Methods and Devices for Removal of Thromboembolic Material
Methods and devices to remove thromboembolic material from the human body using rotational energy and aspiration are disclosed. A thromboembolic removal system includes an extraction device and drive unit. The extraction device is introduced to the treatment area and activated by the drive unit to separate, break apart, loosen or soften thromboembolic material and to facilitate its aspiration outside the patient.
1 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . An extraction device for removing thromboembolic material from a patient, comprising:
a drive unit that rotates within 100 to 500,000 RPM;
an elongated rotational member made at least partially of two rods or wires and having a distal tip, and a proximal end that is connected to the drive unit;
an aspiration catheter at least partially surrounding the rotational member and having aspiration passage; and
a shaped configuration positioned on the distal tip of the rotational member and having radial diameter larger than the adjacent proximal portion of the rotational member.
22 - 24 . (canceled)
25 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the shaped configuration positioned at the distal tip of the rotational member has a radial diameter that is larger than a radial diameter of a portion of the rotational member that is adjacent to the shaped configuration.
26 . The device of claim 21 , further including a fitting assembly that includes a Y-connector, a rigid tube and a stopper positioned on the rigid tube to prevent the distal tip of the rotational member from being exposed outside the aspiration catheter.
27 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the drive unit includes at least one of the following: an aspiration pump, an electrical motor, or both.
28 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the rotational member circles distally using one of the following motions: angular motion, reciprocal motion, off-centered motion, or combinations thereof.
29 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the rotational member comprises at least one longitudinal element selected from the group consisting of: a single solid rod, multiple solid rods, a bundle, strands, cable, a tube, and combinations thereof.
30 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the structure of he rotational member comprises polymer, metal, metal alloys or combinations thereof.
31 . The device of claim 21 , wherein shaped configuration of the distal tip of the rotational member is selected from the group consisting of: winged, quarter sinusoidal, half-sinusoidal, finned, blade, hook, loop, basket, bend, coil and braid.
32 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the aspiration catheter is fluidly coupled with an aspiration pump.
33 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the aspiration catheter has a separate guidewire lumen.
34 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the rotational member has a radial diameter and the aspiration catheter has a lumen with an inner diameter, wherein a gap is formed between the radial diameter of the rotational member and the inner diameter of the aspiration catheter, and the gap is between 0 and 5 mm.
35 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the aspiration catheter has a distal end, further comprising a radiopaque marker positioned at one of the following locations: on the distal end of the aspiration catheter, on the distal tip of the rotational member, or at both locations.
36 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the distal tip of the rotational member is housed in a one of the following locations: inside the aspiration catheter, outside of the aspiration catheter, even with the aspiration catheter, or moveable between the inside and outside of the distal end of the aspiration catheter.
37 . The device of claim 21 , further comprising an aperture along the extraction device in fluid communication with the aspiration catheter and configured to regulate the level of the vacuum used for aspiration.
38 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the rotational member has a profile selected from the group consisting of: continuous diameter along its length, tapered along its entire length, tapered along the distal portion in a distal direction, at least partially tapered in a proximal direction, multi-tapered, and combinations thereof.
39 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the rotational member comprises a rod, and wherein the cable has a distal end that is attached a proximal end of the rod.
40 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the rotational member transmits torque in one of the following directions: one direction clockwise, one direction counterclockwise, or both directions.
41 . The device of claim 40 , wherein rotational member rotates in one of the following modes: continuous, modulated, ON/OFF.
42 . The device of claim 40 , wherein the distal tip of the rotational member applies centripetal forces to the thromboembolic material.