, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on the surface, at least one of the fifth and sixth struts is linear.

[0101] Clause 21. The device according to Clause 19, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on the surface, each of the fifth and sixth struts is linear.

[0102] Clause 22. The apparatus according to clause 19, further comprising a second antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a part of the second antenna is linear, and at least a part of the second antenna is longitudinally aligned with at least one proximal end and at least one distal end of the fifth strut and / or at least one proximal end and at least one distal end of the sixth strut.

[0103] Clause 23. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the cylindrical body has an open distal end.

[0104] Clause 24. The apparatus according to clause 19, further comprising an elongated wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first antenna is connected to the distal end of the elongated wire.

[0105] Clause 25. The apparatus according to clause 22, further comprising an elongated wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each of the first antenna and the second antenna is connected to the distal end of the elongated wire.

[0106] Clause 26. Among a plurality of cell structures, adjacent cell structures share at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth struts with each other, and adjacent cell structures are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction. The apparatus according to clause 1.

[0107] Clause 27. The apparatus according to clause 19, further comprising a second antenna and a third antenna, each of the second antenna and the third antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, and each of the distal ends of the first, second and third antennas being connected to the cylindrical body at different circumferential positions from each other.

[0108] Clause 28. The apparatus according to clause 27, further comprising an elongated wire connected to the proximal end of each of the first, second and third antennas.

[0109] Clause 29. The device according to Clause 1, wherein one or more or all of the first portions of the first, second, third, and fourth struts each occupy 20% to 80% of the total length of the respective strut.

[0110] Clause 30. The device according to Clause 1, wherein one or more or all of the first portions of the first, second, third, and fourth struts each occupy 30% to 70% of the total length of the respective strut.

[0111] Clause 31. The device according to Clause 2, wherein one or more or all of the intermediate portions of the first, second, third, and fourth struts each occupy 20% to 80% of the total length of the respective strut.

[0112] Clause 32. The device according to Clause 2, wherein one or more or all of the intermediate portions of the first, second, third, and fourth struts each occupy 30% to 70% of the total length of the respective strut.

[0113] Clauses of Group C

[0114] Clause 1. A device for capturing an occlusion within a conduit of a patient's body, the device comprising a cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of cell structures arranged around the longitudinal axis, the plurality of cell structures each including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body being included. The proximal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is connected to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, the proximal end of the fourth strut is connected to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position, each of the third and fourth longitudinal positions is longitudinally aligned with each other and is in a first circumferential position, each of the fifth and sixth longitudinal positions is longitudinally arranged with each other and is in a second circumferential position, and the second circumferential position is spaced from the first circumferential position, the device.

[0115] Clause 2. The device according to clause 1, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least one of the fifth and sixth struts is linear and arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0116] Clause 3. The device according to clause 1, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, each of the fifth and sixth struts is linear and arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0117] Clause 4. The device according to clause 1, wherein the fourth longitudinal position and the fifth longitudinal position are circumferentially aligned.

[0118] Clause 5. The device according to clause 1, further comprising a first antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body being connected to the distal end of the first antenna, wherein when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a part of the first antenna is linear, and at least a part of the first antenna is longitudinally aligned with at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the fifth strut and / or at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the sixth strut.

[0119] Clause 6. The apparatus according to clause 2, further comprising a first antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the cylindrical body is connected to the distal end of the first antenna, and when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a part of the first antenna is linear and at least a part is longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth struts and / or at least one of the sixth struts.

[0120] Clause 7. The apparatus according to clause 3, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a part of the first antenna is linear and at least a part is longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth struts and / or at least one of the sixth struts.

[0121] Clause 8. The apparatus according to clause 5, further comprising a second antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a part of the second antenna is linear and at least a part of the second antenna is longitudinally aligned with the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the fifth struts and / or the proximal and distal ends of at least one of the sixth struts.

[0122] Clause 9. The apparatus according to clause 7, further comprising a second antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when the apparatus is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, at least a part of the second antenna is linear and at least a part is longitudinally aligned with at least one of the fifth struts or at least one of the sixth struts.

[0123] Clause 10. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the cylindrical body has an open distal end.

[0124] Clause 11. The apparatus according to clause 5, further comprising an elongated wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first antenna is connected to the distal end of the elongated wire.

[0125] Clause 12. The device according to clause 5, further comprising an elongated wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first antenna is connected to the distal end of the elongated wire.

[0126] Clause 13. The device according to clause 8, further comprising an elongated wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of each of the first antenna and the second antenna is connected to the distal end of the elongated wire.

[0127] Clause 14. The device according to clause 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is curved when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface.

[0128] Clause 15. The device according to clause 14, wherein at least a portion of each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts is linear when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface.

[0129] Clause 16. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth struts has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being located between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, and when the device is longitudinally cut and placed flat on a surface, the first end portion and the second end portion are curved and the intermediate portion is linear. The device according to clause 1.

[0130] Clause 17. Among the plurality of cell structures, adjacent cell structures share at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth struts, and adjacent cell structures are offset from each other in both the longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction. The device according to clause 1.

[0131] Clause 18. The device according to clause 5, further comprising a second antenna and a third antenna, each of the second antenna and the third antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, and the distal ends of the first, second, and third antennas being connected to a cylinder at different circumferential positions.

[0132] The apparatus according to clause 20, further comprising an elongated wire connected to the proximal end of each of the first, second, and third antennas.

[0133] Clause 20. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are not longitudinally aligned with each other.

[0134] Clause 21. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the first longitudinal position and the second longitudinal position are not longitudinally aligned with each other.

[0135] Clause 22. The apparatus according to clause 15, wherein one or more or all of the straight portions of the first, second, third, and fourth struts each occupy 20% to 80% of the total length of each strut.

[0136] Clause 23. The apparatus according to clause 15, wherein one or more or all of the straight portions of the first, second, third, and fourth struts each occupy 30% to 70% of the total length of each strut.

[0137] Clause 31. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein one or more or all of the intermediate portions of the first, second, third, and fourth struts each occupy 20% to 80% of the total length of each strut.

[0138] Clause 32. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein one or more or all of the intermediate portions of the first, second, third, and fourth struts each occupy 30% to 70% of the total length of each strut.

Claims

Claim 1 An apparatus for capturing an occlusion within a conduit of a patient's body, the apparatus comprising: a cylinder having a circumference and a longitudinal axis, the cylinder including a plurality of cell structures formed by struts, the plurality of cell structures having the same size and shape, the plurality of cell structures being arranged in a diagonal row around the longitudinal axis, one of the plurality of cell structures being surrounded by the other plurality of cell structures of the plurality of cell structures and sharing at least one strut with each of the other plurality of cell structures, each of the plurality of cell structures including first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts, each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts having a proximal end and a distal end; the proximal end of the first strut being directly connected to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut being directly connected to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut being directly connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut being directly connected to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut being directly connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, the proximal end of the fourth strut being directly connected to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position, the fourth longitudinal position being proximal to the sixth longitudinal position, the proximal end and the distal end of the fifth strut being longitudinally aligned with each other and being in a first circumferential position, the proximal end and the distal end of the sixth strut being longitudinally aligned with each other and being in a second circumferential position, the second circumferential position being spaced from the first circumferential position; at least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut being linear and arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder; Each of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, and the fourth strut has a proximal end, a distal end, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being located between the proximal end and the distal end, and when the device is longitudinally cut and placed on a plane, the proximal end and the distal end are curved and the intermediate portion is linear, a device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is linear.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is linear.

4. The cylindrical body has a proximal end and a distal end, a first cell structure among the plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures, the first cell structure is spaced apart from the second cell structure, does not share any struts with the second cell structure, the first cell structure is proximally located relative to the second cell structure in the cylindrical body, each of the first cell structure and the second cell structure has a proximal end and a distal end, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a virtual longitudinal straight line that joins the distal end of the first cell structure among the plurality of cell structures to the distal end of the second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures intersects at least two intervening cell structures among the plurality of cell structures, and the second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures is closer to the first cell structure than other cell structures among the plurality of cell structures that are longitudinally aligned with the first cell structure, the device according to claim 1.

5. A first cell structure among the plurality of cell structures is longitudinally aligned with a second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a virtual longitudinal straight line that joins the fifth strut or the sixth strut of the first cell structure and the second cell structure intersects at least three intervening cell structures among the plurality of cell structures, and the second cell structure is closer to the first cell structure than other cell structures among the plurality of cell structures that are longitudinally aligned with the first cell structure, the device according to claim 1.

6. The first cell structure among the plurality of cell structures is aligned longitudinally with the second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures, runs parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a virtual longitudinal straight line that joins the fifth strut or the sixth strut of the first cell structure and the second cell structure intersects at least four intervening cell structures among the plurality of cell structures. The second cell structure is closer to the first cell structure than other cell structures among the plurality of cell structures aligned longitudinally with the first cell structure. The apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The first cell structure and the second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures occupy the same circumferential position, are separated longitudinally by at least two of the diagonal direction rows, and the second cell structure is closer to the first cell structure than other cell structures among the plurality of cell structures aligned longitudinally with the first cell structure. The apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The first cell structure and the second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures occupy the same circumferential position, are separated longitudinally by at least three of the diagonal direction rows, and the second cell structure is closer to the first cell structure than other cell structures among the plurality of cell structures aligned longitudinally with the first cell structure. The apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The first cell structure and the second cell structure among the plurality of cell structures occupy the same circumferential position, are separated longitudinally by at least four of the diagonal direction rows, and the second cell structure is closer to the first cell structure than other cell structures among the plurality of cell structures aligned longitudinally with the first cell structure. The apparatus according to claim 1.

10. An apparatus for capturing an occlusion in a conduit of a patient's body, the apparatus being A cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis, comprising a plurality of cell structures formed by struts, wherein the plurality of cell structures have the same size and shape, are arranged in an oblique direction row around the longitudinal axis, and one of the plurality of cell structures is surrounded by the other plurality of cell structures of the plurality of cell structures and shares at least one strut with each of the other plurality of cell structures, and each of the plurality of cell structures includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts, and each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts has a proximal end and a distal end, including a cylindrical body. The proximal end of the first strut is directly connected to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is directly connected to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is directly connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is directly connected to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is directly connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, the proximal end of the fourth strut is directly connected to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position, the fourth longitudinal position is proximal to the sixth longitudinal position, the proximal end and the distal end of the fifth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are at a first circumferential position, the proximal end and the distal end of the sixth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are at a second circumferential position, and the second circumferential position is spaced from the first circumferential position. At least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is linear and is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. An apparatus in which the distal end of the fifth strut and the proximal end of the sixth strut are circumferentially aligned. **Claim 11**: An apparatus for capturing an occlusion in a conduit of a patient's body, the apparatus being A cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis, including a plurality of cell structures formed by struts, wherein the plurality of cell structures have the same size and shape, are arranged in an oblique direction row around the longitudinal axis, and one of the plurality of cell structures is surrounded by the other plurality of cell structures among the plurality of cell structures and shares at least one strut with each of the other plurality of cell structures, and each of the plurality of cell structures includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts, and each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts has a proximal end and a distal end, including a cylindrical body. The proximal end of the first strut is directly connected to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is directly connected to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is directly connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is directly connected to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is directly connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, the proximal end of the fourth strut is directly connected to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position, the fourth longitudinal position is proximal to the sixth longitudinal position, the proximal end and the distal end of the fifth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are at a first circumferential position, the proximal end and the distal end of the sixth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are at a second circumferential position, and the second circumferential position is spaced from the first circumferential position. At least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is linear and is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. An apparatus in which the fourth longitudinal position and the fifth longitudinal position are circumferentially aligned.

12. An apparatus for capturing an occlusion in a conduit of a patient's body, the apparatus comprising A cylindrical body having a circumference and a longitudinal axis, including a plurality of cell structures formed by struts, wherein the plurality of cell structures have the same size and shape, are arranged in an oblique direction row around the longitudinal axis, and one of the plurality of cell structures is surrounded by the other plurality of cell structures among the plurality of cell structures and shares at least one strut with each of the other plurality of cell structures, and each of the plurality of cell structures includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts, and each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth struts has a proximal end and a distal end, including a cylindrical body. The proximal end of the first strut is directly connected to the proximal end of the second strut at a first longitudinal position, the distal end of the third strut is directly connected to the distal end of the fourth strut at a second longitudinal position distal to the first longitudinal position, the distal end of the first strut is directly connected to the proximal end of the fifth strut at a third longitudinal position, the proximal end of the third strut is directly connected to the distal end of the fifth strut at a fourth longitudinal position, the distal end of the second strut is directly connected to the proximal end of the sixth strut at a fifth longitudinal position, the proximal end of the fourth strut is directly connected to the distal end of the sixth strut at a sixth longitudinal position, the fourth longitudinal position is proximal to the sixth longitudinal position, the proximal end and the distal end of the fifth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are at a first circumferential position, the proximal end and the distal end of the sixth strut are longitudinally aligned with each other and are at a second circumferential position, and the second circumferential position is spaced from the first circumferential position. At least one of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is linear and is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The device further includes a first antenna having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical body is connected to the distal end of the first antenna, and when the device is longitudinally cut and placed on a plane, at least a part of the first antenna is linear, and at least a part of the first antenna is longitudinally aligned with at least the proximal end and the distal end of the fifth strut, or longitudinally aligned with at least the proximal end and the distal end of the sixth strut.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein each of the fifth strut and the sixth strut is linear.

14. The device according to claim 12, further including an elongated wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the first antenna is connected to the distal end of the elongated wire.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the middle part of one or more of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, and the fourth strut occupies 30% to 70% of the total length of the first strut, the second strut, the third strut, and the fourth strut.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • JPP7466586B

  • Axially variable radial pressure cages for clot capture

    US20120123466A1

  • Vascular and bodily duct treatment devices and methods

    US20120209311A1