Systems, methods and devices for removing obstructions from a blood vessel
View Patent ↗Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.
1. A device for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, comprising:
an insertion element;
an expandable element coupled to the insertion element, the expandable element being naturally biased toward an expanded shape, the expandable element having a proximal portion slidably coupled to the insertion element and a distal portion which is rotatably coupled to the insertion element;
a tether coupled to the proximal portion of the expandable element, the tether being tensioned to collapse the expandable element onto the insertion element; and
a plurality of filaments which each have no predetermined shape, each of the plurality of filaments having a proximal portion coupled to the insertion element and a distal portion coupled to the expandable element, wherein the filaments limit distal movement of the expandable element relative to the insertion element.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein:
the expandable element forms a helical shape.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein:
each of the filaments has a proximal end which is slidably coupled to the insertion element.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein:
the expandable element extends around the insertion element and forms a coil when expanded.
5. The device of claim 1 , wherein:
the expandable element forms a coil having a plurality of windings; and
the filaments are coupled to the windings.