Patent ID: 7993329
Filing Date: 2011-08-09
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of removing a stone from a duct of a patient comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus comprising: tightening the tightening mechanism to affix the axial position of the drive cable relative to the control handle member; pulling the control handle member proximally such that the basket assembly is collapsed and retracted within the catheter; inserting the catheter to the proximity of the stone; pushing the control handle member distally so as to extend and expand the basket assembly relative to the catheter and pulling the control handle member proximally so as to retract and collapse the basket assembly relative to the catheter to thereby capture the stone; at least partially retracting the catheter from the duct and determining that the stone is too large to remove from the duct in one piece; loosening the tightening mechanism and removing the catheter over the drive cable; and feeding a lithotriptor over the drive cable to crush the stone.