ASPIRATION CATHETER WITH A TIP HAVING ENGAGEMENT EXTENSIONS AND METHODS OF USE
Methods and apparatus for evaluating and manipulating objects in a body, for example emboli in a body lumen are described, and in some examples methods and apparatus use adaptable tips on catheters, for example aspiration catheters, for manipulating and/or removing such emboli.
1 .- 30 . (canceled)
31 . A catheter, the catheter comprising
a catheter body having a lumen; and
a tip connected to a distal portion of the catheter body, the tip comprising
a frame comprising a first helical frame element and a second helical frame element,
a plurality of engagement extensions extending from a distal portion of the frame, and
a support ring connected to a proximal portion of the frame,
wherein the plurality of engagement extensions has a gap in between each engagement extension, and
wherein at least one engagement extension of the plurality of extensions is configured to move independently of other extensions of the plurality of extensions.
32 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the support ring directly connected to the proximal portion of the frame,
33 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the at least one engagement extension is petal-shaped, lobe-shaped, or wing-shaped, or a combination thereof.
34 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the at least one engagement extension comprises a radiopaque marker.
35 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the at least one engagement extension is configured to move at or near the frame.
36 . The catheter of claim 35 , wherein the movement comprises flexing, pivoting, or deforming of the at least one engagement extension at or near the frame.
37 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein a distance of the gap in between each engagement extension affects an angle that the at least one engagement extension is capable of moving.
38 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein at least one engagement extension is configured to move when engaging an object in a vessel of a subject.
39 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the frame comprises a plurality of nodes connecting the first helical element and the second helical element.
40 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the frame is radially flexible.
41 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the frame is axially compressible.
42 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the frame is configured to compress axially when engaging with an object in a vessel of a subject.
43 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the support ring comprises a radiopaque marker.
44 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the support ring is configured to help maintain the frame in an approximately cylindrical configuration.
45 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the support ring is configured to secure the tip on the distal portion of the catheter body.
46 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the tip comprises nickel titanium alloy.
47 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the tip is formed by laser cutting.
48 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the tip is surrounded by a polymer.
49 . The catheter of claim 48 , wherein the polymer comprises an elastomeric polymer.
50 . The catheter of claim 31 , wherein the lumen of the catheter body is sized to receive a guide catheter.