Patent ID: 6793668
Filing Date: 2004-09-21
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for performing balloon angioplasty, comprising:an elongate, hollow guide wire having an outer structure; an elongate inner rod slideably disposed within said outer structure; a longitudinally-extending slot formed in said outer structure; a slideably mounted first annular bushing disposed in encircling relation to said outer structure; a second annular bushing disposed in encircling relation to said outer structure, said second annular bushing being secured to said outer structure; a plurality of jointed members extending between said first and second annular bushings in circumferentially spaced apart relation to one another; said jointed members having a position of repose where they are substantially flush with said outer structure; each joint member of said plurality of joint members having a proximal joint, a distal joint that is longitudinally spaced apart from said proximal joint, and a middle joint that is substantially half-way between said proximal and distal joints; said jointed members having a deployed configuration where each middle joint is displaced radially outwardly, with respect to a longitudinal axis of said outer structure, when each distal joint is displaced toward its associated proximal joint; a diametrically-extending pin connecting said slideably mounted first annular bushing to said elongate inner rod so that advancing and retracting said elongate inner rod closes and opens said jointed members, respectively; a mesh structure of flexible and resilient construction, a first end of said mesh structure being secured to said outer structure at a location adjacent said jointed members; a predetermined extent of said jointed members being ensleeved by said mesh structure; a second end of said mesh structure being enlarged in diameter when said middle joints are displaced radially outwardly; said mesh structure allowing blood to flow therethrough; said mesh structure capturing and retaining emboli form a balloon angioplasty procedure when said middle joints are displaced radially outwardly; and said mesh structure returning to said position of repose when said middle joints are displaced radially inwardly.