Patent ID: 8079978
Filing Date: 2011-12-20
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for removing particulate matter from a body passage in a patient in need of such treatment, comprising the steps of: a) providing a catheter fitted with a compliant balloon and an aspiration element, said balloon having a non-helical shape and surrounding said catheter in a non-spiral manner in its deflated state, wherein said balloon is constructed such that it is capable of adopting a spiral or helical conformation upon inflation based upon an intrinsic ability of the balloon; b) introducing said catheter into a peripheral blood vessel and advancing same until said balloon is located in the region of the particulate matter to be removed; c) inflating said balloon such that it adopts the spiral or helical conformation, thereby causing said particulate matter to enter a spiral channel thus formed in the external surface of the balloon, and to become squeezed and elongated between said balloon and said blood vessel wall; d) aspirating said squeezed particulate matter into said aspiration element, wherein said aspiration may be performed continuously or intermittently; e) optionally partially or completely deflating the balloon and re-locating the catheter such that said balloon becomes located in another region of particulate matter to be removed, and repeating steps (c) and (d); f) completely deflating the balloon and withdrawing the catheter from the patient's vasculature.