Patent ID: 8679142
Filing Date: 2014-03-25
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for restoring localized blood flow in a cerebral blood vessel occluded with a thrombus, comprising: delivering a thrombus-removal apparatus through a microcatheter to a site of the thrombus in the cerebral blood vessel, the apparatus comprising a self-expandable tubular structure having a plurality of cells, the structure being configured to assume an expanded configuration at the site, and to be modified into a compressed configuration for delivery through the microcatheter, the compressed configuration having a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the expanded configuration, the structure being configured to expand into the thrombus when transitioning from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration; and expanding the structure at the site, by proximally withdrawing the microcatheter from over the structure, such that at least an outer portion of the structure engages and applies an outward radial force on the thrombus, whereby the structure interlocks with at least a portion of the thrombus, the portion of the thrombus extending both inside of the structure and outside of the structure; and removing the portion of the thrombus, by retracting the apparatus while the portion of the thrombus extends both inside of the structure and outside of the structure.