Patent ID: 6984239
Filing Date: 2006-01-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for breaking apart thrombus or other tissue or other material in a biological or synthetic body vessel or cavity comprising the steps of: a. introduction of a device for removing thrombus or other material, comprising a tubular member with a passage extending along the length thereof, with a proximal end and a distal end, and one or more orifices in the distal portion of said passage from which one or more fluid jet(s) emanate, into the vessel and bringing said tubular member to the location of the thrombus or other material; b. providing pressurized fluid to supply said fluid jets emanating from said tubular member via said passage therein; c. using said fluid jets emanating from said tubular member to break up the thrombus or other material; d. utilizing said tubular member in which at least one of said jet(s) is a radial jet which emanates from said passage oriented with a radial component and where said radial jet(s) have lower velocity than other of said jets, and in which at least one other of said jet(s) is a higher velocity jet and where said higher velocity jet(s) are directed to impinge on a portion of said tubular member as a target; and, e. using said radial jet(s) to enhance the breakup of material in the body vessel while using said target to prevent damage to the body vessel which could result from direct impingement of said higher velocity jet(s) on the body vessel.